Ok, I admit it. I might be having a little bit of #momguilt for riding on a fire truck without my two boys. But, when I saw this unique Portland sightseeing tour, I just couldn’t pass it up!
This post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
If you are a regular reader to my blog, you know I’m all about activities that have a special element you can’t find everywhere you go.My family has zipped around Paris in a tuk tuk, learned hilarious insider info at The Met, experienced the “real” Polar Express train, and the list goes on and on.
So, when I started planning my trip to the Women in Travel Summit, I immediately started looking into interesting tours in Portland, Maine.
The one the jumped right out at me was this Portland Fire Tour! I found in on Viator and was all ready to book when I was invited to join the tour as part of the Women in Travel Summit. Score!
[irp posts=”10732″ name=”Maine Foodie Tours: a Portland Old Port Culinary Walking Tour”]
A Unique Portland Sightseeing Tour Aboard a Vintage Fire Truck
The tour started out with everyone meeting at the retrofitted 1971 fire engine. Many of us took selfies in front of the fire truck before climbing aboard and picking a seat.
The truck has a canopy on top to shield some rain and sunlight, but it’s mostly an open air vehicle.
There are benches around the sides of the truck and our tour guide Glenn sat at the front where he had a head set and a large screen.
Our driver Pete sat at the steering wheel and would hop out at some of the stops to say hi!
The day we took this Portland sightseeing tour, it was so cold and there was a bit of rain.
So, when Glenn asked if any of us would like to wear a firefighter jacket for the duration of the tour, every one of us jumped at the opportunity to put on another layer!
He also passed out some fireball candy to help warm us up and then we hit the road!
Glenn did a great job showing us a multimedia presentation about Fort Gorges on the truck. Photo credit: Marcie Cheung
FORT GORGES
Our first stop was Fort Gorges. It’s a popular tourist attraction and I saw it on the Lucky Catch Cruise as well as the Portland Explorer tour.
Since it’s located in the middle of Casco Bay and we were kind of far away, Glenn pulled up a video so we could all see what the fort looked like up close.
Even though Fort Gorges was built for the Civil War, it was never used as a real fort because it took too long to build.
What I thought was especially cool is that the video showed us angles we wouldn’t be able to see in person, like what it looks like from a bird’s eye view!
PORTLAND OBSERVATORY
Another stop on this Portland sightseeing tour was the Portland Observatory.
Now, a lot of people think this is some type of lighthouse. That’s why you need to go on the tour!
We got to see the outside of Portland Observatory and hear its historical significance. Photo credit: Marcie Cheung
The Portland Observatory is actually a signal tower, and was immensely important.
When ships would come into port, people at the Portland Observatory would raise flags so the workers knew which ships were arriving and they could rush down to the docks to unload.
This saved time and money and was an efficient system.
When we were there in early May, the Portland Observatory wasn’t open to the public.
But, if you visit the end of May to the middle of October, be sure to set aside some time to go inside and learn all about it.
ARTS DISTRICT
We also drove through Portland’s Arts District. It’s a lot larger than I expected.
This is where you’ll find the Portland Museum of Art, Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine, Museum of African Culture, Portland Stage Company, and more.
We saw a lot of art galleries, ethnic restaurants, and music venues.
But, it also has a ton of historic buildings, like the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, Portland High School (the oldest standing high school in the country,) and the First Parish Church (which has an original Revolutionary War cannon ball as their chandelier.)
It’s a cool and eclectic part of Portland, Maine!
Insider tip: We stayed at the Holiday Inn by the Bay, which is right across the street from the Portland Museum of Art and the rest of the Arts District.
[irp posts=”10734″ name=”An Easy Way to Explore Portland: Portland Explorer City and Lighthouse Tour”]
HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW STATUE
Even if you aren’t a big poetry fan, it’s kind of cool to see what a big deal Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is in Portland.
I love how the community rallied together to raise the funds! Photo credit: Marcie Cheung
That’s where he was born and became one of America’s most famous poets.
There’s even a statue dedicated to him.
What makes this statue special, though, is that school kids raised the money to erect this statue. They collected pennies, nickels and dimes with help from members of the Longellow Statue Association.
Their names are in a sealed container in the pedestal’s base.
VICTORIA MANSION
I’m always interested in seeing historic mansions when I’m traveling. I think it’s because my first job was located inside a historic home.
Victoria Mansion is one of the most famous historic home in Portland, Maine. Photo credit: Marcie Cheung
While Portland, Maine has so many beautiful homes, this one takes the cake!
Victoria Mansion was owned by a hotelier who built a big mansion with just 2 bedrooms in it so no one would stay with him!
Isn’t that brilliant?
It was built in the mid 1800s and was one of the first homes to have both hot and cold running water, flush toilets, central heating, wall to wall carpeting and even a 25 foot long stained glass skylight!
While there isn’t time to stop and explore it on this tour, you can come back and check it out on your own.
WEST END
We also got to see colorful row houses of Stratton Place in Portland’s West End neighborhood, just across the street from Victoria Mansion.
Isn’t this just screaming to be an Instagram photo backdrop? Photo credit: Marcie Cheung
The row houses were built in the 1840s and there’s a nice grassy field right in front.
And the West End is also where you’ll find the Portland Fire Museum, which has it’s own tour.
That was basically the end of our tour! Glenn gave a few general travel tips for the area and talked about some of his favorite places to eat.
I left the tour feeling like I had a solid overview of the city and knew the places I wanted to come back later in my trip to explore further.
[irp posts=”10740″ name=”Explore Portland Aboard a Portland Maine Cruise”]
What You Need to Know about this Portland Sightseeing Tour:
HOW MANY WILL FIT?
The Portland Fire Engine tour can accommodate 13 people per ride.
IS IT HARD TO CLIMB UP?
Nope! There’s a little ladder with 5 steps and they have large hand rails attached. It’s easy to get up and down.
HOW TO GET TICKETS FOR THIS PORTLAND SIGHTSEEING TOUR:
If this 50 minute, narrated Portland sightseeing tour on a real fire truck sounds like a good fit for you and your family, I’d suggest getting tickets ahead of time.
Tickets are just $27 and you can buy your Portland Fire Tour tickets here.
GETTING THERE
Your tour will star and end at 180 Commercial St. They board right in front of the Portland Lobster Co. Restaurant.
WHERE TO PARK
Downtown Portland can be a tricky place to find parking. Make sure to leave extra early so you don’t feel rushed.
There is 2 hour metered parking available or you can find a local parking garage.
WHAT TO WEAR FOR THIS PORTLAND SIGHTSEEING TOUR
No matter what time of the year you go, it’s going to be windy. That’s just the nature of being on a peninsula and driving on hills.
So, I’d definitely wear a few layers and make sure your outer layer is wind-resistant.
Unlike many tours in Portland, Maine, this one has authentic fire fighter jackets you can wear during the tour and they shield the wind and chill very well!
CAN I BRING A STROLLER?
They have storage on the fire engine for strollers and belongings. This is awesome for families with babies who want to stroll around before or after the tour.
IS IT KID-FRIENDLY?
Completely! I mean, what kid doesn’t want an excuse to ride on a fire truck?
This Portland sightseeing tour is shorter than the trolley tour, which makes it even better for families with young children.
The guides are very professional and don’t say anything little ears shouldn’t hear.
ARE THERE PHOTO OPS?
OMG yes! There are tons of photo ops with fire helmets and decommissioned coats and they will take your photo on and in front of the fire truck.
The guides were awesome about taking photos! Photo credit: Glenn from Portland Fire Engine Co.
Plus, they let you wear the coats during the tour, so you can get cute photos of your friends and family.
And, the truck pulled over a few times at some of the stops so we could stand up in the truck and take photos of the attractions.
If you go:
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PORTLAND, MAINE
The Francis
For a Portland boutique hotel and spa, The Francis is a quaint 15 room inn.
They have family rooms and suites available, free parking and they have a restaurant and bar on property.
Portland Harbor Hotel
For Portland’s only AAA rated 4 diamond hotel in Old Port, check out the Portland Harbor Hotel.
They have 24 hour room service, valet, spa, restaurant and an Instagram-worthy lobby!
Old Port Style and Luxury
If you are looking for a Portland, Maine vacation rental, this one is right in the heart of Old Port.
It can sleep up to 6 people and is great for families with little kids. Easy walk to restaurants, attractions, and activities.
WHAT TO BRING ON THIS UNIQUE PORTLAND SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Camera
You’ll definitely want to have a camera because this tour showcases the city of Portland well. Plus, you’ll want to take advantage of all the photo ops!
If you want to use your cell phone for video, I highly recommend a gimbal to help stabilize your phone during the bumpy parts of the ride.
Warm Jacket
The wind is no joke!
Because this is an open air tour vehicle, it’s going to be cooler on board than if you were inside a tour bus.
But, this tour also goes to some spots that are extra windy!
So, if you are going in colder weather, I recommend this jacket. Otherwise, you should be fine with a wind/rain jacket.
Tip Money
In case you were wondering, yes gratuities are appreciated.
When I was there, they had a little rubber boot where you could put cash tips. Super cute!
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN PORTLAND, MAINE
Lucky Catch Cruises
Have you ever wanted to learn how to catch lobsters? Hop aboard this fun, hands-on boat ride into Casco Bay where you’ll learn the ins and outs of lobster fishing.
Plus, you’ll get to wear a real apron and gloves. And they have little lobster pants for kids!
Reserve your Lucky Catch ticket here.
Maine Foodie Tours
You can’t come to Portland, Maine and not try the food! And it’s so much more than lobster rolls!
Maine Foodie Tours offers several different walking tours featuring some of the many incredible restaurants all over Portland. Bring your appetite!
Reserve your Maine Foodie Tour ticket here.
Portland Explorer Tours
Want to see the most photographed lighthouse in Maine? Take a ride inside an air-conditioned van as you explore Portland’s famous lighthouses.
And you’ll also get a brief city tour. They have water and umbrellas available.
Reserve your Portland Explorer Tour tickets here.
Portland Fire Tours and Visit Portland hosted me as part of the Women in Travel Summit. All opinions are my own. It’s seriously cool!
[mailerlite_form form_id=3]