When you’re seeking to journey regionally, Canada has some implausible locations that usually go undiscovered by locals. When you’re searching for enjoyable issues to do in Kingston, Ontario, you’ve come to the best place! Kingston was featured on The Wonderful Race Canada. It was house to the lead singer for the enduring Canadian band The Tragically Hip. Gord Downie handed away at 53 not too way back.
Kinston is chock-full of historical past as effectively. It was as soon as the capital of Canada (1841 to 1844) earlier than Ottawa took over. It was house to Canada’s first prime minister Sir John A. Macdonald. It has two forts (Fort Henry, and Fort Frontenac), Queen’s College and a historic penitentiary (Kingston Pen), which as soon as held the notorious harmful offender Paul Bernardo,
So in case you’re on the town for the weekend or simply passing via and desirous to discover the world, this complete listing of 37 issues to do in Kingston will get you began.
This text is now accessible as a cellular app. Go to GPSmyCity to obtain the app for GPS-assisted journey instructions to the points of interest featured on this article.
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A Little Little bit of Kingston Historical past
- Kingston is nicknamed the “Limestone Metropolis” due to the numerous heritage buildings constructed utilizing native limestone.
- Kingston was as soon as named the primary capital of the United Province of Canada on February 10, 1841. Whereas its time as a capital metropolis was quick (ending in 1844), the neighborhood has remained a crucial army set up
- It’s also house to The Thousand Islands vacationer area.
How To Journey To Kingston
As talked about above, Kingston is heading to or from the bigger cities. And also you’re only a 3-hour journey from Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. This makes it fairly accessible, and there are many methods to succeed in your vacation spot.
- Kingston Airport (YGK), often known as Norman Rogers Airport, is inside a 15-minute drive to the town’s historic downtown core.
- There are buses going to Kingston from most main centres round Canada.
- My favorite option to journey between the cities, you’ll be able to hop on a prepare from lots of the main cities and arrive safely in Kingston.
- This selection provides you probably the most freedom to plan your Kingston itinerary. You may cease alongside the best way and luxuriate in surrounding points of interest, and if you’re within the metropolis, you might have dependable, impartial transportation.
What Do In Kingston, Ontario This Weekend…
FYI., This listing is fairly lengthy, so that you’ll want no less than two days to finish it. When you don’t have that lengthy, decide your favourites and just do these.
1) Cease Off At The Massive Apple (From Toronto)
Location: 262 Orchard Rd, Colborne
Opening hours: Mon-Solar 8 am to 7 pm
The Massive Apple is one other a type of locations you drive by in your option to or from someplace else. When driving by, it’s exhausting to overlook Mr. Applehead, an observatory and the world’s largest apple-shaped construction the place you’ll be able to climb up and get nice views of the encircling countryside.
The petting zoo and the mini-golf course for the youngsters apart, the apple pie is known.
The Night time Earlier than…
2) Take pleasure in Indian Delicacies At Curry Authentic Kingston
Location: 175 Bagot St
Opening hours: Tues-Solar 5 pm to 9 pm
Curry Authentic’s house owners have been pioneers of nice Indian Delicacies in Kingston for the previous 25 years. Utilizing solely genuine Indian herbs, each dish you eat – accompanied by the restaurant environment (artwork on the partitions, wealthy, spicy aromas) feels such as you simply landed in India. When you like Indian meals, that is the spot.
Things To Do In Kingston This Weekend – Day 1
3) Try Out Delicious Treats From Pan Chancho Bakery
Location: 44 Princess St
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 8 am to 5 pm
Pan Chancho Bakery is a delicious European-style bakery, a gourmet food shop and a dine-in cafe. They sell all artisanal bread, pastries, cakes and gourmet grab-and-go deli items. They even have a line of canned goods and frozen meals.
They have local beers on tap in the evening, signature cocktails and wines. You can choose to have your meal on their courtyard patio or in a private dining room.
4) Take A Guided Tour Of Kingston City Hall
Location: 216 Ontario St
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Kingston’s City Hall is a national historic site and the centre for administering and governing the City of Kingston. It was built in 1844 and is one of the finest century buildings in Canada. There are free guided tours for those who want to learn more about its heritage and architecture.
5) Walk Through Confederation Park
Location: Between Ontario St and Waterfront Pathway
Opening hours: 24/7
Confederation Park is nicknamed – the heart and soul of Kingston. It’s the perfect spot to do your morning walk, watch the sunset or hang out. Concerts and festivals are also held there. This is one of the top things to see in Kingston.
6) Investigate Shoal Tower National Historic Site
Location: Seen from the Waterfront Pathway
Opening hours: 24/7
The Shoal Tower National Historic Site is a heritage site built as part of the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) and used by the college for artillery training.
7) Check Out The Spirit Of Sir John A. Canadian Pacific
Location: 209 Ontario St
Opening hours: 24/7
The Spirit of Sir John A., also called Engine 1095 is one of the rarest symbols of 19th-century technology and industry that still exists today. This is a great stop-off to get a few photos and take in the stunning train. Kingston was once home to the Canadian Locomotive Company for over 100 years. This company built over 3,000 steam, electric and diesel engines for the Canadian Pacific Railway, including ‘The Spirit of Sir John A.’
8) Step Inside The Charming St. George Cathedral
Location: 270 King St E
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10 am to 4 pm
St. George Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in Kingston, known for retaining its old charm. It’s a local landmark and quite a sight to behold. There are still religious services inside the church, but you can visit outside worship hours to admire the structure.
9) Walk Along LaSalle Causeway
Location: LaSalle Causeway
Opening hours: 24/7
LaSalle Causeway is a bascule bridge – which I admit I needed to look up. Bascule means movable bridge, and it was named after René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, who oversaw the construction of Fort Frontenac in 1673, now the western end of the causeway.
10) Visit A Military Museum. The Royal Military College of Canada
Location: 13 General Crerar Crescent
Opening hours: Mon to Fri 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Admission is free.
The Royal Military College of Canada is located in Kingston, Ontario. It was founded in 1883 as the Royal Military College of Kingston.
The museum displays many artifacts, including war trophies, guns, aircraft, ships, and tanks. The museum houses more than 7,000 objects and features exhibits about the Royal Military College of Canada with interactive games and activities for children.
11) Tour Fort Frederick
Location: 15 Passchendale Dr #9
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8 am to 4:30 pm
Frederick is a historic military building located on Point Frederick on the grounds of the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC). Its construction dates back to 1846 and the Oregon boundary dispute.
The fort consists of earthworks surrounding a Martello tower. It is included in two National Historic Sites of Canada: Kingston Fortifications National Historic Site and the Point Frederick Buildings National Historic Site
12) Head To Fort Henry
Location: 1 Fort Henry Dr
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 9:30 am – 5 pm
The original Fort Henry was built in the 18th century. It is located between Great Britain (Canada being a British colony at the time) and the United States of America but bears no resemblance to the existing fort. During the War of 1812, the British anticipated an attack on Point Henry due to its proximity to the Royal Naval Dockyards and to the mouth of the St. Lawrence River.
13) Grab A Drink At Sir John A. Pub (The Public House)
Location: 343 King St E
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11 am to 2 am; Sun 10:30 am to 2 am
The Public House is a cozy pub in the heart of historic downtown Kingston in a building that once served as the law office to Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first Prime Minister.
Earlier this year, the bar came under fire because it was named after Sir John A. Macdonald, which didn’t have a stellar reputation for his treatment of Aboriginals. In the spirit of reconciliation with our Native Canadians, lobbyists started protesting in front of the pub, which caused the owner to drop Sir John’s name and call it The Public House. Many controversies started on whether this was a good or bad move.
In addition to Sir John A. There are several other great pubs in Kingston besides Pub (The Public House): The Iron Duke on Wellington St., Red House Tavern on Spring Gardens Rd., and Tir Nan Og on King St. W.
14) Pig-Out At Chez Piggy
Location: 68 Princess St
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11:30 am to 9 pm; Sat & Sun 10:30 am to 9 pm
Chez Piggy is Kingston’s best-known restaurant since 1979, even though it is in what was once an abandoned limestone horse stable. Bet you didn’t see that one coming!
The flavours of world travel inspire their menu and are a destination in itself for foodies. It is perfect for afternoon cocktails on the courtyard patio, your family celebration, a night out with friends or a romantic dinner.
Oh, and to bring everything full circle Chez Piggy gets all its bread from Pan Chancho Bakery.
What To Do In Kingston This Weekend? – Day 2
15) Satisfy Caffeine and Sugar Cravings – Crave Cafe, Kingston
Location: 166 Princess St
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 7:30 am to 8 pm
CRAVE Coffee House & Bakery is Kingston’s largest independently owned and operated coffee house, scratch bakery, and a full-service kitchen. If you have a sweet tooth like me you’ll definitely love their seashell macarons, butter tarts and gluten-free carrot cake.
16) Go Straight To Jail – Kingston Penitentiary
Location: 560 King St W
Opening hours: Wed-Sun 8:40 am to 6 pm
Kingston Penitentiary is Canada’s oldest and most notorious maximum-security prison. Once considered a dumping ground for Canada’s diabolical criminals, it’s most well-known for holding one of Canada’s most notorious and evil inmates – Paul Bernardo.
A standard tour costs $35 each and, honestly, was one of the best tours we’ve ever taken. The tour incorporates stories told by the actual guards who once worked there.
17) Visit Historic Portsmouth Tavern
Location: 560 King St W
Opening hours: Mon to Thurs 11 am – 6 pm, Fri to Sat 11 am – 12 am
The waterfront walking trail west will have you passing the Kingston Penitentiary, taking you to Portsmouth Village. While there isn’t much to do here other than visiting the Portsmouth Tavern, an old, classic bar/restaurant from 1863. Known locally as The Ports.
18) Explore The PumpHouse Museum
Location: 23 Ontario Street
Opening hours: Mon to Thurs 11 am – 6 pm, Fri to Sat 11 am – 12 am
A Steam Museum is a great place to see how people used to get around. People would use steam engines to power trains, ships, or even cars. The Pumphouse is fun for kids to learn about steam engines and modern technology.
19) Explore The Bellevue House
Location: 35 Centre St
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10 am to 5 pm
Bellevue House National Historic Site of Canada was the home to Prime Minister Sir John Alexander Macdonald from 1848 to 1849. It was constructed around 1840 and is one of Canada’s first examples of Italian Villa architecture. Sir John A. Macdonald moved into the house with his wife, Isabella Clark and their son John Alexander in 1848. A trip here includes an old maid as your guide, who shares her story and narrates the house’s rich history.
20) Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts
Since its launch in 2014, the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts has become a destination for theatre and concert lovers across Ontario.
Located on the campus of Queen’s University, the Center boasts a 560-seat concert hall, a 92-seat screening room for films, and a rehearsal hall for up-and-coming performers. From classical music to jazz and theatre performances, the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts offers something for everyone.
The Center’s vibrant interior, made of wood finishes, is something to behold and can only be fully appreciated when you take in a show.
21) Learn About Murney Tower
Location: 2 King St W
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10 am to 5 pm
The Murney Tower was built in 1846 because of the Oregon Crisis to defend the St. Lawrence River from an American invasion. In 2007, Murney Tower became part of the Rideau Canal and Kingston Fortifications World Heritage Site – the 14th World Heritage Site in Canada and the only one in Ontario.
22) Marine Museum of the Great Lakes
Just a stone’s throw from Battery Park and beside the iconic dry dock in Kingston, the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes is a great place to learn about the city’s maritime history.
Founded in 1975, the museum houses books, photos, artifacts, and other research material related to shipping on the Great Lakes, and it provides guided tours, workshops, and educational programming. The dry dock, built in 1892 to service larger vessels, is a focal point of the museum, and the displays dedicated to its history are genuinely fascinating.
23) Discover Queen’s University Campus
Location: 99 University Ave
Opening hours: Visitors can take scheduled or self-guided tours
Queen’s University is a public research university in Canada. It was founded on October 16, 1841, via a royal charter issued by Queen Victoria, but what’s interesting is the University predates Canada’s founding by 26 years. Even if you’re too old to consider applying for the University, you can visit the building and learn more about its history.
24) Check Out Some Art At The Agnes Etherington Art Center
Location: 36 University Ave
Opening hours: Mon Closed, Tues-Fri 10:00 am to 4:30 pm, Sat-Sun 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
The Agnes Etherington Art Centre, located on the Queen’s University campus, is great for seeing some art. The Agnes is not very big but has many interesting pieces on display, including 3 Rembrandts. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated. It is located near the Trolley Tour stop. (More on the Trolley below)
25) Explore City Park
City Park is a large green space in Kingston where the locals go to play sports, walk around, skate, or picnic. With plaques and monuments scattered throughout the park, you can learn more about Kingston while escaping Kingston.
26) Indulge Yourself At Dianne’s Fish Shack & Smoke House
Location: 195 Ontario St
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11:30 am to 9 pm; Sat & Sun 10:30 am to 9 pm
Just steps from the waterfront is a classic East Coast Kitchen that meets the flavours of Mexico! Think lobster rolls, fish n’ chips & oysters, tacos, guacamole & Mexican BBQ. Plus, savoury grilled Just steps from the waterfront is a classic East Coast Kitchen that meets the flavours of Mexico! You can grab ice-cold craft beer & local wine on tap from the bar: premium whiskies & tequilas, refreshing cocktails and the city’s best fresh-squeezed lime margaritas. Plus, savoury grilled steaks, burgers, salads, sandwiches and more! Think lobster rolls, fish n’ chips & oysters, tacos, guacamole, & Mexican BBQ.
27) Feast On All Things Sweet and Frozen At Mio Gelato
Location: 178 Ontario St
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 12 pm to 10 pm
In 2010, Mio Gelato served the best gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt and ice cream. Locals say they “come for the gelato, but stay for the sorbet.” Mango pineapple is the best flavour for sorbet, and charcoal coconut for gelato.
28) Visit The KBC Kingston
Location: 34 Clarence St
Opening hours: Sat-Thurs 12 to 10 pm; Fri 12 to 11 pm
The Kingston Brewing Company is Ontario’s oldest brewpub and is Canada’s oldest wine-producing pub. Beers, wines, ciders and soda pops are made on the premises. A courtyard, street-front patio, and a banquet room (known as the Dragon’s Lair) make this pub a must-visit. It has an extensive collection of beer memorabilia and pub photos, which can get distracting.
The KBC building was used as a telegraph office, and the original vaults are still in use.
29) Watch the Frontenacs Play At Leon’s Center
Location: 1 The Tragically Hip Way
The Leon’s Centre is the main arena in downtown Kingston and is home to the Kingston Frontenacs OHL team. The Leon’s Centre is the biggest arena in Kingston, Ontario. You can buy tickets online, but hockey season typically runs from September-April.
30) Take A Hike Along Kingston Waterfront Trail
Walking along the waterfront is excellent exercise and a relaxing way to spend time. There are benches, tables, and even a swimming pool. Plus, you can also see the city skyline in the distance.
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Tours To Do In Kingston
Guided tours can be a great option for anyone looking to experience as much of the city as possible quickly. They’re also a great way to meet other visitors, and of course, your tour guide is usually a bundle of information and travel advice.
31) 1000 Island Cruises – 9 Min Kingston Discovery Cruise
Location: 248 Ontario St, Kingston
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10 am – 7 pm
Average cost: $35 Canadian per adult
Kingston’s Discovery Cruise introduces the unique sights and heritage of the 1000 Islands region and the historic waterfront of Canada’s First Capital. This cruise passes close to National Park Islands and National Historic Sites. It includes a lively narration of Kingston’s history and natural setting. It focuses on the history and waterfront of Kingston and its place at the beginning of the St Lawrence River and the 1000 Islands region.
Note: If you prefer to see things from above, there are also 1000 Island helicopter tours accessible.
Our expensive pal Kathryn from Kathryn Wherever wrote all about it HERE: How To Vacation With Kids In The 1000 Islands. As well as, our long-time pal Kevin from Wandering Wagers wrote the Complete Guide To Thousand Islands National Park and A Tale of Two Castles in the Thousand Islands.
32) Hop-On-Hop-Off Trolley Tour
Location: Assembly level at 209 Ontario Avenue
Opening hours: Mon-Solar 9 am to five pm
Common value: From $30 Canadian
While you’re quick on time, getting round to each must-see on this listing might be tough. For this reason a hop-on-hop-off trolley works so well for Kingston sightseeing. You get a lift to the big-ticket spots, enough time to get off and explore, and then a punctual pick-up and off to the next one.
Buy a 48-hour pass to the trolley, and you can space your trip out between the two days. This will mean less rushing and more time to delve into Kingston’s history.
33) Ghost Trolley Tour
Location: Meeting point at 209 Ontario Street
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 9 am to 5 pm
Average cost: $40 Canadian
For something a little different, take a guided ghost tour through Kingston’s older, apparently haunted areas. Enjoy a spooky trolley ride via the town as your information tells legends and tales concerning the historical past of mysterious buildings. You additionally get the prospect to get out and stroll via the cemetery – in case you dare.
34) Metropolis Strolling Excursions
Location: Varied
Opening hours: Varied
Common value: Some are free
Typically one of the best ways to see any new vacation spot is on foot. This helps you sluggish issues down and get a lay of the land. A guided stroll via the town enables you to see the landmarks, buildings, and Kingston points of interest you’re passing by.
You may decide your favorite walks from historic, structure, meals, and even haunted strolls. Or do this walking tour with tea.
Issues To Do Close to Kingston
35) Discover the Kingston Mills Locks
Location: Kingston Mills Rd
The identical canal that runs via the metropolis of Ottawa, Rideau, is alongside the identical route because the Kingston Mills Locks. A park close by is great for picnics, or you’ll be able to hire a ship and discover elements of the Rideau Canal.
36) Hike Lemoine Level Conservation Space
Location: 1440 Coverdale Dr
When you’re searching for a good looking place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the town, then Lemoine Level is an efficient possibility.
Between Collins Bay and Kingston Airport, Lemoine Level Conservation Space includes discipline, forest & marsh. The lakeside nature space gives trails & picnic spots, and nice views over the bay.
37) Reside within the nineteenth century At Higher Canada Village
Location: 13740 County Rd 2, Morrisburg, ON
About 1:half-hour from Kingston is Higher Canada Village, in-built 1875, and it reveals how individuals lived again then. There have been many retailers and companies, together with a blacksmith store, a miller’s store, a shoemaker’s store, a basic retailer, a tavern, a resort, a schoolhouse, a health care provider’s workplace, a submit workplace, a financial institution, a dentist’s workplace, a grocer’s store, a bakery, a newspaper workplace, a telegraph workplace, a library, and a barbershop.
38) Take the Ferry to Wolfe Island
Wolfe Island is a part of Frontenac County and the Township of Frontenac Islands. It’s the largest island in Lake Superior, with Marysville its greatest city. Wolfe Island is a good looking summer season trip place with many seashores, enjoyable and enjoyable actions, fishing, swimming, mountain climbing and biking, {golfing}, horseriding, kayaking, canoeing, crusing, and extra!
39. Take pleasure in Nature in Frontenac Provincial Park
Only a quick 40-minute drive from Kingston lies the 13,000-acre Frontenac Provincial Park. On the intersection of the Canadian Defend and the Adirondack Mountains, guests can expertise a singular mix of rugged pure magnificence.
The park’s various ecosystems, together with lush forests, wetlands and rugged granite outcrops, are simply begging to be explored. Canoe and kayak on one of many 20 lakes, with North and South Otter Lakes, whereas hikers, campers and anglers will discover lots to do too, with over 100 kilometres of trails, wilderness adventures and lakeside tenting.
The park is house to varied wildlife, together with wolves, bears, foxes, mink and otters, so maintain your eyes peeled. Winter actions like cross-country snowboarding and snowshoeing are additionally common, making this the proper year-round getaway!
40) Drive From The Former Canadian Capital TO The Present One (Ottawa)
Slightly below 2 hours from Kingston is The capital of Canada, Ottawa. When you’ve by no means been to Ottawa, this is able to be a superb time to go to. Ottawa has a lot to supply, whether or not you want museums, purchasing, meals, tradition, historical past, nature, artwork, or simply leisure.
In Ottawa, there are numerous issues to do, comparable to visiting Parliament Hill, the Byward Market, the Nationwide Gallery of Artwork, the ByWard Museum, the ByWard Historic Society, the Canadian Battle Museum, and extra!
Locations To Keep In Kingston, Ontario + Map
Delta Accommodations Kingston Waterfront
The Delta is situated proper on the lake and near many eating places, plus it’s additionally simple to get round on foot. The room’s common is round CAD 220 and is clear and effectively maintained, with most rooms having views overlooking the harbour or the lake. The resort additionally has its in-house award-winning restaurant, Aqua Terra.
Econo Lodge Metropolis Centre
The Econo Lodge Metropolis Centre is for these searching for a room underneath CAD 200 per evening with a free breakfast. It’s a two-star lodging providing a modest, clear room with a snug mattress. Easy is nice.
Take pleasure in Extra Kingston Weekend Getaways
I can see why my colleague was raving about visiting Kingston. It’s a good looking metropolis…and no, Toronto is just not the centre of the universe… it’s the centre of Canada. All kidding apart, I’d come again right here once more or, on the very least, purposely cease by for the day or spend the evening on my option to Montreal or Ottawa. There may be a lot historical past right here, tales, and true Canadians with real Canadian friendliness.
When you’re a foodie and don’t thoughts making the 28-minute drive to the close by city of Gananoque, our good pal Chris from Touring Mitch wrote about The Best Restaurants in Gananoque, Ontario! for Final Ontario.
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