Things to Do in Kingston
Curious about things to do in Kingston? Well, here’s the inside scoop.
Soak in the rich history of Kingston, explore the vibrant nightlife and exciting culinary options that the city has to offer or simply take a relaxing walk by the waterfront. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, cruising, paddling or kayaking the lake is a wonderful way to explore the waters and watch the cityscape from afar.
If you’re interested in history and heritage architecture, head to downtown and explore one of the several neighbourhoods (like Sydenham Ward) that showcase buildings, structures and towers made of limestone, which give Kingston its “limestone city” moniker. You can also admire stately buildings like the landmark Kingston City Hall, a National Historic Site constructed when the city was the capital of the United Province of Canada, or take a guided tour at Kingston Penitentiary or Fort Henry.
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Food and drink
With more restaurants per capita than almost any other city in Canada, Kingston has something for everyone. Whatever you’re craving, you’ll find it here, from bāo to roti, comfort food to haute cuisine. Book a table or grab some takeout for a picnic by the waterfront. Take a guided food tour or take part in a food and wine pairing event. Fuel up at one of Kingston’s independent coffee shops, cafés, and bakeries. Grab a latte or a cup of tea, add some freshly baked treats, and plan the rest of your day.
Outdoor and recreation
If you’re looking for outdoor adventures, there’s so much to do in Kingston, from golfing and boating to diving and fishing, hiking and biking. Kingston’s waterfront trail is easy to navigate on foot or by bike. Keep an eye out for the wayfinding signs along the trail, which will provide directions and share the history of the region. If you didn’t bring your bike or kayak, don’t worry. You can rent one!
If you want to simply enjoy watching the day go by, have a picnic at the stunning Lake Ontario Park or Breakwater Park, which is (unsurprisingly) just beside Lake Ontario. There are several designated picnic spots in the park and even a cobblestone beach by the water.
Arts and cultural experiences
Kingston boasts four Rembrandt paintings, two film festivals, and one vibrant downtown shopping scene. Home to Ontario’s oldest public market and Canada’s hippest live music scene, Kingston is a walkable city, where hidden alleyways contain antique markets and restaurant patios. With dozens of museums and historic sites, and dozens more unique shopping and dining experiences, Kingston offers you something old and something new around every corner.
Kingston is full of fun things to do. Keep scrolling to discover all that the city has to offer, or to learn more about particular activities.