Kingston is located halfway between Montreal and Toronto and could be considered an eclectic mix of old and new. Renowned as the fresh-water capital of North America, Kingston is a major port to cruise the famous Thousand Islands. Visitors should not miss Fort Henry, a 19th century British Military Fortress, or one of the seventeen museums that showcase everything from woodworking tools to military and technological advances. Every August the city is alive with activity as hundreds of sailors converge for C.O.R.K., the annual Canadian Olympic Training Regatta.
Things to do in Kingston
1000 Islands Skydeck
The Skydeck is a unique attraction. The 130 metre tower offers a spectacular view of the 1000 Islands above the St. Lawrence River. 3 Observation decks (1 Enclosed). High speed elevator. Find Best Western Kingston Lodging nearby. Call 613-659-2335 for more information.
Agnes Etherington Art Centre
The Agnes Etherington Art Centre offers tours of its exhibitions during certain times; Sunday at 1:15pm; 3rd Thursday of each month at 12:15pm; admission is free to all on Thursdays. Located on the campus at Queen's University. Best Western Kingston lodging is nearby. Call 613-533-2190 for more information.
Bellevue House National Historic Site of Canada
Discover the story of Sir John A. Macdonald and of the exotic Italianate villa where he lived. Wander through this restored house and grounds featuring costumed staff, full language service in French and English, A/V presentation in English, French, German, Japanese, and Cantonese. Call 800-230-0016 for more information.
35 Centre Street, Kingston, ON
Confederation Tour Trolley/Chamber of Commerce
What a great way to discover Kingston aboard the Confederation Tour Trolley. Relax and let the guides take you on a 50- minute exploration of Kingston’s beautiful waterfront and charming limestone heritage. Included on the tour are Fort Henry, the Royal Military College, Penitentiaries, Olympic Harbour, Bellevue House and Queen’s University. Tours depart hourly from mid-May – Thanksgiving; Call 888-855-4555 for more information.
209 Ontario Street, Kingston, ON
Fort Henry National Historic Site
The Fort Henry National Historic Site is a living 1860 citadel with daily interactive programming, museum and exhibit tours, children's activities and three Gift Stores. Special military and music events are presented throughout the summer with a special focus on the World Famous Sunset Ceremonies presented each Wednesday evening in July and August. Call 800-437-2233 for more information.
Grand Theatre
The Grand Theatre is an 820 seat performing Arts Facility located in downtown Kingston. This historical building is home to The Kingston Symphony, which provides a variety of concerts and stage productions appealing to a wide audience. Call 613-546-4465 for more information.
218 Princess Street, Kingston, ON
Haunted Walk of Kingston
Join us for this unique evening tour of Kingston's ghost stories and darker past. Take our lantern-light or our Ghosts of the Fort haunted tour of Fort Henry. Call to reserve tickets; Call 613-549-6366 for more information.
01 11 Princess Street, Kingston, ON
Kingston City Hall Tours
Built when Kingston was the Capital of Canada in 1841, City Hall is a magnificent museum and historic treasure chest. Call 613- 546-4291 for more information.
216 Ontario Street, Kingston, ON
Kingston Family Fun World
Visit our 3 screen drive in featuring the latest hit movies. On site you will also find a ½ mile lit go kart track, 6 cage batting tent and 18 hole mini golf. Call 613-530-2707 for more information.
1533 McAdoo's Lane, Kingston, ON
Kingston Flying Club
See Kingston and the Thousand Islands by air. Tours start at $76.00 for a trip over Kingston, or enjoy our "1000 Islands Tour" for $152.00. Price includes 3 passengers. Call 613-389-0954 for more information.
1040 Len Birchhall Way, Kingston, ON
Kingston Symphony Association
The Kingston Symphony Association is the umbrella organization for the Kingston Symphony Orchestra, The Kingston Choral Society, The Kingston Youth Orchestra & Junior Strings and the Community Strings. Presenting over 25 concerts of Orchestral and choral music each season. Call 800-451-2453 for more information.
11 Princess Street Suite 206, Kingston, ON
Lake Ontario Amusement Park
This fun filled amusement park can be found in a beautiful setting. We offer 13 rides from bumper cars, a ferris wheel, bumper boats, tilt-a-whirl and more; live entertainment is also featured. Call 613-544-8789 for more information.
990 King Street, Kingston, ON
Lake Ontario Park
Swimming or hiking along our picturesque walkway is a relaxing way to enjoy this Park. Catch a fish or two, have a round of mini-golf or join in a game of volleyball; check out the family amusement park located next to the campground that has a variety of midway rides for young and old.
Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston
Many tall tales, high adventure, bold exploration and mighty enterprise highlight the story of Canada's great inland seas. The museum features facilities such as a library, reading room, archives. Call 613-542-2261 for more information.
55 Ontario Street, Kingston, ON
Military Communications & Electronics Museum
This is one of the largest specialized military museums in North America. Tracing the history and development of Canadian Military Communications from 1867 to the present, visitors can explore themes including the development of communications in Canada's remote north, both World Wars, and UN Peacekeeping. Call 613-541-4675 for more information.
95 Craftsman Blvd., Kingston, ON
Miller Museum of Geology and Mineralogy
Explore geology, the study of the Earth, at this fascinating museum on the campus at Queen's University. Visit our large gallery of rocks, minerals and fossils from around the world (including a duck-bill dinosaur), and the oldest known animal fossils. Call 613-533-6767 for more information.
36 Union Street at Miller Hall, Kingston, ON
Murney Tower National Historic Site
The site was originally built in 1846 at the time of the Oregon Crisis. The Murney Tower was an addition to the defensive fortifications of Kingston and today is one of the finest Martello Towers in North America. It also served as military housing for more than 40 years after its completion. Today the Tower operates as a museum and features 3 floors that display a collection of military and domestic artifacts of 19th century Kingston. Call 613-544-3715 for more information.
Museum of Health Care at the Ann Baillie Building
This is a "National Historic Site" and one of the earliest nurses' residences in Canada. It was built in 1904 for students of Kingston General Hospital's nursing school; today it offers insight into the history and evolution of health care in Canada. Located at the Ann Baillie Building, Kingston General Hospital. Call 613-548-2419 for more information.
Penitentiary Museum
Explore the history of Canada's federal penitentiaries. Found in the former Warden's residence of Kingston Penitentiary and built by inmate labour between 1870 and 1873. Call 613-530-3122 for more information.
555 King Street West, Kingston, ON
Playtrium
The Playtrium is Kingston's unique indoor Family Activity Centre providing space for healthy, skill building physical activities with 'multi-level climbing structures', 'games' and 'skill park' offering stimulating play for children of all ages. Call 613-389-5553 for more information.
541 Days Road, Kingston, ON
Presqu'ile Provincial Park
Presqu'ile is one of Ontario’s Provincial Park and many say it is a mecca for birdwatchers in the spring and fall. Walk the inland trails, come for a swim and volleyball on the long beach or visit the Nature and Lighthouse Interpretive Centres. Call 888-668-7275 for more information.
1 Bayshore Road, Kingston, ON
Princess of Wales Own Regiment Military Museum
The most recent military history of Canada, can been viewed at the Princess of Wales Own Regiment Museum at The Armories. Call 613-541-5010 for more information.
100 Montreal Street, Kingston, ON
Pump House Steam Museum
Come and see the history of steam-fuel of the last century. You will find powered engines, locomotives, and the pumps of the 1850's waterworks. We also feature a Live Steam Festival annually in late August. Call 613-542-2261 for more information.
55 Ontario Street, Kingston, ON
Rideau Canal Museum
This museum features the Canadian Heritage Rivers. Discover Canada's historic routes through its own unique canal system. Open daily 10am - 5pm mid-May to mid-October. Call 613-284-0505 for more information.
34 Beckwith Street South, Kingston, ON
Royal Military College of Canada Museum
You will find this museum housed in the Fort Frederick Tower, which is the largest of Kingston's Martello Towers. The museum records the story of Canada's century-old seat of military education, the exploits of its graduates and the story of the Royal Dockyard, which once occupied Point Frederick. Call 613-541-6000 for more information.
St. Lawrence River
One of the world's greatest rivers, the St. Lawrence gushes freshwater from the Great Lakes for 1247 kilometres (775 miles) to the Atlantic. Shipping into mainland North America is dependant upon this great river. However its beauty outshines its usefullness. Near the Kingston area you will find the river littered with many islands, aptly called the Thousand Islands. This region stretches back for thousands of years to Native Canadians who named it 'The Garden of the Great Spirit'.Sandbanks Provincial Park – The Sandbanks will captivate you by the spectacular saffron coloured dunes rising to heights of 25 metres and the endless sandy beaches. Sandbanks has 4 campgrounds areas to choose from. The park offers various programs or enjoy a hike, rent a canoe and tour the river, or have a snack at the Dunes Grill and Patio while taking in the view of the majestic dunes. Call 888-668-7275 for more information.
3004 County Road #12, Kingston, ON
Thousand Islands Playhouse
Offering live, professional theatre in a picture-perfect riverside location. We feature comedy, music and drama from mid-May - early November. The Thousand Island Playhouse is a do not miss on your trip to this area. Call 613-382-7020 for more information.
90 Charles St. South, Kingston, ON