If you’re planning a trip to Kingston, Ontario, and want a hassle-free way to see the city’s most iconic sights, the Trolley City Tour of Kingston might just be worth considering. With a solid 5.0 rating from 24 reviews and a high recommendation rate of 96%, it clearly appeals to many travelers. Whether you’re short on time or just prefer to sit back and soak in the scenery, this tour is designed to give you a good overview without much fuss.
One of the things we really like about this experience is the combination of live narration from knowledgeable guides and the convenience of traveling by trolley—it’s a relaxed way to get around, especially on a busy day. Plus, the tour covers a wide range of must-see spots, from historic sites to city landmarks, in just about an hour. That said, a potential downside is that, because it’s a short tour, you won’t get deep dives into each location, which might leave some wanting more detail.
This tour is best suited for visitors who want a quick, friendly introduction to Kingston’s highlights—great if you’re on a tight schedule or prefer a comfortable, guided overview rather than wandering on your own. It’s also a good choice for those who love hearing stories and fun facts along the way. If you enjoy engaging guides and scenic city views, this could be a good fit.
Key Points
- Comfortable and convenient way to see Kingston’s top sights
- Live narration adds personality and local flavor
- Short, approximately one-hour tour makes it easy to fit into your day
- Multiple departure times offer flexibility
- Affordable price point at around $33 per person
- Great for first-time visitors wanting an overview of the city
An In-Depth Look at the Kingston Trolley Tour
The Trolley City Tour of Kingston offers a friendly, no-hassle way to explore the city’s most recognizable sites. Starting from the Kingston Visitor Information Centre on Ontario Street, you hop onto a comfortable, 32-passenger trolley. The small group size (max 20 travelers) makes the experience more personal, and the professional driver/guide ensures you’re both entertained and informed throughout the ride.
Planning more time in Kingston? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
What to Expect from the Itinerary
The tour lasts about an hour, which might seem short, but it packs a surprising amount of sightseeing into that time. You’ll begin at the Kingston Visitor Centre, where you can pick between several departure times, making it easy to fit into your day.
Stop 1: Kingston City Hall
This stunning historic building is a highlight, and your guide will probably share some of its background while giving you a quick look inside or outside depending on the stops.
Stop 2: Fort Henry
One of Kingston’s most famous attractions, Fort Henry is a star of the tour. It’s a perfect spot to get a sense of Kingston’s military history, with the added bonus of scenic views over the waterfront. The tour stops here, so you’ll get the chance to snap photos and listen to stories about its significance in Canadian history.
Stop 3: Kingston Farmer’s Market
While not a formal stop for shopping, the market’s exterior is part of the route, giving you a peek at local life and community spirit.
Stop 4: PumpHouse, Murney Tower, City Park
These historic sites provide insight into Kingston’s defensive past and its picturesque public spaces. The PumpHouse is particularly interesting for its historical role, and Murney Tower offers fantastic views and a touch of military history.
Stop 5: Home of Canada’s First Prime Minister
This is a highlight for those interested in Canadian political history. The tour provides a chance to see where Sir John A. Macdonald once lived, adding a layer of national significance to your visit.
Other notable sights include: Kingston Penitentiary (viewable from the outside), the Kingston Penitentiary Museum, Portsmouth Village, and the Gothic architecture of St. Mary’s Cathedral. These stops help round out your understanding of Kingston’s diverse past.
Narration and Guides
The GPS-triggered commentary is available in four languages, which is a nice touch if you’re traveling with multilingual friends or family. The onboard live commentary (English only) is lively and knowledgeable—reviewers rave about guides like Richard, Jenna, Heather, and Bill, who are described as engaging, funny, and full of interesting stories. One reviewer even mentioned that her guide’s anecdotes made the tour more enjoyable, with a few personal touches that brought Kingston’s history to life.
What’s the Experience Like?
Traveling by trolley feels relaxing, with wide windows offering good views of the city and waterfront. The fact that it’s a paper ticket makes it straightforward—just show up at the specified meeting point, and you’re set. The trolley itself is comfortable, and the small group size ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd.
The Value for Money
At $33.09 per person, the tour offers a solid value for those wanting a quick but rundown. It’s not an in-depth history lesson, but it gives a good sense of the city’s layout, key landmarks, and stories you might not discover on your own. Several reviews point out that guides are very knowledgeable, and the tour’s relaxed pace makes it enjoyable rather than rushed.
Family-Friendliness and Accessibility
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, it’s suitable for most travelers, including children, as long as they’re accompanied by an adult. The tour’s duration and seating are comfortable for all ages, and the narration adds an engaging element for younger visitors, too.
Why You Might Love This Tour
If you’re a first-time visitor wanting a quick orientation, this tour is a practical choice. It’s especially good if you prefer a guided experience with interesting stories rather than exploring on your own. The combination of scenic views, historical landmarks, and friendly guides leaves many travelers feeling like they’ve gotten a good feel for Kingston in just an hour.
Potential Drawbacks
The main thing to keep in mind is that this isn’t a deep dive into Kingston’s history or culture. For those interested in more detailed explorations or specific sites, this tour might feel a bit surface-level. Also, since it’s weather-dependent—being an outdoor trolley experience—poor weather could impact the experience, though cancellations are generally handled with full refunds or rescheduling options.
Who Will Enjoy This?
Perfect for busy travelers who want a snapshot of Kingston without the hassle of navigating on foot or renting bikes. Families, couples, or solo explorers who appreciate storytelling and scenic rides will find this a worthwhile addition to their itinerary. If you’re curious about Kingston’s history and want to learn from friendly, engaging guides, this tour hits the spot.
Trolley City Tour of Kingston
“As with all these types of tours it is a wonderful way to scope out the city/township you are staying in. Then you can find the things you want to …”
FAQ
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome as long as they’re accompanied by an adult. The tour’s relaxed pace and engaging narration can appeal to younger travelers as well.
How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately one hour, making it manageable even if you have a tight schedule.
How many people are on the trolley?
The trolley can accommodate about 32 passengers with a maximum of 20 travelers per tour, ensuring a comfortable experience.
Is the narration available in multiple languages?
Yes, the GPS-triggered narration is available in four languages, but the live commentary on board is in English only.
Where do I meet for the tour?
Start at the Kingston Visitor Information Centre on Ontario Street, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.
Can I cancel or change my booking?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked. It does require good weather; otherwise, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
What is included in the price?
Your ticket includes the trolley ride, professional driver/guide, and live commentary.
What are some highlights I can expect?
You’ll see Kingston City Hall, Fort Henry, Kingston Farmer’s Market, Murney Tower, the home of Canada’s First Prime Minister, Kingston Penitentiary, Portsmouth Village, and St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Is this tour accessible?
It is near public transportation, and service animals are allowed, which suggests some accessibility options are available.
Would I recommend this tour?
Absolutely—if you’re after a friendly, scenic overview of Kingston with knowledgeable guides, this tour is a solid choice.
Overall, the Trolley City Tour of Kingston offers a relaxed, informative way to get acquainted with one of Canada’s historic cities. It’s well-reviewed, reasonably priced, and perfect for those looking to tick the main sights off their list without much fuss. If you love storytelling, scenic views, and a friendly guide, this one should definitely be on your Kingston to-do list.