Portland Ghost Tour
Meeting point
Bell Buoy Park, 54 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
Duration
1 hour
Start time
Nightly @ 8pm
Tour Operator
Overview
Walk Among the Restless Spirits of the Maine Coast
The salty breeze of the Atlantic carries more than just the scent of the sea; it carries the whispers of centuries-old tragedies on the Portland Ghost Tour. As one of the most haunted cities in New England, Portland serves as the perfect backdrop for this chilling haunted history tour. This eerie ghost walk takes you deep into the heart of the historic Old Port district, where the spirits of pirates, sailors, and colonial settlers still linger in the shadows of the waterfront.
Led by expert guides from US Ghost Adventures, this haunted tour uncovers the dark underbelly of the "Forest City." You will explore the paranormal energy surrounding iconic landmarks like the U.S. Custom House and the bustling wharves.
Whether you are a seasoned paranormal investigator or a family looking for ghost tours near you, this experience blends meticulously researched history with bone-chilling eyewitness accounts. From the echoes of the Great Fire of 1866 to the restless souls of the harbor, this Portland ghost tour is an unforgettable journey into the supernatural side of Maine.
What to Expect
Prepare for a 60--minute journey through the most haunted corners of the Old Port. Your tour begins near the waterfront, where the mist often rolls in to set a perfectly macabre stage for the evening.
- Meeting Point & Logistics: All guests meet their guide (look for the black US Ghost Adventures t-shirt and lantern) at Bell Buoy Park or the specified location at 54 Commercial St. Tours run rain or shine, so dress for the temperamental Maine weather and wear comfortable walking shoes for the roughly one-mile route.
- Haunted Landmarks: You will stop outside Andy’s Old Port Pub, where a mischievous resident spirit is known to meddle with the glassware, and visit Custom House Wharf, a site of numerous maritime sightings.
- Paranormal Stories: Hear the tragic tales of the DiMillo’s engine room and the spectral chatter heard by workers late at night. The guide will recount the harrowing history of the "Great Fire" and how it left a permanent psychic scar on the city’s architecture.
- Atmosphere: As the sun sets over Casco Bay, the gas-lamp style lighting of the Old Port creates a hauntingly beautiful environment. While the tour is strictly outdoors, the proximity to these historic structures allows for an immersive paranormal experience.
- Accessibility Note: The route follows public sidewalks. While accessible, please be mindful of the historic cobblestones that define the Old Port's character but may be bumpy for strollers or wheelchairs.
Paid public lots (Fore St. Garage, DiMillo’s) and metered street parking on Commercial St. Visit Parkopedia for the best parking information
No restrooms on the tour route. Public facilities at the nearby Ferry Terminal. Visit Toilet Finder for restroom information
Accessible sidewalks with some historic cobblestone challenges; standard strollers OK. (for more info contact tour operator)
Pets welcome if well-behaved; service animals always permitted. Keep leashed and non-disruptive to group
No entry into buildings; stories are told from outside at public vantage points. (for more info contact tour operator)
Family-friendly with spooky history; suitable for older children comfortable with ghost stories. (for more info, contact tour operator)
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FaQ's
what is a ghost tour
A ghost tour is a guided experience that explores haunted locations and shares stories of paranormal activity, local legends, and historical events. These tours often take place at night in historic towns, cemeteries, or old buildings, blending history with spine-tingling storytelling. Ghost tours offer a fun and immersive way to learn about a location’s past while enjoying a spooky adventure.
Why do people go on ghost tours?
People go on ghost tours to explore local history, hear chilling stories, and experience the thrill of the unknown. Ghost tours blend entertainment, folklore, and real historical events, making them popular with travelers, paranormal enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a unique nighttime adventure. They’re a fun way to discover hidden stories, learn about haunted locations, and enjoy a memorable, spine-tingling experience.
Is a ghost tour scary?
A ghost tour can be spooky, but it’s usually not overwhelmingly scary. Most ghost tours focus on storytelling, history, and exploring haunted locations rather than jump scares or intense horror. The level of fear often depends on the setting, the guide, and your own comfort with eerie tales. They’re designed to be enjoyable for most people, including beginners who want a fun, slightly spooky experience.
What is ghost tourism
Ghost tourism, also known as spooky tourism, is a type of travel focused on visiting haunted locations, paranormal sites, and historic places with spooky stories. It combines history, folklore, and supernatural experiences, attracting travelers who enjoy ghost tours, haunted attractions, and eerie adventures. Ghost tourism offers a unique way to explore a destination’s culture while experiencing thrilling, memorable moments.
What to Expect on a Ghost Tour?
A ghost tour typically combines history, storytelling, and paranormal legends as you explore haunted locations, old towns, and places known for unexplained activity. Expect your guide to share true local stories, including tragic events, mysterious sightings, and eerie folklore tied to the area’s past. Many tours visit historic buildings, cemeteries, alleyways, and landmark sites after dark to heighten the atmosphere.
Most ghost tours are walking tours, so prepare for 60–90 minutes of light to moderate walking, sometimes on uneven ground or dimly lit streets. Some guides may use ghost-hunting tools—like EMF meters or spirit boxes—to demonstrate paranormal investigation techniques, giving you an interactive experience.
You can expect a mix of education, entertainment, and spooky fun, but not guaranteed scares or staged jump moments. The goal is to immerse you in the history, mystery, and unexplained stories that shape each location. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, a ghost tour offers a unique way to discover a city’s hidden past and explore its most haunted corners.
What to Bring on a Ghost Tour?
Preparing properly can make your ghost tour safer, more comfortable, and far more enjoyable. Here are the key items guests are recommended to bring to any ghost walk, haunted history tour, or paranormal investigation.
Essentials:
Comfortable walking shoes for uneven or historic streets
Weather-appropriate clothing: jacket, hoodie, or raincoat
Fully charged phone for photos, notes, or emergencies
Small torch/flashlight for dark areas
Helpful Extras:
Portable power bank for devices or ghost-hunting apps
Bottle of water to stay hydrated
Bug spray for outdoor or older locations
Small backpack or crossbody bag to keep hands free
Optional Paranormal Gear:
EMF detector for interactive ghost-hunting
Thermometer for detecting “cold spots”
Notebook & pen for logging encounters
Red-filtered flashlight to maintain night vision
Safety & Comfort:
Small snacks for longer or late-night tours
Personal medication if needed
Hand sanitizer or wipes for older buildings and high-touch areas