Kingston Travel Guide: Undiscovered Canada

Known as Limestone City, Kingston in Ontario, is a place where storied history meets lakeside charm. Nestled at the juncture of Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River, and the Rideau Canal, Kingston enchants with its architectural grandeur, vibrant waterfront, and natural beauty. Home to Ontario’s oldest public market and a vibrant live music scene, the historic city of Kingston offers something old and new around every corner.

You can not only visit Kingston, but also iconic cities like Toronto as part of a wider Canada holiday.

Here at Canadian Affair, we are the Canada travel experts, so get in touch today to start planning your trip. Read this in-depth guide to learn more.

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Where is Kingston?

The city of Kingston is in Ontario, Canada. It is located in the east of the province at the point where Lake Ontario flows into the St. Lawrence River, and it's also where the Cataraqui River and the Rideau Canal meet the lake. The city is under three hours away from Toronto and is conveniently situated between Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, and Syracuse. If you fancy a Canadian road trip, Kingston is an excellent destination to include on your itinerary.

What is the weather like in Kingston?

There is something to do in every season in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. As the gateway to the Thousand Islands, you can enjoy activities throughout the year.

Here is what to expect with Kingston weather:

• Summer (June to September): You can experience hot and humid weather during the summer months (15°C to 30°C), but it can occasionally be wet and windy.
• Autumn (September to December): September is generally warm, but October through to December can get cold, and you might need to wear winter clothing (20°C to -9°C).
• Winter (Dec–March): Winters are freezing, snowy, and windy (regularly below 0°C), making for perfect weather for winter sports.
• Spring (March to June): Temperatures can vary dramatically (-6°C to 21°C), and you can experience anything from snow to glorious sunshine.

Kingston has something for everyone, whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or outdoor adventurer. The best time to visit Kingston, Ontario, for outdoor exploration is from May to September, when the weather is warm and the city comes alive with events and activities.

Autumn is also a great time to visit as you can go on walks in Lemoine Point, Lake Ontario Park, or along the Rideau Trail to enjoy the spectacular autumn colours. The Kingston WritersFest, which is one of Canada’s top literary festivals, takes place in late September and is a great time to be in the city.

Winter is not the peak season, but you can enjoy winter sports such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in Frontenac Provincial Park, or go ice skating in the heart of downtown.

What is Kingston known for?

The city is famous for its rich history, beautiful limestone architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. It served as Canada's first capital and is nicknamed the "Limestone City" due to its abundance of limestone buildings.

Kingston is also renowned for being a great destination for foodies, as its walkable downtown area is home to over 150 restaurants, cafes, and pubs. The city is well-known for its local producers, microbreweries, and seasonal culinary events like Kingstonlicious. The city is also a gateway to the Thousand Islands and its picturesque scenery.

ALSO READ: Sault Ste. Marie Travel Guide: Undiscovered Canada

Key facts about Kingston

• Kingston is nicknamed “The Limestone City” due to the abundance of historic limestone buildings
• Kingston was Canada’s First Capital
• Kingston is uniquely located at the meeting point of Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River, and the Rideau Canal (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Kingston boasts over 20 National Historic Sites
• Kingston is home to the historic Kingston Penitentiary, which offers guided tours and insight into Canada’s criminal system.

• Tour the National Historic Site of Fort Henry
• Cruise around the Thousand Islands
• Visit Kingston Penitentiary and explore Canada’s most notorious prison
• Cycle the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail for beautiful views
• Wander around downtown and take in the spectacular architecture
• Check out Agnes Etherington Art Centre and its contemporary exhibitions
• Kayak or paddleboard in the Thousand Islands region
• Go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in Frontenac Provincial Park
• Dine and drink at one of the city’s restaurants, cafes, and pubs

A holiday to Kingston in Ontario, Canada, offers endless opportunities thanks to its location near the Thousand Islands, including kayaking, boat trips, and paddleboarding.

The city is steeped in history, and during your visit, you can explore some of its historic sites, including the National Historic Site of Fort Henry, Kingston Penitentiary, Kingston City Hall, and the Rideau Canal National Historic Site.

ALSO READ: Muskoka Travel Guide: Undiscovered Canada

Are there any good places to eat in Kingston?

Kingston is known as a foodie haven, where you’ll find whatever you're craving. There is a fantastic range of restaurants, pubs and cafes that offer a whole host of options. Some of the best restaurants in Kingston, Canada are:

• Tango Nuevo: Enjoy a globally inspired tapas experience.
• Grecos Grill & Wine Bar: Located in the heart of downtown Kingston, you can savour some exceptional Greek cuisine that is incredibly popular with locals.
• Aquaterra Waterfront Dining: Focused on fresh, local ingredients, you can enjoy a range of delicious dishes, from fresh seafood to expertly grilled steaks.
• Kingston Brewing Company: The oldest Brew Pub in Ontario, you can choose from a range of beers, ales, and ciders that are brewed in-house, as well as homemade pub food.

Can I stay in Kingston?

You can stay in the city as there are plenty of hotels in Kingston and the surrounding areas in Ontario. You can also go camping in and around Kingston if you have hired a motorhome.

The Delta Hotels by Marriott on the Kingston Waterfront is a popular place to stay, but you can also choose to stay elsewhere in Ontario, allowing you to travel between the city and other must-visit destinations in the province. Get in touch, and we can offer you tailored hotel recommendations.

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How do I get to Kingston during a Canada holiday?

We recommend flying to Toronto for an exciting city break before heading to Kingston. Once you have arrived at Toronto airport, you can hire a car and drive to Kingston, which is less than three hours away.

Book flights to Toronto

There are several options if you are driving to Kingston, including Highway 401, Highway 2 westbound, and Highway 33 eastbound. There is also a regular bus service to Kingston from Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa.

Kingston’s VIA Rail station offers connections to and from major cities such as Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto, which is another option to consider.

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