Kingston, Canada, is a city that offers more than just beautiful waterfront views and historic sites; it’s a place where stories, spirits, and scenic adventures collide. What makes Kingston especially great for tours is its compact size—perfect for exploring on foot, bike, or trolley—plus its rich layers of history and folklore that invite storytelling and discovery. We particularly enjoy the Original Haunted Walk of Kingston for its lively tales and atmospheric setting, and the Kingston Bike Tours for offering a lively, more active way to see the city’s key landmarks. Whether you’re into ghost stories or scenic cruises, Kingston’s tours are designed to give you an authentic slice of local life, often with some fun surprises along the way.
If you’re planning your visit, keep in mind that Kingston’s tours range from eerie ghost walks and trolley rides to boat cruises and self-guided scavenger hunts. Many of these experiences are highly rated, with some earning perfect scores for their engaging guides and unique itineraries. Below, you’ll find a detailed look at the top eight tours in Kingston — each with its own flavor and appeal, helping you tailor your trip to your interests and pace.
1. Original Haunted Walk of Kingston 75-Minute Ghost Tour
This walking tour takes you through Kingston’s darkened streets, uncovering stories of supernatural happenings and ghostly sightings. Pick from multiple evening start times and meet your costumed guide near Kingston’s waterfront at 200 Ontario Street, with prime views and lots of spooky stories. As you pass landmarks like Kingston City Hall and the Kingston Public Market, your guide shares tales of the city’s macabre past, including haunted hotels like the Hochelaga Inn, built in 1879, and the historic church that dates back to 1890.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of local storytelling and historic landmarks that take on a new personality after dark. The 75-minute walk is perfect for those interested in Kingston’s eerie side and stories of unexplained happenings. Reviewers praise the guide’s storytelling skills and the tour’s mix of history and ghostly tales—one calls the guide “amazing,” and another notes the stories “had a lot of history of the city.” The tour costs about $25.12, making it a good value for a fun, spooky evening.
Bottom Line: If you love ghost stories, historic landmarks, and a bit of Kingston’s supernatural lore, this ghost walk is a must.
2. Kingston Bike Tours
This 2.5-hour bike tour is a fantastic way to see Kingston’s highlights at a relaxed pace. Led by knowledgeable guides, the ride covers City Hall, Murney Tower, Queen’s University, and the Kingston Penitentiary Museum, among other sites. The route along the waterfront offers excellent views, and the tour is designed to give a broader picture of Kingston’s history and culture.
What makes this tour stand out is its in-depth approach—small groups mean more interaction, and cycling allows you to cover more ground than a walking tour. It’s weather-proof, too; rain doesn’t cancel, so you’ll learn about Kingston’s historic military sites, old-world charm at Cooke’s Fine Foods, and the stories behind the city’s famous university. The review praises the storytelling as “the best kind of historian,” and many mention how the ride offers a perfect overview of Kingston’s layout and history. Priced at $55.60, it’s an excellent value for those wanting a more active, comprehensive experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers wanting a detailed, scenic introduction to Kingston and its history.
3. Trolley City Tour of Kingston
If you prefer sightseeing with minimal effort, the Trolley City Tour of Kingston is a relaxing hour-long ride. Hop aboard a vintage trolley at the Kingston Visitor Center and enjoy guided narration about the city’s top sights. The trolley makes stops at Kingston City Hall, Fort Henry, and the historic PumpHouse, with options for recorded commentary available in four languages, plus live narration from your guide.
This tour provides a comfortable way to see Kingston’s key attractions without walking. It’s perfect for families or visitors with limited mobility who want a broad overview. The reviews highlight its ease and fun vibe, with many appreciating the combination of recorded and live commentary. For just $33.09, it’s a budget-friendly way to get a quick snapshot of Kingston’s historic sights.
Bottom Line: A good choice for those short on time or with mobility concerns who still want a rundown.
4. Ghost Tour of Fort Henry National Historic Site
At number 4, the Ghost Tour of Fort Henry explores one of Kingston’s most haunted sites. This guided tour takes you inside the 19th-century fortress, where your host shares stories of spectral sightings, tragic events, and secret passages. The hour and fifteen-minute walk includes wandering through tunnels and gazing out over Lake Ontario, all while uncovering the fort’s spooky legends.
The fort’s combination of historical significance and ghost stories makes it unique. Visitors say the tour is “well worth the price” and appreciate guides who maintain a spooky vibe, like Vivian or Mysha. The views from the hilltop add to the experience, and the stories tend to stick with you long after the tour ends. Costing $25.12, it’s an affordable way to combine history with some supernatural fun.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those interested in haunted forts, historical mysteries, and atmospheric storytelling.
5. Ghost Tour of Queen’s University
Queen’s University isn’t just a place of learning — it’s also a setting for ghost stories and eerie legends. This Ghost Tour of Queen’s University takes you around the campus and its surrounding landmarks, sharing stories of student grave robbers, professors reaching out from beyond, and mysterious happenings on campus grounds. Built in the late 1850s, the cathedral and historic buildings provide a haunting backdrop.
The tour is ideal for those who want a more intimate, scholarly ghost experience. Reviewers mention the guide as “passionate,” and the stories about the campus buildings and historic sites are detailed and engaging. Costing approximately $25.16, it offers a more niche experience that appeals to history and ghost enthusiasts alike.
Bottom Line: For a mix of academic history and supernatural tales, this tour offers a memorable exploration of one of Kingston’s most charming landmarks.
6. Heart of the 1000 Islands Sightseeing Cruise
The Sightseeing Cruise through the 1000 Islands is a three-hour boat trip through one of North America’s most scenic regions. Departing from Kingston, the cruise passes by famous islands like Napoleon’s Hat and Wanderer’s Channel, with narration about the region’s history and folklore. You’ll get plenty of photo opportunities and views of historic sites.
What makes this cruise special is the chance to see the islands from the water, including Mansions like Mandalay and the rugged landscape of the archipelago. Many reviews mention how the cruise is “entertaining, informative, and beautiful.” It’s a relaxing way to enjoy Kingston’s scenery, though some note it could be a little long or repetitive for those seeking a more condensed experience.
Bottom Line: A top pick for scenic views and leisurely exploration of the 1000 Islands, especially for nature lovers and photo buffs.
$48.58 per person
7. Kingston Self-Guided Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt
For those who like a bit of competition, the Self-Guided Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt combines sightseeing with engaging challenges. Using your smartphone, you explore Kingston’s waterfront, museums, and parks, completing over 20 games and riddles along the way. It’s flexible, allowing you to start at your convenience and enjoy a fun, interactive way to see the city.
This experience is perfect for families or groups that enjoy a gamified approach to sightseeing. Reviewers find it “super fun,” though some mention initial setup difficulties. Costing about $25.61 per group, it’s an inexpensive option that adds a playful twist to traditional touring.
Bottom Line: Ideal for tech-savvy travelers who want a customizable, interactive tour that keeps everyone engaged.
$25.61 per group (up to 6)
8. Unique Scavenger Hunt in Kingston
Finally, the Zombie Scavenger Hunt turns Kingston into a game zone for survival. Using an app, you explore the city searching for items needed to survive a zombie apocalypse, earning points for each find and challenge completed. It’s a fast, fun way to see Kingston’s streets while engaging in a themed adventure.
This tour is perfect for groups looking for something quick, energetic, and different. With no reviews yet, it’s a newer option, but the concept appeals to those who enjoy outdoor games and storytelling with a twist. It costs $20.58 per group, making it a budget-friendly option to cap off your trip.
Bottom Line: Great for groups wanting a quick, themed challenge with a lot of laughs and some friendly competition.
$20.58 per group (up to 10)
How to Choose the Right Tour in Kingston
When deciding among these options, consider your interests, physical activity level, and time constraints. If ghost stories and haunted sites excite you, the haunted walks and Fort Henry tour are top picks. For scenic views and a relaxing day on the water, the Heart of the 1000 Islands Cruise offers a scenic escape. Active travelers will love the Kingston Bike Tours, while families or groups wanting interactive fun might opt for the self-guided scavenger hunts.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular times and the Ghost Tour of Fort Henry, which tends to fill up quickly. Consider the weather—many tours are outdoor or semi-outdoor—so plan accordingly. Also, think about your fitness level: the Bike Tours require some pedaling, while the Trolley Tour is a walk-free option.
Kingston offers a variety of ways to experience its charm, from spine-tingling ghost walks and historical trolley rides to scenic boat cruises and interactive scavenger hunts. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a thrill-seeker, or a family looking for fun, there’s a tour tailored for you. Be sure to pick your favorites early and enjoy a memorable visit to this lively city by the water.