Kingston
Home to Ontario’s oldest public market and a vibrant live music scene, the historic city of Kingston offers something old and new around every corner.
Explore the many restaurants and bars in the city’s pedestrian-friendly downtown core, tour a 19th century military base at Fort Henry and shop locally at the Kingston Public Market and Katarokwi Indigenous Art & Food Market.
Or pack a picnic and head to one of the city’s beaches or parks. Grass Creek Park and Breakwater Park, which features an accessible beach, are both favourites.
Downtown Kingston | Destination Ontario
Where is Kingston?
Kingston is situated at the convergence of Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River and the Rideau Canal. The city sits between Ottawa and Toronto with the nearest border crossing being the Thousand Islands Bridge. Border services are also available at the Kingston Marina.
Kingston can be reached by car via Highway 401, train with VIA Rail and by air at Kingston Airport.
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Things to do in Kingston
Savour a brew
Kingston boasts nine different breweries, including Canada’s oldest brewpub, see what tasty sips are on tap.
Enter a historic prison
Take a guided tour of the decommissioned Kingston Penitentiary, formally Canada’s oldest and most notorious maximum-security prison.
Take a sunset dinner cruise
Join 1000 Islands Cruises and discover the rugged beauty of the region by water. Cruises can be booked by day or as an evening excursion with a sunset dinner cruise.
Visit Ontario’s oldest market
Shop everything from locally grown seasonal produce to antiques, artisan crafts and baked goods at the Kingston Public Market, the oldest farmers’ market in Ontario.
Catch a live music show
The home of rock legend the Tragically Hip, Kingston has a lively music scene with bars and cafés such as The Mansion and Musiikki hosting regular live shows.
Tour the town by trolley
Hop-on-hop-off Kingston Trolley Tours are the most flexible and fun way to explore Kingston’s historic sights and unique attractions.
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Points of interest
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Last updated: March 19, 2025