Victoria: Ghost Tour of Old Town and Bastion Square

If you’re visiting Victoria and have a taste for the eerie or just want a different way to explore the city’s charming streets, the Ghost Tour of Old Town and Bastion Square offers a captivating evening experience. It’s a brief but immersive walk that combines history, ghost stories, and local legends, all brought to life by lively, knowledgeable guides.

What we love about this tour is its affordable price point — just $17 per person — and the fact that it’s a compact 1-hour experience perfect for those short on time but eager for a memorable story. Plus, the enthusiasm and storytelling skills of the guides really make a difference. That said, the tour is primarily in the evening, which adds to the spooky vibe but might not suit everyone’s schedule. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy mystery, folklore, or simply want a fun, themed stroll through Victoria’s historic streets.

This tour is best suited for history buffs, paranormal enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a lighthearted, spooky adventure after a day of sightseeing. It’s also a good option for families or groups who want a mix of culture and fun in a short span.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Affordable and Concise: At only $17, this tour delivers a rich storytelling experience in just 60 minutes.
• Engaging Guides: Multiple reviews praise the guides for their knowledge and storytelling ability.
• Historic & Haunted: Discover Victoria’s ghostly legends, from tragic love stories to notorious pioneers.
• Prime Location: Starts right in front of the Visitor Information Centre, making it easy to find.
• Evening Atmosphere: The dark setting enhances the spooky stories and overall ambiance.
• Accessible & Flexible: Free cancellation and pay later options make booking risk-free.

Victoria’s old streets have seen a lot — gold rush pioneers, tragic lovers, and mysterious figures, all woven into the fabric of the city’s architecture and alleyways. The Ghost Tour of Old Town and Bastion Square offers a way to experience this layered history through a series of storytelling stops that keep you captivated.

This tour isn’t a long-haul, spooky marathon. Instead, it’s a well-paced, one-hour walk that concentrates on the most hauntingly memorable stories. It’s perfect for travelers who want a taste of the city’s dark side without committing to a lengthy tour.

How the Tour Is Structured

The journey begins right outside the Visitor Information Centre, directly across from the iconic Empress Hotel. From there, your guide will lead you through charming streets and hidden alleyways, each with their own ghostly tales. Expect to hear about notorious characters from Victoria’s past, along with murderous deeds, tragic romances, and paranormal legends.

As you stroll, you’ll view some of Victoria’s most iconic landmarks — like Bastion Square — and learn about the history that underpins these historic sites. The guides weave stories into the city’s architecture, making you see old buildings in a new, more mysterious light.

What Makes It Special?

One of the biggest draws is the vivid storytelling. We’ve seen reviews praising guides like Fiona, Brin, and Asher for their enthusiasm, animated narration, and ability to make stories feel alive. Several reviews mention how much more they appreciated Victoria’s hidden stories after the tour. Joanna from the UK said, “Really interesting tour and guide was very knowledgeable. Highly recommend,” and others echoed similar sentiments.

Another highlight is how the darkness of the evening amplifies the eerie stories. Several travelers mentioned that doing the tour at night added to the mystical and spooky atmosphere, making the experience even more memorable.

The tour’s duration of about an hour means it’s a quick but meaningful exploration. You’ll be walking through Old Town and Bastion Square, areas filled with historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and alleyways that seem to whisper tales of the past.

The guides’ vivid storytelling makes the history come alive, with tales of murder, love, betrayal, and ghostly encounters. You’ll hear about notorious pioneers from the gold rush days and tragic love stories that ended in tragedy, all set against the backdrop of Victoria’s historic architecture.

Throughout the walk, you’ll learn about paranormal legends and spirits believed to haunt certain buildings. Many guests find the stories fascinating and entertaining, regardless of whether they’re skeptics or believers.

Stops and Highlights

While the tour is primarily a walk, some notable highlights include:

• Bastion Square, steeped in history and ghost stories.
• Hidden alleyways, where stories of murderers and lost lovers are rooted.
• Iconic landmarks, viewed through the lens of ghostly tales.
• An overall sense of mystery that heightens as night falls.

Guests consistently mention the quality of storytelling as a real bonus. As one reviewer said, “Brin was fantastic, animated, mysterious, a great storyteller, informative and we think she might be a real ghost! Kidding aside, we highly recommend this tour!”

Given the price point of $17, the tour offers great value for travelers interested in history and stories. It’s a short experience, but one that’s packed with entertaining anecdotes and beautiful, historic sights. The fact that it includes a live guide adds a personal touch, making each story feel tailored and engaging.

Booking is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and options to “reserve now & pay later,” which are handy for travelers with uncertain schedules.

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Accessibility & Practicalities

The meeting point in front of the Visitor Information Centre makes it easy to find, and the tour is conducted in English. The group size is not specified, but reviews suggest a small, friendly group that allows for good interaction.

Since the tour takes place mostly in the evening, you might find it best to combine this with daytime activities, especially since the dark streets are integral to the atmosphere. It’s suitable for ages above a certain level, especially if you enjoy stories with some spooky or gruesome elements.

The Victoria Ghost Tour of Old Town and Bastion Square offers a fun, inexpensive way to see Victoria through a different lens. It’s especially well-suited for history lovers, ghost story enthusiasts, or curious travelers wanting an evening adventure that’s both educational and slightly spooky.

The guides’ storytelling skills are often highlighted as a key strength, making the legends of Victoria truly come to life. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, the stories are engaging, the walk is scenic, and the atmosphere—particularly after dark—is undeniably captivating.

For those who want to combine a touch of the eerie with Victoria’s historic charm, this tour provides an authentic, lively, and memorable experience.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, making it a quick but engaging experience.

Where does the tour start?
It begins right outside the Visitor Information Centre, across from the Empress Hotel in Victoria.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While it’s generally family-friendly, the stories include some spooky or gruesome tales, so parental discretion is recommended.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance.

What’s included in the tour?
The price covers the guided walk led by a live tour guide. No other inclusions are specified.

Is the tour offered in multiple languages?
No, the tour is conducted in English.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The information doesn’t specify accessibility details, but since it’s a walking tour through streets and alleyways, some mobility considerations might apply.

Is the tour suitable during the daytime?
It’s primarily an evening experience, as the dark enhances the spooky atmosphere.

Can I join the tour if I’m staying near the Inner Harbour?
Yes, the starting point is centrally located, close to the Inner Harbour and major hotels.

What makes this tour different from other Victoria experiences?
Its focus on ghost stories and paranormal legends, combined with the lively storytelling of guides, offers a unique, atmospheric way to explore Victoria’s historic streets.

Whether you’re in Victoria for a short visit or a longer stay, this ghost tour adds a memorable layer to your trip — a perfect blend of history, mystery, and local lore.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby