Planning a trip to Ontario’s oldest city often means balancing historic charm with modern-day excitement. Kingston sits at the meeting point of the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, and the Rideau Canal, giving it a waterfront energy that is hard to match. While many visitors know it for its limestone architecture and vibrant student population, the city hides layers of military history, culinary excellence, and natural beauty.
Travelers looking for a getaway that doesn’t require a passport often overlook this Canadian gem. It offers the sophistication of a capital city—it was once the first capital of the United Province of Canada—without the overwhelming crowds of Toronto or Ottawa. The walkable downtown core makes it easy to explore on foot, allowing you to stumble upon hidden courtyards, local markets, and scenic harbor views.
For American visitors, Kingston is incredibly accessible, sitting just across the border from New York State. Whether you are driving in for a weekend or docking as part of a Great Lakes cruise, the city serves as a gateway to the Thousand Islands region. The blend of English and French influences adds a distinct cultural layer that feels authentically Canadian yet familiar to US travelers.
Understanding the local history is key to appreciating the landmarks you will encounter. From the War of 1812 to the role of Fort Henry in protecting the naval dockyards, Kingston’s identity is deeply tied to defense and water. However, the modern city has evolved into a hub for foodies, artists, and outdoor enthusiasts, ensuring there is something for every type of traveler.
This guide is designed to help you navigate the best experiences the city has to offer, from the must-see historic sites to the local favorites that often fly under the radar. We have prioritized attractions that offer real value, accessibility, and a genuine sense of place. You won’t find a generic list of stops here; instead, you’ll find the spots that locals recommend to their own visiting friends.
By the time you finish reading, you will have a clear roadmap for a memorable trip. Whether you are a history buff, a family looking for interactive fun, or a couple seeking a romantic waterfront view, Kingston delivers on all fronts. Let’s dive into the specific places that should anchor your itinerary.
Fort Henry National Historic Site
| Address | 1 Fort Henry Dr, Kingston, ON K7K 5G8, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 7:15 – 11:00 PM Friday: 6:45 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 6:45 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 7:15 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (800) 437-2233 |
Loved it, loved it, loved it! ❤️
I visited in the summer, and the experience was absolutely amazing. It’s easily one of my favorite places I’ve been to in Canada.
There was a whole group of people dressed and acting as if they were from that period, along with different activities and guided tours. It made the experience feel so immersive and brought the whole place to life. Truly such a unique atmosphere!
This was an amazing place to visit if you're a history nerd! The fort is extremely well-kept and the tour guides (particularly Gunner Vu!) were very knowledgable and engaging.
The exhibits inside were very well-done and informative.
Definitely highly recommend visiting if you're visiting Kingston!
If you’re looking for a spine-tingling adventure, the Ghost Tour at Fort Henry National Historical Site is an absolute must! The experience is brilliantly crafted, combining rich history with chilling tales that truly bring the fort's past to life— or perhaps, to unlife!
Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, weaving fascinating historical facts with ghost stories that left us both intrigued and a little spooked. The atmosphere, especially as the sun set over the fort, was perfect for an evening filled with eerie excitement.
The tour was well-paced, allowing for ample time to explore the haunted areas while also soaking in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. I appreciated the attention to detail, from the storytelling to the historical accuracy, making it not just a ghost tour but also an educational experience.
I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a unique outing! Whether you're a history buff, a ghost enthusiast, or just looking for a fun evening, Fort Henry's Ghost Tour delivers an unforgettable experience. Can’t wait to come back for another visit! 🌟👻
Super cool and interesting site for history lovers. The fort is well maintained and has lots to do, with very detailed exhibits containing wonderfully preserved artefacts from British and Canadian military history. We did the guided tour which was great, our guide was super friendly and fun (as were all the reenactors) and answered all our questions. The canon and rifle firings were fun and the parade was cool to see. I recommend one of the fresh biscuits from the fort bakery for the full experience. Definitely worth the trip if you’re in the Kingston area.
Coming for a tour of Fort Henry was such a fun experience! We had previously done the regular tour and this time decided to try the haunted night tour — and we loved it just as much. There is so much history and fascinating information to take in, and every visit offers something new to appreciate. We enjoyed every aspect of the experience.
A special thank you to Isabel, who did a fantastic job keeping us engaged while sharing so much interesting information along the way. Her enthusiasm and storytelling made the tour even more memorable. We would highly recommend visiting!
Great Lakes Museum
| Address | 55 Ontario St, Kingston, ON K7L 2L1, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (613) 542-2261 |
Allison was an excellent hostess! This ship is incredibly beautiful and the stories told were really interesting. That all of the clocks are set to 9:15 AM at the time the ship was forever docked, was a touching moment. That the chairs in the dining room are the original from 1907, that 70% of all of the original items from the ship were donated back, that the SS Keewatin is one of only three ships remaining from that time period and that she is the only passenger ship remaining standing is almost sad. The other two ships, I believe are in New Zealand and Ireland.
This is a great tour for those in Kingston and while not spooky - this was a haunted walk event - the history imparted, was so worth the visit!
Allison even helped me obtain a credit towards another haunted event as two of our party were not able to attend.
Allison - I also agree that yes, after you living in Kingston for 10 years, you can say that you are from Kingston! 😊 Hammond is a lovely small place though too! 😉 Your knowledge after four seasons of doing this tour, shows and your love of this ship shines bright! Thank you for a wonderful event!
I had a great time visiting the Great Lakes Museum. I'd toured the museum many years ago, but this time I wanted to see the S.S. Keewatin after hearing how excellent the tour was.
It definitely didn't disappoint.
The tour was informative from start to finish. I've been on many museum tours around the world, and Emily A was honestly one of the best guides I've ever had. She was funny, engaging, witty, and incredibly knowledgeable. When she didn't know the answer to a question, she made a point of finding out and following up at the end of the tour—a level of dedication that was much appreciated.
The ship itself is remarkable. Calling it a time capsule is almost an understatement. Because the S.S. Keewatin operated from 1907 until the mid-1960s, the exhibits representing the different eras of its service help tell the full story of the ship and its evolution over time.
While not every part of the ship is currently open to visitors, the restoration is progressing beautifully. It's actually fascinating to see the work in progress, especially knowing the museum is restoring the ship using period-appropriate tools and techniques whenever possible.
Beyond Emily A, I'd also like to thank the friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable museum staff. They were a treasure trove of information and made the entire visit even more enjoyable.
I highly recommend both the Great Lakes Museum and the S.S. Keewatin tour to anyone with an interest in history, ships, or simply a well-run museum experience.
Wonderful Ship Museum Tour!
We had a wonderful experience today visiting the Great Lakes Museum and touring the historic ship. Walking through the ship truly took me back in time. It was fascinating to see the different levels, cabins, special rooms, dining areas, kitchen, decks, and many other parts of the ship. Everything was so well preserved that it gave us a real sense of what life on board was like in the old days.
Our tour guide, Maisha, did a wonderful job. She explained everything clearly and in great detail, taking the time to show us the different areas of the ship and share interesting information about each one. Her explanations made the tour even more enjoyable and meaningful.
What an amazing experience touring the SS Keewatin boat and museum! We had such a fantastic time exploring this beautiful piece of history. From the massive engine rooms to the stunning cabins and all the little details in between, there was so much to see and learn. Seeing the old time pieces and walking through the ship truly felt like stepping back into another time.
A special thank you to our guide Emma, who was so informative, charismatic, and fun. Her passion and knowledge made the tour even more memorable.
If you're looking for something different to do, I would absolutely suggest adding this to your list. History, beauty, and a little time travel all wrapped into one experience! ⚓✨
We went on the Haunted Tour for the Historic SS Keewatin this evening (June 19th, 2026) and it was absolutely amazing!!!
Emily, our tour guide, is an excellent story teller and shares many tales while the tour goes through.
A really well-put together tour!
Thank you 😃
Kingston Pen Tours
| Address | 560 King St W, Kingston, ON L8P 1C2, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | (800) 437-2233 |
Did the standard tour and it was a fascinating 1.5 hours into the daily life of Canada's worst criminals.
The volunteers were excellent especially the retired veterans that served there before it closed. Nothing like real-life stories to bring the reality of the place closer to home.
If there was one criticism is that you can't really longer in one area as the schedule is quite packed. If there was an option to explore certain areas more, it would elevate it.
In any event it was very entertaining and if not , it's at least even more motivation to behave and not go to prison !
Pretty outstanding. Extended tour is really the only way to experience it! This is my 2nd time coming back for the extended and it's just as great as it was years ago. The building is an architectural gem jam packed with stories, history and emotion. It is really really worth the trip to speak to retired COs with vast stories to tell. Thank you Kingston Pen ❤️
Enjoyable experience! Took our 4 year old with ASD along. Would not recommend taking hyper-verbal children as it echoes a lot throughout the facility (indoors and out!) and I felt like we were disrupting others. Had a great time though and learned a lot about the history on the guided tour. I enjoyed that there were different former employees along the way who shared firsthand experiences and answered questions.
Lots to see and learn about the history here if you are interested in corrections!
This old prison has many histories to tell, we reserved the one hour tour and was a great experience with our group of family and kids we got to visit the old and new cells. The vibe is quite hard but the guide did everything to add some humor into the tour and made this guided visit a cool experience. As you can assume not all the jail is available but the section that we visited were good enough to enjoy this experience.
Great tour of a prison that incarcerated Canada’s worst criminals. I was surprised by how big some of the cells were and how humanely they appeared to be kept consider what horrible things they did to others.
The tour was fantastic with having different guides throughout the penitentiary who actually worked at the prison when it was in operation.
I highly recommend go to see the Pen and then the museum across the road.
Kingston Walks
| Address | 248 Ontario St, Kingston, ON K7L 5P7, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 4:00 – 5:00 PM Thursday: 4:00 – 5:00 PM Friday: 4:00 – 5:00 PM Saturday: 4:00 – 5:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (613) 549-5544 |
Kingston is Very beautiful place and have delicious tacos.
Nice place to hang out, enjoy a nice day, take pictures etc. Right by the water, with plenty of attractions like fountains, the old train engine, picture opportunities and so on.
Nice place to chill out
good short stop for children
Love Kingston, beautiful city so many walking paths along the water
Martello Alley
| Address | 203 B Wellington St, Kingston, ON K7K 2Y6, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (613) 767-2966 |
I met the owner David at his other art store, when he told me about this alley and its history. It is very carefully thought out, curated and crafted to reflect Kingston history and Canadian history! A very neat find, lots of cute gifts and art. Worth a visit if you're in the area!
The owners of the shop are the sweetest couple and it is so obvious how passionate they are about creating a welcoming environment and community. They support local artisans by selling their creations in the shop and also being well-versed in their artists’ lives and creation process. I learned so much about Kingston and its artists from the man who owns this shop. Overwhelmingly kind and an extremely well curated shop with all types of art and knick knacks. Highly recommend!
Found this place on Facebook and loved it! The walls are filled with amazing art from local artists, paintings, magnet, photographs, etc. David was super friendly and gave us a great tour of the alley. It's so colorful, definitely adds some much-needed color to Kingston's grey winter🌈
Really cool experience to see artworks from 45+ artists in one place. One of a kind place in ontario and they've got artworks and items scross different ranges $10 to $1000 if you'd like.. a must visit to support local community.
Touristy, artistic, instagram worthy alley. There were really cool and interesting art works on sale. And a cute cafe! Nice corner to explore.
Bellevue House National Historic Site
| Address | 35 Centre St, Kingston, ON K7L 4E5, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (613) 545-8666 |
Bellevue House is an important part of Canadian history, being the home of Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. However, I was quite disappointed to learn that it is only open to visitors for four months of the year — May through August.
It seems unfortunate that such a significant national historic site remains closed to tourists for most of the year. Extending its open season would allow more Canadians and visitors alike to appreciate this vital piece of our heritage.
Came to know more about the history of the house and ended up being well informed. The house was well preserved and there are a lot of interactive stuff to do and learn from. The only thing we wish it had is some descriptive or information about the plants in the garden. Other than that, it's a lovely place to visit.
Beautiful home well preserved. The staff were all friendly and eager to share knowledge about the house and property. Beautiful landscaping around it. Parking was easy with plenty of spaces available.
I've loved visiting this place since I was a small child. I've been here probably a dozen times over my life time. I brought my service dog last time and they had no issues which was refreshing. I never get tired of the history and the beauty of the house and grounds. When I was little I used to dream about living there.
Wonderful, with free admission (guided tours for $). The grounds and house are quite beautiful and you'll appreciate the shaded grounds on hot days. Its also a nice in-between stop if going from downtown to Kingston Penetentiary. Learn a bit of history with plenty of interpretive panels and knowledgable staff at the house.
K-Pass
| Address | 248 Ontario St, Kingston, ON K7L 5P7, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (613) 549-4513 |
We haven’t been yet, but working with Jane to book all our reservation requiring stops for the weekend we’re was so easy and we are looking forward to it. We booked the 48h pass and just with the attractions we reserved, we’ve already saved money (plus had someone book them for us and email the itinerary). Excited for our weekend in Kingston. -Kristen R.
At first glance, the 24-hour K-Pass price of $114 + HST seemed a bit steep, but it absolutely proved its value. With just a three-hour cruise, the hop-on hop-off trolley, and a two-hour bike rental from Ahoy Rentals, we already saved more than $5 each — and that’s only scratching the surface of what’s included. The pass makes it super easy to explore Kingston’s top attractions without worrying about tickets or planning. Highly recommend for visitors who want to pack a lot of fun into a short stay!
Carlie helped me book all our adventures for 7 people and couldn’t be any fortunate to have her helping me. She was very patient and very thorough and the K-Pass deal is unbeatable- you absolutely must use this pass when visiting Kingston and their customer service is excellent especially Carlie!
This was a awesome experience. Highly recommend everyone purchase this pass if you are going to Kingston. We upgraded the Penn tour and it was well worth it. The highlight of our trip!!
Only comment I can make is not everyplace knew how to scan these passes. But that was the only hiccup.
We had a great trip!!
Kpass itself is ok .if you are going to do hauted trolly do it before you use hop on hop off trolley because its basically the same just ghost stories on one trolley . kingston pen tour was very disappointing for me and my family if you are looking for a inmate point of view or corrections officer point of view you will be very disappointed . Extended tour saw us seeing maybe 1/4 of the pen itself and that was a 47$ upgrade to kpass. Also there are a few other things included in the kpass that are cool BUT make sure to call these other places because we went by the website ( of the merchant symphonie spa ) for closing times and were confronted by closed doors . also ahoye bike rentals unfortunately we did not have time to go but other people told me they could not get bikes because they had not reserved . Also on the hop on hop off trolley stop number 2 is fort henry BUT nobody from the tours or info center told us that the bridge to fort henry was closed so took the trolley and when we did not stop at that stop i told driver i wanted to go to fort henry and he is the one who told us the bridge was out and then told us we had to go back to boat dock and take water taxi accross and bus back to fort henry so by the time we got back it was to late to go in all of you are going to buy kpass make sure to plan your days at least a week in advance to make sure you can enjoy all of it
PumpHouse
| Address | 23 Ontario St, Kingston, ON K7L 2Y2, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (613) 544-7867 |
Pump house is a great museum that can be fit into a tight schedule! Really interesting seeing the turn of the century machines in such great condition in such a scenic location, and the bee exhibit was fantastic, really neat addition to the museum!
Visit on Saturday November 8, 2025. Parking available, mobility impaired accessible. The museum is located on the property and in the structure of one of the earliest waterworks. Dating back to 1851, and coal powered steam-driven pumps, (and later electic) conveyed water to Kingston's residents. Admission quite reasonable and staff welcoming and well informed of the displays and history. The museum also has several other fixed an rotating exhibits. The permanent model train exhibit is rather popular.
A great museum that offers fascinating information about Kingstons early days of providing water to the city. Entrance fee price was fair. It is a bit on the shorter side but still information rich with a lovely train model section. Worth a visit for sure.
Great place for kids, has pump museum, also trains and other exhibits and a play area.
It is not free to enter AND you must pay for parking which makes it a lower star however I gave a highest star because of the importance of understanding the information learned. What made it 5 star was the connection they honoured with indegenous people. I hope in the future more detail can be shared about indegenous people but for now I love the art exhibit combined with the water history of Kingston. It is also hosted a seperate exhibit about dinasaurs. This was included in the price. Also there is park area where you can take a walk along the water so this made it an extra special experience!
Lake Ontario Park
| Address | 920 King St W, Kingston, ON K7M 8H3, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | (613) 546-0000 |
Awesome park! We came on a Friday morning and it was pretty empty. Lots of bugs and flies though!! Hard to walk through them but by the water there is less and it’s so peaceful. 🙂 washrooms also were great and included showers and a huge sink!
Beautiful kept park with Lake Ontario beach. There are sand box like area for kids to play in the sand near the water. You can go swimming as it's clear but it's rocky near the shore so if you have water shoes, it's best if you wear them. I am not sure if it's sandy after the rocks. The park area is kept clean and well maintained with a sheltered picnic and washroom area. There's one playground near the front of the park and new one near it with a splash pad as well. Best of two worlds.
Lake Ontario has beautiful views throughout the year. In the summer, you can see its blue waters and sandy beaches. In autumn, the colorful leaves create a stunning sight. In winter, the frozen lake looks magical. It's a peaceful and lovely place to visit.
Beautiful place to do some work out, walk, ride a bike, yoga, make a BBQ or a picnic. Also you can swimm into the lake, take a lot of pictures and feed the squirrels! Enjoyable with some family and friends!
Lake Ontario Park is a perfect place to spend an afternoon with your family. Beautiful views, a playground and splashpad for the kids, many picnic areas and even a spot to swim and play in the sand. It's one of our favourites.
Canada's Penitentiary Museum (Correctional Service of Canada Museum)
| Address | 555 King St W, Kingston, ON K7L 2X9, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | (613) 530-3122 |
Canada's Penitentiary Museum was an awesome addition to our Kingston Pen visit. It runs on donations, and even though it's not huge, it's full of cool exhibits, artifacts, and stories that really help you get a better grasp of Canada's correctional history.
Awesome museum. Per donation only.a must visit while your in Kingston Ontario
Stopped by hear earlier in the day to learn about some of the history before my KP tour later in the day.
The staff were all really friendly and easy to talk to. Spent about an hour here and had a great time. Admission is donation based and they also have a small gift shop. We gave $20 for 2 people and also got a pin at the shop which I hope was acceptable.
A really interesting and worthwhile museum to visit, especially after touring Kingston Penitentiary. There are so many fascinating artifacts and exhibits that give you a deeper understanding of the history of Canada’s correctional system.
What really made the visit stand out, though, were the staff and former Correctional Officers. They were incredibly welcoming, knowledgeable, and engaging, and their firsthand stories and experiences brought the exhibits and history to life in a way that displays alone simply can't.
A big thank you to the staff and former COs for taking the time to speak with visitors, share their experiences, and answer questions. Their knowledge and personal insight made an already interesting museum even more memorable. Definitely worth a visit!
As a museum is very interesting. Free access. As a human I had a very strange feeling about pain and horror people went through being locked in that environment.
The museum itself is very impressive. Many documents, artifacts, all the history of the part of the reality we normally do not see. Thank you, people for this collections and stories.
Kingston City Hall
| Address | 216 Ontario St, Kingston, ON K7L 2Z3, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (613) 546-4291 |
Kingston City Hall is one of the most impressive historic landmarks in downtown Kingston, Ontario. Located at 216 Ontario Street, directly across from Confederation Park and the waterfront, this beautiful building offers a stunning view of the harbour and is surrounded by the historic charm of the city.
Built between 1841 and 1844, Kingston City Hall was designed by architect George Browne and features a grand neoclassical architectural style. The building was originally created when Kingston served as the first capital of the Province of Canada, and it remains an important symbol of the city’s history and heritage.
The large columns, detailed stonework, and impressive dome make the building stand out as one of Kingston’s most recognizable landmarks. Walking around the area, visitors can appreciate the combination of historic architecture, waterfront scenery, and the lively atmosphere of downtown.
Its location beside the water and opposite Confederation Park makes it a perfect place to explore, take photos, and learn more about Kingston’s past. It is a beautiful reminder of the city’s role in Canadian history and a must-see attraction for visitors.
Kingston City Hall is one of Canada's most beautiful historic buildings. Located in the heart of downtown, it features stunning architecture and a charming waterfront nearby. It is a perfect spot for photos and a must-visit destination for first-time visitors.
Great little spot in Kingston. Beautiful architecture and lots of local history. Waterfront and visitor center right across the street with info and tours. Nice park to enjoy the water front, public restrooms and a decent amount of street parking. Not a ton to do in Kingston, but they have several great buildings to view and explore
A beautiful and historic landmark in the heart of Kingston! The architecture is stunning — especially the dome and the clock tower. The surrounding area is very lively, with parks, the waterfront, and market square nearby. Great spot for photos, relaxing walks, or learning about the city’s past. A must-see if you're visiting Kingston!
It’s a great spot for photos! I loved the purple lighting at night, and in the early morning it has such a cozy vibe. Grab a coffee and take a walk around, it’s really lovely.
Kingston Trolley Tours
| Address | 248 Ontario St, Kingston, ON K7L 5P7, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Phone | (613) 549-5544 |
Absolutely fantastic ghost bus tour! A huge shoutout to our guide Jonathan. He is extremely professional and has an in-depth knowledge of Kingston’s local history and haunted tales.
We were amazed to discover so many fascinating ghost stories around the city. Jonathan is talkative, eloquent and passionate throughout the ride. His vivid narration really engaged all of us. Apart from spooky legends, he also shared interesting local customs with great sense of humor.
There were lovely unexpected surprises during the tour. As postgraduate students from Queen’s University MMAI and MMA programs, all my classmates thoroughly enjoyed this comfortable and memorable experience.
I would definitely recommend this tour service to anyone visiting Kingston. It is a wonderful way to explore and learn about the city. Many thanks to Jonathan for this brilliant journey!
I had the pleasure of taking the trolley tour this week, and my experience was incredible! To be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect going in since I was attending for a work event, but it ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. We had the honor of having Bruce as our tour guide, and he made the experience truly magical. Bruce kept us completely engaged the entire time, and I learned so much about streets I thought I already knew well. He set the bar remarkably high! I highly recommend this tour to anyone, especially if you're lucky enough to get Bruce as your guide. I would definitely do it again!
We had a great time with Kingston Trolley Tours! The weather was perfect, and our guide, Chris, was super informative and easy to listen to. The tour lasted just over an hour and was packed with interesting facts and local history. Definitely worth it if you're visiting Kingston! Just a heads-up—strollers aren’t allowed on the trolley, so bring a carrier if you’ve got little ones. You can hop off at stops or stay on for the full ride. Highly recommend!
I had a great experience on the Kingston Trolley Tour! The tour was both scenic and educational, offering a well-paced overview of the city’s major landmarks and rich history. What really made the ride enjoyable was our tour guide, who was also the driver—he did a fantastic job narrating the city’s story with clarity and enthusiasm.
Whether you’re new to Kingston or just want to see the city from a different perspective, this tour is a great choice. Highly recommended.
Had Bruce as a tour guide last Tuesday for the Hop On, Hop Off tour, with my pre-school aged daughter and mom (in her sixties) in tow. We all enjoyed it immensely. Bruce was very knowledgeable, funny and professional, and has the wonderful Newfoundlander gift of storytelling! I’ve been on the trolley tours a few times and I always learn something new about Kingston. It’s great for families. Thank you for the memorable experience.
Essential Tips for Visiting Kingston
Before you finalize your travel plans, it is wise to consider how you will navigate the city and its unique geography. Kingston is a four-season destination, but the experience changes dramatically depending on when you visit. Understanding the logistics, local customs, and seasonal shifts will help you maximize your time and avoid common tourist pitfalls. Here are five practical tips to ensure your trip goes smoothly.
1. Choose your season based on your interests. Summer offers the best weather for patios and boat cruises, but it is also the busiest time for festivals and hotel rates. Autumn brings stunning foliage along the waterfront, while winter is quiet and magical but requires layering up. Spring can be unpredictable, so pack a waterproof layer regardless of the forecast.
2. Park once and walk. The downtown core is highly walkable, and parking can be tight during peak hours. Many of the major attractions, including the waterfront and market square, are within a 15-minute walk of each other. Leave your car at the hotel or a municipal lot and explore on foot to avoid the hassle of moving your vehicle repeatedly.
3. Take advantage of the Kingston Trolley. If your feet get tired or you are visiting in colder months, the Kingston Trolley offers a convenient hop-on-hop-off service. It connects the downtown core to attractions like Fort Henry and the Penitentiary, saving you the cost of multiple taxi rides or the stress of navigating narrow historic streets.
4. Book popular tours in advance. Attractions like Kingston Penitentiary tours and evening cruises often sell out, especially on weekends during the summer. If you have your heart set on a specific time slot, secure your tickets online before you arrive to avoid disappointment.
5. Bring both US and Canadian currency. While most businesses accept credit cards and US dollars, exchange rates can vary significantly at smaller shops. Using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees or withdrawing Canadian cash from a local ATM usually offers the best value.
Kingston is a city that rewards curiosity. While the headline attractions draw you in, it is often the quiet moments—a coffee in a limestone courtyard or a sunset over the harbor—that make the trip unforgettable. The city’s compact size means you can see a lot in a short amount of time without feeling rushed.
As you plan your journey, remember that the best travel experiences come from a mix of preparation and spontaneity. Use this guide as your foundation, but leave room in your schedule to follow a local recommendation or simply sit by the water and watch the boats go by. That is where the true spirit of Kingston lives.
