Portland: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

If you’re after a night filled with ghost stories, historic Portland charm, and a few drinks along the way, the Portland Ghosts, Boos, and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl might be just your cup of (spiked) tea. This 2-hour tour combines storytelling, history, and a little supernatural mystery at some of Portland’s most iconic haunted pubs and bars. Priced at $30 per person, it’s an affordable way to add a spooky twist to your evening, especially if you enjoy a mix of history and spirited beverages.

What makes this experience stand out is its mix of entertaining storytelling delivered by knowledgeable guides—like Victoria Rose, who many reviews praise for her fun and engaging style—and the chance to explore some of the city’s most haunted sites in a relaxed, social atmosphere. The tour’s flexibility, with visits ranging from 15 minutes to an hour at each location, ensures you get a tailored experience depending on your interest and the vibe of each bar.

That said, a possible consideration is that drinks are not included in the ticket price, so you’ll need to budget for beverages at each stop. Also, the tour is designed as a walking experience within downtown Portland, which might not suit travelers with mobility issues. Overall, if you love spooky stories, historic pubs, and a lively night out, this tour is likely to be a highlight.

This walkthrough is perfect for those curious about Portland’s darker tales, lovers of ghost lore, or anyone wanting an authentic local pub experience with a supernatural twist.

Key Points

• Engaging Guides: The tour is led by knowledgeable guides, like Victoria Rose, who make the stories come alive.
• Historic Haunted Sites: Includes visits to 9 haunted sites, with a focus on 4 pubs, blending ghost stories with Portland’s history.
• Variety of Locations: From elegant hotels to lively Irish pubs and the historic Shanghai Tunnels Bar, each stop offers a unique atmosphere.
• Flexible Duration at Stops: Visit durations vary, allowing for more immersive storytelling or quick stops, depending on the night.
• Cost-Effective: At $30, access to multiple haunted sites and bars provides good value — just remember drinks are extra.
• Authentic Atmosphere: Reviewers highlight the great ambience and private rooms, making the tales even more compelling.

An Authentic Portland Haunted Pub Crawl Experience

The Portland Haunted Pub Crawl stands out because it combines history, local lore, and a lively bar scene under one umbrella. Starting at the elegant Benson Hotel, known for its ghostly sightings and classic charm, you’re greeted by guides dressed in period-appropriate costumes, lantern in hand, setting a spooky tone right from the start.

The itinerary includes visits to Kelly’s Olympian, a historic bar with a spooky past; Kell’s Irish Pub, whispered about for paranormal activity; and the Shanghai Tunnels Bar, notable for its dark history and eerie atmosphere. Each location is famous locally for its ghostly tales, which guides share with a mix of humor, drama, and insight.

What sets this tour apart is how each stop offers a different taste of Portland’s haunted side. For example, Kelly’s Olympian isn’t just a pub; it’s a place where spirits are said to dance, and the stories of ghostly encounters are rich enough to make skeptics reconsider. The private rooms at some venues, as mentioned in reviews, help create an intimate setting, perfect for storytelling.

The guides, particularly Victoria Rose, are praised for their storytelling prowess and infectious enthusiasm. Reviewers note that her fun, engaging manner made the spooky tales feel like a chat with an old friend rather than a scripted lecture. One reviewer even said, “If you get Victoria Rose as your guide, you’re in for a real treat.”

The timing of the tour is flexible, with each stop lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. This means you can enjoy a quick sip, soak in the atmosphere, or listen to longer stories—depending on your interest and the vibe of each place. The overall pace keeps things lively without feeling rushed.

Importantly, the tour doesn’t include drinks, so you can select your beverages at each bar, whether craft beers, cocktails, or non-alcoholic options. This makes the experience more personalized, fitting your tastes and mood.

Breaking Down the Itinerary

Starting Point: The Benson Hotel

Your ghostly adventure begins in the lobby of The Benson Hotel. Known for its historic charm and reports of ghost sightings, this location sets a refined tone. Think vintage decor, grand chandeliers, and a sense that you’re stepping back in time. The guide, dressed up and carrying a lantern, immediately creates an immersive atmosphere.

Kelly’s Olympian

Next, you’ll head to Kelly’s Olympian. This historic pub, with its long-standing presence in Portland, has stories of spirits that linger after hours. The pub’s vintage decor, combined with tales of ghostly footsteps and unexplained phenomena, makes it a favorite among ghost enthusiasts. Reviewers say it’s “a place where spirits are said to dance,” and many find the stories believable after seeing the EMF reader in action.

Kell’s Irish Pub

The tour moves on to Kell’s Irish Pub, a cozy spot with a reputation for paranormal activity. The pub’s history, combined with its lively atmosphere, makes it an ideal setting for ghost stories. Guests have noted the “great ambience” and the private rooms that lend themselves well to storytelling. It’s a place where you can raise a toast to the spirits—both earthly and supernatural.

Shanghai Tunnels Bar

The final stop is the Shanghai Tunnels Bar, an intriguing venue with a dark past. Historically linked to Portland’s underground tunnels used for nefarious purposes, it’s no surprise that stories of ghostly figures and eerie whispers persist. One reviewer mentioned how the bar’s “dark history and eerie atmosphere” make it a perfect finale.

Exploring Between Stops

Between each pub, you’ll have opportunities to explore the haunted sites further or enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife. The guides share stories along the way, keeping everyone engaged and adding to the overall experience.

Why This Tour Is a Great Value

At just $30, this tour provides a mix of history, storytelling, and bar-hopping that few experiences can match in Portland. You gain insight into the city’s darker past, enjoy local drinks, and share spooky moments with fellow enthusiasts—all within a well-paced, 2-hour window.

The reviews highlight the value of the knowledgeable guides, especially their ability to make the stories come alive. Many mention how the private rooms and ambient settings enhance the ghostly tales, making the experience feel intimate and real.

Since drinks are not included, you have the freedom to choose what you like, whether a craft beer at Kelly’s or a cocktail at Kell’s. Plus, the flexibility in stop durations means you can tailor your experience—whether you want to soak in the atmosphere or hear every detail of a ghost story.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history buffs, ghost story lovers, and locals or visitors looking for a fun, social night out. It’s especially well-suited for those who enjoy storytelling and have an appreciation for Portland’s historic bars.

While it’s wheelchair accessible, travelers with mobility issues should consider the walking involved around downtown. Also, since the tour involves alcohol, those under 21 are not permitted to join.

Final Thoughts

The Portland Haunted Pub Crawl offers a compelling mix of supernatural tales, historic sites, and vibrant local bars. If you’re interested in Portland’s darker stories and want an authentic bar experience with a spooky twist, this tour hits the mark.

You’ll love the knowledgeable guides, especially if they can bring stories to life with humor and local insight. The private rooms and atmospheric venues create a memorable setting for ghost stories, and the flexible schedule means you can enjoy the experience at your own pace.

While drinks aren’t included, the overall value for the $30 ticket makes this a worthwhile addition to any Portland nightlife itinerary. It’s a fun, engaging way to learn about the city’s haunted past while making new friends and enjoying some drinks.

In short, this tour is best suited for curious explorers, history lovers, and anyone looking to add a supernatural twist to their Portland visit. The combination of storytelling, historic ambiance, and local bars makes it a unique night out with just enough spooky fun to keep you intrigued.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
No, this tour is not suitable for those under 21 due to the alcohol involved.

How long does each stop last?
Stop durations vary from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the location and the night’s flow.

Are drinks included in the ticket price?
No, drinks are not included. You’ll have the opportunity to purchase beverages at each bar.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but it involves walking around downtown Portland.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, especially since you’ll be walking outdoors between stops.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How large are the tour groups?
While some reviews mention private experiences, the tour generally accommodates small to medium-sized groups, making it personal and engaging.

Will I get to see the haunted sites in detail?
The tour includes visits to 9 historic haunted sites, with a focus on four pubs, and offers a chance to explore the stories behind each location.

Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, this Portland haunted pub crawl promises a fun, spooky, and slightly tipsy adventure.