Kingston Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Kingston, Ontario, Canada with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover top things to do, places to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health, and transportation options in Kingston.


Introduction to Kingston

Kingston, located in Eastern Ontario, is a small but vibrant city with a rich cultural history. From museums and historical landmarks to parks and outdoor attractions, this city is a treasure trove of experiences for all types of travelers.

Being one of the oldest cities in Ontario, Kingston boasts many architectural and cultural wonders. You will find the perfect amalgamation of past and present in Kingston.

List of Places to Visit in Kingston

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Kingston City Hall: This stunning historical building, built-in 1844, is a must-visit. Take a guided tour to marvel at the exquisite architecture and learn about the history of Kingston.
  • Kingston Penitentiary: One of Canada’s oldest and most notorious prisons, Kingston Penitentiary, offers guided tours that take visitors back in time and give a glimpse of prison life.
  • Fort Henry: This historic fort overlooking Lake Ontario is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It provides guided tours and interactive experiences depicting the life of the British military during the 1800s.

Natural Attractions of Kingston: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Ontario Park: This expansive park offers stunning views of the lake, a sandy beach, picnic areas, and walking trails. There is also a playground and a splash pad for children.
  • Kingston Waterfront: Take a stroll along the waterfront and marvel at the beauty of Lake Ontario. The scenic walkway offers stunning views of the harbor and is perfect for a relaxing evening walk.
  • Thousand Islands: Take a boat tour from Kingston and explore the Thousand Islands. You will see gorgeous scenery and amazing wildlife, including bald eagles and other birds of prey.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kingston

Kingston is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who love hiking and biking. Here are some of the best trails to explore:

  • K&P Trail: This 15-kilometer trail follows the route of the former Kingston and Pembroke Railway. It offers scenic views of forests and wetlands as well as beautiful rock cuts and trestle bridges.
  • Cataraqui Trail: This 104-kilometer trail is perfect for hiking and biking enthusiasts who enjoy exploring the great outdoors. The trail passes through scenic countryside, wetlands, and forests, providing the perfect opportunity to take in Kingston’s natural beauty.
  • Lemoine Point Conservation Area: This beautiful conservation area has several trails for hiking and biking that offer stunning views of Lake Ontario and the surrounding forests.

Best Things to Do in Kingston: Activities and Tours

  • Kingston Trolley Tour: This guided tour takes visitors through the city and provides insight into Kingston’s history and culture.
  • Kingston Food Tour: This guided walking tour will lead you through Kingston’s culinary scene. Explore various restaurants and sample some of Kingston’s best dishes.
  • Kingston Kayak Tour: Paddle your way through the harbor and enjoy Kingston’s waterfront on a kayak tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kingston

Day Activity
Day 1 Guided tour at Kingston City Hall
Day 2 Visit the Kingston Penitentiary and Fort Henry
Day 3 Stroll along the Kingston Waterfront and visit Lake Ontario Park
Day 4-5 Hike/Cycle in Lemoine Point Conservation Area and Cataraqui Trail
Day 6 Take the Thousand Islands Boat Tour
Day 7 Explore the Kingston Food Scene

Food and Drink Scene of Kingston

Must-Try Dishes

  • Poutine: A Canadian specialty, poutine consists of French fries, gravy, and cheese curds. Try it at Smoke’s Poutinerie in downtown Kingston.
  • BeaverTails: These fried dough pastries are shaped like a beaver’s tail and topped with your choice of toppings. Try it at BeaverTails Kingston.
  • Maple Butter Tart: This delicious tart is a Canadian classic, featuring maple syrup and butter. Try it at Pan Chancho Bakery.

Local Beverages

  • Maple Whiskey: This sweet whiskey blends well with the flavors of maple syrup and vanilla.
  • Beer: Kingston is home to several microbreweries, including Spearhead Brewing Company and Stone City Ales.

Where to Stay in Kingston: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Delta Hotels by Marriott Kingston Waterfront: This waterfront hotel offers stunning views of Lake Ontario and has a spa, pool, and restaurant.
  • Sir John’s Public House & Inn: This 19th-century inn was once the home of Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. It offers cozy rooms with antique furnishings and great food.
  • HI Kingston: This budget-friendly hostel is great for backpackers. It is located in the heart of downtown Kingston and offers dorms and private rooms.

What to Buy in Kingston: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Kingston Pottery: Take home a piece of Kingston by purchasing handmade pottery pieces.
  • Sprucewood Handmade Cookie Company: These artisanal cookies and confectionery are sure to delight your taste buds.
  • Fort Henry Flag: Bring home a piece of Canadian military history by purchasing a flag from Fort Henry.

Local Culture and Customs of Kingston

Kingston has a rich history and culture. The locals are proud of their heritage and value their customs. Common courtesy and respect for the locals should be maintained at all times.

Best Time to Visit Kingston

The best time to visit Kingston is during the summer months of June, July, and August when the weather is warm and sunny, and all the attractions are open. However, visitors can enjoy the beauty of Kingston all year round.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kingston

Do:

  • Explore Kingston’s history and culture by visiting museums and landmarks.
  • Try local food and drinks.
  • Respect the local environment and wildlife.

Don’t:

  • Litter in public places.
  • Be disrespectful to the local customs and traditions.
  • Enter private property without permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kingston

Kingston is considered to be a safe city to visit, but visitors should always be cautious and aware of their surroundings, especially at night.

Health in Kingston

There are plenty of hospitals and clinics available in Kingston, and visitors can receive medical care if necessary. Visitors should also ensure that they have appropriate medical insurance before making the trip.

Getting to Kingston: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Kingston

  • Kingston/Norman Rogers Airport: This airport is located about 15 minutes from downtown Kingston and provides domestic flights to various Canadian cities.

Bus Stations Near Kingston

  • Kingston Bus Terminal: The bus terminal is located in the heart of Kingston and has connections to various Canadian cities and towns.

Other Options

  • Via Rail Canada: Via Rail Canada has daily train connections to and from Kingston.
  • Driving: Visitors can drive to Kingston from nearby cities and towns, but parking in downtown Kingston can be challenging.

How to Get Around in Kingston

  • Walking: Downtown Kingston is a walkable city, and visitors can explore most of the attractions on foot.
  • Biking: Kingston offers several bike-friendly trails that visitors can explore on two wheels.
  • Car Rental: Several car rental companies operate in Kingston, and visitors can rent cars to explore the city and nearby towns.
  • Bus: Kingston Transit offers several bus routes within the city and to nearby towns.

Where to Go Next from Kingston: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Thousand Islands: Take a boat tour and explore the beautiful Thousand Islands region.
  • Ottawa: The Canadian capital of Ottawa is a two-hour drive from Kingston and offers several attractions, including Parliament Hill and the National Gallery of Canada.
  • Prince Edward County: This charming county is located just a short drive from Kingston and is known for its wineries and sandy beaches.

Conclusion

Kingston is an excellent destination for travelers who love history, culture, and the great outdoors. From museums and historical landmarks to hiking trails and scenic views, this City has ample to offer its visitors. Plan your trip today and experience the best of Kingston.

Kingston City Hall Kingston City Hall Tourist information Tourist information Confederation Basin Confederation Basin Fort Henry defends Kingston against US military invasion Fort Henry defends Kingston against US military invasion Bellevue House Bellevue House St. George's Cathedral St. George's Cathedral Fort Frontenac Fort Frontenac Rideau Canal at Kingston Mills Rideau Canal at Kingston Mills