40 Fun Things To Do In Kingston, Ontario (Weekend Guide)

If you’re looking to travel locally, Canada has some fantastic places that often go undiscovered by locals. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Kingston, Ontario, you’ve come to the right place! Kingston was featured on The Amazing Race Canada. It was home to the lead singer for the iconic Canadian band The Tragically Hip. Gord Downie passed away at 53 not too long ago. 

Kinston is chock-full of history as well. It was once the capital of Canada (1841 to 1844) before Ottawa took over. It was home to Canada’s first prime minister Sir John A. Macdonald. It has two forts (Fort Henry, and Fort Frontenac), Queen’s University and a historic penitentiary (Kingston Pen), which once held the infamous dangerous offender Paul Bernardo,

So if you’re in town for the weekend or just passing through and wanting to explore the area, this comprehensive list of 37 things to do in Kingston will get you started.

This article is now available as a mobile app. Go to GPSmyCity to download the app for GPS-assisted travel directions to the attractions featured in this article.

A Little Bit of Kingston History

• Kingston is nicknamed the “Limestone City” because of the many heritage buildings constructed using local limestone.
• Kingston was once named the first capital of the United Province of Canada on February 10, 1841. While its time as a capital city was short (ending in 1844), the community has remained a necessary military installation
• It is also home to The Thousand Islands tourist region.

How To Travel To Kingston

As mentioned above, Kingston is heading to or from the larger cities. And you’re just a 3-hour trip from Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. This makes it quite accessible, and there are plenty of ways to reach your destination.

• Kingston Airport (YGK), also known as Norman Rogers Airport, is within a 15-minute drive to the city’s historic downtown core.
• There are buses going to Kingston from most major centres around Canada.
• My favourite way to travel between the cities, you can hop on a train from many of the major cities and arrive safely in Kingston.
• This option gives you the most freedom to plan your Kingston itinerary. You can stop along the way and enjoy surrounding attractions, and when you’re in the city, you have reliable, independent transportation.

Places To Stay In Kingston, Ontario + Map

What Do In Kingston, Ontario This Weekend… 

FYI., This list is pretty long, so you’ll need at least two days to complete it. If you don’t have that long, pick your favourites and do just those. 

1) Stop Off At The Big Apple (From Toronto)

Location: 262 Orchard Rd, Colborne
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 8 am to 7 pm

The Big Apple is another one of those places you drive by on your way to or from someplace else. When driving by, it’s hard to miss Mr. Applehead, an observatory and the world’s largest apple-shaped structure where you can climb up and get great views of the surrounding countryside.
The petting zoo and the mini-golf course for the children aside, the apple pie is legendary.

The Night Before…

2) Enjoy Indian Cuisine At Curry Original Kingston

Location: 175 Bagot St
Opening hours: Tues-Sun 5 pm to 9 pm

Curry Original’s owners have been pioneers of fine Indian Cuisine in Kingston for the past 25 years. Using only authentic Indian herbs, every dish you eat – accompanied by the restaurant atmosphere (art on the walls, rich, spicy aromas) feels like you just landed in India. If you like Indian food, this is the spot.

Things To Do In Kingston This Weekend – Day 1

3) Try Out Delicious Treats From Pan Chancho Bakery

Location: 44 Princess St
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 8 am to 5 pm

Pan Chancho Bakery is a delicious European-style bakery, a gourmet food shop and a dine-in cafe. They sell all artisanal bread, pastries, cakes and gourmet grab-and-go deli items. They even have a line of canned goods and frozen meals.

They have local beers on tap in the evening, signature cocktails and wines. You can choose to have your meal on their courtyard patio or in a private dining room.

4) Take A Guided Tour Of Kingston City Hall 

Location: 216 Ontario St
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 am – 4:30 pm 

Kingston’s City Hall is a national historic site and the centre for administering and governing the City of Kingston. It was built in 1844 and is one of the finest century buildings in Canada. There are free guided tours for those who want to learn more about its heritage and architecture.

5) Walk Through Confederation Park 

Location: Between Ontario St and Waterfront Pathway
Opening hours: 24/7

Confederation Park is nicknamed – the heart and soul of Kingston. It’s the perfect spot to do your morning walk, watch the sunset or hang out. Concerts and festivals are also held there. This is one of the top things to see in Kingston.

6) Investigate Shoal Tower National Historic Site

Location: Seen from the Waterfront Pathway
Opening hours: 24/7

The Shoal Tower National Historic Site is a heritage site built as part of the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) and used by the college for artillery training. 

7) Check Out The Spirit Of Sir John A. Canadian Pacific

Location: 209 Ontario St
Opening hours: 24/7

The Spirit of Sir John A., also called Engine 1095 is one of the rarest symbols of 19th-century technology and industry that still exists today. This is a great stop-off to get a few photos and take in the stunning train. Kingston was once home to the Canadian Locomotive Company for over 100 years. This company built over 3,000 steam, electric and diesel engines for the Canadian Pacific Railway, including ‘The Spirit of Sir John A.’

8) Step Inside The Charming St. George Cathedral

Location: 270 King St E

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10 am to 4 pm 

St. George Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in Kingston, known for retaining its old charm. It’s a local landmark and quite a sight to behold. There are still religious services inside the church, but you can visit outside worship hours to admire the structure. 

9) Walk Along LaSalle Causeway

Location: LaSalle Causeway
Opening hours: 24/7

LaSalle Causeway is a bascule bridge – which I admit I needed to look up. Bascule means movable bridge, and it was named after René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, who oversaw the construction of Fort Frontenac in 1673, now the western end of the causeway. 

10) Visit A Military Museum. The Royal Military College of Canada

Location: 13 General Crerar Crescent
Opening hours: Mon to Fri 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Admission is free.

The Royal Military College of Canada is located in Kingston, Ontario. It was founded in 1883 as the Royal Military College of Kingston. 

The museum displays many artifacts, including war trophies, guns, aircraft, ships, and tanks. The museum houses more than 7,000 objects and features exhibits about the Royal Military College of Canada with interactive games and activities for children.

11) Tour Fort Frederick

Location: 15 Passchendale Dr #9
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8 am to 4:30 pm

Frederick is a historic military building located on Point Frederick on the grounds of the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC). Its construction dates back to 1846 and the Oregon boundary dispute. 

The fort consists of earthworks surrounding a Martello tower. It is included in two National Historic Sites of Canada: Kingston Fortifications National Historic Site and the Point Frederick Buildings National Historic Site

12) Head To Fort Henry

Location: 1 Fort Henry Dr
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 9:30 am – 5 pm

The original Fort Henry was built in the 18th century. It is located between Great Britain (Canada being a British colony at the time) and the United States of America but bears no resemblance to the existing fort. During the War of 1812, the British anticipated an attack on Point Henry due to its proximity to the Royal Naval Dockyards and to the mouth of the St. Lawrence River. 

13) Grab A Drink At Sir John A. Pub (The Public House)

Location: 343 King St E
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11 am to 2 am; Sun 10:30 am to 2 am

The Public House is a cozy pub in the heart of historic downtown Kingston in a building that once served as the law office to Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first Prime Minister.

Earlier this year, the bar came under fire because it was named after Sir John A. Macdonald, which didn’t have a stellar reputation for his treatment of Aboriginals. In the spirit of reconciliation with our Native Canadians, lobbyists started protesting in front of the pub, which caused the owner to drop Sir John’s name and call it The Public House. Many controversies started on whether this was a good or bad move.

In addition to Sir John A. There are several other great pubs in Kingston besides Pub (The Public House): The Iron Duke on Wellington St., Red House Tavern on Spring Gardens Rd., and Tir Nan Og on King St. W.

14) Pig-Out At Chez Piggy

Location: 68 Princess St
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11:30 am to 9 pm; Sat & Sun 10:30 am to 9 pm

Chez Piggy is Kingston’s best-known restaurant since 1979, even though it is in what was once an abandoned limestone horse stable. Bet you didn’t see that one coming!

The flavours of world travel inspire their menu and are a destination in itself for foodies. It is perfect for afternoon cocktails on the courtyard patio, your family celebration, a night out with friends or a romantic dinner.

Oh, and to bring everything full circle Chez Piggy gets all its bread from Pan Chancho Bakery.

What To Do In Kingston This Weekend? – Day 2

15) Satisfy Caffeine and Sugar Cravings – Crave Cafe, Kingston

Location: 166 Princess St
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 7:30 am to 8 pm

CRAVE Coffee House & Bakery is Kingston’s largest independently owned and operated coffee house, scratch bakery, and a full-service kitchen. If you have a sweet tooth like me you’ll definitely love their seashell macarons, butter tarts and gluten-free carrot cake.

16) Go Straight To Jail – Kingston Penitentiary

Location: 560 King St W
Opening hours: Wed-Sun 8:40 am to 6 pm

Kingston Penitentiary is Canada’s oldest and most notorious maximum-security prison. Once considered a dumping ground for Canada’s diabolical criminals, it’s most well-known for holding one of Canada’s most notorious and evil inmates – Paul Bernardo.

A standard tour costs $35 each and, honestly, was one of the best tours we’ve ever taken. The tour incorporates stories told by the actual guards who once worked there.

17) Visit Historic Portsmouth Tavern

Location: 560 King St W
Opening hours: Mon to Thurs 11 am – 6 pm, Fri to Sat 11 am – 12 am

The waterfront walking trail west will have you passing the Kingston Penitentiary, taking you to Portsmouth Village. While there isn’t much to do here other than visiting the Portsmouth Tavern, an old, classic bar/restaurant from 1863. Known locally as The Ports.

18) Explore The PumpHouse Museum

Location: 23 Ontario Street
Opening hours: Mon to Thurs 11 am – 6 pm, Fri to Sat 11 am – 12 am

A Steam Museum is a great place to see how people used to get around. People would use steam engines to power trains, ships, or even cars. The Pumphouse is fun for kids to learn about steam engines and modern technology.

19) Explore The Bellevue House

Location: 35 Centre St
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10 am to 5 pm 

Bellevue House National Historic Site of Canada was the home to Prime Minister Sir John Alexander Macdonald from 1848 to 1849. It was constructed around 1840 and is one of Canada’s first examples of Italian Villa architecture. Sir John A. Macdonald moved into the house with his wife, Isabella Clark and their son John Alexander in 1848. A trip here includes an old maid as your guide, who shares her story and narrates the house’s rich history.

20) Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts

Since its launch in 2014, the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts has become a destination for theatre and concert lovers across Ontario.

Located on the campus of Queen’s University, the Center boasts a 560-seat concert hall, a 92-seat screening room for films, and a rehearsal hall for up-and-coming performers. From classical music to jazz and theatre performances, the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts offers something for everyone.

The Center’s vibrant interior, made of wood finishes, is something to behold and can only be fully appreciated when you take in a show.

21) Learn About Murney Tower

Location: 2 King St W
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10 am to 5 pm 

The Murney Tower was built in 1846 because of the Oregon Crisis to defend the St. Lawrence River from an American invasion. In 2007, Murney Tower became part of the Rideau Canal and Kingston Fortifications World Heritage Site – the 14th World Heritage Site in Canada and the only one in Ontario.

22) Marine Museum of the Great Lakes

Just a stone’s throw from Battery Park and beside the iconic dry dock in Kingston, the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes is a great place to learn about the city’s maritime history.

Founded in 1975, the museum houses books, photos, artifacts, and other research material related to shipping on the Great Lakes, and it provides guided tours, workshops, and educational programming. The dry dock, built in 1892 to service larger vessels, is a focal point of the museum, and the displays dedicated to its history are genuinely fascinating.

23) Discover Queen’s University Campus

Location: 99 University Ave
Opening hours: Visitors can take scheduled or self-guided tours

Queen’s University is a public research university in Canada. It was founded on October 16, 1841, via a royal charter issued by Queen Victoria, but what’s interesting is the University predates Canada’s founding by 26 years. Even if you’re too old to consider applying for the University, you can visit the building and learn more about its history. 

24) Check Out Some Art At The Agnes Etherington Art Center

Location: 36 University Ave

Opening hours: Mon Closed, Tues-Fri 10:00 am to 4:30 pm, Sat-Sun 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm 

The Agnes Etherington Art Centre, located on the Queen’s University campus, is great for seeing some art. The Agnes is not very big but has many interesting pieces on display, including 3 Rembrandts. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated. It is located near the Trolley Tour stop. (More on the Trolley below)

25) Explore City Park

City Park is a large green space in Kingston where the locals go to play sports, walk around, skate, or picnic. With plaques and monuments scattered throughout the park, you can learn more about Kingston while escaping Kingston.

26) Indulge Yourself At Dianne’s Fish Shack & Smoke House 

Location: 195 Ontario St
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11:30 am to 9 pm; Sat & Sun 10:30 am to 9 pm

Just steps from the waterfront is a classic East Coast Kitchen that meets the flavours of Mexico! Think lobster rolls, fish n’ chips & oysters, tacos, guacamole & Mexican BBQ. Plus, savoury grilled Just steps from the waterfront is a classic East Coast Kitchen that meets the flavours of Mexico! You can grab ice-cold craft beer & local wine on tap from the bar: premium whiskies & tequilas, refreshing cocktails and the city’s best fresh-squeezed lime margaritas. Plus, savoury grilled steaks, burgers, salads, sandwiches and more! Think lobster rolls, fish n’ chips & oysters, tacos, guacamole, & Mexican BBQ.

27) Feast On All Things Sweet and Frozen At Mio Gelato

Location: 178 Ontario St
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 12 pm to 10 pm

In 2010, Mio Gelato served the best gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt and ice cream. Locals say they “come for the gelato, but stay for the sorbet.” Mango pineapple is the best flavour for sorbet, and charcoal coconut for gelato.

28) Visit The KBC Kingston

Location: 34 Clarence St
Opening hours: Sat-Thurs 12 to 10 pm; Fri 12 to 11 pm

The Kingston Brewing Company is Ontario’s oldest brewpub and is Canada’s oldest wine-producing pub. Beers, wines, ciders and soda pops are made on the premises. A courtyard, street-front patio, and a banquet room (known as the Dragon’s Lair) make this pub a must-visit. It has an extensive collection of beer memorabilia and pub photos, which can get distracting.
The KBC building was used as a telegraph office, and the original vaults are still in use.

30) Take A Hike Along Kingston Waterfront Trail

Walking along the waterfront is excellent exercise and a relaxing way to spend time. There are benches, tables, and even a swimming pool. Plus, you can also see the city skyline in the distance. 

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Tours To Do In Kingston

Guided tours can be a great option for anyone looking to experience as much of the city as possible quickly. They’re also a great way to meet other visitors, and of course, your tour guide is usually a bundle of information and travel advice.

31) 1000 Island Cruises – 9 Min Kingston Discovery Cruise

Location: 248 Ontario St, Kingston
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10 am – 7 pm
Average cost: $35 Canadian per adult

Kingston’s Discovery Cruise introduces the unique sights and heritage of the 1000 Islands region and the historic waterfront of Canada’s First Capital. This cruise passes close to National Park Islands and National Historic Sites. It includes a lively narration of Kingston’s history and natural setting. It focuses on the history and waterfront of Kingston and its place at the beginning of the St Lawrence River and the 1000 Islands region.

Note: If you prefer to see things from above, there are also 1000 Island helicopter tours available.

Our dear friend Kathryn from Kathryn Anywhere wrote all about it HERE: How To Vacation With Kids In The 1000 Islands. In addition, our long-time friend Kevin from Wandering Wagers wrote the Complete Guide To Thousand Islands National Park and A Tale of Two Castles in the Thousand Islands.

32) Hop-On-Hop-Off Trolley Tour

Location: Meeting point at 209 Ontario Street
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 9 am to 5 pm
Average cost: From $30 Canadian

When you’re short on time, getting around to every must-see on this list can be tricky. This is why a hop-on-hop-off trolley works so well for Kingston sightseeing. You get a lift to the big-ticket spots, enough time to get off and explore, and then a punctual pick-up and off to the next one. 

Buy a 48-hour pass to the trolley, and you can space your trip out between the two days. This will mean less rushing and more time to delve into Kingston’s history.

33) Ghost Trolley Tour

Location: Meeting point at 209 Ontario Street
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 9 am to 5 pm
Average cost: $40 Canadian

For something a little different, take a guided ghost tour through Kingston’s older, apparently haunted areas. Enjoy a spooky trolley ride through the city as your guide tells legends and stories about the history of mysterious buildings. You also get the chance to get out and walk through the cemetery – if you dare.

34) City Walking Tours

Location: Various
Opening hours: Various
Average cost: Some are free

Often the best way to see any new destination is on foot. This helps you slow things down and get a lay of the land. A guided walk through the city lets you see the landmarks, buildings, and Kingston attractions you’re passing by. 

You can pick your favourite walks from historic, architecture, food, and even haunted strolls. Or try this walking tour with tea.

Things To Do Near Kingston 

35) Explore the Kingston Mills Locks

Location: Kingston Mills Rd

The same canal that runs through the city of Ottawa, Rideau, is along the same route as the Kingston Mills Locks. A park nearby is excellent for picnics, or you can rent a boat and explore parts of the Rideau Canal.

36) Hike Lemoine Point Conservation Area

Location: 1440 Coverdale Dr

If you’re looking for a beautiful place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then Lemoine Point is a good option. 

Between Collins Bay and Kingston Airport, Lemoine Point Conservation Area comprises field, forest & marsh. The lakeside nature area offers trails & picnic spots, and great views over the bay.

38) Take the Ferry to Wolfe Island

Wolfe Island is part of Frontenac County and the Township of Frontenac Islands. It is the largest island in Lake Superior, with Marysville its biggest town. Wolfe Island is a beautiful summer vacation place with many beaches, fun and relaxing activities, fishing, swimming, hiking and biking, golfing, horseriding, kayaking, canoe­ing, sailing, and more!

39. Enjoy Nature in Frontenac Provincial Park

Just a short 40-minute drive from Kingston lies the 13,000-acre Frontenac Provincial Park. At the intersection of the Canadian Shield and the Adirondack Mountains, visitors can experience a unique blend of rugged natural beauty.

The park’s diverse ecosystems, including lush forests, wetlands and rugged granite outcrops, are just begging to be explored. Canoe and kayak on one of the 20 lakes, with North and South Otter Lakes, while hikers, campers and anglers will find plenty to do too, with over 100 kilometres of trails, wilderness adventures and lakeside camping.

The park is home to various wildlife, including wolves, bears, foxes, mink and otters, so keep your eyes peeled. Winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular, making this the perfect year-round getaway!

40) Drive From The Former Canadian Capital TO The Current One (Ottawa)

Just under 2 hours from Kingston is The capital of Canada, Ottawa. If you’ve never been to Ottawa, this would be an excellent time to visit. Ottawa has much to offer, whether you like museums, shopping, food, culture, history, nature, art, or just relaxation.

In Ottawa, there are many things to do, such as visiting Parliament Hill, the Byward Market, the National Gallery of Art, the ByWard Museum, the ByWard Historical Society, the Canadian War Museum, and more!