Enjoy 35-minute historically narrated tours or private charters of the James River & Kanawha Canal
along the historic Canal Walk in a covered boat that accommodates up to 38 passengers and departs on
the hour from the Turning Basin between 14th and Dock Streets in downtown Richmond's River District.
Richmond's canals began in 1789 after George Washington lobbied the General Assembly to proceed with
his vision of a canal and turnpike system that would connect the harbors of the east to the trade and
market opportunities in the west. Today, you can enjoy the journey through the River District from April
through November.
For more information, or to book a private charter, call Venture Richmond at (804)788-6466 or (804)649-2800.
The Old Dominion Railway Museum offers a brisk walking tour lasting about 1.5 hours. See a half-mile wide view of the James River plus a panoramic view of
the city skyline and historic sites including Belle Isle, Tredegar Iron Works, The Hotel Jefferson, State Capitol and two rail bridges. Tours are free and
take place the second Sunday of every month at 2 p.m., departing from the museum. Wheelchair accessibility by advance arrangement. Admission and parking
are free. Donations are appreciated.
For more information, call (804)233-6237.
Take a serene guided walk along the James River to observe plants and animals. The James River Park Visitors' Center, a division of the Department of Parks,
Recreation & Community Facilities offers nature classes throughout the year. School and community groups may schedule educational nature programs such as
seasonal hikes along the river, history and ecology tours, hands-on sessions
with live reptiles, river explorations, and sensory walks for the physically
challenged. Group programs are generally scheduled Tuesday through Friday and have a nominal fee per student.
Call (804)646-8911 for an updated schedule.
Historic Neighborhood Walking Tours
Feel at home in Richmond by touring some of the City's oldest neighborhoods,
including Jackson Ward, Carver, Barton Heights, Highland Park and Manchester.
Half-hour walking tours reveal architecture such as Greek Revival, Colonial and
Victorian. Tours are offered on Saturdays after neighborhood workshops on
buying and renovating old homes. Donations appreciated.
For more information, call Valentine History Center (804) 649-0711.
Spend a Sunday visiting the historical graves at Hollywood Cemetery. See the
resting grounds of famous people such as presidents Monroe and Tyler, Jefferson
Davis and J.E.B. Stuart. Tours start at 2 p.m. on the last day of Sunday of the
Month, from March through October. Other tour destinations include the Capitol
Square area and Shockoe. Admission is $5. For more information, call (804)222-8595.
Slave Trail Tours
Take a walk along the Slave Trail. The trail starts at Ancarrow's Landing in
the James River Park System. Walk the trail many imported slaves took upon
their arrival and entry into Virginia at Manchester Docks to Richmond. The same
route also took some slaves sold from Lumpkin's Jail and other establishments
in downtown Richmond during the antebellum years to the docks to be exported.
The walk is 1.3 miles in length. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
Group tours can be arranged by calling (804)646-8911.
Richmond History Tours
Located at 1015 E. Clay St. Map It,
the Valentine Richmond History Center offers a variety of walking and bus tours of the Richmond area, including walking tours of the downtown area every Monday through Saturday, May through October, and tours of Hollywood Cemetery every Monday through Saturday, April through October. Additional tours visit neighborhoods such as Church Hill, the Canal Walk, Monument Avenue, The Fan, Carytown, the Museum District, Ginter Park and more. Bus tours address topics such as the Civil War, the American Revolution, Jewish History in Richmond, African American History, and Historic Cemeteries. Custom and private group tours are available, as well as step-on guide service.
A public schedule is posted on the History Center’s website.
For information about private and group tours, contact the Tour Department, tours@richmondhistorycenter.com, (804) 649-0711 x319. Prices vary. Some tours require reservations.
For rate information or other details, call (804)649-0711.
A Google Search listing various tour companies in Richmond.