10 Best Things to Do in Kingston, Ontario
What is Kingston, Ontario Most Famous For?
Read our guide to the best things to do in Kingston, Ontario and discover a charming city with a big warm heart and exciting attractions. The city of Kingston, Ontario was only the capital of the United Province of Canada for a brief time, but it occupies a pivotal place in the nation’s history.
Today’s Kingston was built on the site first established by the French as a trading post, and the many layers of its history are still visible. Many of its tourist destinations involve taking a deeper look at some of that history, whether through taking a tour of its infamous prison, visiting the historic fort or going on a cruise of the nearby Thousand Islands.
What are the best things to do in Kingston, Ontario?
1. Kingston waterfront
The city’s scenic waterfront
Categorías: Ir de compras, Historia
The Kingston waterfront is one of the city’s seasonal hot spots, coming alive as the boating season starts each year.
The waterfront is the perfect place to start your exploration of the city, whether by taking a walk on the Waterfront Trail, hopping onto a tour bus or taking a ferry to 1 of the nearby islands. Kayak and bike rentals are available for those looking for a more active pastime. Many of the city’s museums are also located right along the waterfront, such as the Pump House Steam Museum and the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes.
Kingston waterfront
2. Cruise to Thousand Islands
Beauty and relaxation on the river
Categorías: Familias, Fotos, Parejas
A cruise to the nearby Thousand Islands is the perfect way to escape the urban hustle and bustle of Kingston for a quick getaway. Departing from the downtown waterfront, the cruises provide unique perspectives of the Thousand Islands region, Kingston’s historic waterfront, the nearby Admiralty Islands and views of notable shipwrecks that provide glimpses into the region’s maritime past.
Take in the sights as your riverboat makes its way through the picturesque islands. Or celebrate a special occasion and book a dinner cruise to enjoy a meal and live entertainment in spectacular surroundings as the evening falls.
Cruise to Thousand Islands
3. Bellevue House National Historic Site
The tale of Canada’s foundation
Categorías: Historia, Parejas
Bellevue House was the home of Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John Macdonald, from 1848 to 1849, and today serves as a national historic site commemorating his life and legacy.
The house was built in the 1830s and passed through many owners after Macdonald’s tenure, but it has since been restored to the correct period appearance of its time as the prime minister’s residence. Historical interpreters on the site give visitors a taste of what life was like there for the Macdonalds, while also providing the broader historical context for the first Prime Minister’s tenure and accomplishments.
Dirección: 35 Centre St, Kingston, ON K7L 4E5, Canada
Horario: Hours vary by season
Teléfono: +1 613-545-8666
Bellevue House National Historic Site
4. Kingston’s conservation areas
Wilderness within city limits
Categorías: Asequible, Fotos, Aventuras
Kingston’s conservation areas are hubs for outdoor activities just outside the city centre. Encompassing a diverse landscape of marshes, fields and forests, they provide habitats for a wide variety of plants and animals, making it a great destination to spot flowers, trees and wildlife.
The Lemoine Point Conservation Area boasts 136 hectares of protected land and stunning views of Lake Ontario. There are several walking paths in the area, perfect for observing the flora and fauna, or just enjoying the majestic scenery and the tranquillity of wilderness. At Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area, you can enjoy hiking and bird watching. During the winter months, the area is transformed into a snowy fairytale, great for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Kingston’s conservation areas
5. Fort Henry
A historic fort
Categorías: Historia, Poco común
Fort Henry was originally constructed to protect Kingston’s naval dockyards from a possible American attack, and today remains in use as a major tourist attraction.
The current fort at Point Henry replaced an earlier structure built during the War of 1812 and remained in active use for the rest of the 19th century. It was first turned into a living museum in the 1930s with the introduction of the Fort Henry Guard, a reenactment society that recreates historical military drills and practices. The Guard continues to give tours and demonstrations for visitors to the fort to this day.
Dirección: 1 Fort Henry Dr, Kingston, ON K7K 5G8, Canada
Horario: Hours vary by season
Teléfono: +1 800-437-2233
Fort Henry
6. Springer Market Square
The hustle and bustle of an historic market square
Categorías: Ir de compras, Comida
Springer Market Square is the heart of Kingston, on a site that’s held an active market for over 2 centuries.
Today, as in generations past, the square remains a busy commercial space with seasonal market stalls. If you’re interested in sampling delicious, fresh local produce, there’s no better place to find it. On non-market days, the square often comes alive with concerts and other cultural events, and during the winter season, an ice rink is set up to entice visitors.
Springer Market Square
7. Kingston Mills Locks 46-49
Southern end of the Rideau Canal
Categorías: Historia, Poco común
The 4 locks at Kingston Mills mark the southern end of the Rideau Canal system that stretches from Kingston all the way to the Ottawa River.
The locks were built alongside Kingston Falls at the southern end of Colonel By Lake. Though the canal system is no longer vital to Canada’s commerce, the picturesque Rideau Canal remains popular among leisure craft and the lock station at Kingston Mills sees regular traffic past this unique landmark of the region’s intriguing past.
Dirección: Kingston Mills Rd, Kingston, ON K7L 4V3, Canada
Horario: Hours vary by season
Kingston Mills Locks 46-49
8. Kingston’s art scene
Artistic treasures and unique souvenirs
Categorías: Fotos, Parejas, Ir de compras
The art scene in Kingston is teeming with inspiring exhibits, stunning galleries, stellar performances and artisan treasures. At The Agnes Etherington Art Centre, you’ll find an extensive collection of Indigenous and contemporary art, as well as historical art from Europe, Canada and Africa. Kingston Glass Studio displays a wide variety of items, ranging from functional glassware to decorative art. Sign up for their private glass-blowing classes to create your own gorgeous pieces under expert guidance.
The Isabel Bader Centre hosts events ranging from classical and jazz concerts to contemporary theatre in a renovated historic brewery. At the unique Martello Alley art gallery nestled in a historic alleyway, local artists present original artworks and prints and their ways of working.
Kingston's art scene
9. Kingston Penitentiary
The history of incarceration in a former prison
Categorías: Historia, Poco común
Kingston Penitentiary, often referred to as Kingston Pen, is a former maximum-security prison. Established in 1835, it was one of the oldest prisons in continuous use in the world until its closure in 2013. Some of Canada’s most notorious criminals have been housed here, including Paul Bernardo, Clifford Olson and Russell Williams.
Today, you can glimpse Canada’s correctional past on a guided tour of the historic facility. A journey through the cells, solitary confinement area and the recreation yard will show you what life is like on the inside, and the tales of riots and daring escapes might just spook your memory long after you leave.
Dirección: 560 King St W, Kingston, ON K7L 4V7, Canada
Horario: Hours vary by season
Kingston Penitentiary
10. Ghost walks and trolley tours
A trip to Kingston’s quirky past
Categorías: Historia, Poco común
A unique and thrilling way to experience the rich history of Kingston is to take a trolley tour or a night-time ghost walk through its historic streets. Whether your tastes run towards the historical or the macabre, there’s sure to be a tour that’s perfect for you, as much of Kingston’s rich history and noteworthy landmarks and attractions are all within easy reach of downtown.
You’ll be delighted and spooked at the same time by fascinating tales of haunted hotels, grave robbing and mysteries that have lingered throughout the city’s rich history. There’s history at every street corner, and many of the city’s major landmarks such as Fort Henry and Kingston Penitentiary have their own ghost stories attached to them.
Dirección: 248 Ontario St, Kingston, ON K7L 5P7, Canada
Horario: Hours vary by season
Ghost walks and trolley tours
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