Kingston

Overview

Kingston is located on the eastern end of Lake Ontario, at the beginning of the St. Lawrence River and at the mouth of the Cataraqui River. Kingston was the first capital of the United Province of Canada in 1841. The city is located near the Thousand Islands tourist region to the east and the Prince Edward County tourist region to the west.

Kingston boasts 22 National Historic Sites, including the Rideau Canal and 19th-century military installations, including Fort Henry National Historic Site. For something a little offbeat, tours of Kingston Penitentiary offer a rare and unique opportunity to go behind the walls of Canada's oldest and most notorious maximum security prison! Or book a guided ghost tour or a heritage walk to admire the city’s many heritage limestone buildings.

Want to get outdoors? See Kingston's historic waterfront on a dinner cruise, a one-hour discovery cruise, or a three-hour 1000 Islands cruise. Rent a kayak, canoe, or bike, drift in a boat along Rideau Canal, or get in touch with nature at Lemoine Point Conservation Area. For a fun day trip, take a free ride on the Wolfe Island Ferry to the largest of the Thousand Islands.

Expand your mind by attending a play at the historic Grand Theatre or taking a day trip to Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg, one of the largest living-history sites in Canada.

Not sure where to eat? How about the last place you would expect Kingston’s largest waterfront patio to be? Inside the 19th-century World UNESCO Heritage site, Fort Henry, Battery Bistro features an outdoor patio overlooking downtown Kingston and a gorgeous waterfront view. Or take a food tour with stops at stylish Tango Nuevo, Dianne’s Fish Shack and Smokehouse, or General Brock’s specialty food store.