One of the most charming and underrated cities in Ontario has to be Kingston. Also known as the “Limestone City” due to its heritage buildings, Kingston sits at the meeting point of the St Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. As you make your way through the city, you’ll be met with a mixture of scenic waterfront views and vibrant neighbourhoods. Kingston is also the gateway to the Thousand Islands. With so many things to do in Kingston, it’s the perfect stop to make during any road trip through Ontario, or as part of a weekend getaway.
Kingston is one of the oldest European-established cities in Ontario. It dates back to 1673 when it was founded as a French trading post called Fort Cataraqui. Its name was later changed to Fort Frontenac, which now stands as an archaeological site. The strategic location of Kingston made it an important commercial and military hub, and it even served as the capital of the Province of Canada in the 1840s.
Today, the historic roots of Kingston can still be seen everywhere, from its beautiful limestone buildings to its well-preserved fortifications. This allows visitors to catch a glimpse of Canada’s early history in just a few hours.
- Best things to do in Kingston, Ontario
- Where to stay in Kingston, Ontario
- Is Kingston, Ontario worth visiting?
Best things to do in Kingston, Ontario
Take a photo with the Kingston sign
The great thing about Kingston is that it’s a very walkable city. Although there are a lot of great things to do in Kingston, you should be able to see the city’s main highlights in a day. A popular spot for visitors to take photos at is the Kingston sign, located in front of the scenic waterfront. This is a nice area to start your day in Kingston, as the tourist information office is located within Confederation Park too.
Spirit of Sir John A. Canadian Pacific
Right behind the Kingston sign sits the Spirit of Sir John A. Canadian Pacific. This is a restored vintage railcar that pays tribute to Canada’s first prime minister, who lived in Kingston most of his life. Seeing the railcar up close offers a unique look into how railways have shaped cross-country travel since the 19th century. This is another great spot to snap a quick photo too. It’s especially appealing to history and railway enthusiasts who want to learn more about transportation development in Canada.
Kingston City Hall
You don’t need to look far to find Kingston City Hall. Right across the road from Confederation Park is one of the most impressive neoclassical buildings in the city. It was completed in 1844 during Kington’s short time as the capital of the Province of Canada. The building is meant to reflect the ambitious vision the city had for its political future. The sweeping views over market square at its rear make it the perfect stop for photographers and those interested in architecture.
If you want to take a look inside, Kingston City Hall offers seasonal guided tours that last for 45 minutes. You can also take a self-guided tour during regular opening hours. This is considered one of the top things to do in Kingston during a day trip, so don’t miss out!
Go on a Thousand Islands lunch cruise
Since Kingston is the gateway to the Thousand Islands, you have to go on a boat tour. We opted for the Islands Lunch Cruise with 1000 Islands Cruises. This tour is seasonal and lasts for 3 hours. During the cruise you’ll be given a three-course meal served to your table, and you can purchase drinks onboard.
As you make your way through the water, there’s a mixture of live commentary and music taking place. The commentary provides you with some fascinating facts about the Thousand Islands, including unique landmarks, islands, and houses you can see along the route. It really is one of the best things to do in Kingston. If you’re visiting during their tour season you should grab yourself a ticket, sit back, and enjoy the views (and the food).
Explore downtown Kingston
One of my favourite things to do in Kingston is to walk around its downtown area. There are countless historic buildings to admire, many of which are limestone and date back to the early 19th century. This gives downtown Kingston an old-world charm that’s ideal for wandering around. Kingston actually has one of the best preserved historic downtowns in Ontario. Its narrow streets lined with shops and restaurants make it very easy to spend hours exploring.
Between April and November, on certain days of the week, the Kingston Public Market takes place behind City Hall. It’s the oldest and longest-running market in Ontario, dating back to 1801. I’d also recommend taking a Kingston Trolley Tour if you want to see the city’s main highlights in a short amount of time. Or, why not try a haunted walk of Kingston in the evening?
Visit Queen’s University
One of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious universities can be found in Kingston. Queen’s University, founded in 1841, offers visitors a stunning mixture of limestone buildings, leafy courtyards, and an elegant campus layout. It makes you feel like you’re walking through a small town that’s miles away from a big city.
Although this is considered one of the best things to do in Kingston, I’d only recommend coming here if you have some spare time. It’s not too far away from other attractions in Kingston though, so it’s easy to add to your itinerary if you really want to walk around the campus. In the evening, you can join the Queen’s University ghost tour too – if you’re feeling brave enough.
S.S. Keewatin
For history lovers, you can’t miss the chance to visit the S.S. Keewatin. This iconic Edwardian-era passenger steamer dates back to 1907, making it older than the Titanic. It has recently been relocated to Kingston, and after some restoration it’s now open as a museum. Inside you’ll get a unique look at early 20th century luxury travel, including historic cabins, ornate interiors, and maritime engineering. Guided tours are available on a seasonal basis, so it’s a good idea to check their website beforehand. They’re still working to restore other parts of the ship, which will be opened to the public in the near future.
Check out some museums in Kingston
Even if you’re only spending a day in Kingston, you should try to visit at least one museum. The Kingston Penitentiary is perhaps the most well known museum in Kingston. Inside, visitors can take a walk through Canada’s oldest maximum-security prison and learn about its history. Bellevue House is also a great option, which was once the home of Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first prime minister.
If you’re taking a walk along the waterfront, stopping by Murney Tower or the PumpHouse Museum might be better options. Both of these museums are located close to downtown Kingston. Whichever museum you choose to visit, they’re all high on the list of the best things to do in Kingston.
Fort Henry
Fort Henry is one of the most famous attractions in Kingston. It was originally built during the War of 1812, serving as a major British military fortification that protected the naval base at Point Frederick. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site stands as part of the Rideau Canal and Kingston Fortifications.
During the warmer months, you’ll find daily programming including guided tours, military demonstrations, and reenactments. Its positioning on top of the hill provides a beautiful view of Kingston and Lake Ontario too. Visiting Fort Henry is one of the best things to do in Kingston, so try to fit it into your itinerary if you can. If not, you can always see it from a distance during a Thousand Islands cruise instead.
Walk along the waterfront
The perfect way to end your day in Kingston is by taking a walk along the scenic waterfront near sunset. There are plenty of pedestrian paths leading from the downtown area towards the more residential parts of the city, and in the autumn months the paths are lined with vibrant orange and red leaves hanging from the trees. Walking next to the waterfront will give you a relaxing way to unwind after a full day of exploring all of the incredible things to do in Kingston.
Where to stay in Kingston, Ontario
The Belvedere Hotel
Not sure where to stay in Kingston, Ontario? We found the perfect hotel located just a short walk from the waterfront. The Belvedere Hotel has just undergone a complete renovation, but the building itself is steeped in history. It was originally designed in the 1880s as a private residence, and it was later transformed into “Chateau Belvedere”, playing host to politicians and dignitaries.
On-street parking isn’t available, but the hotel has its own small parking lot further down the road that’s available for an additional fee. However, you can park your vehicle outside while you check-in and unload your luggage.
As this is a boutique hotel, there are only a handful of rooms to choose from – so they get booked up quickly! The Grand King is housed in the original portion of the building, with an authentic marble mantel and large windows that evoke the elegance of the past. The room has been beautifully decorated with modern amenities but its furnishings still stay true to the hotel’s history.
The Grand King is very roomy, with a large wardrobe, king size bed, and a writing desk expertly positioned to allow guests to freely move around the room. The design of the bathroom, with a spacious walk-in shower, is also a bonus. The Grand King is located upstairs, which is something to keep in mind if you’re planning to stay at The Belvedere Hotel.
We visited in October, so unfortunately the bar wasn’t open for food or drinks during the week (only weekends). However, we did get to enjoy the dining room during breakfast. The Belvedere Hotel offers breakfast daily, and it draws inspiration from Europe, with freshly baked breads, cured meats, and cereals available. The hotel has also just opened up its spa, which is located in the lower level of the restored house. The spa includes thermal baths, a dry sauna, and tranquil rest zones.
The Belvedere Hotel is an ideal place to stay during your time in Kingston, especially if you enjoy staying in hotels that have old-world charm but offer modern amenities. The location also can’t be beat.
Is Kingston, Ontario worth visiting?
Whether you’re planning a full weekend away or just a day trip, Kingston, Ontario is definitely worth visiting. The city’s blend of fascinating history, waterfront scenery, and a walkable downtown makes it one of the best small cities to explore in Canada. There are a lot of things to do in Kingston to pack into a day, and it offers experiences that appeal to every kind of traveller. This is the perfect destination for anyone looking to enjoy the best of Ontario in a setting that’s rich in culture but still relaxing. And it’s only a short drive from Ottawa and Toronto too.
If you have any questions about things to do in Kingston, or where to stay in the downtown area, please feel free to reach out. You can get in touch via email or through the contact form on my website. Remember to follow my travels on Instagram and TikTok as well, where you’ll come across more helpful travel tips that will guide you on your next adventure in Ontario.
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