FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I don’t believe in ghosts, is the ghost tour appropriate for me?
Of course! This is a historical tour and a ghost tour. 'Ghost' is defined in many ways including 'returning or haunting memory or image.' Every culture in the world shares ghost stories reflecting the identity & culture of a place. You will be entertained even if you are not a “believer” We do not purposely try to scare you & each tour guide caters the tour to the audience attending.
How are your tours different from others in the area?
The answer to this is in who has built the business. Mercedes (a "Market Rat") has grown up in the Market since the age of seven. She trains each guide herself. It is her background and passion about the community that directs the tours. As for ghost tours specifically, we are different. We do not impose our own beliefs on our audience.
Since 2004 we have operated under a mission: To preserve the oral tradition and people's history of the Pike Place Market and, in doing so, connect visitors to the individuals that have impacted the Market's growth. To support the economic and social fabric of the district and educate and entertain customers. To instill in each visitor a unique and magical relationship to the land and development of the Market so that each person who hears the stories is compelled to be an integral part in the future of downtown Seattle.
Is the ghost tour appropriate for children?
Children love the tour however on the later tours the subject matters can be a little confusing and frightening. Questions about ghosts, death, enemas, brothels etc... may come up after the tours. Accompanied children six and under do not need a ticket and are free to attend the tour. We recommend that you bring your children to the 5:00 PM tours, there are a lot of things to look at and the Market is open.
Do you go inside haunted locations?
The Pike Place Market IS the haunted location. The entire Market is more than a series of shops or farmers. It is a commercial and residential community with over 400 residents and social services. The areas you will visit and the information you will receive are meant to highlight areas you may have never known about. At night the Market is closed only adding to our adventure. During the day you have more opportunities to go inside locations. The Market is a vibrant area in the center of the city not a haunted house. On the Mortuary Tour we do go inside one building.
Can you guarantee that I will see a ghost on the ghost tour?
This question is based on your beliefs not our ability to conjure the undead. Ghosts do not appear on command. If we had that kind of intention we would be in Las Vegas: no one has that power. This is about the stories and there relationship to history.
What are paranormal investigations and has the Market been investigated?
On an investigation paranormal researchers spend many hours in a location, sometimes over night, and review evidence following the investigation. They apply scientific methods and use instruments to investigate a location. A psychic or medium is usually present. There is great room for error and it is rare that anything is captured. Often the desire to capture something plays a bigger role in the investigation than in finding anything. Despite that - it is very exciting. We have done many investigations in the Market. We have worked with paranormal teams, some famous, and investigated the Lower Levels, the Market Theater, the mortuary, and the Alibi Room. We have done EVP sessions throughout the Arcades and in private shops. We do this type of research to support the stories and our understanding of them - not to present the results as fact.
Why is the Lust Tour over 21?
The Lust Tour is based on the 1970s in Seattle, a time when First Avenue was known for the variety of 'flesh' for sale. We expose the dirty history of the city and because of the content, children are not welcome on this tour. We will also be stopping off at a bar or two in 2013.
Can I take pictures on the tours?
Yes! The Market at night is very beautiful on its own and worth bringing a camera for. During the day, the displays, vegetables and people are perfect for photography. If you are interested in photography there is a great tour in the area called Shutter Tours that we highly recommend.