10 Best Things to Do in Kingston
What is Kingston Most Famous For?
A charming city that blends rich history, vibrant culture and beautiful natural scenery, there are so many things to do in Kingston you’ll be spoiled for choice. Stroll down the streets of its historic downtown and you’ll be surrounded by museums, boutique shops and stunning parks overlooking the waterfront set against the picturesque backdrop of the Thousand Islands.
Explore the military past of Canada’s first capital, dive into a thriving arts scene with galleries and theatres or take a ferry and sail into the breathtaking sunset. Whether you’re a history buff or adventurer, the city promises to impress with its unique charm and character.
What are the best things to do in Kingston?
1. The Haunted Walk
A ghost tour exploring the paranormal side of Kingston
Ideal para: Viagens alternativas, História, Aventura
The Haunted Walk offers captivating ghost tours through Kingston’s historic sites. Storytellers dressed in cloaks guide you by lantern light, taking you on an eerie tour of the old Sydenham Ward, Queen’s University and many more hidden grounds. 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.
Most tours start after sunset and last 1 to 2 hours. If you’re interested in a longer adventure, check out their schedule for special seasonal paranormal investigations for a long evening that is bound to leave your spine tingling and your heart pounding.
Localização: 200 Ontario St, Kingston, ON K7L 1X1, Canada
Telefone: +1 613-549-6366
The Haunted Walk
2. Kingston Glass Studio
Locally made glasswork, plus opportunities for glass-blowing lessons
Ideal para: Compras, Casais
Kingston Glass Studio is a renowned artisan workshop northwest of downtown Kingston. Founded by 2 artists who infuse their work with technical brilliance and oceanic inspiration, its delicate creations celebrate a blend of nostalgic charm and vibrant tropical beauty.
A wide variety of items are on display and for sale at the studio, ranging from functional glassware to decorative art. Grab a unique souvenir to carry some of this enchanting artwork back with you. For a more immersive and hands-on experience, you can also sign up for their private glass-blowing classes, which will allow you to create your own gorgeous pieces under expert guidance.
Localização: 3071 Burbrook Rd, Kingston, ON K7P 2Y7, Canada
Abre: Wednesday–Friday from 10 am to 4 pm (closed on Saturday–Tuesday)
Telefone: +1 613-547-9149
Kingston Glass Studio
3. Great Lakes Museum
A historic Edwardian steamship
Ideal para: História, Foto
The Great Lakes Museum at Kingston is dedicated to maritime heritage. Its most renowned exhibition, the S.S. Keewatin, is the last Edwardian-era passenger liner in the world, offering a priceless snapshot of early 20th-century travel.
Perched at the city’s scenic waterfront, the museum also occupies the site of a historic dry dock, which preserves examples of Victorian-era engineering that operated until 1968. The in-house exhibitions include an extensive collection of over 50,000 ship plans, photographs and business records, providing a fascinating glimpse into the maritime history of the Great Lakes region.
Localização: 55 Ontario St, Kingston, ON K7L 2Y2, Canada
Abre: September–May: Wednesday–Sunday from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays). May–September: Monday–Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm
Telefone: +1 613-542-2261
Great Lakes Museum
4. Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area
Hiking in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter
Ideal para: Econômico, Foto, Aventura
Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area is a hub for outdoor activities just outside downtown Kingston. Encompassing a diverse landscape of marshes, fields and forests, it provides habitats for a wide variety of plants and animals, making it a great destination to spot spring flowers and wildlife.
Thanks to a network of trails, 14 km in length, you can enjoy all your favourite park activities here such as hiking and bird watching or simply escape from the hustle of the city. During the winter months, the area is transformed into a snowy fairytale, great for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Localização: 1641 Perth Rd, Glenburnie, ON K0H 1S0, Canada
Abre: Hours vary by season
Telefone: +1 613-546-4228
Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area
5. The Isabel
Performance art centre featuring a variety of programmes
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, Vida noturna
The Isabel Bader Centre is a premier venue for the performing arts in downtown Kingston. Affectionately known as ‘The Isabel’, it is a hub for cultural performances that hosts events ranging from classical and jazz concerts to contemporary theatre and plays. All shows are held in the beautiful 7,400-square-metre facility renovated from a historic brewery, boasting a sleek modern design made out of wood, glass and steel.
Beyond performances, the Isabel is also home to music and film education at Queen’s University, making it a cultural melting pot that blends artistic study with community exhibitions.
Localização: 390 King St W, Kingston, ON K7L 2X4, Canada
Telefone: +1 613-533-2424
The Isabel
6. Garrison Golf Club
Premier golf facility for both members and guests
Ideal para: Luxo, Foto
Garrison Golf Club is a premier semi-private golf facility on the McNaughton side of the Canadian Forces Base. Established in 1961 as a curling and recreational centre, it has been expanded multiple times over the decades to the current 18-hole, par-72 course spanning almost 6 km.
The full-featured course with beautifully groomed playing surfaces serves both the general public and the military community. It is a welcoming environment for novices and seasoned experts alike. Whether you are a member or a visiting guest, you can relax in this scenic landscape and take a swing, enjoy the modern clubhouse and bar or take advantage of the pro shop onsite.
Localização: 12 Red Patch Ave, Kingston, ON K7K 7B4, Canada
Abre: Monday–Friday from 8 am to 4 pm (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
Telefone: +1 613-546-4952
Garrison Golf Club
7. Martello Alley
Art galleries lining a historic alley
Ideal para: História, Compras, Foto
Martello Alley is a unique art gallery nestled in a historic alleyway in the heart of Kingston. As one of the only alley art galleries in Ontario, it is a special location and offers a diverse collection of art pieces. Talented local artists make it a vibrant hub full of diverse styles, showcasing a variety of creative ideas and mediums.
You can purchase both original artworks and prints here, meet the artists in person and see their works in progress. If you’re interested in experiencing the gallery on the go, Martello Alley also provides a virtual tour on their website, allowing art lovers to experience the creativity anywhere and anytime.
Localização: 203 B Wellington St, Kingston, ON K7K 2Y6, Canada
Abre: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Telefone: +1 613-767-2966
Martello Alley
8. The Screening Room
Local cinema focusing on cult classics and special showings
Ideal para: Casais, Viagens alternativas
The Screening Room is an independent cinema specialising in art-house, indie, foreign and classic films. The venue takes pride in its intimate setting, small boutique auditoriums and welcoming atmosphere. Prepare to be surprised when your tea is served in china mugs and your popcorn is cooked in small batches in coconut oil.
In addition to regular screenings, The Screening Room is a cultural hub for film enthusiasts in town. It hosts special events such as the Reelout Queer Film Festival, an annual LGBTQ film festival that has been held at this venue since its second year.
Localização: 120 Princess St, Kingston, ON K7L 5M6, Canada
Telefone: +1 613-542-6080
The Screening Room
9. Kingston Pen
The inner workings of Canada’s oldest maximum-security prison
Ideal para: História, Viagens alternativas
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.
Localização: 560 King St W, Kingston, ON K7L 4V7, Canada
Abre: Hours vary by season
Telefone: +1 800-437-2233
Kingston Pen
10. 1000 Islands Cruises
Picturesque views of the ocean paired with dining services
Ideal para: Foto, Luxo
1000 Islands Cruises offers a variety of sightseeing and dining cruises departing from downtown Kingston. Their cruises provide unique perspectives of the 1000 Islands region, focusing on Kingston’s historic waterfront, the nearby Admiralty Islands and views of notable shipwrecks that provide glimpses into the region’s maritime past.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion or interested in seeing the city from a new and breathtaking angle, consider their dining experiences with scenic views. Join them on a dinner cruise featuring live entertainment and gourmet meals, or a sunset sail across the picturesque waters.
Localização: 248 Ontario St, Kingston, ON K7L 5P7, Canada
Abre: Ticket office: Monday–Friday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
Telefone: +1 613-549-5544
1000 Islands Cruises
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