Top Things to do in Kingston
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Top 10 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. 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.
2. 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
3. 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!
4. 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.
5. 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 :)
6. 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.
7. Canada's Penitentiary Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,112 reviews
Housed in the former Warden's residence of Kingston Penitentiary, the museum offers a wide range of exhibits of artifacts from across Canada's federal Correctional system. Admission is by donation. CLOSED FOR THE SEASON UNTIL MAY 1st, 2020
Reviewed By Gregsky - Ottawa, Canada
Get your tickets in advance. We did the standard tour (90 mintues) recently. Very well run, excellent observation of social contacts. Our tour guide (Sarah) was great; knowledgable, energetic, and fun. Some great testimonials from a former prison guard, warden, and nurse. An excellent way to spend some time and learn a bit about one of Canada's most notorious prisons.
8. Bellevue House National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 331 reviews
A rare and fine example in Canada of Italianate villa architecture, Bellevue was home to Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister. Today, the house is a national historic site, commemorating Macdonald's contribution to the development of Canada. Bel example rare au Canada de villa de style italianisant, Bellevue a été la demeure de sir John A. Macdonald, premier des premiers ministres du Canada. Aujourd'hui lieu historique national, elle commémore la contribution de Macdonald à l'essor du Canada.
Reviewed By Samantha1Travels - Mississauga, Canada
It was lovely coming to kingston to learn about it's history, food and passion for keeping the historic places alive!! Great historic site to visit!
9. Kingston Waterfront
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,175 reviews
Reviewed By Gelaas - Brighton, Canada
Beautiful water front and harbour area, great for walking or just sitting and relaxing on a hot summers day,
10. Martello Alley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 384 reviews
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: browse our gallery online 24/7 on our new 360 interactive site. You can find it at menu “Virtual Shop” on our Website. A quirky and fun little art gallery located in an old alley in downtown Kingston Ontario. It is Ontario's only alley art gallery. The indoor gallery is located at the very end of the alley, beside the courtyard. The other "shops" you will see are not really shops at all - they are facades created to make up a little "village". Currently there is a "fleuriste" (flower shop) and a "poissonnerie" (fish shop). In reality these are the back walls of the restaurant next door. The door to the "fleuriste" is not a door at all, and the door to the "poissonnerie" is the back door/delivery to the restaurant. The "lighthouse" and the "buoy", complete with seagull and nest, are there to store and conceal the restaurant's garbage bins and kitchen oil drum. These themed "shops" serve as backdrops for the outdoor art that display in the corresponding themed area.
Reviewed By caelab2021
I had a wonderful time visiting Martello Alley today with my boyfriend. I loved the way they had done the renovations, it gave the space a unique feel that was both interesting and inviting. The staff were both knowledgeable and friendly and I'm very excited about my purchases! I would highly recommend this lovely hidden gem to anyone who has an appreciation for art and the amazing community that comes together to support local artists.
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