Planning a trip to Kingston soon? This guide to the best things to do in Kingston Ontario is here to help you plan your trip!
I recently spent 3 days exploring Kingston with Visit Kingston, and it really opened my eyes to what a vibrant and historic city Kingston really is!
I already knew Kingston was charming and full of stunning architecture, which I discovered during my first trip to Kingston at Christmas time a few years ago.
But I hadn’t realized just how many things there are to see and do in Kingston!
After spending 3 awesome days learning all about Kingston’s intriguing history and experiencing the best of what Kingston has to offer, I knew I had to put together a guide to help you plan an epic visit to Kingston too.
Before we get started, you might also want to check out these posts:
- The Most Instagrammable Places in Kingston Ontario
- 8 Magical Christmas Towns in Ontario
- 20 Best Things to do in Stratford Ontario
- 29 Instagrammable Places in Toronto – Outdoor Photo Spots
- 16 Instagrammable Pink Places in Toronto
- 30 Best Picnic Spots in Toronto
- 13 Best Beaches in Toronto you Need to Visit this Summer
And be sure to follow me on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. I share a lot of travel content on those that never make it to the blog!
Now, pack your bags and get ready to discover what makes Kingston, Ontario such a great destination.
Getting to Kingston
The city of Kingston, which was actually Canada’s first capital city, is almost at the halfway point between Toronto and Montreal.
There are of course a few different ways you can get to Kingston, but here are my top recommendations!
Getting to Kingston by plane
My favourite (and the most stress free) way to get to Kingston is by plane.
I live in Montreal, and PASCAN airlines just launched their direct flights to Kingston.
It made the process of getting there and back a breeze!
Due the plane’s small size, the line at the airport for PASCAN was basically non existent, and I was through security in no time.
The flight itself was only 45 minutes and incredibly smooth.
With such short flight times it really makes Kingston a great weekend destination for those of us living in Montreal!
It’s also important to note that downtown Kingston is very walkable.
Although some attractions (like the penitentiary and Fort Henry) are a little further out, Uber prices in Kingston are very reasonable so you really don’t need a car.
PS – coming from Toronto instead? There are lots of flight options through other airlines to get to Kingston from Toronto too!
Getting to Kingston by car
Another great way to get to Kingston is by car.
Located just a 2.5 hour drive from Toronto and 3 hour drive from Montreal, Kingston is definitely a great road trip destination.
Getting around Kingston
As I mentioned previously, downtown Kingston is extremely walkable so having a car while you visit is not necessary.
A lot of attractions, sights, restaurants, and bars are all within walking distance.
It’s a great opportunity to get in your steps while you explore!
Plus there are just so many beautiful buildings and architecture to see along the way.
There are a few attractions like the Kinston Penitentiary and Fort Henry that are further and will require taking an Uber or cab.
The Ubers in Kingston though are not only super reasonable, they are also very quick.
I don’t think I waited over 5 minutes for an Uber ever!
How much time do you need to explore Kingston?
If you want to have a decent visit in Kingston and have enough time to really explore the best of what Kingston has to offer, I would suggest staying 2-3 days.
You will quickly see in this post that Kingston has so many great activities, attractions, restaurants, and things to do.
Kingston makes for a great long weekend destination for those living in neighbouring parts of Ontario and Quebec.
And it also makes for a great destination for those visiting from elsewhere who want to spend a few days in Canada’s first capital city before visiting Toronto, Montreal or Ottawa.
Where to stay in Kingston?
Like any city, Kingston has some really great hotels and airbnbs.
But if you want a truly unique experience you have to stay at one of the boutique hotels that are in heritage homes on the historic Sydenham street!
Sydenham street is located in Sydenham Ward, which is the most historic quarter of Kingston.
Here you can expect to find beautiful & historic old heritage buildings that really give you a taste of what life was like in Kingston back in the day.
Stay at the Rosemount Inn
During my 3 days in Kingston, I stayed at the beautiful Rosemount Inn.
The Rosemount Inn is one of the very popular boutique hotels and inns in the Sydenham Ward.
Located in a stunning historic victorian home, The Rosemount Inn perfectly blends timeless design with modern comforts.
I absolutely loved my stay here, and the attention to detail at the Rosemount Inn is something truly spectacular.
From the welcome bottle of bubbly that was waiting for me in my room, to the batch of freshly made cookies that are served to guests in the afternoons, to the absolutely delicious home cooked breakfast that was enjoyed by all guests around the communal dinning table, The Rosemount Inn spares no attention to detail.
The Rosemount Inn features eleven guest rooms which are each uniquely designed and offer lush accommodations and curated amenities.
During my visit I stayed in the Coach house which was a delightfully sprawling 2 floor suite with a large living and dining area, kitchenette, fireplace, bedroom, and bathroom with a jacuzzi tub.
I thoroughly enjoyed my 2 nights spent at the Rosemount Inn and can not recommend them enough!
You can check the latest rates for the Rosemount Inn here.
Now, onto the guide to the best things to do in Kingston!
The best things to do in Kingston Ontario
This list to the best things to do in Kingston Ontario is organized in no particular order.
However, it includes everything from Kingston’s top attractions, to the best sights in Kingston, best restaurants, bars and so much more!
1. Stop at the Kingston Visitor’s Information Centre
Address: 209 Ontario St.
Although I mentioned above that this guide to the top things to do in Kingston is not organized in any particular order, a great place to start is with a visit to Kingston’s Visitor’s Information Centre.
Kingston’s Visitor Information Centre is located along the waterfront and right in front of Kingston’s stunning City Hall.
Here you can not only get all the information you need about the many attractions and sights there are in Kingston, but you can book tours and activities right on site which makes it a great place to start your trip.
A lot of tours start from right here or nearby, so it’s great to get familiar with the area so that you’ll know where to go.
While you’re here you can also check out the old steam engine that was restored and is now on display along the waterfront, check out the cool vintage red phonebooth, or take a photo with the Kingston sign (where you get to be the “I”!).
2. Go on the Sightseeing Kingston Red Trolley Tour to learn about Kingston’s history and architecture
Address: 209 Ontario St.
The first thing that I did after visiting Kingston’s Visitor’s Information Centre was take a tour on the Sightseeing Kingston Red Trolly!
The Kingston Trolley Tour is a great way to get your bearings of the city of Kingston and see what there is to explore during your time in the city.
This 1 hour tour will take you to all of Kingston’s most exciting and historic spots, from Fort Henry to the Kingston Penitentiary, through the downtown core, Queen’s University, Sydenham Ward neighborhood and so much more.
During your tour in one of the iconic red trollies, your guide will explain all about Kingston’s rich history, the architecture, and the importance of certain landmarks both in the past and today.
The Kingston Trolley Tour pick up and drop off point are right outside of the Kingston Visitor’s Information Centre so it’s a great first activity to start your time in Kingston!
Plus, once you’ve seen the sights of Kingston from the trolley, you will know exactly which ones you want to prioritize visiting during your time in Kingston.
The Sightseeing Kingston Trolley Tour is definitely one of the top attractions in Kingston and you won’t want to miss it!
You can get your tickets for the Sightseeing Kingston Trolley Tour here
3. Do a tour of the Kingston Penitentiary – Canada’s most notorious maximum security prison!
Address: 560 King St W
If there’s one thing you absolutely have to do while in Kingston, it’s visit and tour the Kingston Penitentiary!
This is hands down one of the best things to do in Kingston, and it makes for such an interesting activity.
The Kingston Penitentiary Tour gives you the unique chance to go behind the walls and explore Canada’s oldest and most notorious maximum security prison.
I found Kingston Pen Tour to be so interesting!
As someone who loved visiting Alcatraz in San Francisco, this is definitely a must do tour.
There is just so much history in a place like the Kingston Penitentiary, and it really makes for a fascinating day.
Not only is it really neat to get to see what life looked like behind bars, but you also get the chance to hear stories from correctional officers who worked there when it was open.
By the way, I did the extended tour (which is 2.5 hours long) but they also offer a standard tour and express tour.
I highly recommend the extended tour though!
You can book your tickets for the Kingston Penitentiary Tour here
4. Visit Canada’s Penitentiary Museum
Address: 555 King Street West
Located across the street from the Kingston Penitentiary and housed in Cedarhedge, the former residence of the warden of Kingston Pen, is Canada’s Penitentiary Museum.
Canada’s Penitentiary Museum is an award-winning museum that is dedicated to preserving the history of our federal penitentiaries
If you find both history and correctional services fascinating, you will love a visit to Canada’s Penitentiary Museum.
It is also important to note that admission is by charitable donation, so even if you just want to pop by for a quick peek after a visit to the Kingston Penitentiary you don’t have to pay a full museum admission fee!
Grab a coffee and lunch at Juniper Cafe
Address: 370 King St W
Juniper Cafe is known as one of the most instagrammable cafes in Kingston, and is definitely worth a visit for coffee and a snack, or lunch!
Located along the waterfront in the TETT Centre for Creativity and Learning, and just an 8 minute walk from the Kingston Penitentiary, Juniper Cafe makes for a great spot to stop and get caffeinated after touring the Kingston Pen and before heading to your next attraction.
Juniper Cafe is open 7 days a week and offers gourmet sandwiches, soups, salads and treats.
They also have lots of espresso based coffee drinks, plus a selection of local craft beers and wines.
5. Set sail on a cruise to the 1000 islands
Address: 248 Ontario St
Hands down one of the most popular activities and best things to do in Kingston is a cruise to the 1000 islands!
There are lots of great ways to explore the beauty of the 1000 islands from Kingston, and we will explore them over the next few points.
But let’s start with the basics, with the Heart of the Islands Sightseeing Cruise!
This 3 hour sightseeing cruise will take you from Kingston, to and around the 1000 islands, and back, over a 3 hour period.
The Heart of the Islands Sightseeing Cruises are the most in depth tours you can do of the famous 1000 islands, and you will see the other options they offer below.
Honestly, after seeing the 1000 islands up close from this 3 hour cruise, I wouldn’t even want to bother with one of the shorter cruises available!
The Heart of the Islands Sightseeing Cruise includes live entertainment, a full service bar and snack bar, plus a tour guide who will tell you all about the history and folklore of the area, plus about the incredible scenery and island homes.
If you want to step your Heart of the Islands Sightseeing Cruise up a notch (which I definitely recommend) check the points below!
6. Enjoy a lunch cruise to the 1000 islands
Address: 248 Ontario St
If you want to step up your 1000 Islands Sightseeing Cruise you have to do one of their dining cruise options which is what I did!
The Islands Lunch Cruise is held aboard the Island Queen boat (the same as the sightseeing tour above) but includes a full 3 course seated lunch rather than just a snack canteen.
This is truly the perfect way to enjoy a relaxing afternoon and take in the incredible sights of the 1000 islands.
My 1000 Islands Lunch Cruise started with a shrimp cocktail appetizer and basket of focaccia bread and butter that was ready and waiting for me when I arrived at my table.
Pro Tip: Book a premium table to ensure you get a window seat like I did – it’s totally worth it!
After the appetizer came an amuse bouche of bruschetta on a baguette medallion, then the salad course which was heritage greens with sliced almonds, strawberries, goat cheese, and served with a poppyseed vinaigrette.
For my main I had the slow braised beef short ribs which were served with fingerling potatoes, seasonal vegetables and demi glace.
Finally came the dessert, which was honestly (to me) the star of the show.
This chocolate mousse was to die for and I devoured the entire thing way too quick.
The entire meal was overall very good, and I really think that a the 1000 Islands Lunch Cruise is the perfect way to enjoy a tour of the 1000 Islands by boat while enjoying a stellar meal!
7. Do a dinner cruise to the 1000 islands
Address: 248 Ontario St
If lunch isn’t really your thing, or you’d prefer to sightsee through the rest of Kingston during the day and save a trip to the 1000 islands for night time, this is for you!
Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises also offers a sunset dinner cruise!
You’ll get to enjoy an incredible 3 course dinner while cruising to the 1000 Islands and enjoying beautiful sunset views.
Like the lunch cruise, this cruise includes your full sit down meal.
They also have a bar (alcohol is not included) plus live entertainment to enjoy during your cruise.
8. Enjoy an epic helicopter tour of the 1000 islands
Address: 20 minutes outside of Kingston (Gananoque Heliport)
If you’re looking for a seriously epic way to tour the 1000 Islands, there is nothing more epic than a helicopter tour!
Seeing the 1000 Islands from the air is a truly unforgettable experience and makes for a once in a lifetime adventure.
Although the pick up point is not technically in Kingston, it’s just a short 20 minute drive outside of Kingston to get to the meeting point.
And it’s such an epic activity that I had to include it on this list to the top things to do in Kingston Ontario!
Rated 5 stars on Get Your Guide, and with so many amazing reviews, the 1000 Islands Helicopter Tour is one activity you don’t want to miss during your time in Kingston.
Although they have three options and price ranges (from 10 to 30 minutes in length), the most popular option is definitely the Canadian Signature Experience which is an extended 30 minute tour.
This incredible tour will have you flying over sunken shipwrecks, over stunning bridges, and even over two castles!
You can book your own 1000 Islands Helicopter Tour here.
9. Dine at Chez Piggy
Address: 8 Princess St, Kingston
So you’ve spent your first day exploring Kingston and you’ve done a ton of amazing activities and seen lots of incredible sights, now it’s time for a great meal at a Kingston classic!
Chez Piggy offers globally inspired dishes in a (former) limestone stable that’s full of history and makes for a truly unique fine dining experience.
Open since 1979 and a true pillar of Kingston cuisine, Chez Piggy is a dining experience you won’t want to miss during your time in Kingston.
My dinner started with a classic vesper martini (my favourite), followed by a basket of complimentary bread and butter (so yum).
For dinner I had the tomato & feta salad served with Gambas style shrimp which was delicious.
But the star of the show hands down was the Enright Steak Tartare with Bone Marrow.
My god this was delicious!
It featured shallots, capers, cornichon, dijon, champagne vinegar preserved egg, potato sticks, pickled mustard seed and crostini.
It was truly an enjoyable meal and I can’t recommend Chez Piggy enough!
10. Wander through Rochleau Court
Address: Rochleau Court
Known as the most haunted alleyway in Kingston, Rochleau Court is full of history and is such a unique place to visit.
Whether you visit at night or during the day (or both like I did!) Rochleau Court is a unique spot you won’t want to miss.
This small pedestrian court is adjoined by several local restaurants that have their courtyards leading into the alleyway (including Chez Piggy – mentioned above).
Here you will find all sorts of limestone buildings and even some limestone tunnels that make for a super unique evening stroll.
Rochleau Court definitely gives you old European vibes during the day, and creepy haunted (but super cool vibes) at night.
It’s a really unique place to explore, especially if you’ve done the Haunted Walk of Kingston (more about that later) and know all about its history!
11. Indulge in craft cocktails and live music at Musiikki Cafe & Whiskey Bar
Address: 73 Brock St
If you’re looking for a place to grab an evening cocktail or two after dinner in Kingston, Musiikki Cafe & Whiskey Bar is a great place to head to!
Located just a few minutes away from Chez Piggy, Musiiki is Kingston’s number one music venue and they have live entertainment every night.
Beyond that they have a wide whiskey selection, great hand crafted cocktail list, and of course lots of local craft beers.
12. Have breakfast at Northside Espresso + Kitchen
Address: 281 Princess St
Ok, even if you don’t have time to have a full breakfast at Northside Espresso + Kitchen you have to at least come for a coffee.
However, I can confidently say that the avocado toast here is one of the best avocado toasts I’ve ever had.
And I’ve had a *lot* of them.
It was absolutely piled high with avocados that could only be described as ripened to perfection.
Northside Espresso + Kitchen is a cafe inspired by the thriving cafe culture in Melbourne, Australia.
The interior here is so gorgeous, the coffee is high quality, and the food is all handmade and oh so delicious.
This is definitely one cafe in this guide to the best things to do in Kingston that you absolutely need to make sure you stop at during your time in Kingston!
13. Explore the local shops downtown
Address: Recommended – Princess Street
Downtown Kingston is full of great local shops (and some big box stores as well) and it’s easy to spend an entire afternoon browsing around.
Princess Street in particular has the highest concentration of shops, so if you’re looking for a great place go for a stroll and pop in and out of local shops I would recommend heading there!
You’ll find everything from shops selling artisanal crafts, clothes, gifts, food, and all sorts of other things.
14. Stop into the 1000 Islands Soap Company
Address: 339 King St E
One shop in Kingston that deserves a special shout out (in my opinion) is the 1000 Islands Soap Company!
Not only is this shop super adorable on the outside, I mean just look at how it was decorated for Christmas!
But they sell a wide variety of (amazing smelling) naturally made soaps, bath products, and remedies that are made right here in Kingston.
If you’re looking for some great Kingston locally made gifts to bring back to your family or friends, 1000 Islands Soap Company is a great place to start!
15. Enjoy a comforting lunch at Olivea
Address: 39 Brock St
Olivea in downtown Kingston is a family-run Italian trattoria that serves both traditional and contemporary Italian fare.
The food here was absolutely delicious, and it makes for a great spot to come for lunch (or dinner).
If you’re visiting Kingston during the crisp autumn or winter months, I highly recommend ordering the Andalusian Tomato & Bread Soup with parmesan.
This hearty and comforting soup is the perfect thing to warm you up on a cold day.
I enjoyed it with a fresh side order of their Arugula Salad which is served with lemon, extra virgin olive oil, and shaved parmesan.
16. Stop by Kingston’s City Hall
Address: 216 Ontario St
Kingston City Hall is absolutely gorgeous and is the first thing I noticed as I arrived in downtown Kingston.
Built in 1844 along the waterfront, it’s been a prominent landmark in Kingston for quite some time.
Not only is it beautiful to look at on the outside though, but you can do a free guided tour of Kingston City Hall National Historic Site!
The free tours last approximately 45 minutes, and run every Monday through Saturday at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.
The tour starts in the lobby of Kingston City Hall, and is on a first come first serve basis.
However, to maintain the best experience possible they do limit tours to 20 people so it’s a smart idea to pop by early and reserve your spot at the tour desk in the main lobby!
17. Visit the Kingston Public Market – the oldest market in Ontario!
Address: Springer Market Square, Kingston
You’ll find the Kingston Public Market in Springer Market Square in Kingston’s historic downtown, right behind Kingston City Hall.
The Kingston Public Market is open three days a week – every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from April – November.
Open since 1801 (making it the oldest market in all of Ontario!), The Kingston Public Market is a great place to visit to get your hands on local organically produced fare and gifts to take home.
Here you’ll find vendors selling everything from local produce to prepared foods, plants and flowers, and all sorts of handmade crafts.
The Kingston Public Market is full of vendors selling the highest quality local produce, prepared foods, garden plants and flowers, and handmade crafts.
If you love visiting markets, this is definitely something on this guide to the best things to do in Kingston that you won’t want to miss!
18. Get spooky with the Original Haunted Walk of Kingston
Address: 200 Ontario St
This is hands down one of my favourite top attractions in Kingston Ontario.
Because of its rich history and age, you better believe that Kingston is FULL of ghost stories.
There are quite a few different ways to get a taste of Kingston’s haunted past, but if you’re looking for the original and a great place to start, that is definitely the Original Haunted Walk of Kingston!
I did the Original Haunted Walk of Kingston during my visit, and it was such a fun way to spend part of the evening.
The meeting point for the Original Haunted Walk of Kingston is at the old Prince George Hotel right across from the Kingston Visitor’s Information Centre.
On this 1.5 hour long walk you will discover some of the many ghost stories throughout Kingston’s downtown and the old Sydenham Ward.
It is so much fun to explore the darker side of Kingston at night, and I highly recommend this to anyone visiting Kingston!
By the way – The Original Haunted Walk of Kingston is definitely family friendly and not scary at all so don’t be afraid to bring the kids along
19. Skip the walking and try the Ghost & Mystery Trolley Tour of Kingston
Address: Trolley pick up at 209 Ontario St
If you’d like to experience some of Kingston’s haunted past but without walking (especially great for those with mobility issues, younger children, or if you just want to avoid the cold!) then the Kingston Ghost & Mystery Trolley Tour is for you!
This 1.5 hour long tour will take you on a journey to discover some of Kingston’s lesser known and more difficult to access haunted spots that you don’t get the chance to hit on a walking tour.
Notable points of interest on the tour include Fort Henry, Deadman’s Bay, the Kingston Penitentiary, and the Rockwood Asylum!
You can grab your tickets for the highly rated Kingston Ghost & Mystery Trolley Tour here.
20. Step up the spooky factor with the Haunted Walk of Fort Henry
Address: 1 Fort Henry Drive
If you aren’t easily spooked and are looking to up the creepiness factor then you absolutely need to check out the Ghosts of Fort Henry Tour brought to you by the Haunted Walk!
Whereas the original haunted walk is rated only mildly scary and family friendly, the Ghosts of Fort Henry Tour is rated 4/5 on the spookiness scale and it is not recommended for young children or easily spooked adults.
On the Ghosts of Fort Henry Tour you’ll get to explore Fort Henry, Kingston’s 19th century fortress at night and learn all about its tragic history.
Just imagine wandering the empty dark halls deep under the fortress at night… spooky!
This tour has actually been seen on Ghost Hunters so you know it’s serious business!
21. Enjoy dinner & drinks at The Everly
Adress: 171 Wellington St
Another great restaurant that you have to dine at during your time in Kingston is The Everly.
The Everly offers a rotating menu of refined seasonal dishes made using ingredients from local farms.
They also have an incredible wine list, as well as a carefully curated selection of classic cocktails that are absolutely delicious.
For starters I had the Red Hook cocktail which had Forty Creek rye, Punt e Mes, Maraschino liqueur, and a cherry.
It was really good and reminded me of a Manhattan!
I also started with the East Coast Oysters which were divine and served with fresh horseradish and lemon.
Because I wasn’t that hungry I didn’t want something too big for my main so I had the Beef Tartare.
The Beef Tartare had chives, shallots, house mustard, quail yolk, pickled shallots, and was served with potato chips.
I know I’ve said this before, but this was honestly one of the best and most flavourful tartares I’ve ever had!
I definitely recommend The Everly if you’re looking for a great night out in Kingston!
22. Visit Fort Henry National Historic Site
Address: 1 Fort Henry Drive
Even if you don’t want to do the Ghosts of Fort Henry tour, you definitely need to make it out to Fort Henry National Historic site at some point during your visit to Kingston!
Fort Henry is definitely one of the best places to visit in Kingston (and one of the coolest!).
Built between 1832 and 1837 for the defence of the Rideau Canal and the Naval Dockyard, Fort Henry was the key fortification in a series of military works built to defend the city of Kingston.
Today Fort Henry serves as a museum and historic site that is so incredible to visit.
Take one of the 50 minute guided tours that happen every hour on the hour, or explore the historic site and museum at your leisure.
You definitely don’t want to miss a visit to Fort Henry during your time in Kingston!
23. Watch an incredible sunset over Kingston from Fort Henry
Address: 1 Fort Henry Drive
The absolute best place to watch an incredible sunset (and I mean truly incredible!) in Kingston is from outside of Fort Henry.
From this vantage point on the hill that slopes down from the fort you’ll be able to witness a stunning sunset that lights the sky up over downtown Kingston.
Both locals and visitors alike love to come and sit down on the hill to enjoy the stunning sunset views you get here.
24. Pumpkinferno at Fort Henry
Address: 1 Fort Henry Drive
If you’re in Kingston during the month of October you absolutely have to check out Pumpkinferno at Fort Henry!
Every night when the sun goes down Fort Henry is transformed into an enchanted Halloween wonderland.
Here you’ll find hundreds of pumpkin sculptures (yes they’re made from pumpkins!) ablaze inside of the limestone walls and under the night sky.
This truly is an incredible Halloween activity and is friendly for the whole family!
Pumpkinferno runs every evening from Sept 30th to Oct 19th during the hours of 7:15pm to 10:15pm.
And from Oct 20th to Oct 31st from 6:45pm to 10:15pm.
25. Visit Bellevue House National Historic Site
Address: 35 Centre St
If you are a history buff with a particular interest towards politics then you absolutely cannot miss visiting the Bellevue House National Historic Site.
Here you can explore the legacy of Canada’s very first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald who lived in this very house!
Built in the 1840s, Bellevue House National Historic Site is now a museum set in a quiet Kingston neighbourhood.
Explore the beautiful tranquil gardens and step inside of the museum to learn all about Canada’s colonial originals and the creation of the country.
Please note Bellevue House National Historic Site is now closed till 2023.
26. Take a Kingston Bike Tour
Address: Confederation Basin, Kingston
Here’s a fun way to explore the city of Kingston while also burning some calories (great to not feel guilty for all the food and cocktails you’ll be enjoying later!).
Kingston Bike Tours offers 2.5 hour bike tours of Kingston which involve a leisurely bike ride in a small group, stopping at several points of interest along the way.
Notable places you’ll see along the way include Murney Tower, city hall, Queen’s University, the waterfront, and so much more!
During your Kingston Bike Tour your guide will also tell you stories about the history of Kingston.
This is such a fun and unique way to get out and explore Kingston!
Book your tickets for the Kingston Bike Tour here.
27. Explore the historic Sydenham ward neighbourhood
As I mentioned earlier in this guide to the best things to do in Kingston, the Sydenham Ward neighbourhood is the most historic quarter of Kingston.
This is actually one of my favourite parts of Kingston to not only explore, but shoot photos in too because there are so many instagrammable buildings!
Here you can expect to find beautiful & historic old heritage buildings that really give you a taste of what life was like in Kingston back in the day.
Some of my favourites are all located along Sydenham Street, and most are heritage homes that have been turned into inns and bed & breakfasts.
Wander along this historic street to discover the beautiful heritage buildings before hitting the McIntosh Castle!
McIntosh castle is a “half castle” because it was never fully finished.
It was constructed in the 1850’s by a Scottish ship owner who’s wife refused to move to Kingston unless he built her a castle.
So that’s exactly what he started doing!
Sadly he ran out of money halfway through and was never able to finish the castle.
To this day McIntosh Castle is a private residence and a super cool building to take a peek at!
28. Take a stroll along the Kingston Waterfront Trail
Address: Waterfront Pathway, Kingston
One of the top attractions in Kingston Ontario, especially in the spring and summer months, is visiting the beautiful Kingston waterfront!
Spanning across 8km, the Kingston waterfront is not only beautiful, but there is lots to see and do along the way.
The Waterfront Trail connects downtown Kingston to Lake Ontario Park and is a great trail for walking or biking along.
There are plenty of spots to stop along the way to admire the view, so pack a picnic and make a day of it or just get out and enjoy the sun and lakeside views!
29. Visit the beautiful Battery Park
Address: Battery Park, Kingston
The Waterfront Trail in Kingston is quite long, so if you’re looking to just explore part of it I highly recommend visiting Battery Park!
Battery Park is right on the water in front of City Hall and the old train station.
This beautiful green space has incredible views of the harbour as well as Martello Towers.
Grab a book and spend a few hours sitting here in the sun, or just stroll around enjoying the beautiful views!
30. Pop into the instagram famous Martello Alley
Address: 203 B Wellington St
Martello Alley is one of the spots in Kingston that is on every single guide to the most instagrammable places in Kingston (stay tuned I’ll be writing my own soon!).
Martello Alley is an art-themed historic alley in downtown Kingston, and as soon as you arrive you’ll see why it is such a great photo spot!
The alley itself is super fun and colourful with all sorts of signs and artwork displayed all over.
The gallery here (also called Martello Alley) features art by numerous artists, and is a place where you can come to not only purchase original and printed artwork, but also meet artists and see their work in progress.
31. Shop for vintage trinkets at Antique Alley
Address: 207B Wellington St
Located right next to Martello Alley is another iconic Kingston alley, Antique Alley!
Antique Alley is a high end antique & collectibles shop that has over 4000 square feet of antiques and collectibles to explore.
During the warmer months they have a lot of vintage pieces on display in the alley leading up to the shop which makes for another neat Kingston photo spot.
If you love vintage and antique shopping you definitely don’t want to miss Antique Alley during your time in Kingston!
32. Explore some of Kingston’s many culinary offerings with the Kingston Food Tour
Address: 209 Ontario Street
Here’s a really unique way to explore the city of Kingston that’s great for foodies!
Kingston Food Tours is a company that offers tours of downtown Kingston that incorporates tastings at some of Kingston’s best local restaurants along the way!
These tours will give you a great taste of Kingston’s culinary side.
From unique shops, to restaurants, artisans, and farmers who all play an important part in Kingston’s local food scene.
Explore and learn about Kingston while enjoying delicious eats along the way.
Sounds like the perfect tour if you ask me!
33. Take a stroll through the Queen’s University Campus
Address: 99 University Ave
You might be wondering why visiting a university is on this guide to the best things to do in Kingston, but one step on campus and you’ll quickly see why that is!
The Queen’s University Campus is absolutely gorgeous.
The buildings here all vary in age from Summerhill which opened in 1839, to Mitchell Hall which opened most recently in 2018.
Most notable however is Grant Hall which was built in 1905 and is definitely the most recognizable landmark of Queen’s University.
You will definitely want to take pictures while you’re here so make sure to bring your camera!
34. Visit the Agnes Etherington Art Centre
Address: 36 University Ave
If art galleries are your thing, you definitely need to visit the Agnes Etherington Art Centre during your time in Kingston!
The Agnes Etherington Art Centre is a research intensive art museum that’s located on the Queen’s University campus.
Here you can explore a collection of over 17000 pieces of art work including Canadian historical art, Indigenous art, and more.
If you are an art lover you won’t want to miss this.
Admission to the Agnes Etherington Art Centre is also completely free!
Oh – it’s also home to four Rembrandt paintings!
35. Enjoy a pint at a classic Kingston pub
Kingston has a lot of great pubs and bars, and no visit to Kingston would be complete without popping into a local favourite watering hole!
Some of the best local pubs to check out are: The Toucan & Kirkpatrick’s, The Iron Duke on Wellington, Tir Nan Og and The Merchant.
But there are so many great pubs beyond those I’ve mentioned here!
Since downtown Kingston is so walkable, I recommend going for a bit of a walking pub crawl.
Walk around and pop into a few pubs along the way whenever you see one that has the right vibe you’re looking for!
36. Stop by Murney Tower National Historic Site of Canada
Address: 2 King St W
Murney Tower is a Martello tower (defence tower) built in Kingston in 1846.
It was built as part of the naval defences the Imperial government authorized to be built to protect Kingston Harbour during the Oregon Crisis.
Today, Murney Tower is a museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site which shows what life was like for the soldiers serving, and their families living, in the Tower at the time.
Murney Tower is actually the only Martello Tower in Kingston that is open to public visits, and if you’re into history you will definitely want to visit!
37. Visit the Military Communications and Electronics Museum
Address: 95 Craftsman Blvd
Here is another great thing to do in Kingston for the military and history buffs!
Being that Kingston has one of Canada’s biggest and most important military colleges, there is no surprise that the military plays an important part of Kingston’s history.
At the Military Communications and Electronics Museum you can learn all about communication & technology throughout the history of the military.
Here you will be able to explore historical items pertaining to military communications and electronics heritage.
38. Pay a visit to the historic Fort Frontenac
Address: 388 Ontario St
By this point I am sure you can tell that Kingston has a lot of history to explore!
Another great historic site you have to visit during your time in Kingston is Fort Frontenac.
Built in 1673, Fort Frontenac was a French trading post and military fort located at the mouth of the Cataraqui River where the St. Lawrence River leaves Lake Ontario.
Today the Fort Frontenac is a national historic site, and you can visit its ruins and see a little piece of history in person yourself.
Final Thoughts
As I am sure you can tell by now, Kingston is a pretty vibrant city and there is not only so much history, but there are lots of things to see and do in Kingston!
I hope you enjoyed this guide to the best things to do in Kingston, and that it will help you plan your own trip to Canada’s first capital city.
By the way, if you’re traveling to Ontario soon you might also want to check out these posts:
- The Most Instagrammable Places in Kingston Ontario
- 8 Magical Christmas Towns in Ontario
- 19 Incredible Things to do in Niagara Falls
- 20 Best Things to do in Stratford Ontario
- 13 Best Restaurants and Places to eat in Stratford Ontario
- 30 Best Picnic Spots in Toronto
- 13 Best Beaches in Toronto you Need to Visit this Summer
- 29 Instagrammable Places in Toronto – Outdoor Photo Spots
- 16 Instagrammable Pink Places in Toronto
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