Planning a trip to Kingston soon with the goal of taking some amazing pictures while you’re there? This guide to the most instagrammable places in Kingston Ontario is for you!
I recently spent 3 days exploring Kingston and it really opened my eyes to what a beautiful, historic, and instagrammable city Kingston really is!
Not only are there a ton of awesome things to see and do in Kingston, but there are so many great Kingston photo spots.
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 this trip really made me realize how many great instagram photo spots Kingston has.
I just knew I had to put together a guide to the best photo spots in Kingston for you!
Before we get started, you might also want to check out these posts:
- 38 Best Things to do in Kingston Ontario
- 13 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, onto the guide to the most instagrammable places in Kingston Ontario.
1. Kingston’s City Hall
Address: 216 Ontario St
We’re starting this list of Kingston photo spots off strong with one of the most beautiful buildings in Kingston, the Kingston City Hall.
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.
There are so many angles to shoot a photo of the Kingston City Hall from, but my all time favourite is definitely from Springer Market Square which is right behind City Hall.
Here you’ll be able to snap a beautiful photo with Kingston City Hall looming behind you.
Isn’t it a gorgeous building?
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 while you’re here.
More information on that in my guide to the best things to do in Kingston.
2. The Phone Booth at the Kingston Visitor’s Information Centre
Address: 209 Ontario St.
Another great Kingston photo spot that will make you feel like you’re getting a little sliver of Europe (London to be exact!) in Kingston is the red phone booth outside of the Kingston Visitor’s Centre.
This pretty vintage red phone booth looks just like the iconic red phone booths you’d find in London.
Who would have thought you don’t have to venture to the United Kingdom to get a photo like this?
This is definitely one of my favourite (and often overlooked) Kingston photo spots!
3. The Kingston Red Trolleys
Address: 209 Ontario St.
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.
But not only is it a fun way to get your bearings of the city of Kingston and all its unique architecture, The Kingston Red Trolleys make for a great photo spot too!
I just love the look of the little vintage red trolleys that stop right outside of Kingston’s Visitor Information Centre.
Here you can snap a great photo with one of the vintage red trolleys with the stunning Prince George Hotel in the background.
Once you’re done getting your photo, I definitely recommend taking the time to do the Kingston Trolley Tour.
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.
The Sightseeing Kingston Trolley Tour is definitely one of the top attractions in Kingston and you won’t want to miss it, and you can get more information on it in my guide to the best things to do in Kingston.
4. The Secret Garden Inn
Address: 73 Sydenham St
Another beautiful Kingston photo spot is the stunning Secret Garden Inn.
Located in the Sydenham Ward neighbourhood, which is the most historic quarter of Kingston, The Secret Garden Inn is an old-world, Queen Anne-style home turned Bed & Breakfast that was originally built in 1888.
In fact, it’s a great spot to stay during your time in Kingston too!
It’s been rated as being an exceptional property by those who have stayed there.
And there’s no surprise why, it’s gorgeous.
The Sydenham Ward neighborhood is one of my favourite parts of Kingston to not only explore, but shoot photos in too because there are so many instagrammable buildings here.
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.
Let’s explore some of my other favourites along Sydenham street!
5. Hochelaga Inn
Address: 24 Sydenham St.
Another great heritage home turned Bed & Breakfast in the Sydenham Ward in Kingston is the stunning Hochelaga Inn.
This Victorian-styled mansion was built for John McIntyre, a prominent lawyer that also served as Mayor of Kingston in 1878.
Today the Hochelaga Inn is a beautiful 22 room bed & breakfast that provides modern and luxurious hotel amenities in a stunning Victorian heritage home.
I just love the exterior of the Hochelaga Inn, it reminds me of something you would find in a spooky Halloween movie!
The Hochelaga Inn is another highly rated Bed & Breakfast in Kingston, and it’s definitely worth considering staying here during your visit.
You can find the latest rates for The Hochelaga Inn here!
6. The Rosemount Inn
Address: 46 Sydenham St.
There is a special place in my heart for the Rosemount Inn, not only because it is another great Kingston photo spot, but because I stayed here during my last trip to Kingston!
The Rosemount Inn is another 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.
Although you won’t be able to take photos inside the inn if you aren’t staying here, it’s definitely worth planning a night or two here to take advantage of the stunning interior!
You can check out the latest rates for The Rosemount Inn here.
7. McIntosh Castle
Address: 14 Sydenham St.
McIntosh Castle is the last building in the Sydenham Ward on this guide to the best photo spots in Kingston.
McIntosh castle is known as being 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.
Unfortunately he ran out of money halfway through the building process 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!
Just be aware in advance that because it is a private property you can only shoot photos with it from the sidewalk or street.
It’s important to respect people’s private property, but definitely still worth coming to take a peek at this unique building.
8. Canada’s Penitentiary Museum
Address: 555 King Street West
If you’re visiting Kingston for the first time, chances are you have plans to visit the Kingston Penitentiary!
(More about the Kingston Penitentiary tours in my guide to the best things to do in Kingston)
Located across the street from the Kingston Penitentiary and housed in Cedarhedge, the former residence of the warden of Kingston Pen, you will find another great Kingston photo spot: Canada’s Penitentiary Museum.
Canada’s Penitentiary Museum is an award-winning museum that is dedicated to preserving the history of our federal penitentiaries
But not only is it a super cool museum to visit, it’s a very pretty building!
The photos I took here are some of my favourites that I took during my time in Kingston, and if you’re looking for a great Kingston photo spot you have to stop by Canada’s Penitentiary Museum.
9. Queen’s University Campus
Address: 99 University Ave
Here’s a Kingston photo spot that makes it on almost every single list to the most instagrammable places in Kingston, Queen’s University Campus!
The Queen’s University Campus is absolutely gorgeous and is so worth a visit during your time in Kingston.
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.
If there’s one spot you take photos at on Queen’s University Campus it has to be Grant Hall!
10. Martello Alley
Address: 203 B Wellington St
Martello Alley is another one of the spots in Kingston that is on every single guide to the most instagrammable places in Kingston.
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 Kingston photo spot!
The alley itself is super fun and colourful with all sorts of whimsical signs and artwork displayed all over.
I just love the look of all of the colorful signs and artwork in Martello Alley, it really is one of the best photo spots in Kingston.
11. Antique Alley
Address: 207B Wellington St
Located right next to Martello Alley is another iconic Kingston alley and photo spot, 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 a really neat Kingston photo spot.
I would just love to shoot photos with the neat antique pieces here!
Sadly I visited during colder months and so the antiques were already inside – but it gives me a reason to go back to shoot more photos in Kingston soon.
12. Rochleau Court
Address: Rochleau Court
Here’s a spooky and super historic Kingson photo spot!
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, Rochleau Court is a unique spot you won’t want to miss.
Rochleau Court definitely gives you old European vibes during the day, and creepy haunted (but super cool vibes) at night that makes for great photos.
Here you will find all sorts of limestone buildings and even some limestone tunnels that make for a super unique place to explore.
13. The Prince George Hotel
Address: 200 Ontario St
Although I did mention The Prince George Hotel earlier when I was talking about the Kingston Trolley Tour, it’s such a beautiful Kingston building that it deserves its own spot on this guide to the best photo spots in Kingston.
The Prince George Hotel is considered one of the most iconic buildings in the city.
The hotel features classical architecture and has been renovated over the years to maintain its historical charm while incorporating modern amenities
It is truly a stunning building and definitely makes for a great Kingston photo spot with a ton of history.
14. Northside Espresso + Kitchen
Address: 281 Princess St
As if I could write a guide to Kingston’s instagram spots without including a cafe or two.
After all, who doesn’t like a great cafe photo for their instagram?
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.
Stop by for breakfast and coffee (trust me, the food here is so good) before snapping a few photos of the pretty interior.
Oh – and I definitely recommend having the avocado toast while you’re here.
Trust me, it’s insanely delicious.
15. 1000 Islands Soap Company
Address: 339 King St E
If you’re looking for a super cute storefront to snap photos in front of in Kingston, look no further than 1000 Islands Soap Company!
This shop is super adorable on the outside with it’s bright turquoise facade and makes for such a colorful background for your instagram photos.
If you happen to be in Kingston during the Christmas season even better, they do such a great job decorating the window.
Snap a few photos here before venturing inside to shop their wide variety of (amazing smelling) naturally made soaps, bath products, and remedies that are made right here in Kingston.
16. Fort Henry National Historic Site
Address: 1 Fort Henry Drive
Fort Henry is definitely one of the most iconic places to visit in Kingston (and one of the coolest spots to take photos!).
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.
You can choose to explore the historic site and museum at your own leisure, or take one of the 50 minute guided tours that happen every hour on the hour.
Regardless of what you choose, make sure you leave ample time to take photos while you’re here.
17. Sunset view of downtown Kingston from Fort Henry
Address: 1 Fort Henry Drive
Looking to capture an incredible sunset during your time in Kingston?
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.
The sunsets you will see here are truly stunning and you will quickly see why it makes for such a great Kingston photo spot.
18. Bellevue House National Historic Site
Address: 35 Centre St
Bellevue House National Historic Site, located in a tranquil Kingston neighborhood, is a must-visit for history buffs with a political inclination.
But not only is it a must visit for history buffs, it’s also beautifull and makes for a great Kingston photo spot.
Go for a stroll here in the serene gardens and snap some photos with the stunning home before heading inside to learn all about Sir John A. Macdonald.
The museum, set in the 1840s house where Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first Prime Minister, once lived, offers an opportunity to delve into the country’s colonial roots and the formation of the nation.
19. Kingston Waterfront Trail
Address: Waterfront Pathway, Kingston
One of the top Kingston photo spots in the spring and summer months is definitely the beautiful Kingston waterfront!
Spanning across 8km, the Kingston waterfront offers incredible views of Lake Ontario and the harbours.
Grab your camera and go for a walk or bike along the trail so you can enjoy the views and stop whenever you find a great photo spot.
There are plenty of spots to stop along the way to admire the view along the way!
20. Battery Park
Address: Battery Park, Kingston
A very specific part of the Waterfront Trail in Kingston that is known for being one of the best photo spots in Kingston is 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.
Aren’t the views here stunning?
21. Murney Tower National Historic Site of Canada
Address: 2 King St W
Murney Tower is a historic Martello tower (defence tower) built in Kingston in 1846 that makes for another great Kingston photo spot.
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.
Pop by Murney Tower to take some photos with the historic exterior before heading inside to learn all about its history.
22. Fort Frontenac
Address: 388 Ontario St
By this point I am sure you can tell that Kingston has a lot of historic buildings to explore!
Another great historic site that makes for an awesome Kingston photo spot 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 (and snap photos with) a little piece of history in person yourself.
23. 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.
The exterior here is super neat and covered in street art that makes it a really neat Kingston instagram photo spot.
If you are an art lover you won’t want to miss this.
Final Thoughts
Kingston really is a great city to visit.
Not only is there so much to see and do here, but there are so many instagrammable places in Kingston.
Expect to find all sorts of historic buildings, European influence, and unique alleys to explore during your time in Kingston.
Are there any great Kinston photo spots that I’ve missed?
If so let me know in the comments below and I’ll be sure to add them!
And if you’re visiting Kingston & other Ontario destinations soon you might want to check out these posts:
- 38 Best Things to do in Kingston Ontario
- 13 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
Be sure to keep up with me on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok and Facebook if you aren’t already!
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