ghost tours vancouver island

THE BEST Vancouver Island Ghost Tours

Ghost & vampire tours in vancouver island.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Ghost & Vampire Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Ghostly Walking Tour in Victoria

2. Halloween Ghostly Walking Tour in Victoria

Haunted Places on Vancouver Island

10 places to spot a ghost on vancouver island.

With Halloween coming up soon, I thought it would be fun to round up the most alleged haunted places on Vancouver Island. The following list was gathered from research on well-known sites that people generally accept to be haunted.

The post is merely for entertainment, and I intend to neither prove nor disprove the existence of ghosts or any other paranormal activity. It is up to you to decide whether you believe the following stories to be true.

Haunted Places on Vancouver Island: Victoria

Victoria is known for being the most haunted city in BC, and many businesses fully embrace this title as a draw for tourists. There are ghostly walking tours  available for your enjoyment. Below, you’ll find information about some of Victoria’s more famous haunted places.

#1. Bastion Square and Helmcken Alley

This area is said to be Victoria’s most haunted, as almost every building and alleyway around this historic square has a ghost story or two.

Many years ago, there was a jailhouse located on Helmcken Alley. The area is now home to ghosts of prisoners who were tossed into the jail’s graveyard and forgotten about.

The most prominent spirit who frequents the alley is a man in old prison attire, with chains shackled to his wrists and ankles. There are also several reports of people hearing rattling chains while walking around the square.

• Tourism Victoria
• Ghosts and Legends of Bastion Square by John D. Adams (2002)

#2. Rogers Chocolates

Located on Government Street, this chocolatier is famous for more than its deliciously decadent chocolates. The store is said to be haunted by its original owners, Charles and Leah Rogers. They haunt the kitchen after the building is locked up for the night.

There are tales of staff finding trails of chocolate strewn across the floor when they arrive in the morning, even though everything was put away and cleaned up the night before.

There have also been sightings of an unexplained child’s handprint mysteriously appearing on a mirror above the entrance door. This mirror is not reachable by most adults, let alone a child.

• British Columbia Magazine
• Travel in BC (blog)

#3. Empress Hotel

Built between 1904 and 1908, the Empress Hotel is the most famous structure in Victoria, as well as the oldest. And with age comes many ghost stories and tales.

Several ghosts wander the halls of this historical landmark. I haven’t heard whether or not the ghosts continued to stay through the most recent renovations. 😉

The unwanted occupants include:

• An elderly woman in pyjamas who knocks on guests’ doors.
• Sir Francis Rattenbury, the hotel’s architect, wanders around with his cane.
• A construction worker, who hung himself during a restoration in the late 1950s
• Lizzie McGrath , a chambermaid who died at the hotel in 1910, has been spotted on several occasions still cleaning rooms on the sixth floor.
• A little girl who used to haunt one particular room now leads people to an elevator where the room once was.
• Reader’s Digest 
• West Coast Living Can ada (blog) – Read the comment section of this post, for there are even more ghost stories from the Empress Hotel.
• Flight Centre Travel Blog 

#4. St. Ann’s Academy

Located on Humbolt Street, this 158-year-old historic site was once Victoria’s first Roman Catholic Cathedral.

In 1974, the Public Works Department of the BC government purchased the building from the Sisters of St. Ann, and it was used as office space. The site suffered years of minimal maintenance, and the City of Victoria eventually condemned the building. It was restored and renovated in the late 1980s and is now available for public use.

This former convent school is said to be haunted by the nine nuns who are now buried in the cemetery on the property.  

The ghost of Emily Carr, Victoria’s famous artist and writer, has also been seen wandering the grounds.

Emily Carr’s ghost frequents other locations around Victoria, including her home at 207 Government Street and the James Bay Inn.

• Where: Canada’s Travel Planner
• Paranormal Victoria

#5. Craigdarroch Castle 

This prominent castle , owned by a wealthy Scottish immigrant named Robert Dunsmuir, was built in the shadow of tragedy. Four months into construction (starting in 1887), the castle’s architect, Warren Williams, died of an enlarged heart.

Then, In 1889, with the castle’s completion still one year away, Dunsmuir mysteriously died from a terrible cold. Five months later, Dunsmuir’s 2nd daughter died of the Typhoid Fever that had ripped through Nanaimo.

Plenty of paranormal activity has been reported at Craigdarroch Castle. It’s said that the odd visitor to the castle gets such an uneasy feeling upon entering, that they decide to walk straight back out again.

Here are some of the more frequent sightings:

• Faint piano music heard in certain rooms
• Sightings of a woman dressed in a white ball gown on the main staircase
• A young girl roaming in the basement
• Objects that move on their own
• A strong smell of candle wax first thing in the morning, even though no candles are lit
• Huffington Post
• Global News
• Ghost Stories of British Columbia by Jo-Anne Christensen (1996)

#6. Hatley Castle

This beautiful National Heritage Site is located in Colwood, in the Greater Victoria area. Completed in 1908, Hatley Castle was built for James Dunsmuir, a former politician and lieutenant governor of BC (and son of Robert Dunsmuir mentioned above). The castle was home to the family until the late 1930s.

In 1940, the Dominion Government purchased the estate for a Naval Training Academy and College. It was in operation until 1995. It was then turned over to Royal Roads University and is now used as their administration office. The castle houses the President, Vice-President, the Managers of Finance and Facilities, and the administrative support staff for Royal Roads University…and, not to mention, a few unwanted guests.

There have been numerous sightings of ghosts at the castle, which is said to be haunted by its former residents, the Dunsmuir family. Many of the sightings happened when cadets still had dorm rooms in the castle.

There are tales of an old woman grasping onto the foot of one of the cadets, stories of seeing a crying girl who would mysteriously float out towards the sea, and the ghost of a young maid who died while employed by the Dunsmuirs’.

More recent sightings and phenomena include hearing the chime of a bell that isn’t there and doors and windows opening and closing on their own. One of the more eerie stories is about a ghost following a family home after visiting the castle (read the Vancity Buzz article linked below).

• Royal Roads University
• Creepy Canada (YouTube video)
• Vancity Buzz (ghost story)

Haunted Cowichan Valley

#7. old stone butter church .

This long-abandoned stone structure was built in 1870 by Father Peter Rondeault, a Roman Catholic missionary. It was built high on the hill of the Comiaken Indian Reserve with the help of the local Cowichan native tribe. The helpers were paid through the sale of butter churned by the priest – hence the name.

Ripley’s Believe it or Not once did a piece on this church, stating it was never officially used and that every worker who helped build it died mysteriously. That story is untrue, for the church was used exclusively for ten years until the new St. Ann’s Church at Tzouhalem was built in 1880.

Over the last 140-odd years, it has been repeatedly vandalized and has developed a reputation for being haunted. There are stories of ghosts following people home, strange sounds within the church, and eerie feelings of being watched while wandering around the grounds.

• YouTube Video
• Cowichan Culture
• Toad Hallow Photography (for eerie photos)

Haunted Places Vancouver Island: Nanaimo

#8. newcastle island.

Newcastle Island is located via a short boat ride away from the Nanaimo Harbour and has the reputation of possibly being the most haunted island in the Pacific Northwest.

The small island was used as a smallpox colony in the early 1800s, resulting in a few deaths. As well, in 1887, a massive explosion trapped and killed 150 miners in the coal shafts underneath Newcastle Island. Their bodies were never recovered.

Kanaka Pete

The most famous piece of history, however, is of Kanaka Pete.

As the story goes, Peter Kakua, a Hawaiian immigrant labourer (known as Kanakas), worked as a coal miner in Nanaimo. He met and married his wife, Que-en, who was of Aboriginal descent, and together they had a daughter. Shortly after the birth of their daughter, Que-en decided to leave Peter and threatened to take their baby with her. In a state of grief, Peter drowned his sorrows in booze. Later that night, in a drunken stupor, he found his beloved wife in bed with her father.

In a fit of rage, Peter wielded an axe and killed his wife, their daughter, his father-in-law, and his mother-in-law. Realizing what he had done, he attempted to escape to Vancouver by canoe, first stopping on Newcastle Island. This is where he was captured. He was later hung at Gallows Point on Protection Island and was buried in an unmarked grave on Newcastle Island.

It is said that Kanaka Pete haunts the east side of Newcastle Island, and his ghost has been seen on the beaches at dusk. His unhappy spirit has been rumoured to be responsible for the disastrous mine explosion of 1887.

There are also a few stories of people disappearing from Newcastle Island after going to the far side at night.

• Tourism Nanaimo
• Haunted North America
• Shaw TV (YouTube video)

#9. Beban House

The Beban House is well known for its hauntings.

The log-sided mansion, which sits on 160 acres on Bowen Road, was built by leading timber baron Frank Beban in 1930.  A year after Mr. Baron’s death (in 1952), the City of Nanaimo purchased the estate. But for 35 years, the house was neglected to the point of it possibly being demolished.

In the early 1990s, the architectural style was decided to be unique to Vancouver Island and listed on the historical register.

In recent years, the house has been used as a daycare, a mobile office for the RCMP, and a home to Tourism Nanaimo. Most recently, it was the home of the local chapter of the Boys and Girls Club and the current office of the Nanaimo Clippers.

The hauntings centre around a young Chinese servant who was accidentally killed in the house while employed by the Beban family.

The unexplained phenomenon at Beban House includes:

• Hearing a ball bounce down the stairs late at night
• A cupboard in Frank Beban’s trophy room that opens on its own, and refuses to close
• Filing cabinet drawers opening on their own
• Keys going missing
• Locked doors and windows opening on their own
• Sounds of teacups clanking
• Chatter being heard when the house was empty
• Children playing with a small boy whom adults cannot see (sightings happened while the daycare inhabited the house)
• Water taps turning on by themselves.
• An apparition of a woman
• A cat escaping a locked room
• A strange and eerie feeling of being watched when entering the basement
• Prairie Specters
• Nanaimo Bulletin
• If More Walls Could Talk: Vancouver Island’s Houses from the Past by Valerie Green, Lynn Gordon-Findlay (2004)

Haunted Qualicum Beach

#10. the qualicum heritage inn.

The Qualicum Heritage Inn has a rich, haunted past.

It was originally operated as a boy’s college and built by Robert Ivan Knight in 1937.  In 1949, it was renamed Qualicum College and operated as an education centre until the 1970s. After that, and until 2008, it was operated as an Inn. 

Unfortunately, the building was recently torn down and can no longer be viewed.

The majority of the hauntings occurred while guests were staying at the Inn, and the reported activity is long:

• The ghost of a little boy was heard crying or playing in the hallways.
• Footsteps move in the corridors when no one is there.
• Heard from the fourth floor, reports of moans, mysterious voices, cries, chanting, and laughter
• Lights going on and off by themselves
• The ghost of a woman
• A ghost who would throw things and make messes was seen so frequently by staff he was nicknamed Buddy
• Furniture that moved on its own
• A TV that turned on by itself
• Strange dreams that haunted guests
• The ghost of a man in an old-fashioned military uniform
• Frightening sounds
• A piano playing by itself
• Sounds of people running and doors slamming when no one was present
• Toad Hallow Photography
• Living Library (this blog has many posts about haunted places on Vancouver Island)
• Keira-anne.com (blog)

Books you may enjoy:

If you love reading about these haunting tales, check out our e-book, Victoria Unveiled . We share the history of many of Victoria’s famous landmarks and include a few good ghost stories about each.

Have you ever experienced anything spooky at any of the above-mentioned places?

Share your stories of the most haunted places on Vancouver Island in the comments below. 

Meet Kim Parcher, the creative mind and driving force behind Vancouver Island View. Kim's passion for experience-based travel and her talent for sharing valuable information have made her a dedicated niche blogger and freelance writer since 2016. Her unwavering dedication to unlocking the secrets of Vancouver Island, her home since 2009, has made her an undisputed authority in the realm of immersive exploration of the island.

Similar Posts

Vancouver Island Halloween Activities and Events

2023 Vancouver Island Halloween Activities When rounding up all the spooktacular Halloween activities here on Vancouver Island, I’m constantly amazed by the incredible diversity of options available. We Islanders sure know how to embrace this pumpkin-infused extravaganza! Whether searching for…

A Guide to Victoria’s Chinatown

Walk through the oldest Chinatown in Canada and the second oldest in North America, behind San Francisco. Although on the smaller side, Victoria’s Chinatown has some incredible sights. Location: 500 Fisgard Street. A Bit of History Victoria’s Chinatown is the…

Juan de Fuca Park Gems

Juan de Fuca Provincial Park is located on the west coast of southern Vancouver Island. The area offers incredible scenic views, great hiking opportunities, spectacular marine and wildlife viewing, and a roaring surf along the rugged coastline. If experiencing a more…

Port Renfrew has Some of Vancouver Island’s Biggest Trees

Port Renfrew’s Biggest Trees Port Renfrew is touted as the “Tall Tree Capital of Canada.” Add this to scenic trails, rugged coastline and extreme remoteness, and it’s easy to see why nature lovers flock to the area. Finding Port Renfrew’s…

Local Artisan Spotlight – Sticks and Stones Gallery

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, we are showcasing a local spotlight who captures love in a very special way. Sticks and Stones Gallery Angie Bisset, the talent behind Sticks and Stones Gallery, has a special knack for setting all…

Southern Vancouver Island Plane Crash Site

This page is restricted to members only. If you have a Vancouver Island View *Membership, please log in with your email and password to view your account. *Memberships include the following: ‘Trailblazer’ (yearly membership); ‘Occasional Explorer’ (monthly membership); and/or, Ebook…

24 Comments

Hi Kim, Just doing some research on black creek area in the comox valley after being told by a girl tonight that she had gotten into a car accident near there and had no idea how her car had gone off the road. This specific area has always felt strange to me and wondering if there was any information on that. Thanks! Lacid

Oooh, I don’t have any info on that area as far as hauntings go. But now I’m intrigued!

• Pingback: The Real Ghost Maid of the Empress Hotel – Updating History

Hey Kim! Another really haunted place on Vancouver Island is Alert Bay. It’s a small island off of the north end of Vancouver Island and it was an old First Nations burial ground before it was inhabited. It also had a residential school built on it, though it has been knocked down in the past few years. It is well known as haunted by not only tame ghosts but some angry ones too. Even my family and one of our friend’s families had interactions with the ghost, though only our friend’s ghosts seemed to be angry and hostile.

Interesting! Thank you for sharing your story, Maria. We were there a few years ago and didn’t have any ‘interactions’, but I also wasn’t aware that the island was haunted. Great to know!

Interesting about the Empress.my daughter is very intuitive and around Halloween we decided to come down fromLadysmith and do the haunted ghost walk We stayed at the Empress my 2 teenaged daughters in one room and my young son and I in the room next to them. About 3 am in the morning there was a knock on our door I opened the door slightly with the chain on and it was my daughter standing there saying she cant find her room in her clothes nothing with her. I closed it quickly to unhook the lock then when I opened it again she was gone so quick. My son and I asked her in the morning where did they go that late and they said they went to bed about 11. Neither daughter said they got up for any reason and thought we were kidding. We explained the knock was so loud it woke both my son and I up. My daughter said she never left the room and if she was sleepwalking she would need a key. Then I read about the old lady who wanders around looking for her room because where this old ladies room use to be its an elevator now. The strange thing was when I went to work right after that I told a co worker about it and she went to the crew room and said she had just read the article about the old lady and showed it to me. A coincidence?

Oh wow, that is a very eerie story! Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

My mother and her sister lived at st. Ann’s during the war and she always told us the story of sister Mary Selsus. Sister Mary was one of my moms favourites and when she died my mom who was 12 had to sit with the body overnight. She remembered the body “sighing” several times then the candles at her head went out. For the rest of the time at the convent my mother swore she could hear sister Mary’s voice when she walked down the staircase.

Oh wow, this one brought me chills! Thank you so much for sharing this story with us.

There is also a “woman in white” who haunts Mt Sicker Road between Duncan and Chemainus.

Interesting! Thank you for sharing that information, Barb.

I’m in England but was telling my son who lives in Victoria about the haunted places. He is a golf pro at Victoria golf club and asked if you’d mention them. apparently a body of a murdered lady was washed up by the seventh green and she haunts the grounds. Sometimes he says the clubhouse has a strange feeling as well. Loving the info you post , helps make our to do list for our next trip whenever that may be.

Thank you, Karen! No, I didn’t know about the ghost at Victoria Golf Club. I think I may write another article with all of these suggestions in the near future. I am so glad you enjoy the articles and that you find them helpful.

There’s definitely a ghost at the Parksville Museum. Items will be moved; lights on or off – anyone who is sensitive to other worldly beings will immediately sense a presence on the grounds……..

Thank you for sharing this!

Missed the Heriot bay inn on quadra island

Oh, I didn’t know about that one. Thank you!

I have had many experiences at Craigdarroch. The main stairs gives me an I’ll feeling every time I have visited. I have also heard the music.

Oooh, that’s so neat! Thanks for sharing your experience with us all.

• Pingback: The Best of 2016 - Vancouver Island View

my son was doing security for the inn..just a few years back..one night he saw the little boy in an upstairs window

Was that at the Quality Heritage Inn Anita?

I stayed at the old English inn back in 1976 on my honeymoon and experienced window open curtains blowing when the window was closed and early hours of the morning I felt my legs go numb I couldn’t get up out of the bed after been awaken and when finally able to move husband took me to hospital but there was nothing wrong with me when we went back 35 years later asking the hotel staff re the event they did confirm strange visitations have occurred there in various rooms at the time it was called the king Edward room now the rooms are just no names

Thank you so much for sharing that information with us Salone! What a creepy experience! Is the Old English Inn located in Victoria?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Small Group Tours
• Student Tours
• Buy Tickets
• Our Tour Guides

Ghostly Walks

Watch our Tour Guides in Action

Here’s the questions about our tours we answer most often.

Guided tours, how much does a tour cost.

Here are our most current prices: Adults: $22 Seniors: $17 Students: $17 Children (6-11): $12

Where do tours start?

Many of our tours begin outside the Visitor Information Centre, 812 Wharf Street. However, some History Walks and Ghostly Walks at Halloween depart from different locations. You can find the most accurate information  here .

Are tours guided?

How long do tours last is there much walking.

Ghostly Walks last 60 minutes. Our historical tours last 90 minutes. Tours generally include 2-3 kilometers of gentle walking around downtown Victoria. 

Tickets & Reservations

How do i buy a ticket.

Tickets must be purchased online. Buy your tickets here .

Do I need to make a reservation?

To ensure small group sizes, reservations are necessary.

15 Best Vancouver Island Tours To Check Out In 2024

Looking for the best Vancouver Island tours? Well, you’re in the right place!

Vancouver Island is a breathtaking destination teeming with captivating landscapes, abundant wildlife, and fascinating history. Whether you’re eager to explore the vibrant city of Victoria or venture into the untamed wilderness, Vancouver Island has an array of tours tailored to every type of traveler.

Indulge your taste buds as a foodie, immerse yourself in rich history as a buff, seek thrills as an adventure enthusiast, or revel in nature’s beauty as a lover of the outdoors— Vancouver Island has it all!

Let’s dive right in and uncover the most incredible tours this captivating island has to offer. Your next unforgettable adventure awaits!

This article contains affiliate links where we may get a small commission if you click on the link and purchase. No extra cost is added to you.

1. Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour from Vancouver

Discover the natural beauty and historical charm of Vancouver Island on the Victoria and Butchart Gardens tour from Vancouver! Embark on a scenic ferry ride through the Gulf Islands, where you might spot whales, sea lions, and soaring eagles.

Visit the world-renowned Butchart Gardens, an exquisite display of themed flowerbeds, trickling fountains, and lush sunken gardens.

Afterward, venture into Victoria, British Columbia’s capital, where you can explore vibrant corners like Chinatown and the serene Inner Harbour at your leisure.

With admission to Butchart Gardens included and convenient pickup and drop-off, this tour provides a seamless and captivating journey into the allure of Vancouver Island.

2. Victoria Guided Food and History Tour

Delve into the best of Victoria’s food and history with the Victoria Guided Food and History Tour, a must-have experience for both foodies and history buffs.

Wander through iconic landmarks like the Parliament Buildings, Inner Harbor Causeway, Trounce Alley, Bastion and Market squares, Fan Tan Alley, the Harmonious Gates of Interest, and the Victoria Public Market.

Visit local eateries, savoring dishes that showcase the city’s diverse food scene, from the freshest seafood to locally sourced produce. Morning or afternoon tour times are available, ensuring a convenient experience that fits your schedule.

This tour is a must-do for anyone seeking to explore Vancouver Island’s captivating capital city.

3. Victoria Whale Watching Tour on a Covered Vessel

Experience the unmissable thrill of whale watching on Vancouver Island with the Victoria Whale Watching Tour on a Covered Vessel. This thrilling adventure invites you to explore the heart of the Pacific Northwest’s marine wildlife habitat aboard a comfortable, covered vessel.

As you set sail, witness the beauty of whales in their natural environment. Led by expert guides, you’ll have the best chances of spotting majestic whales and other marine life in their natural environment.

With the added convenience of hotel or port pickup and drop-off, and the option of morning or afternoon departure, this exceptional whale watching experience promises a memorable journey through Vancouver Island’s marine wonders.

4. 3-Hour Bike Tour of Victoria City & the Coastal Shoreside

Embark on a 3-hour Victoria City Bike Tour to explore the most beautiful and intriguing parts of this charming city, guided by a knowledgeable local. Be engrossed in the true essence of Victoria, feeling like a local as you venture through its outskirts, known as the biking capital of Canada.

The tour stands out with Victoria boasting some of the country’s finest bike lanes, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride along designated and protected paths, as well as tranquil streets.

Throughout the journey, the Toonie Tour guides will make several stops, providing fascinating insights into Victoria’s history, culture, and hidden gems from a local perspective.

Experience the city like never before as you discover its captivating beauty and unique character on this engaging bike tour.

5. Victoria Oak Bay Shoreline Kayak Tour

Set off on an immersive journey through the rugged coastal beauty of Oak Bay, Victoria where pristine scenery and native wildlife await.

The Victoria Oak Bay Shoreline Kayak Tour grants you exclusive access to the water, providing sweeping vistas of majestic Mt. Baker and the serene Gulf Islands.

With safety equipment in place, paddle through the waves and spot magnificent eagles and playful seals in their natural habitat, all while basking in the enchanting outdoor allure of Oak Bay.

If you love marine life and the ocean in general, this tour is a great opportunity you shouldn’t miss out on! So get ready to paddle your way through the picturesque waters, savoring the panoramic views in the splendors of Oak Bay’s pristine shoreline.

6. Half-Day Victoria to Cowichan Valley Wine Tour with Tastings

Explore Cowichan Valley’s wine wonders with this captivating Half-Day Victoria to Cowichan Valley Wine Tour with Tastings departing from Victoria.

Embark on a journey along Vancouver Island’s fascinating wine trail, where you’ll visit three charming wineries for tastings and insightful tours. Indulge in a delectable lunch amidst the rolling vineyards of a boutique winery, soaking in the picturesque surroundings.

Led by a local guide with a passion for wine, this tour offers the perfect introduction to the vibrant world of Vancouver Island wines.

The package includes round-trip transport from downtown Victoria, a delightful lunch, and a series of tastings, ensuring an enchanting and hassle-free wine adventure.

7. Whale Watching Nanaimo Open Boat Tour

Are you a fan of whales? The Whale Watching Nanaimo Open Boat Tour is where you’ll encounter the awe-inspiring beauty of whales in their pristine natural habitat. With an open boat setting, you’ll enjoy an intimate and unobstructed view of these majestic creatures.

Led by seasoned guides well-versed in the intricacies of local marine life, your safety and enjoyment are their top priorities.

Join this approximately 3-hour tour departing from Nanaimo, a charming city nestled on the east coast of Vancouver Island. Nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike will find this a must-do experience.

Embrace the opportunity to witness the wonders of wildlife up close and book a tour now!

8. Ghostly Walking Tour in Victoria

Uncover the eerie past of Victoria with the Ghostly Walking Tour. This haunting tour will lead you through the historic and haunted streets of Victoria, where you’ll hear frightening tales of the city’s ghostly inhabitants.

Your knowledgeable guide will share the rich history and chilling stories of Victoria’s most haunted sites, bringing the past to life with haunting tales.

Lasting about 1.5 hours, this evening activity is perfect for those who relish a good ghost story. It’s not only thrilling but also offers a fascinating insight into Victoria’s history.

Get ready to immerse yourself in spooky stories and embrace the possibility of ghostly encounters on this spine-chilling tour!

9. Castles, Hoods & Legends Bike Tour

Experience the charm of Victoria on two wheels with the “Victoria Castles and Neighborhoods” bike tour. Follow your guide as you pedal through downtown, discovering the city’s top attractions and historical buildings.

Explore iconic districts like Inner Harbour, Cook Street Village, and Chinatown, while learning about Victoria’s colorful past.

Admire the stunning Dallas Road waterfront and the mysterious Craigdarroch Castle, rumored to be haunted. Cycle through the scenic Moss Rock Park and Beacon Hill Park, immersing yourself in nature’s beauty, and soak in the artistic atmosphere of leafy Fernwood.

Your guide will share intriguing stories about the neighborhood’s formation, making this tour a perfect mix of history, culture, and adventure. Join this bike tour to explore Victoria’s neighborhoods and parks, discovering the city’s secrets while enjoying the scenic ride.

10. Premier Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour of Victoria

Fall in love with the enchanting ambiance of Victoria on a horse-drawn carriage ride that takes you back in time. The tour offers full customization to suit your preferences, allowing you to craft your perfect 90-minute adventure through the historic streets of Victoria.

Meet your friendly carriage driver/guide near the British Columbia Parliament Building and set off on a journey tailored just for you.

Visit charming spots like James Bay, Beacon Hill Park, the historic Emily Carr House, and Thunderbird Park, or enjoy a peaceful trot along the scenic shore of the Salish Sea—it’s entirely up to you!

Bring your family along, as the carriage can accommodate up to six passengers, ensuring a cozy and intimate experience for all. Stay comfortable in any weather under the collapsible roof and warm up with fluffy blankets, making this horse-drawn carriage ride the perfect choice for a memorable and personalized adventure through the heart of Victoria.

11. Riverbend Cave Explorer

Witness the mesmerizing beauty of Riverbend Cave on this small-group adventure. Perfect for those seeking a cave exploration without the need for crawling or vertical climbing, this tour showcases the breathtaking sight of shimmering crystals and fascinating rock formations.

Delve into the geological history of the area and discover fossils that offer a glimpse into the past.

Designed for accessibility and family fun, this caving adventure ensures a memorable experience without the need for a full-day commitment. Led by a professional cave guide, you’ll be immersed in the natural wonders of the cave while being part of an intimate group.

Prepare to make lasting memories as you uncover the hidden treasures of Riverbend Cave on this illuminating tour.

12. The Tube Shack – River Tubing in Lake Cowichan

Prepare for the adventure of a lifetime with The Tube Shack, Lake Cowichan’s premier all-inclusive tubing adventure company! Enjoy a thrilling two-and-a-half-hour journey down the enchanting Cowichan River, surrounded by crystal-clear water and pristine scenery.

At The Tube Shack, they take care of everything for you. Their fully licensed and insured river tube rentals ensure your safety and enjoyment. After your exhilarating ride, enjoy complimentary shuttle service back to Lake Cowichan. 

Choose from classic round inner tubes or upgrade to bigger and longer swift tubes, complete with cup holders and double paddles. The Tube Shack is your ultimate destination for Cowichan River tubing, providing a seamless and unique adventure!

13. Eat, Drink, Explore Chinatown

Taste the flavors of Victoria’s Chinatown with the Eat, Drink, Explore Chinatown tour. This tour takes you through historic streets where a world of diverse flavors awaits.

From traditional delicacies to innovative creations, savor a delightful array of dishes that reflect the neighborhood’s unique cultural heritage. As you wander through bustling streets and uncover hidden alleyways, an intriguing history unfolds showcasing Chinatown’s significant role in shaping Victoria.

Indulge your senses and let this tour be your gateway to the heart of the city. Taste delectable food, embrace the local culture, and gain fascinating insights into the area’s past.

This immersive experience is an unmissable adventure for any explorer in Victoria, especially one who loves food!

14. Grizzly Bear Viewing & Indigenous Cultural Tour

The Great Bears of Bute: Grizzly Bear Viewing & Indigenous Cultural Tour takes you deep into the heart of Bute’s wilderness where you’ll encounter the grizzly bears in their natural habitat. The tour allows you to explore the pristine area from the water, uncovering hidden natural gems and keeping a lookout for these incredible furry locals.

As you glide through the inlet, be on the lookout for whales, adding an extra layer of excitement to your journey! The tour also includes a visit to Campbell River, where you’ll have the privilege of meeting the indigenous people who proudly safeguard this river. 

This ethical tour supports the local indigenous population, who diligently care for the river and its wildlife. To enhance your experience, lunch and coffee are provided. With a small group size of no more than 12 travelers, you can fully engage in this exceptional river tour.

15. Victoria Marine Wildlife Tour

Discover the wonders of British Columbia’s marine life on a captivating 3-hour tour with Eagle Wing Tours at Victoria’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Hop aboard a comfortable semi-covered or open boat and join the efforts to support Eagle Wing’s conservation, education, and research activities!

Let certified and knowledgeable naturalists be your guides to the breathtaking wildlife and natural history of the Salish Sea.

Be on the look out for seals, sea lions, otters, and playful porpoises. And if you’re hoping for something larger, there’s always the chance to encounter humpback, killer, minke, or gray whales!

Witness the wonders of the Salish Sea’s marine life, all while contributing to vital conservation initiatives. Remember to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking views and the incredible wildlife encounters!

That concludes our handpicked selection of the finest tours in Vancouver Island. Whether you want to taste the most delicious food available or go whale watching, there’s always a tour curated for you!

If you still have more time to kill, be sure to check out our article on the top things to do in Vancouver Island. Happy exploring!

Sign Up For NomsMail

Ghostly Vancouver Tours

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Ghostly Vancouver Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Ghostly Vancouver Tours

Haunted walking tours of vancouver.

ABOUT GHOSTLY VANCOUVER TOURS

Ghostly Vancouver Tours offers haunted, historic walking tours of Vancouver's most atmospheric neighbourhoods, particularly Gastown and Downtown Vancouver. We are the ONLY ghost tour outfit in Vancouver. Come join us for a night of spooky storytelling you won't soon forget!

#SUPPORTLOCAL #ghosttours

At GVT, we believe in honest storytelling. We do not fabricate our ghost stories. All haunted stops on our tours are researched through archives and interviews. It us up to YOU to believe, and we hope you do. Yes, we've even had a few ghostly encounters on our tours, but they're not guaranteed, because, well, ghosts. 

Ghostly Vancouver Tour Reviews

“awesome way to spend a saturday night had a great tour put on lydia, who was awesome and very knowledgeable about not only haunted vancouver history, but the history of gastown as well. ..”, meet our guides.

Lydia Williams

Lydia brings a wealth of experience in guiding haunted tours and ghost hunting. Watch Lydia's personal ghost story here.   

Ryan Barker

Ryan is an experienced ghostly guide, improv actor, and karaoke singer. Prepare to be entertained and spooked with Ryan.

Vanesa Zappala

Vanesa is a psychic medium, and paranormal investigator. Expect a special kind of ghost tour with Vanesa. Check out her Tik Tok .

Our guides come from a multitude of backgrounds but they have 3 key things in common: a love of history, a knack for great storytelling, and a passion for all things paranormal! 

#GhostlyVancouver

[email protected]