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Step into Victoria’s haunted history with Discover the Past’s Ghostly Walks Route #4, a spine-tingling urban tour that unearths tales of ghosts, exorcisms, and haunted pubs in the city’s oldest neighborhoods.
Step into Victoria’s haunted history with Discover the Past’s Ghostly Walks Route #4, a spine-tingling urban tour that unearths tales of ghosts, exorcisms, and haunted pubs in the city’s oldest neighborhoods.
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Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Discover the Past · Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria, British Columbia, offers more than its stunning coastal views and vibrant gardens—it harbors a secretive past steeped in eerie stories and spectral encounters. Discover the Past, a local guide company dedicated to bringing Victoria’s lesser-known histories to life, offers the Ghostly Walks Route #4 - James Bay & Bent Mast Tour, an immersive walking experience that peels back the veil on the city’s most haunted neighborhoods. Starting from the iconic Visitor Information Centre at 812 Wharf Street, this one-hour journey winds through the shadows of Victoria’s historic heart.
The route passes landmarks rich with eerie tales, including the haunted cherry tree behind the Royal BC Museum and an old residence reputedly haunted by Sir James Douglas’s youngest daughter. Along the way, guests encounter chilling stories of exorcisms on Heather Street, the mysterious James Bay Inn where famous Canadian artist Emily Carr spent her final days, and a fortune teller whose crystal ball is said to foretell dark futures. The walk culminates at The Bent Mast, one of Victoria’s most haunted pubs, where the atmosphere thickens with whispered legends and lingering spirits.
What sets this ghost walk apart is its blend of walking tour, history lesson, and supernatural thrill—all delivered by knowledgeable guides who specialize in Victoria’s paranormal past. It’s a compelling way to see Victoria’s oldest heritage neighborhoods through a unique lens, combining outdoor urban adventure with local folklore. Whether you’re a history buff or a paranormal enthusiast, this tour is a standout offering in Victoria’s rich outdoor recreation and cultural scene.
Perfect for visitors wanting to venture beyond the usual sightseeing, the Ghostly Walks illuminate the city’s shadows with stories that are as chilling as they are captivating. Discover the Past’s dedication to authentic storytelling and local detail makes this a must-do for those who crave something different from the typical city stroll.
easy.
1 hour.
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves moderate walking on paved city streets.
The tour begins in front of the Visitor Information Centre at 812 Wharf Street, directly across from the Empress Hotel in Victoria.
The experience lasts approximately 60 minutes, covering several historic and haunted landmarks on foot.
The content includes some mature themes and spooky stories, so it is recommended for children over 6 years old with parental discretion.
Yes, tickets should be purchased online before the tour due to limited spots and high demand.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on city streets, and dress in layers suitable for the weather at the time of year.
Yes, temporary construction or city events may sometimes alter the exact walking path, but the historical and haunted highlights remain part of the experience.
Victoria is British Columbia’s oldest city with roots dating back to the mid-1800s, a period marked by colonial expansion and rich Indigenous history.
Tours like this promote awareness of heritage preservation by encouraging respectful visitation of historic districts and fostering community engagement in local history.
Discover the Past is a Victoria-based walking tour company that offers historical and ghost tours across downtown Victoria. The company runs a range of guided experiences, including Halloween-themed Ghostly Walks, multi-route ghost tours that end at St. Ann's Academy, The Old Burying Ground, and The Bent Mast, a Private Historical Walk, a 90-minute Victoria's Story Walking Tour, and a 75-minute Victoria's Queer Culture Walk led by Naomi Duska. Tours start from recognizable city points such as Market Square and the Visitor Information Centre, and durations typically range from 60 to 90 minutes. Guides present researched stories about local history, First Nations roots, the fur trade, the gold rush era, and documented legends like Lizzie McGrath and Kanaka Joe. Ghostly Walks explore reputedly haunted sites including Chateau Victoria Hotel and St. Ann’s Academy, while themed seasonal offerings include an annual Halloween Ghostly Walk and private Halloween tours. Private and customized walks are available for groups seeking tailored historical experiences. Discover the Past emphasizes factual storytelling, accessible walk routes through downtown Victoria, and guided experiences suitable for both newcomers and repeat visitors. The company’s combination of historical context and paranormal storytelling provides educational and entertaining tours that appeal to history enthusiasts, paranormal fans, and visitors looking for an engaging way to explore Victoria’s past. Booking options include scheduled public walks and private group bookings, with routes that highlight Victoria’s architecture, social history, community stories, and the city’s evolving cultural landscape, offering accessible narratives suitable for a wide range of visitor interests.
Book with Discover the Past