Discover Portland's landmarks and history during a lively 50-minute ride aboard an open-air 1971 fire engine.
50 mins
Up to 13 people
Narrated tour, Disposable ponchos
Climb aboard a retro 1971 fire engine for a lively 50-minute spin through Portland’s historic waterfront and cobblestone streets. Hear engaging stories and see archival photos that bring the city’s fire-scarred past to life.
Where does the tour start and finish?
All tours depart from 180 Commercial St. in front of The Portland Lobster Co.
How long is the experience?
The ride lasts about 50 minutes, though traffic may extend it slightly.
Is the fire engine wheelchair accessible?
No. Guests must climb five steps to board.
Can I bring my pet?
Pets are welcome if all other guests on your tour agree.
Boarding requires climbing a five-step ladder with handrails, and the ride can be bumpy. Not recommended for guests with back issues. All commentary is in English.
180 Commercial St. Portland Maine 04107
This vintage fire truck tour delivers exactly what you'd hope for: engaging guides who know their stuff, comfortable open-air seating, and a fun way to cover a lot of ground in about an hour. The guides consistently earn praise for being knowledgeable, funny, and genuinely caring about their guests. One visitor mentioned receiving exceptional kindness when arriving flustered, while families rave about how accommodating the staff is with kids and even well-behaved dogs. The converted fire truck itself is part of the charm, with covered bench seating arranged in a U-shape and a screen for historical photos. Pro tip from multiple reviewers: sit on the left side (driver's side) since most sights are viewed from that angle, saving your neck some work. The tour hits both sides of Portland, including harbor views and historic neighborhoods, making it perfect for getting oriented or experiencing parts of the city you might not walk to. Even locals found it worthwhile, which says plenty about the quality of information shared. For the price and duration, it's consistently described as excellent value and family-friendly fun.
Such a fun way to start off our trip to Maine! We got all the highlights in Portland and were able to decide where we wanted to visit from all the information from the tour. My son absolutely loved hearing about the cannonballs! The guide was very knowledgeable and made the trip really fun. Highlight of course is the coolness of the fire truck. Beautiful way to see the city!
Kylie Dror
July 14, 2025
Such a fun way to start off our trip to Maine! We got all the highlights in Portland and were able to decide where we wanted to visit from all the information from the tour. My son absolutely loved hearing about the cannonballs! The guide was very knowledgeable and made the trip really fun. Highlight of course is the coolness of the fire truck. Beautiful way to see the city!
Kylie Dror
July 14, 2025