VICTORIA HISTORY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
December Shadows: A One-Hour Walk Through Victoria’s Old Town to the Ghosts of Christmas Past
A focused, seasonal walking tour that distills Victoria’s Christmas-era hauntings into a brisk, story-driven hour—this guide tells you what to expect and how to plan.
December Shadows: A One-Hour Walk Through Victoria’s Old Town to the Ghosts of Christmas Past.
Adventure brief
December Shadows: A One-Hour Walk Through Victoria’s Old Town to the Ghosts of Christmas Past
During December the Ghostly Walks team stages Ghosts of Christmas Past, a one-hour, walking route through Victoria’s Old Town that presents a string of seasonal ghost stories—from a haunted chocolate shop and a Christmas Eve assassination to the “Lady in White,” first seen at Christmas 1861, and a haunted Christmas book.
Victoria, British Columbia, combines coastal charm with a deep historical fabric, making it a perfect backdrop for Discover the Past’s signature "Ghostly Walks - Ghosts of Christmas Past Tour." Operating exclusively in December, this one-hour walking tour offers guests a spine-tingling journey through the city’s Old Town district. Far from a typical holiday stroll, participants encounter vivid tales of haunted chocolate shops, an infamous Christmas Eve assassination, and the mysterious Lady in White, who first appeared during the winter of 1861. With narratives tailored to capture the eerie spirit of the holiday season, this experience is ideal for families and history buffs alike, weaving local lore with immersive storytelling.
Starting at 812 Wharf Street, right across from Victoria’s iconic Empress Hotel, the tour moves through cobbled streets and historic landmarks, where the frost of winter heightens the atmosphere. The old architecture—with its Victorian facades and gaslamp-lit alleys—adds a tangible backdrop to the chilling stories. Beyond folklore, the tours connect visitors to Victoria’s layered past, highlighting cultural moments that shaped the city’s identity. This blend of the supernatural with genuine historical context sets Discover the Past apart in Victoria’s outdoor recreational scene.
Offered at accessible rates and with strict adherence to small group sizes, the Ghostly Walks maintain an intimate, personal feel. Walkers engage directly with local guides whose passion for the city brings these ghost stories to life through vivid detail and warmth. As a December-only event, the tour is a standout seasonal highlight that showcases Victoria through a lens few visitors experience, merging outdoor walking with captivating storytelling in the crisp winter air.
Route Schematic
Route & Stops
The tour moves through Old Town with stops that serve as the anchors for individual Christmas‑season ghost stories.
Haunted chocolate shop
A stop devoted to the story of a chocolate shop said to be haunted during the holidays.
Christmas Eve assassination site
A pause at the location tied to a dramatic Christmas Eve assassination recounted on the walk.
The Lady in White (first seen 1861)
The guide recounts the apparition known as the Lady in White, whose first appearance is noted at Christmas 1861.
Haunted Christmas book
A stop centered on a tale about a haunted Christmas book and the lore attached to it.
Content is not suitable for some young children; parental discretion is strongly advised. The walk is a guided, outdoor route and may be adjusted by the operator.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A December-only repertoire of Christmas hauntings
The tour is presented only in December and collects the company’s best holiday‑themed tales, focusing on stories that first or most vividly appear around Christmastime.
Characters and episodes drawn from Old Town lore
Expect intimate, character‑driven stories: a Christmas Eve assassination, the Lady in White whose first appearance was recorded in 1861, and other personality‑centered legends brought to life on the street.
A compact walk through Old Town
The route threads through Old Town, stopping at sites tied to seasonal tales—shops, alleys and façades that anchor each ghost story to a specific place in the city.
What the day feels like
What the walk feels like
The tour unfolds as a brisk, narrated stroll through Old Town: a guide pauses at a handful of tight, atmospheric spots to tell each seasonal tale, keeping the pace tight so the full set of stories fits into a single, 60‑minute loop.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most out of this walk—and who should be cautious.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The Ghosts of Christmas Past presentation runs only in December and is designed to fit into a single 60‑minute walking loop; book in advance as availability is seasonal.
Tickets must be purchased online prior to joining the tour.
The tour starts in front of the Visitor Information Centre at 812 Wharf Street, directly across from the Empress Hotel.
Rates vary by category: adults (17+), seniors (65+), students (ID required) and children (6–11); parents should note content advisories for young children.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 60 minutes.
When does this tour run?
This presentation is offered during December only.
Where does the tour start?
It starts in front of the Visitor Information Centre at 812 Wharf Street, directly across from the Empress Hotel.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Yes — tickets must be purchased online prior to attending.
Are children allowed and are there age-based prices?
Children ages 6–11 are charged a child rate; some content may be unsuitable for very young children and parental discretion is advised.
Are there concessions for students or seniors?
Yes — student and senior rates are offered; students must provide valid student ID to qualify.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-05T19:27:16.070Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.