Wicked Walking Tours - 2025

INFO & FAQ's

Are ghosts for real?  Good question!  After telling many tales, we ask our tour guests to share their own ghost stories.  First there is silence.  Then they usually begin with "I never believed in ghosts, until...."  One extraordinary experience made it real for them. 

We find it extraordinary that some ghosts, along with pirates and witches, have a terrific sense of humor.   Somehow, that brings the legends and history alive for us.  Who doesn't like to have fun?  Aye, we love the cackle of witches, specters enjoying themselves, the Jolly Roger, and smiles with a gold tooth.  But though we may cast a spell of storytelling, we leave it for you to decide what is real.

Are ghost writers for real?  Funny you should ask.  Some companies hire ghost writers to post 5 star reviews for them online.  Sometimes the unseen advisor for your trip is getting an invisible 25% of the ticket sales money for that attraction.   Boo!  Avast, ye hearties!   But we leave it for you to decide whether or not to keep it real...

Wicked Walking Tours may not impel you to behave with integrity, kindness and compassion in the world, but we love to bring the real fun!  Like a laughing Buddha, we promise to put you in a good mood if you let us.  Can you let go? 

For over 15 years, this local business started by native Mainers has quietly been all about truly connecting with our tour guests and community.  Not just to provide the most interesting education in the most entertaining way possible, but to reach out emotionally and spiritually.  The results?  Our tour guests leave feeling so full of life, that some even come back with their friends and family.  Have you ever wanted to take a tour twice?  Have you noticed yet, that what goes around comes around? 

THEN PLEASE JOIN US for a tour that leaves you wanting more!   It is highly original.  Authentically researched.  Slightly irreverent.  Loaded with factual dark history.  Delivered with rich, quality storytelling by seasoned performers.  It includes clean Stand-up comedy that is never mean or nasty, hysterical impersonations, street theater and more.

We create the synergy with our audience, and every single audience member counts. We even try to memorize everyone's name to make certain you feel welcome and included.

It's our goal to thoroughly interest and entertain you!  Have you read what they are saying about us?  "I've been taking this tour every year since 1697, and it just keeps getting better!" - Some Dead Lady in a Hoop Skirt. 

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.  This tour has inspired (or been pirated by) other tours, locally and nationally. (We have been inspired by Bugs Bunny, and other rabbits locally and nationally.)

Our guides have acted out.  Our guides have sung in the shower.  Our guides have also performed at drama festivals, on stage at Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center and even opera houses like the Teatro Communale in Narnia, Italy  (yes, C.S. Lewis of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe fame was inspired there).  Our guides perform.  There's a difference - a tour is only as good as the guide.  Our guides bring the light.  And a lantern as well...

As you stroll leisurely about the historic Old Port, we'll tell you about the truly remarkable legends and history of haunted Portland.  You will learn little known facts about

- Our Minister, first attacked by Native Americans and then executed as a witch

- Our cemeteries

- Lula, a Captain's daughter, and a Mayflower descendant, who forever haunts the docks, waiting for a ship that never came in

- Murderous Pirates

- A cursed society lady, ghosts and more...

What is it about a chill running down your spine that is so exciting?  We're not sure, but on a Wicked Walking Tour, you won't be alone when it happens.  For real!  

FAQ's

How long is the tour?  The entire distance is less than 1/2 a mile, and the duration is approximately 75 minutes.  A 90 year old grandmother with a bad leg and a cane walked the tour, and so can you!  We are often available to talk longer afterwards with guests who do not need to rush off.

Where does it begin?  The tour starts in Bell Buoy Park, between Flatbread and Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal.  GPS is 60 Commercial Street in Portland, ME.  LOOK FOR THE LANTERN!!!

PLEASE NOTE! - BACHELORETTES MUST BOOK A PRIVATE TOUR.  We love our bachelorettes, but our regular tour goers are all ages, and they prefer a quieter tour than you usually do... :)

Is the tour scary?  NO, it is a comedy.  Have you noticed that fear produces huge egos, selfishness, power/control issues and all varieties of predictable, boring and bad behavior in the world?

Do I need to buy tickets in advance? Yes, advance ticket purchase is required as this very popular tour has a limited capacity and often sells out. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance.  There are a limited number of discount tickets (Child, Senior/Military) per tour so our very small business may remain financially viable.  Once these tickets are sold, you must choose another tour time or purchase an Adult/Teen ticket.  Thank you for your understanding.

How do I get on the Wait List?  When a tour is SOLD OUT, please email or call us with your name, # of people in your party, tour date desired and a cell #.  We will happily contact you if there is an opening (and there are ALWAYS at least 2 to 4 spots on every tour).  Wait list tickets are an additional $5.00 per ticket, and are CASH ONLY.   

Does the tour happen rain or shine? Yes, the tour runs in all weather unless it's deemed dangerous, which happens rarely.  If that were the case and we needed to cancel the tour, we would notify all participants by cell phone and email.  You would then be able reschedule for another date or receive a full refund.  If rain is a problem or your travel plans are uncertain, insurance is offered and processed through ShowClix when you purchase your tickets.  Some tour spots are covered, but it helps to bring an umbrella.  

Is the tour suitable for children? Absolutely. The tour is rated G for content and we do offer a limited number of reduced price tickets for children ages 12 and under on each tour.  While children won't understand all the words and humor, they love walking around with the group and listening to the stories. One eight year old boy described the tour as "the most epic thing that has ever happened to me in my entire life!" However, please be aware that the majority of the material is creatively presented with the intention of engaging and entertaining adults.

Do I need to purchase tickets for young children? Yes, as tour space is limited. All young children must be accompanied by an adult. In consideration of the other tour guests, you may be asked to move the child out of hearing range if noise becomes an issue.

How much walking is involved? The tour length is just under half a mile. We stroll at a leisurely pace among the brick and cobblestone streets of the historic Old Port, allowing you to take in the wonderful architecture as well. The tour duration is usually about 75 minutes, but it can be more or less depending on the questions, group size and other factors. We make multiple stops at various haunted locations where we share with you the tales, legends and history. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes (no heels) and dress for the weather!

Where does the tour end? The tour does not end at the exact starting location, but only a couple of blocks away.  The guide is always happy to accompany you back to the starting point.

Do we go inside any haunted buildings? No. On the tour, we tell the stories outside the buildings at the various locations. However, some of the buildings we talk about may be entered during normal business hours on your own time. Just please try to keep a low profile.

If I am running late, will you wait? We always start the tour on time. Please give yourself plenty of time to find parking and get to the tour meeting point NO LATER than 10 minutes prior to the start of the tour to check-in!  Also, if you're having dinner at one of our local restaurants, be sure to tell them what time you need to leave by so you, and they, can plan accordingly.

Is the tour wheelchair and stroller accessible? Yes, in general the tour is fairly accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. However, please be aware that this is a historic area with brick and cobblestone streets and sidewalks can be uneven in places. Someone in a wheelchair will definitely want to ensure they have someone to assist when necessary.

Are cameras allowed on the tour? Yes, feel free to bring a digital camera to see if you can capture some ghostly activity. We just ask that you don't use a flash if you take a photo of us while we are talking....or else we may forget what we were going to say!  Please note that video cameras and recordings are not allowed as the entire tour is copyrightedintellectual property. 

Is there parking available near the meeting spot? Yes, there are several parking garages within a few blocks of the meeting location.  Try the Custom House Garage at 25 Pearl Street and walk down to Commercial Street or park at the Ocean Gateway Garage at 167 Fore Street.  The Casco Bay Lines parking garage next to Bell Buoy Park is usually full. 

Can I bring my dog? No, sorry. We love dogs but they (or other dogs who want to meet your dog along the way) can disrupt the atmosphere of the tour. A service dog in a harness for the blind may be allowed.

Are tour guide gratuities included in the price?  No.  Please bring CASH to tip your guide!  They work hard to entertain you, they are the best in the industry, and an appreciative audience ensures that the show will go on!  You may also tip using PayPal -  @Tweedie

Are private tours available? For large groups only.  $900 minimum.  Please contact us at (207) 730-0490.