Across from the Visitor Centre dominating the waterfront is the dome at historic city hall. Not only is Kingston City Hall a stunning building, but it is also a National Historic Site of Canada. Walk around the prominent landmark that dates back to 1844. Take a tour of the building and learn about its history and the stunning architecture. Outside – and around the back away from the water – is a large open air square called Springer Market Square. This place is a hub for activities in all seasons. In the summer, there are farmers/flea markets, and “movie in the square”.
If you feel like shopping, Princess Street is the place to do it. Princess Street is downtown Kingston's main retail strip that cuts right through downtown all the way to the waterfront. Princess is great because there are loads of shops on the street. Many of them are local businesses selling things from food to artisan crafts, clothing, and other things! It is also lined with restaurants, cafés and bars, and some stunning limestone buildings. The streets that connect to Princess are also full of places to check out.
Fort Henry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is definitely a stop you should make when visiting Kingston! Fort Henry is actually part of a larger historical site known as “Kingston Fortifications National Historic Site”. This site includes the old fortifications around Kingston Harbour and the entrance to the Rideau Canal. This “authentic” experience in a British military fort is complete with tours, a restaurant, rifle shooting, and a sunset cannon firing ceremony in the summer.
If you are just hearing about Kingston, you might find out that it is home to one of Canada’s most (if not, THE most) notorious prisons: Kingston Penitentiary. Opened in 1835, this maximum security prison held Canada’s most dangerous criminals for decades. These days, “The Pen” as it’s called is open to the public. Take a tour of one of the country’s oldest prisons and experience what life was like behind bars. A guide will take you through the prison, with tours lasting around 90 minutes.
If you fancy a boat ride you can take the Wolfe Island ferry to – you guessed it – Wolfe Island. This island is a great summer time destination for beach seekers, and those looking to explore another part of the massive waterway. It’s actually super close to the American border – and you can take another ferry to go to the USA from the island if you want. The Wolfe Island ferry is free to get on and the crossing takes about 20 minutes! A popular thing to do is to rent a bike in Kingston and then take the ferry across to the island. You’ll end up in Marysville – a small town with a general store and a few waterfront places for a great pub lunch or a drink! Take your bike to explore the island, enjoy the day at the beach (Big Sandy Bay), and then catch the last ferry home.
If you want some fresh air, you can walk along the Kingston waterfront. There are walking paths/sidewalks along most of the areas close to downtown, in front of Queen’s University, west towards Portsmouth, and east towards Fort Henry across the Causeway bridge. Fun Fact – the Kingston Waterfront Trails are 8 kilometres and part of a WAY longer 900 km trail that runs from Niagara Falls and into Quebec. Breakwater Park can be used by just about anyone for anything. There are grassy hills to enjoy a picnic, lots of sand for the full beach experience, a pier to make cannonballs off of over and over again as well as a shallow area perfect for young kids who might still need water wings.
One of Ryan's favourites and worth the 30 minute drive to Bath! MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Co. is located on a bicentennial family farm, just outside of Kingston, Ontario. With over 200 years of farming heritage behind them, they decided to add a farm based brewery, using the hops, wheat, and barley grown right on their farm to brew beer which is emboldened with the unique character of rural Canada. They do this so beer patrons everywhere can share in the taste and tradition of their farm. They’ve renovated century old barns to house the equipment, and planted hops and malting barley in the surrounding fields. The character and history of this place shines through in every glass.
The popular activity that leaves from close to the downtown Visitor Centre is the 1000 Island Boat cruise. The waterway near Kingston – the Thousand Islands and the Saint Lawrence River – are historically very important and beautiful places to explore from the water. There are loads of different boat tours you can do – some are quick while others are the whole day. Some are sunset dinner cruises on different boats. You can pick the one you want and plan accordingly based on price and timelines.
Home to some of Ryan's family, Prince Edward County (PEC) is a perfect day trip if you're planning on a longer stay in town. Located about an hour away from Kingston, PEC has an abundance of natural beauty, small-town charm, wineries and culinary offerings. - Sandbanks Provincial Park, home to some of the largest, most beautiful beaches in Ontario. - Slickers Ice Cream - homemade ice cream named some of the best in Canada. Top flavours include Apple Pie and Campfire. - Wineries, cideries, and breweries - PEC is the fastest growing wine region in Ontario! While there are over 40 winemakers, favourites include Sandbanks, The Grange, Norman Hardie (complete with wood fired pizza on the patio), the County Cider Company, and Lake on the Mountain Brewing Company. - Live music at the Acoustic Grill - Shop: visit the charming shops on Main Street in Bloomfield and Picton for unique clothing boutiques, vintage shops and home stores.
Kingston has one of the highest restaurants per capita of any city in Canada! While there are many to choose from, here are some of our favourites: Wooden Heads (gourmet wood fired pizzas) Tango Nuevo (tapas & cocktails) Chez Piggy (fine dining) AquaTerra The Pilot House (fish & chips) The Kingston Brew Pub Olivea Casa Domenico Sima Sushi The Toucan Tir Nan Og Irish Pub Reservations are recommended for many of these restaurants. In the mood for something specific? Contact Whitney for a personalized recommendation.
Kingston Food Tours is a walking tour of Kingston's hip and historic downtown that blends tastings at the best local restaurants with an insider's perspective on the city's history and culture. Their tours focus on unique shops, restaurants, artisans, and farmers who contribute to Kingston's thriving local food movement. They are a locally owned and operated business with a passion for food, travel and most of all their home city. They can't wait to help you explore and fall in love with Kingston on a fun, educational, and delicious tour!
The expert Haunted Walk guides will introduce you to Kingston’s dark and spooky past. Explore historic Sydenham Ward or brave the narrow tunnels of Fort Henry and hear true stories of ghosts, graveyards, and hangings that haunt our city! Tours range from 30 minutes to 2 hours and explore Kingston’s most haunted spots at night.