Franklin Tours: A Family Legacy on the 401 Corridor
Based in Belleville, Ontario, Franklin Tours/Coach Lines is a family-owned motorcoach company with roots reaching back to the early 1950s. Founded by Franklin and Doris Smith, the business was built on four simple principles: honesty, integrity, excellence, and personalized service. Those values, set in motion more than 70 years ago, still guide every trip the company operates today.
Franklin Tours began in 1951, serving local travelers who wanted a safe, comfortable way to explore destinations near and far. From the start, the Smiths focused on doing things the right way—clear communication, fair policies, and a genuine concern for each passenger’s experience. Over time, the company expanded from short regional outings to a full range of day and overnight motorcoach tours, as well as charter services for groups of 16 to 56 passengers.
Operating along the busy 401 corridor, Franklin Tours invested steadily in its fleet, adding modern, accessible coaches designed for comfort, safety, and ease of travel. These upgrades allowed the company to welcome a wider range of travelers, including seniors, families, and groups with mobility needs, while maintaining the warm, personal touch that set the business apart in its early years.
Today, the legacy of Franklin and Doris continues under the leadership of the next generation. Since 2010, Craig and Matt Smith have overseen the company, bringing fresh energy while preserving the core values that built its reputation. Together, they represent more than 70 years of combined experience in the transportation industry, using that knowledge to design curated trips that balance sightseeing, relaxation, and social connection.
Franklin Tours’ history is not just a story of buses and routes, but of relationships. Many customers return year after year, booking multiple tours and often requesting the same drivers and guides. Word-of-mouth recommendations, built on decades of reliable service, have helped the company grow while remaining firmly rooted in the Belleville community.
From its founding in 1951 to its present-day operations along the 401, Franklin Tours/Coach Lines stands as a testament to what can happen when a small family business stays true to its principles. Honesty, integrity, excellence, and personalized service—first promised by Franklin and Doris Smith—continue to define every journey the company offers.