Kingston's BEST Spots
Spots To Stay
If you're staying in Kingston you are absolutely going to want to stay downtown. Downtown Kingston has EVERYTHING you could need for a visit - historic buildings, waterfront spots, amazing restaurants, and tons of boutique shops. There aren't a crazy amount of hotels / accommodation options in the downtown area so during certain time periods (think university events / sports / ceremonies, concerts, sports, festivals, etc) places can be limited or prices can rise - try and book in advance when possible! Below are hotels that myself or close family have stayed in and recommend in the downtown area.
Holiday Inn Kingston - Waterfront
Kingston Market Square Hotel
Confederation Place Hotel
Delta Hotels by Marriott - Waterfront
Residence Inn by Marriott - Waterfront
Spots To Eat
My favourite thing to do in Kingston - EAT. After four years in Kingston, we hit up many food spots in the area, and below are just our personal top ones. The food here just feels like home to me with some of my absolute favourite dishes and all-time favourite restaurants in the world. Hopefully you will find some of your soon to be favourite restaurants too!
Olivea
Wooden Heads
Casa Domenico
Kingston Brewing Company
Dianne's Fish Shack and Smokehouse
Baja Craft Kitchen
Sima Sushi
Tommy's
Tango Nuevo
Bubba's Poutine
Crave
Toast & Jam
Pan Chancho
Mio Gelato
Beaver Tails
Spots To Enjoy
ANY season of the year, Kingston has spots to enjoy and so many fun activities. Here are some of our favourites!
Fort Henry
Fort Henry is best known for it's historic value (which you can learn about my taking a guided tour) but our favourite parts are definitely the activities and the views. During my school days, we used to grab some ice cream (from the mcdonalds super close by) and head hear either at sunset or at night to admire the views over the military college and Kingston below. This is also a great spot to loop your run, but beware of the uphill to get here (but you'll likely enjoy the downhill portion).
The Fort also hold events, weddings, and activities here throughout the year which are worth a visit. A few favourites include the Kingston Beerfest and Fort Fright (during halloween festivities), but they hold a bunch!
Kingston Penitentiary
If you're looking for a really unique activity the Kingston Penitentiary has to be it.
Kingston Waterfront
One of the most charming things about Kingston to us is the fact that it is right on the water - the views all day and night are amazing. Here are a few places to enjoy the waterfront:
Confederation Park
Gordie Downie Memorial Pier
Kingston Market
The Kingston Market is located right downtown in the middle of cute restaurants and historic buildings. The best times to enjoy the market are of course when events are happening. It says market square rink below as during the winter they will have an ice rink for skating on to enjoy the city, and then head for a beavertail and some hot chocolate afterwards! In the summer they will have movie nights in the square. All year-round they have events so be sure to check it out!
Take A Tour
Sometimes the best way to see parts of the city is to join the tour - especially in a place like Kingston where some of the best tours will teach you history of the city or take you on the water to see some incredible views. Below are some tours of the area that are sure to show you what Kingston has to offer!
Kingston Trolley Tour
If you don't have a way to get around and don't feel like walking an immense amount of kilometres to see some of the historic view points (Fort Henry looks close but is a decent walk away from downtown!), then the Trolley Tour is the best way to see the main stops of Kingston's Old Town. Not only is it in a stylish red trolley cart, but there are 10 different stops with a hop-on, hop-off deal.
Kingston Thousand Islands Tour
The Kingston 1000 islands is a popular sight to see off-land. Best done by boat, sailing to see the 1000 islands. In between the USA and Canada, lies a group of small islands with tons of history and sights to offer. If you're a fan of nature, this cruise (or helicopter ride for the adventurous) is the best way to take in all the sights this unique area has to offer.
Princess Street
If you're looking just to meander and do what you please, Princess Street is the spot to do it. The stone buildings and Main Street have so many cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops to pop into.
Concerts & Sports
Kingston always has SOMETHING on the go. At the Leon's Centre you will find concerts by big artists, the local hockey team (the Kingston Frontenac's) playing, the university team events (the hockey rivalry is a big one), and so much more.
There is parking around the Leon centre and if it is a big event you may want to make a restaurant reservation nearby in advance!
University Campuses & Events
The Royal Military College and Queens Campuses both have some great spots to tour and it's well worth a visit. They boast some great campuses and you'll even pass some of these spots on the Kingston Trolley Tour (linked above) Queens homecoming and the Royal Military College obstacle course and sunset parade are some fun events to witness!
Afternoon Drinks
Although we didn't list many of these spots in the food scene above, Kingston has a ton of great spots to grab an afternoon drink. They have some great patios and a great local brewing seen. Besides the Kingston Brewing Company we already mentioned, here are some other fun spots to hang out:
Something In The Water Brewing Co
Daft Brewing
Jack Astors
The Party Scene
Kingston is, after all, a university town during the school year when St Lawrence College, Queens University, and the Royal Military College are in town. At the end of Princess Street (away from the hotel scene) is where most of the bars, clubs, and drinking spots that students will go to. If you are looking to go there (or avoid there), the end of princess street with places like the Brass, Ale House, Spot, Stages etc will have spots for a night out at the bar or the club!
These are the spots I used to go to back when I was a student, however there are SO many pubs and drinking spots (i.e. The Merchant) closer to the hotel scene that will be a bit less crazy but just as much fun.
Things To Note
Travelling To Kingston
There is a small airport into Kingston, ON, however chances are you are going to fly into a bigger airport (i.e. Ottawa International Airport) and take a train or a bus to Kingston. Those modes of transportation do not bring you downtown, so a taxi, Uber, or public transport is the best way to get to your final destination.
Do you need a car? Depends on what you want to do. But if you are just looking to stay downtown, it is a super walkable city and not having a car does not limit you.
Parking
If you have a car, parking downtown is somewhat limited and expensive. You will likely be able to find parking (sometimes the best - but most expensive - options are the hotel parking lots, but it will come at a cost.
Timing
Kingston is a fun city year-round, so it's important to note your timing depending on what you are looking for. If you're coming at the beginning or the end of the university school year, you may run into a lot of university events which can get really busy. Make sure to plan in advance and check your timing to avoid any crazy times of the year!
Looking for more?
If you are interested in seeing more locations we have written in just as much detail about, head to our website (linked below) or see more of our Thatch profile!
Kingston's BEST Spots
Spots To Stay
If you're staying in Kingston you are absolutely going to want to stay downtown. Downtown Kingston has EVERYTHING you could need for a visit - historic buildings, waterfront spots, amazing restaurants, and tons of boutique shops. There aren't a crazy amount of hotels / accommodation options in the downtown area so during certain time periods (think university events / sports / ceremonies, concerts, sports, festivals, etc) places can be limited or prices can rise - try and book in advance when possible! Below are hotels that myself or close family have stayed in and recommend in the downtown area.
Holiday Inn Kingston - Waterfront
Kingston Market Square Hotel
Confederation Place Hotel
Delta Hotels by Marriott - Waterfront
Residence Inn by Marriott - Waterfront
Spots To Eat
My favourite thing to do in Kingston - EAT. After four years in Kingston, we hit up many food spots in the area, and below are just our personal top ones. The food here just feels like home to me with some of my absolute favourite dishes and all-time favourite restaurants in the world. Hopefully you will find some of your soon to be favourite restaurants too!
Olivea
Wooden Heads
Casa Domenico
Kingston Brewing Company
Dianne's Fish Shack and Smokehouse
Baja Craft Kitchen
Sima Sushi
Tommy's
Tango Nuevo
Bubba's Poutine
Crave
Toast & Jam
Pan Chancho
Mio Gelato
Beaver Tails
Spots To Enjoy
ANY season of the year, Kingston has spots to enjoy and so many fun activities. Here are some of our favourites!
Fort Henry
Fort Henry is best known for it's historic value (which you can learn about my taking a guided tour) but our favourite parts are definitely the activities and the views. During my school days, we used to grab some ice cream (from the mcdonalds super close by) and head hear either at sunset or at night to admire the views over the military college and Kingston below. This is also a great spot to loop your run, but beware of the uphill to get here (but you'll likely enjoy the downhill portion).
The Fort also hold events, weddings, and activities here throughout the year which are worth a visit. A few favourites include the Kingston Beerfest and Fort Fright (during halloween festivities), but they hold a bunch!
Kingston Penitentiary
If you're looking for a really unique activity the Kingston Penitentiary has to be it.
Kingston Waterfront
One of the most charming things about Kingston to us is the fact that it is right on the water - the views all day and night are amazing. Here are a few places to enjoy the waterfront:
Confederation Park
Gordie Downie Memorial Pier
Kingston Market
The Kingston Market is located right downtown in the middle of cute restaurants and historic buildings. The best times to enjoy the market are of course when events are happening. It says market square rink below as during the winter they will have an ice rink for skating on to enjoy the city, and then head for a beavertail and some hot chocolate afterwards! In the summer they will have movie nights in the square. All year-round they have events so be sure to check it out!
Take A Tour
Sometimes the best way to see parts of the city is to join the tour - especially in a place like Kingston where some of the best tours will teach you history of the city or take you on the water to see some incredible views. Below are some tours of the area that are sure to show you what Kingston has to offer!
Kingston Trolley Tour
If you don't have a way to get around and don't feel like walking an immense amount of kilometres to see some of the historic view points (Fort Henry looks close but is a decent walk away from downtown!), then the Trolley Tour is the best way to see the main stops of Kingston's Old Town. Not only is it in a stylish red trolley cart, but there are 10 different stops with a hop-on, hop-off deal.
Kingston Thousand Islands Tour
The Kingston 1000 islands is a popular sight to see off-land. Best done by boat, sailing to see the 1000 islands. In between the USA and Canada, lies a group of small islands with tons of history and sights to offer. If you're a fan of nature, this cruise (or helicopter ride for the adventurous) is the best way to take in all the sights this unique area has to offer.
Princess Street
If you're looking just to meander and do what you please, Princess Street is the spot to do it. The stone buildings and Main Street have so many cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops to pop into.
Concerts & Sports
Kingston always has SOMETHING on the go. At the Leon's Centre you will find concerts by big artists, the local hockey team (the Kingston Frontenac's) playing, the university team events (the hockey rivalry is a big one), and so much more.
There is parking around the Leon centre and if it is a big event you may want to make a restaurant reservation nearby in advance!
University Campuses & Events
The Royal Military College and Queens Campuses both have some great spots to tour and it's well worth a visit. They boast some great campuses and you'll even pass some of these spots on the Kingston Trolley Tour (linked above) Queens homecoming and the Royal Military College obstacle course and sunset parade are some fun events to witness!
Afternoon Drinks
Although we didn't list many of these spots in the food scene above, Kingston has a ton of great spots to grab an afternoon drink. They have some great patios and a great local brewing seen. Besides the Kingston Brewing Company we already mentioned, here are some other fun spots to hang out:
Something In The Water Brewing Co
Daft Brewing
Jack Astors
The Party Scene
Kingston is, after all, a university town during the school year when St Lawrence College, Queens University, and the Royal Military College are in town. At the end of Princess Street (away from the hotel scene) is where most of the bars, clubs, and drinking spots that students will go to. If you are looking to go there (or avoid there), the end of princess street with places like the Brass, Ale House, Spot, Stages etc will have spots for a night out at the bar or the club!
These are the spots I used to go to back when I was a student, however there are SO many pubs and drinking spots (i.e. The Merchant) closer to the hotel scene that will be a bit less crazy but just as much fun.
Things To Note
Travelling To Kingston
There is a small airport into Kingston, ON, however chances are you are going to fly into a bigger airport (i.e. Ottawa International Airport) and take a train or a bus to Kingston. Those modes of transportation do not bring you downtown, so a taxi, Uber, or public transport is the best way to get to your final destination.
Do you need a car? Depends on what you want to do. But if you are just looking to stay downtown, it is a super walkable city and not having a car does not limit you.
Parking
If you have a car, parking downtown is somewhat limited and expensive. You will likely be able to find parking (sometimes the best - but most expensive - options are the hotel parking lots, but it will come at a cost.
Timing
Kingston is a fun city year-round, so it's important to note your timing depending on what you are looking for. If you're coming at the beginning or the end of the university school year, you may run into a lot of university events which can get really busy. Make sure to plan in advance and check your timing to avoid any crazy times of the year!
Looking for more?
If you are interested in seeing more locations we have written in just as much detail about, head to our website (linked below) or see more of our Thatch profile!