Kingston , Canada

Trolley City Tour of Kingston

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About this experience

Kingston Trolley Tours take you on an in-depth tour of Kingston's historic downtown and waterfront, passing by all of the city's most well-known visitor destinations including Fort Henry, the Penitentiary Museum, and Queen’s University. The Trolley is the ideal way to enjoy Kingston’s history and attractions. Your experienced tour guide will provide an informative, engaging overview of Kingston’s more than three hundred years of history.

Available options

Trolley City Tour

City Tour: 60-min Trolley Tour of Kingston.

What's included

Trolley City Tour of Kingston

Professional driver/guide

Live commentary (English only) on board

Detailed itinerary

Explore the history of Canada's first capital aboard a comfortable thirty-two passenger trolley. The Trolley is the ideal way to enjoy Kingston’s history and attractions. The GPS-triggered narration system in English, French, German and Chinese will complement your experienced English-speaking tour guide; together they provide an informative, engaging overview of Kingston’s more than three hundred years of history. The trolley route covers all of Kingston’s historic old town and downtown shopping district, including Fort Henry, the Penitentiary Museum, and Queen’s University.

Trolley City Tours (offered only from April 19th to May 17th and from October 15th to October 27th) are a round-trip 75 minute tour only, they do not include hop on, hop off stops. All Tours depart from in front of Visitor Experience Center at 209 Ontario Street, Kingston, ON.

See historic Kingston City Hall

The trolley stops at all of Kingston's historic downtown sites including Fort Henry.

See Kingston's Farmer's Market

See the historic PumpHouse, Murney Tower National Historic Site and City Park

See the home of Canada's First Prime Minister

Get a view of Kingston Penitentiary, Kingston's Penitentiary Museum and historic Portsmouth Village

See the beautiful Gothic architecture of St.Mary's Cathedral.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.8

26 reviews

5★

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Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

May be operated by a multi-lingual guide (English & French)

Only selected departures are wheelchair accessible, please inquire when booking

Meeting point

Exchange your Viator/TripAdvisor voucher for trolley tickets at Waterfront Gifts, 248 Ontario Street. All trolleys depart from the Visitor Information Center at 209 Ontario Street, Kingston, ON. The trolley will be parked in front of the old train station. Present your tickets to the guide to board.

Important notes

Please pick up your trolley tickets in Waterfront Gifts & Apparel Store at 248 Ontario Street before the tour. Plan to arrive to the departure location (209 Ontario Street) at least 10 minutes prior to the departure time.

Tour departs within walking distance of the cruise port

About Kingston

Kingston, located at the confluence of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, is a historic city known for its stunning limestone architecture and rich military history. With its vibrant waterfront, bustling downtown, and proximity to nature, Kingston offers a unique blend of cultural, historical, and outdoor experiences.

Top Attractions

Fort Henry National Historic Site

Fort Henry is a historic military fortification that played a significant role in the defense of the Rideau Canal. Visitors can explore the fort, watch reenactments, and learn about its history.

Historical 2-3 hours $20.00

Kingston Waterfront

The Kingston Waterfront offers a beautiful setting for walking, cycling, and enjoying the city's natural beauty. The area includes parks, beaches, and a lively boardwalk.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Kingston Penitentiary

Kingston Penitentiary is a former maximum-security prison that operated for over 180 years. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about its history and architecture.

Historical 1-2 hours $20.00

Must-Try Local Dishes

Poutine

A classic Canadian dish made with fries, cheese curds, and gravy. Kingston's version often includes local ingredients like smoked meat or wild mushrooms.

Dinner Vegetarian options available

Lake Ontario Fish and Chips

Freshly caught fish from Lake Ontario, battered and fried, served with crispy fries and tartar sauce.

Dinner Gluten-free options available

Maple Glazed Salmon

Locally sourced salmon glazed with maple syrup and served with seasonal vegetables.

Dinner Gluten-free and vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Hiking Boating Cycling Spa treatments Waterfront walks Picnicking Museum visits Art gallery tours

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season, offering warm weather, outdoor activities, and numerous festivals. Expect lively waterfront activities and a vibrant atmosphere.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, French
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Time Zone

GMT-5:00 (Eastern Time Zone)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Kingston is generally a safe city, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night.
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps.

Getting there

By air

Norman Rogers Airport • 8 km from city center

By train

Kingston Station

By bus

Kingston Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Kingston Transit operates a network of buses that serve the city and surrounding areas. The system is user-friendly and offers real-time tracking.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Downtown Kingston Portsmouth Olympic Harbour The Island

Day trips

Thousand Islands

50 km • Half day to full day

The Thousand Islands region is known for its stunning natural beauty, with numerous islands, caves, and waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy boating, hiking, and sightseeing.

Prince Edward County

80 km • Full day

Prince Edward County is a charming region known for its wineries, sandy beaches, and scenic landscapes. Visitors can enjoy wine tasting, beach activities, and exploring small towns.

Gananoque

30 km • Half day to full day

Gananoque is a picturesque town known for its natural beauty and historic sites. Visitors can enjoy boat tours, hiking, and exploring the town's museums.

Festivals

Kingston Canadian Film Festival • April Kingston Buskers Rendezvous • August Kingston Jazz Festival • June

Pro tips

Visit the Kingston Waterfront in the evening for a relaxing atmosphere and beautiful views.
Take a boat tour of the Thousand Islands for a unique perspective on the region's natural beauty.
Explore the city's historic sites, such as Fort Henry and the Kingston Penitentiary, to learn about its rich military history.
Sample local craft beers at one of Kingston's many breweries, such as the St. Lawrence Brewery or the Kingston Brewing Company.
Take a day trip to Prince Edward County to explore its wineries, sandy beaches, and scenic landscapes.