Burlington’s Famous Ghosts Smartphone Guided Walking Tour

Taking a ghost tour might not be what everyone expects—no spooky guide in a cloak, no haunted house jump-scares, just your phone guiding you through the shadows of Burlington, Vermont. This Smartphone Guided Walking Tour offers a modern twist on ghost storytelling, blending history, lore, and a bit of eerie fun. It’s a budget-friendly experience priced at just $7.75 per person and designed for those who enjoy uncovering local stories at their own pace. We’re here to look at what makes this tour appealing — and what might be a consideration before booking.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its flexibility. You can start it anytime, pause it, repeat parts, and explore at your own speed. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer to set their own rhythm rather than commit to a scheduled guide. On the flip side, since it’s guided purely by an app, some might find the experience less atmospheric than a live guide or group. Still, if ghost stories and history pique your interest, this could be a fascinating way to spend an hour or so exploring Burlington’s haunted corners. Ideal for solo travelers, history buffs, or anyone looking for a spooky, self-directed adventure, this tour offers a unique, independent way to experience the city after dark or during daylight.

Key Points

• Affordable and Flexible: Priced at only $7.75, you can go at your own pace, with the tour available anytime, anywhere.
• Self-Guided with Modern Tech: It’s a location-aware smartphone tour, so you don’t need a guide or group.
• Rich Storytelling: The tour covers notable haunted sites, from historic buildings to infamous figures like H.H. Holmes.
• Authentic and Detailed Content: True stories about Burlington’s dark past, ghostly legends, and local tragedies.
• Well-Rated: The single review praises the tour for being easy to follow and interesting, with some suggestions to use earbuds for better listening.
• Ideal for Curious Explorers: Best suited for those comfortable exploring on their own, with a penchant for ghost stories and history.

We loved how this tour manages to blend history and mystery without being overly spooky or theatrical. Instead, it offers a straightforward, fact-based recounting of Burlington’s ghostly tales, which makes it accessible and interesting for a wide audience. Plus, with a price tag of just $7.75, it’s an inexpensive way to add a ghostly edge to your visit, especially if you’re traveling solo or with a small group.

The tour begins at the Old Shanty on the Shore, where you’ll hear about the building’s history and its spooky past owner. From here, the app guides you step by step through the streets of downtown Burlington, sharing stories of haunted buildings, tunnels, and ghostly legends. We appreciated the clear directions and the fact that the tour is location-aware—your phone plays the stories as you walk, making it feel like you’re strolling through a living history book. The app’s flexibility means you can start the tour whenever suits you, and it never expires, so you don’t have to rush.

A Close Look at the Itinerary

Start at the Old Shanty on the Shore

The tour kicks off at this historic waterfront spot, rich with local lore. The owner’s spooky past sets the tone, and you’ll get a glimpse into the shoreline’s more mysterious side. The experience is primarily auditory, so bringing earbuds is recommended, especially in busy or noisy areas, as some reviewers noted.

Downtown Burlington Historic District

The walk takes you through the streets bustling with history — but with a darker twist. Here, you’ll hear about H.H. Holmes, one of America’s most infamous serial killers, who rented a house nearby while on the run. The stories of haunted buildings, tunnels, and ghostly encounters make this part especially atmospheric. The app’s detailed narration means you can absorb each story without needing a guide nearby, which many enjoy for its personalized pace.

Train Station and Haunted Tragedies

Next, the tour highlights Burlington’s old train station, adding a dash of local tragedy with tales of those hit by trains and some fantastical stories like flying monkeys on the tracks. The stories are vivid enough to give you chills without overdoing it, which keeps the experience engaging without feeling overly creepy.

Historic Houses and the Old Church

The tour also visits a historic house with a tragic past and the city’s oldest church, giving you a sense of Burlington’s layered history. The narration offers insights into the stories behind these old structures, including ghostly legends that have persisted over the years.

The Theatrical Hauntings and Famous Venues

You’ll pass the historic theater, which has seen a variety of tragedies over the years. The app recounts ghost stories linked to the theater’s past, creating a lingering sense that some spirits might still linger on the stage. Nearby, a legendary music venue where Phish started is also part of the storytelling, tying Burlington’s lively music scene to its haunted tales.

Church Street and Haunting Restaurants

The final stop takes you along Church Street, a lively pedestrian corridor packed with shops, restaurants, and a dark history. One restaurant in a historic building is said to be haunted by spirits of those who died there, and the firehouse nearby adds to the spooky atmosphere.

Authentic Experiences and Authenticity

What stood out is how the stories are rooted in actual historic sites and local legends, not just ghostly fluff. From the haunted buildings to the stories of tragedies and tragedies that left a mark, the tour provides a well-rounded, credible account of Burlington’s darker side. The review from Colin_G mentions that the “information was interesting and directions were accurate,” which suggests you can trust the narration to lead you safely through the city’s streets.

Another important aspect is the balance between spooky and respectful storytelling. The stories are intriguing but not sensationalized, offering a taste of genuine local history intertwined with ghost stories. This makes it appealing for those who prefer substance over scare tactics.

Practical Details and Considerations

This tour is entirely outside and self-guided, so you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes and plan for about an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes. It’s perfect for a flexible schedule—you can start whenever you want, and the tour’s never-ending nature means you can revisit as often as you like. Just remember that it’s a location-aware app, so a smartphone with GPS is essential, and earbuds improve the listening experience, especially in a busy downtown.

Since no food, drink, or live guide is involved, it’s a solo or small-group activity, ideal for those who enjoy exploring independently. The $7.75 price point makes it a budget-friendly option compared to guided tours that can cost much more.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for history enthusiasts, ghost story fans, and curious explorers who enjoy self-guided adventures. It appeals to travelers who aren’t necessarily looking for a theatrical ghost-hunting experience but prefer a credible, story-based walk through historic Burlington. It’s especially good for those who want to explore at their own pace, learn some local legends, and enjoy a little spooky entertainment without commitment or hefty costs.

The Burlington Ghost Tour offers a cost-effective and flexible way to discover the haunted side of this charming city. Its strength lies in the authentic storytelling, historic sites, and the freedom to explore on your own schedule. Whether you’re after a spooky evening, a fun daytime excursion, or simply a different way to connect with Burlington’s past, this tour delivers a memorable experience.

While it’s not a theatrical haunted house or guided night walk, the self-guided nature paired with engaging stories makes it perfect for independent explorers who enjoy a mix of history and ghostly tales. And at under $8, it’s a great value for anyone interested in a ghostly glimpse of Burlington’s shadows.

If you’re a solo traveler, family, or group with curious minds, this tour could be a delightful addition to your trip — packed with stories, history, and just enough ghostly intrigue to keep things interesting.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s an outdoor, self-guided experience, so children who are comfortable walking and listening to stories should enjoy it. Just note that some stories are spooky or tragic, so parental discretion is advised.

How long does the tour take?
The estimated duration is about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, but since it’s self-paced, you can take longer or shorter depending on your interest and walking speed.

Do I need a guide or group?
No, this is a completely self-guided tour accessed via your smartphone. It’s designed for individuals or small groups who prefer exploring on their own.

What equipment do I need?
A smartphone with GPS, a working internet connection, and earbuds are recommended. The app is location-aware, and earbuds help drown out city noise.

Can I start the tour at any time?
Yes, the tour is available anytime, and it never expires, so you can start it whenever suits your schedule.

Is there any physical transport involved?
No, it’s a walking tour, meant to be enjoyed on foot through downtown Burlington and nearby historic sites.

What about cancellations or refunds?
You can cancel for a full refund if done at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours before start time are non-refundable.

In summary, this ghost tour is a smart, budget-friendly way to explore Burlington’s haunted corners at your own pace, perfect for curious travelers who enjoy stories grounded in real history but don’t mind a dash of spooky legend.