Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Kingston, Ontario

Kingston is a small city positioned between Toronto and Montreal. Established in 1673, it originally served as a French trading post.

Presently, the city retains its historical essence, particularly in the downtown area. Kingston is popularly referred to as the ‘Limestone City’ due to its impressive limestone historic architecture.

In addition to numerous activities within Kingston itself, it serves as the gateway to the renowned Thousand Islands. Below, we will delve into the top attractions in Kingston:

1. Explore a Fort

Constructed to safeguard the Kingston Royal Naval Dockyard during the War of 1812, Fort Henry is now a national historic site deserving of a visit.

Tour the fort and uncover its rich history while watching military interpreters perform demonstrations of British military life. Experience historical re-enactments and a garrison parade, and even have the opportunity to fire a rifle!

Engage in Victorian education, dine while taking in scenic views, and shop for memorable souvenirs. Don’t miss the sunset ceremony to cap off your visit.

2. Visit a Military Museum

For those intrigued by military history, a visit to the Royal Military College of Canada Museum is essential. Situated on the college’s campus, the museum showcases a diverse collection of artefacts, research, and documentation reflecting the RMCC and the Kingston Royal Naval Dockyard.

With more than 7,000 items, including exhibits from World War I, you can view war trophies, aircraft, and various tanks, such as the Sherman Tank, Centurion Tank, and Leopard Tank, alongside HMCS Huron (G24) X Guns and other historical artillery pieces.

3. Tour a Prison

Kingston Penitentiary was a maximum-security facility that ceased operations in 2013. It was known for housing some of the most dangerous criminals in Canada.

Today, this notorious prison is accessible for public tours. Experience a glimpse into the life behind bars at one of the country’s oldest correctional institutions.

A knowledgeable guide will escort you through the prison, with tours lasting approximately 90 minutes. Remember to bring your camera, as photography is permitted.

4. Get to Know a Prime Minister

Bellevue House served as the residence for Sir John Alexander Macdonald, Canada’s inaugural Prime Minister. Now, it functions as a museum and national historic site.

This house exemplifies early Italian villa-inspired architecture within the country and has three intricately designed floors, featuring balconies, various window shapes, and distinctive roof gables.

It showcases a collection of artefacts and exhibits, alongside informative videos. Guides, dressed in period costumes from the 1840s, provide insights into the house’s history.

5. Enjoy the Theatre

The Grand Theatre stands out not only as one of the finest theatres in Kingston but also as a historical landmark. Opening its doors in 1902, the theatre has hosted numerous performances over the years.

The primary theatre features 776 seats along with a stage and orchestra pit, complete with a black box theatre that accommodates 105 individuals.

The Kingston Symphony has made this theatre its home since 1964, and it has welcomed various renowned performers, including Sandra Bernhardt, Nellie Melba, and Eddie Palmieri.

6. Experience the 19th Century

Engage with history by milking cows, riding miniature trains, or enjoying wagon rides at Upper Canada Village. This recreated 19th-century village invites visitors to experience life as it once was.

The village features more than 40 historic structures that represent a rural English Canadian lifestyle, encompassing functioning mills, trades buildings, a church, and a physician’s residence.

Participate in guided tours lasting one or two hours, with guides attired in period clothing. For a more immersive experience, visitors can don costumes of the era themselves.

7. Sail Along the St. Lawrence

Visit Crysler Park Marina for a delightful sailing experience on the St. Lawrence River. In addition, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding are also available.

Visitors may bring their own boating equipment or find opportunities to take a boat ride. Cabin rentals are available for guests wishing to spend the night along the river.

After sailing, enjoy a picnic, dine at a waterfront restaurant, or shop for unique souvenirs. Crysler Beach is also a beautiful spot for swimming and relaxation.

8. Appreciate Art

Admire art within an academic setting at Queen’s University, which houses two galleries: the Agnes Etherington Art Centre and the student-managed Union Gallery.

The Agnes Etherington Art Centre functions as a research-oriented museum emphasizing significant artistic traditions from history until the present, boasting a collection of over 16,000 works dating as far back as the 14th century.

Conversely, the Union Gallery features contemporary artworks by university students and local artists, with no permanent collection.

9. Visit City Hall

Kingston City Hall is not only an architecturally stunning structure but also designated as a National Historic Site of Canada. Built in the neoclassical style, it showcases a prominent dome.

Wander around this distinguished landmark established in 1844. Guided tours are available from May to October, lasting approximately 45 minutes, where visitors can learn about the building’s history and architectural details. Alternatively, the first two floors remain open to the public year-round for self-guided explorations.

10. Explore the Waterfront

During the colder months, the waterfront may appear somewhat deserted; however, it transforms into one of the most vibrant areas of the city as temperatures rise. Stretching for eight kilometers, the waterfront offers a plethora of activities.

Explore the area on foot, by bicycle, tour bus, or boat. It features parks, beaches, cafés, shops, and stunning historic landmarks.

Key attractions along the waterfront include the Rideau Trail, Kingston Penitentiary, Bellevue House, and City Hall, among others.

11. Stroll Along Princess Street

Princess Street serves as Downtown Kingston’s primary retail avenue, adorned with restaurants, cafés, bars, and impressive limestone buildings.

Initially called Store Street due to its significant store presence, its name changed in 1840 following the birth of Victoria, Princess Royal.

The section that traverses downtown operates one-way eastward between Division Street and Ontario Street. Enjoy a leisurely walk through this lively locale.

12. Relax in a Park

Among Kingston’s parks, Lake Ontario Park stands out as the finest. As the name indicates, it is situated along the shores of Lake Ontario in Cataraqui Bay.

As the largest waterfront park in the city, Lake Ontario Park provides a serene atmosphere for relaxation, featuring picnic areas, a waterfront walkway, a splash pad, and a playground.

The park also boasts a sandy beach, a boat launch, and sandy play zones along the waterfront. During winter, it transforms into a natural skating rink.

13. Visit the Islands

As the gateway to the Thousand Islands, no trip to Kingston is complete without an excursion to this archipelago. Comprising over 1,800 islands that span roughly 80 kilometers along the St. Lawrence River, these islands vary in size, with the largest measuring around 100 square kilometers.

The Thousand Islands National Park comprises 21 islands, readily accessible from Kingston, making it an ideal destination for camping, with walking trails, historical sites, and breathtaking flora and fauna.

14. Learn About Medical History

The Museum of Health Care is unique in Canada, exclusively dedicated to documenting the history of health and healthcare through an expansive collection of medical artefacts.

This extensive collection, dating back to the 18th century, encompasses over 30,000 items including surgical, medical, and laboratory instruments, along with various patent care products.

Located within the historic Ann Baillie Building, a striking Beaux-Arts limestone structure and a National Historic Site, the museum originally served as a dormitory for nursing students.

15. Attend a Festival

Kingston is known for its vibrant festival scene, offering a multitude of events throughout the year tailored to food lovers, art enthusiasts, music aficionados, and writers alike.

Noteworthy festivals include Kingston WritersFest, FebFest, the Limestone City Blues Festival, and Artfest. Other significant celebrations feature the Kingston Buskers’ Rendezvous, Reelout Film Festival, and the Kingston Jazz Festival.

Culinary enthusiasts should not miss the Taste of Kingston in July, while craft beer aficionados will want to attend Ontario Craft Beer Week. Other highlighted events include the Día de los Muertos Kingston Festival, Lviv Ukraine Festival, and the Wolfe Island Music Festival.