Top Things to do in Kingston
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The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Kingston, Canada
Known for its markets and its striking 19th-century limestone architecture, Kingston is a great base for exploring the Thousand Islands and the St. Lawrence River and its national park. Visit Wolfe Island on the free ferry, or hunt for antiques in nearby villages.
Restaurants in Kingston
1. Martello on Brock
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 50 reviews
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: browse our shop interactively online 24/7 via our new 360 virtual site. You can find it at https://www.martelloalley.com/pages/virtual-3d-shopping-is-here Martello on Brock is Downtown Kingston's newest art experience, featuring local artists and artisans in an historic setting.
Reviewed By mm_artlover
This lovely little gallery is full of beautiful artwork that captures the local spirit! There is plenty of variety so there is something there for everyone. The location and artworks truly represent the arts community in Kingston and it is very close to Market Square. It's a must-see if you are in the city and have an interest in the arts.
2. Lake Ontario Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By katherinem91 - Quebec City, Canada
It was such a nice place to see ! We walked around, but couldn't complete a trail because it was closed. The view on Lake Ontario is breathtaking and it is a must-see if you like nature.
3. Royal Military College Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By HappyTraveller0723 - Ontario, Canada
Where Canadian officers are molded and trained. Impressive buildings and grounds. Right next to Fort Henry.
4. Agnes Etherington Art Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Agnes Etherington Art Centre is a research‐intensive art museum located on the historic campus of Queen’s University. It illuminates the great artistic traditions of the past and the innovations of the present through year-round programs of exhibitions and outreach activities staged across eight beautiful galleries, the Biéler Studio, and assorted public spaces including the gracious period rooms of the historic Etherington House. Its superb collections—numbering over 17,000 works―include cutting edge contemporary art and fine examples of Canadian historical art, Indigenous art and artifacts, and material culture including an unusual collection of Canadian Historical Dress and the Lang Collection of African Art. The Bader Collection, focusing on Rembrandt and his school, centres on more than 200 paintings from the Dutch Golden Age, including one portrait and two beautiful character studies by Rembrandt.
Reviewed By Paros81
Manageable wee museum in student area of town. Some interesting displays of costumes, contemporary art and Dutch art. Agnes Etheringtons home is an additional plus point. Worth a look and free entry.
5. Wolfe Islander III
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 301 reviews
Reviewed By starsandsky - Toronto, Canada
The ferry runs regularly throughout the day and is a great way to reach Wolfe's island. Just 20 minutes from Kingston on the ferry, this island with its windmills, scenic vistas, charming houses, shops and restaurants is a great way to relax. During winter the ferry uses a dock that is farther away from the village and as of Oct 13, the shuttle bus to the village is going to be suspended (perhaps due to covid restrictions). This may make getting around more difficult unless you take a car across on the ferry, which you absolutely can! While in the village, check out the charming churches, the eclectic street names and the wonderful paintings that adorn the walls of many public buildings
6. Fort Henry National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,591 reviews
Once inside the wooden gates, visitors enter the realm of 19th century military life, experience guided tours, scenic views, heart-pounding musical performances and precision military demonstrations by the Fort Henry Guard. You will also see people representing the civilian population of the Fort as schoolteachers and soldiers' wives. The Fort also plays host to numerous special ceremonies and events that take place all season long.
Reviewed By funky_canadian_guy - Bowmanville, Canada
A site all should visit, self guided tours or full guided tour, lots of hands on experiences, plenty of exhibits, the ability to shoot a muscat, watch the cannons go off and shop at reasonably priced shops. A first date experience!
7. Queens University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 183 reviews
Reviewed By adamtroywiggins - Abbotsford, Canada
This was my first trip to Kingston. I've heard people and friends talk about attending Queens University but I had no idea of the historical heritage of this place. I was surprised to discover that Queens is the oldest University in Canada. It's heritage, history, and beauty is so tangible as you see the beautiful stone buildings that have been well preserved. Well worth the visit if you are passing through this area of Canada.
8. St. George's Cathedral
9. Lemoine Point Conservation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 228 reviews
Reviewed By camperr123
I love going for walks here no matter the season! In winter they provide bird seed so you can feed chickadees and sometimes other birds right out of your hand over even off your head! I've always seen owls and many deer here. As a photographer it is a great spot not too far from the city to have that great escape from the busy city life. It's very peaceful and there are multiple trails you can walk which is fun! Also a great place for a photoshoot with friends :)
10. Kingston City Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 330 reviews
A prominent landmark on the Kingston waterfront since 1844, City Hall is the symbolic centre of the community's civic government and administration. Originally designed by architect George Browne when Kingston was the capital of the United Province of Canada, City Hall is one of finest 19th century buildings in Canada and a nationally designated heritage site. Learn more about Kingston City Hall's fascinating history, beautiful architecture - and about the intriguing people, events and stories associated with this national historic site. Those interested in heritage architecture will also enjoy the newly-opened Heritage Resource Centre in the Market Square wing. Tours begin at the main entrance of City Hall off Ontario Street. For tour dates and time please visit us online.
Reviewed By 196AnnA - New Brunswick, Canada
Informative tour of City Hall led by museum staff gave us some very interesting information while keeping everyone safe by physical distancing and very small groups. Many interesting details in this building.
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