Wicked Walking Tours
Meeting point
Portland, Maine 04101
Duration
75 Mins.
Start time
Evening tours; seasonal from May through October; check calendar for off-season dates.
Tour Operator
Overview
Walk Among the Restless Spirits of Portland’s Old Port
As the mist rolls in from Casco Bay, the shadows of the Old Port grow long, revealing a city built on more than just maritime trade—it was built on secrets. Wicked Walking Tours offers the premier ghost tour in Portland, Maine, blending meticulously researched dark history with the theatrical flair of seasoned performers. This isn't just a ghost walk; it’s a journey through 300 years of "wicked" legends, including tales of murderous pirates, cursed society ladies, and a minister executed as a witch.
What makes this haunted tour unique is its "slightly irreverent" tone. Your guide—often a professional actor or comedian—uses rich storytelling and clean stand-up to bring the past to life.
If you’re looking for Portland ghost tours or a haunted history tour near the Casco Bay Ferry Terminal, this G-rated experience is perfect for families and paranormal enthusiasts alike. Discover why this paranormal tour near Commercial Street has been a local staple for over 15 years, leaving guests "full of life" despite the macabre subject matter.
What to Expect
Your haunted walk begins in the heart of the waterfront at Bell Buoy Park, conveniently located between Flatbread Company and the Casco Bay Lines terminal. Over the course of approximately 75 minutes, you will stroll a leisurely half-mile route through the historic brick and cobblestone streets of the Old Port.
- The Old Port District: Traverse the very paths where 18th-century merchants and pirates once roamed, stopping at various haunted landmarks to hear undocumented historical oddities.
- Legends of the Docks: Hear the tragic story of Lula, the Captain’s daughter and Mayflower descendant who reportedly haunts the waterfront, forever waiting for a ship that never docked.
- Historical Dark Tales: Learn about the dark side of Maine’s religious history, including the story of a local minister swept up in the witch-hunting hysteria.
- Professional Entertainment: Unlike a dry history lecture, expect hysterical impersonations and street theater elements that make the "factual dark history" easy to digest.
This paranormal experience is held primarily outdoors, so guests should dress for the unpredictable Maine weather and wear sturdy walking shoes (no heels) to handle the historic cobblestones. The tour is accessible to most, though the uneven sidewalks of the Waterfront District may require assistance for those with mobility concerns. Parking is recommended at the nearby Custom House or Ocean Gateway garages to ensure a stress-free start to your evening.
No on-site parking; public garages at Custom House (25 Pearl St) or Ocean Gateway (167 Fore St). Visit Parkopedia for the best parking information
No restroom stops. Use public facilities at the Library or Commercial St first. Visit Toilet Finder for restroom information
Fairly accessible, but uneven cobblestones may require wheelchair assistance. (for more info contact tour operator)
Service animals welcome; personal pets are not permitted for liability reasons.
Exterior tour only; no indoor access to historic sites. (for more info contact tour operator)
Kid-friendly and G-rated. Great for families with theatrical storytelling. (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