Exploring the historic city of Kingston has never been easier than with the Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour. Offering flexible passes and a convenient route, this tour allows visitors to discover the city’s rich heritage and picturesque waterfront at their own pace. With live commentary and access to 10 key stops, including the iconic Fort Henry and Queen’s University, the trolley tour provides an engaging and informative experience for all ages. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local seeking to uncover new gems, this tour promises to unveil the unique charm and character that make Kingston a truly captivating destination.
Key Points
- The hop-on hop-off trolley tour offers a 75-minute journey to explore Kingston’s historic downtown and waterfront, with flexibility to visit key sites.
- Pricing starts at $37.31 per person for 24, 48, or 72-hour passes, with trolleys operating every 30 minutes from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
- The tour highlights Kingston’s rich history, including Fort Henry, Penitentiary Museum, and Queen’s University, with live guided commentary in English.
- The trolleys accommodate wheelchair users, and group reservations are available for 20 or more passengers.
- Visitors should be aware of the non-refundable cancellation policy and prohibited items, such as pets and smoking, before booking the tour.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Kingston Trolley Tours offer a hop-on hop-off experience, allowing visitors to explore Kingston’s historic downtown and waterfront.
Prices start at $37.31 per person, with valid tickets for 24, 48, or 72 hours and unlimited access.
The trolleys operate every 30 minutes from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, providing flexibility for guests to explore at their own pace.
The tour experience showcases Kingston’s rich history through a figure-8 route with 10 stops at key sites such as Fort Henry and Queen’s University.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Kingston Ontario.
Tour Experience and Highlights
Aboard unique red trolleys, visitors can explore Kingston’s history. The tour includes 10 stops at key sites like Fort Henry, Penitentiary Museum, and Queen’s University.
The 75-minute journey follows a figure-8 route, allowing flexibility to hop off for lunch or activities. Live guided commentary in English enhances the experience.
Trolleys operate every 30 minutes from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, providing ample opportunity to see the city’s highlights.
Whether you’re interested in architecture, culture, or natural beauty, the Kingston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour offers a convenient and informative way to discover the city.
Accessibility and Participation
No age restrictions make the Kingston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour accessible to all visitors. Infants 2 and under ride free, while the tour can accommodate passengers in wheelchairs, though it’s best to notify the operator ahead of time.
Each trolley holds 30-32 people, so larger groups may need to split up across multiple vehicles. Group reservations for 20 or more passengers can be made through a dedicated link.
The tour doesn’t allow pets, smoking, or large bags, so visitors should plan accordingly. With flexibility and consideration for all participants, the Kingston Trolley Tour provides an inclusive experience for exploring the city’s historic highlights.
Important Information and Policies
Non-refundable cancellation policies govern the Kingston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour, so visitors should be mindful of this policy before booking.
The tour’s meeting point is at 248 Ontario Street, where visitors can purchase their tickets, while the trolleys depart from 209 Ontario Street.
Passengers should be aware of the prohibited items, which include pets, smoking, and large bags.
The tour’s operating hours are from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with trolleys running every 30 minutes, allowing for a flexible exploration of Kingston’s historic downtown and waterfront.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Feedback and Ratings
The Kingston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour boasts an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5, based on 31 reviews.
Customers praise the knowledgeable tour guides, giving them a perfect 5/5 rating. The transportation and service are also highly rated at 4.7/5, though some concerns were raised about the organization and ticket purchase options.
Despite these minor issues, the tour has been well-received, with visitors highlighting the unique red trolleys and the flexibility to hop on and off at their leisure.
Exploring Historic Downtown Kingston
Aboard the unique red trolleys, visitors embark on a journey to explore Kingston’s historic downtown. The 10-stop route showcases the city’s rich heritage, from the imposing Fort Henry to the renowned Penitentiary Museum. Along the way, live guided commentary brings the past to life, offering insights into Kingston’s storied past.
| Highlights | Duration |
|---|---|
| Fort Henry | 75 mins |
| Penitentiary Museum | 75 mins |
| Queen’s University | 75 mins |
| Kingston Waterfront | 75 mins |
This flexible hop-on, hop-off experience allows visitors to disembark and enjoy the city’s attractions, restaurants, and activities, before rejoining the trolley for the next leg of the tour.
Discovering Waterfront Attractions
Departing from the historic downtown, the trolley tour takes riders along the picturesque Kingston waterfront.
Cruising past the charming limestone buildings, the trolley offers stunning views of the harbor and the Cataraqui River.
The route includes stops at the waterfront parks, where visitors can explore the scenic walking trails, visit the historic naval museum, and admire the impressive yachts docked at the marinas.
The trolley’s live commentary provides insights into the city’s maritime history and the role the waterfront has played in shaping Kingston’s cultural identity.
With the flexibility to hop on and off, the tour allows passengers to enjoy the vibrant waterfront atmosphere and discover its unique attractions at their own pace.
Planning Your Trolley Adventure
Planning your Kingston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley adventure starts by choosing the tour duration that best fits your schedule. The tour offers 24, 48, or 72-hour passes, providing unlimited access to the 10 stops along the route.
Trolleys operate every 30 minutes, allowing you to hop on and off as you explore the city’s historic downtown and scenic waterfront. With live guided commentary in English, you’ll learn about the area’s rich history and key landmarks.
While the trolleys accommodate up to 32 passengers, larger groups can make reservations. Just be mindful of the non-refundable cancellation policy and prohibited items before embarking on your trolley tour of Kingston.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Purchase Tickets on the Trolley?
No, tickets cannot be purchased directly on the trolley. Passengers must purchase tickets at the 248 Ontario Street meeting point prior to boarding. The non-refundable tickets provide access to the hop-on hop-off tour for the selected duration.
Do the Trolleys Have Audio Guides?
The trolleys offer live guided commentary in English. Though audio guides aren’t mentioned, the tour provides a knowledgeable experience, allowing passengers to learn about the key sites along the route through the driver’s narration.
Are Food and Drinks Allowed on the Trolleys?
Passengers are not allowed to bring food or drinks onto the trolleys. The operator prohibits these items to maintain the cleanliness and comfort of the vehicles. Snacks and beverages can be enjoyed at the various stops along the tour route.
Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?
The tour company doesn’t offer specific discounts for seniors or students. However, children 2 and under ride free. Passengers should check the company’s website or contact them directly for any potential discounted ticket options.
Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?
Pets are not allowed on the Kingston Trolley Tours. According to the tour’s policies, only infants under 2 can ride for free, and large bags are prohibited. Passengers should notify the operator if they require any accessibility assistance.
Recap
The Kingston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour offers an engaging and flexible way to explore the city’s rich history and natural beauty. With various pass options, visitors can discover key landmarks, enjoy the city’s culture, and enjoy the scenic waterfront at their own pace. Whether you’re interested in architecture, nature, or history, this tour provides an excellent opportunity to uncover the best of Kingston.
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