Kingston: Trolley City Tour

The Kingston Trolley City Tour whisks passengers back in time, weaving through the historic streets of this picturesque city. With a knowledgeable guide at the helm, the cheerful red trolley showcases over three centuries of Kingston’s rich heritage – from the grand halls of Queen’s University to the imposing limestone walls of the Kingston Penitentiary. As the tour winds its way towards the majestic Fort Henry, riders can’t help but feel a sense of wonder at the stories that have unfolded within this charming community. What secrets might these historic sights hold, just waiting to be discovered?

This experience made our list of the 4 Best City Tours In Kingston Ontario.

Good To Know

• The Kingston Trolley City Tour is a 1-hour guided sightseeing tour priced at $32.77 per person, featuring a live English-speaking guide.
• The tour highlights key landmarks like Fort Henry, Queen’s University, and the Kingston Penitentiary, showcasing over 300 years of the city’s history.
• The iconic red trolley provides a family-friendly and wheelchair-accessible experience, subject to limited availability.
• Customers have praised the knowledgeable tour guides and the overall tour rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 58 reviews.
• The tour offers group booking options for parties of 20 or more, making it suitable for both solo travelers and families.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Kingston Trolley City Tour offers visitors an engaging and informative exploration of the city’s rich history and heritage spanning over three centuries.

For $32.77 per person, the one-hour tour takes riders on an iconic red trolley through downtown Kingston, guided by a live English-speaking expert who shares captivating stories from the city’s past.

With a non-refundable cancellation policy, the experience is wheelchair accessible, though availability is limited.

Whether capturing photos of the majestic Fort Henry or admiring the classic architecture of Queen’s University, the family-friendly tour provides an immersive glimpse into Kingston’s enduring legacy.

Experience Highlights

Consistently, the Kingston Trolley City Tour offers visitors an immersive exploration of the city’s rich history and heritage spanning over 300 years. Passengers will marvel at the classic architecture of Queen’s University, Canada’s oldest degree-granting institution, and the formidable Kingston Penitentiary, now a museum. Overlooking the picturesque harbor, the iconic Fort Henry provides a stunning backdrop for family photos. Throughout the journey, the live English-speaking guide captivates with stories from Kingston’s past, bringing the city’s vibrant past to life.

Experience Highlights
Explore 300+ years of history and heritage
View classic architecture of Queen’s University and Kingston Penitentiary
Capture photos of Fort Henry on Point Henry
Family-friendly ride on an iconic red trolley
Stories from the city’s past shared by the guide

Itinerary and Sights

The sightseeing trolley tour through downtown Kingston allows visitors to enjoy the city’s rich history.

As the iconic red trolley winds through the streets, the live English-speaking guide shares stories from Kingston’s past spanning over 300 years.

Key sights along the way include the grand architecture of Queen’s University, Canada’s oldest degree-granting institution, and the imposing Kingston Penitentiary, built in 1835 and now a museum open for exploration.

The tour culminates with a view of the historic Fort Henry, a stunning landmark perched on Point Henry.

This family-friendly ride offers a convenient and engaging way to discover Kingston’s vibrant heritage.

Booking and Meeting

Booking the Kingston Trolley City Tour is a straightforward process. Visitors can check availability for their desired dates and number of participants on the tour’s website.

Once secured, they’ll need to arrive 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time at the Waterfront Gifts store located at 248 Ontario Street. From there, they’ll proceed to the trolley’s boarding point just a short walk away at 209 Ontario Street.

Each trolley accommodates up to 32 passengers, making it a great option for families and small groups. Larger parties of 20 or more can reserve through a specific group booking link.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Customer Feedback

Travelers who’ve experienced the Kingston Trolley City Tour offer a largely positive assessment, with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 58 reviews.

Reviewers praise the knowledgeable and engaging tour guides, who bring the city’s rich history to life with fascinating stories.

The iconic red trolley also earns high marks, with a 4.8 rating for the transportation.

While some noted the tour was shorter than expected or covered fewer sights than anticipated, the vast majority found excellent value for money, with a 4.5 rating in this category.

Tour Duration and Cancellation

The Kingston Trolley City Tour offers a one-hour exploration of the city’s rich history, providing visitors with a convenient and engaging way to discover its landmarks.

The tour’s non-refundable cancellation policy ensures that the experience is secure, while the wheelchair accessibility caters to a diverse range of guests.

Though some reviews have noted the tour’s duration or route as shorter than expected, the overall feedback remains overwhelmingly positive, with high ratings for the knowledgeable tour guide and the iconic red trolley ride.

Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly adventure or a deeper dive into Kingston’s past, the Trolley City Tour delivers a memorable and efficient sightseeing experience.

Accessibility and Group Reservations

The Trolley City Tour caters to a diverse range of guests, offering wheelchair accessibility subject to limited availability.

Passengers can explore Kingston’s rich history and architectural gems from the comfort of the iconic red trolley. For larger groups, this tour provides a convenient group booking option through a specific link.

Whether traveling solo, with family, or as part of a larger party, the Trolley City Tour ensures an inclusive and seamless sightseeing experience.

Guests can capture stunning photos of Fort Henry and enjoy the city’s vibrant past, all while enjoying the comfort and accessibility of the well-designed trolley.

Exploring Kingston’s History and Heritage

Spanning over three centuries, Kingston’s rich history and heritage unfold as visitors embark on the Trolley City Tour.

The tour showcases the city’s architectural gems, including the stately Queen’s University, Canada’s oldest degree-granting institution. Passengers witness the imposing presence of the Kingston Penitentiary, a 19th-century prison now transformed into a museum.

As the trolley glides along, the guide captivates with tales from Kingston’s past, bringing the city’s vibrant story to life. A highlight is the panoramic view of the historic Fort Henry, perched atop Point Henry.

This family-friendly ride on the iconic red trolley offers an immersive experience, seamlessly blending the city’s illustrious legacy with the convenience of a guided tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snacks or Drinks on the Tour?

Passengers are generally permitted to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on the tour, though it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand. Enjoying light refreshments can enhance the sightseeing experience during the 1-hour journey.

Is There a Dress Code for the Trolley Tour?

There’s no strict dress code for the trolley tour, though comfy, weather-appropriate attire is recommended. Casual clothing that allows easy on-and-off the trolley is best. The tour is designed for your convenience and comfort, so feel free to dress casually.

How Often Do the Trolleys Depart From the Meeting Point?

The trolleys depart from the meeting point at regular intervals, typically every 30 minutes, ensuring a convenient and flexible sightseeing experience for visitors. The frequent departures allow guests to choose a timeslot that best suits their schedule.

Can I Get off the Trolley at Any Stop Along the Route?

Passengers on the trolley tour are required to remain on board throughout the full journey. Disembarking at any stop along the route is not permitted, as the tour follows a fixed itinerary to ensure a cohesive sightseeing experience.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

Yes, the tour offers discounted tickets for students and seniors. They can save 10% on the standard price by presenting a valid student or senior ID when booking or at the meeting point.

The Sum Up

The Kingston Trolley City Tour offers a delightful way to uncover the city’s rich history. Passengers can sit back and enjoy the knowledgeable commentary as the charming red trolley takes them through iconic landmarks, from the prestigious Queen’s University to the renowned Kingston Penitentiary. This family-friendly experience culminates at the stunning Fort Henry, providing an immersive glimpse into over 300 years of Kingston’s captivating heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: