Kingston: Ghosts and Mysteries Trolley Tour

If you’re looking to add a dash of the eerie and fascinating to your Kingston visit, the Kingston Ghosts and Mysteries Trolley Tour offers a compelling way to do just that. This 1.5-hour guided adventure takes you through some of Kingston’s most storied and haunted locations, blending history with ghostly tales in an engaging, easy-to-absorb format.

What we love about this tour is how it combines entertaining storytelling with the chance to see notable sites like Kingston Penitentiary and Rockwood Asylum. It’s a great way to get a different perspective on the city’s past — one that’s tinged with mystery and perhaps a little ghostly mischief. Plus, the trolley’s relaxed pace and lively guides make it accessible for almost any traveler interested in local lore.

One thing to consider is that, because it’s an evening tour, you might find the weather can influence the experience—dress warmly if it’s cool outside. And since it’s a trolley, you won’t get to explore the sites on foot or take photos during stops, which might be a downside for some. This tour suits those curious about Kingston’s spooky stories, history buffs with a sense of humor, or anyone looking for a fun, lighthearted night activity.

Key Points

• Engaging guides bring Kingston’s ghost stories to life
• Historic sites like Kingston Penitentiary and Rockwood Asylum are featured
• 1.5-hour evening experience perfect for a quick but memorable outing
• Affordable price of $39 offers good value for a themed tour
• Stories blend history and mystery, appealing to a broad audience
• Limited accessibility for wheelchairs but assistance dogs are welcome

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Format and What to Expect

This trolley tour is designed to entertain while informing. You’ll meet at 248 Ontario Street to exchange your voucher before boarding the trolley at 209 Ontario Street. The tour lasts about an hour and a half, winding through downtown Kingston, past Fort Henry Hill, Deadmans Bay, Kingston Penitentiary, and Rockwood Asylum.

The trolley itself is a comfortable, climate-controlled vehicle, which is important to note for evening tours, especially in fall or winter. The guide, often accompanied by actors portraying ghostly characters, narrates stories that tie Kingston’s dark past to physical locations you pass by.

The route is thoughtfully planned to access some of Kingston’s most haunted and inaccessible sites. For instance, Rockwood Asylum’s grounds are included, letting you glimpse a place known for its ghost stories and dark history. You’ll also pass by Kingston Penitentiary, adding a gritty, authentic feel to the evening.

What You’ll Hear and See

During the journey, your guide shares tales of Kingston’s mysterious past, from ghostly sightings to lesser-known dark secrets. Past reviews highlight how knowledgeable guides make all the difference. One reviewer praised their guide for being “very knowledgeable” and made the 1.5 hours fly by with their information. Others appreciated the reenactments of ghostly characters, which added a theatrical flair and made the stories more vivid.

Some reviews mention the inclusion of ghostly portrayers, which contribute to the fun atmosphere. One guest remarked, “Kimberly was an AMAZING tour guide! So knowledgeable and personable,” emphasizing how lively guides enhance the experience. Others appreciated the storytelling depth, noting that they learned a lot about Kingston’s past in a fun setting.

However, a few travelers suggested they’d like more detail at certain sites or wished they could stop at Rockwood for photos or to explore further. The tour’s main focus is storytelling from the trolley, not an in-depth exploration of each location.

The Stops and Highlights

Downtown Kingston provides a charming backdrop, with historic buildings and cobblestone streets. As the trolley moves along, stories of ghost sightings, mysterious happenings, and notorious past residents unfold.

Fort Henry Hill offers scenic views and a sense of Kingston’s military and strategic importance. While the tour doesn’t include a stop here, passing by adds context to Kingston’s history.

Deadmans Bay is a site with dark legends, perfect for creepy stories about maritime mysteries or local folklore.

Kingston Penitentiary is perhaps the most iconic site, known for its history as one of Canada’s most notorious prisons. The tales of its past inmates and ghost stories associated with the penitentiary make this stop particularly atmospheric.

Rockwood Asylum stands out as one of Kingston’s most haunted buildings, with stories of ghostly apparitions and eerie encounters. Some reviews mention wishing to stop or explore here, but the tour primarily offers a view from the trolley.

The Value of the Tour

At $39, this tour offers a well-priced way to experience Kingston’s spooky side. For a relatively short duration, you get a mix of local history, ghost stories, and scenic views, all delivered by engaging guides.

While it doesn’t include food, drinks, or hotel pickups, the price covers the entire experience, including taxes. The fact that it’s a live-guided tour in English adds to its authenticity and makes it accessible to most visitors.

The reviews suggest good value, especially given the storytelling quality and the active engagement of guides. One review noted, “Make sure you bring a warm jacket for this evening tour,” which is good advice for enjoying the experience comfortably.

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Accessibility and Practical Tips

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and large luggage or pets (except assistance dogs) are not allowed. Smoking is prohibited inside the trolley, maintaining a clean and comfortable environment.

If you’re traveling with a group of 20+ people, advanced booking is recommended through the provided links. For individual travelers, arriving early to exchange vouchers ensures a smooth start.

If you’re sensitive to noise or prefer a quieter experience, remember that the trolley can pass by other vehicles, making some parts of the storytelling harder to hear. Bringing a warm jacket is advised if you plan to be outside for photos or to explore the sites afterward.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This tour is ideal for history buffs with a sense of adventure, families seeking a fun night activity, or anyone curious about Kingston’s darker tales. It’s also a perfect activity for those who enjoy theatrical storytelling and ghostly legends, especially with the added entertainment of ghostly portrayers.

If you’re after a quick but memorable experience that mixes local history with a bit of a spooky twist, this tour delivers plenty of entertainment without taking up your whole evening.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

The Kingston Ghosts and Mysteries Trolley Tour provides a unique blend of storytelling and scenery that’s both entertaining and educational. The guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and engaging style, making the 1.5 hours feel like a lively conversation rather than a formal presentation.

It’s a good value for the price, especially considering the quality of storytelling and the chance to see Kingston’s haunted sites from the comfort of a trolley. While it’s not a deep dive into every site’s history, it strikes a nice balance between spooky entertainment and local insight.

This tour is best suited for those curious about Kingston’s ghostly legends, groups wanting a fun evening activity, or travelers who appreciate stories that combine history with a touch of the supernatural.

If you’re into ghost stories or want a lighthearted way to learn about Kingston’s past, this tour makes for a memorable experience — with just enough creepiness to keep things interesting.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a perfect evening activity without taking up your whole night.

Where do I meet for the tour?
You need to exchange your voucher at 248 Ontario Street before boarding at 209 Ontario Street.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the tour is family-friendly, some stories are spooky, so use your discretion for young children. The theatrical reenactments add flair but may be too intense for very young kids.

Can I bring pets?
Pets are not allowed inside the trolley, except for assistance animals.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly, especially in cooler months, since it’s an evening outdoor view from the trolley and some sites may be outside briefly.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchairs?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users, but assistance dogs are permitted.

Can I stop or explore sites like Rockwood Asylum?
No, the tour primarily passes by these sites for viewing, not stopping or exploring on foot.

What is the price included?
Your ticket includes the 1.5-hour guided trolley ride, the guide, and local taxes. Food, drinks, and hotel transfers are not included.

To sum it up, the Kingston Ghosts and Mysteries Trolley Tour offers a lively, accessible way to uncover the city’s eerie tales and historic sites. It’s a great pick for those seeking a fun, light-hearted look at Kingston’s darker side — all delivered by enthusiastic guides in a relaxed setting. If you’re interested in ghost stories, local history, or just a different night activity, this tour is worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby