Kingston is one of Canada’s most beautiful cities, known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation. It’s also a renowned arts hub with storied military history.
Attractions In Kingston Canada
Kingston has plenty to offer, including a vibrant arts, entertainment and recreation community. It also has an AA Standard & Poor’s financial rating and engaged City employees committed to embracing sustainable practices and encouraging their adoption by the entire community.
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Food and Drink
Downtown Kingston has a thriving culinary scene that is sure to satisfy any taste buds! This charming, quaint neighbourhood has many great restaurants to choose from. Whether you are looking for a quick lunch on the go, a family celebration or an elegant dinner date, this quaint little city will have something for everyone!
Art Museums
For those interested in exploring art, the Agnes Etherington Art Centre on Queen’s University campus is a must. The museum is home to a research intensive collection of Canadian historical and Indigenous art.
Pump House Museum
Located in the heart of downtown Kingston is this small but fun museum that focuses on the history of water. It traces how the City’s original water works provided water for people since 1851. It is also home to the Pump House Engine, an antique steam-powered engine that was used in the 1800s.
Martello Alley
Tucked away on a historic alleyway in downtown Kingston is a quirky art collective that features eclectic works from local artists. The alley is open year-round and features a unique vibe with original artworks hanging on the walls.
Waterfront Trail
A short walk from downtown Kingston is the waterfront reserve that offers a sweeping view of Lake Ontario. This is a popular spot for tourists and locals to enjoy the views of the water and is a great place to relax on a sunny day.
If you’re into military history, you should definitely check out the Fort Henry National Historic Site. This site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that shows what life was like for soldiers living in the Martello towers during the 19th century.
Canada’s Penitentiary Museum #1
Located at “Cedarhedge,” the former warden’s residence of Kingston Penitentiary, Canada’s Penitentiary Museum is one of Kingston’s most popular attractions. This fascinating institution houses artifacts relating to the correctional history of Canada, 1833 to the present.
They include inmate hobby crafts, uniforms, contraband, escape paraphernalia and early punishment and restraint devices. A specialized museum dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Canada’s federal penitentiary system, the museum offers self-guided tours, and is frequently visited by thousands of guests each year.
Retired prison guards provide tours and acquaint visitors with quirky facts and information on life in Canada’s penitentiaries. This National Historic Site was built to protect the Kingston Royal Naval Dockyard during the War of 1812.
Today, Fort Henry is a National Historic Site, and visitors can enjoy a tour of the historic fort, as well as military interpreters giving demonstrations of British military life.
With a number of grand, limestone-built historic buildings, Kingston is nicknamed the “Limestone City.” The city also boasts a lively waterfront with parkland and level trails. Its location midway between Toronto and Montreal makes it a popular destination for a weekend getaway.
| Address | 555 King St W, Kingston, ON K7L 4V7, Canada |
| Phone | +1 613-530-3122 |
Fort Henry National Historic Site #2
Fort Henry National Historic Site is a popular tourist attraction in Kingston Canada that offers visitors a glimpse of 19th-century British military life. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features a number of events throughout the year.
The site is located on the eastern end of Lake Ontario and is an important part of the region’s history. Early explorers recognized this as a strategic location that could help them establish trade routes and protection from attacks from other nations.
Today, the fort is a living museum where informative uniformed staff (known as the Fort Henry Guard) bring to life the lives of enlisted men and civilians who lived here during the 18th century. Guided tours are also available.
This is a must-visit attraction on any trip to Kingston. There are numerous things to do and see here, including marching demonstrations and fife-and-drum music, a Garrison Parade and more. A guided tour is the best way to get the most out of your visit and learn more about the fort.
| Address | 1 Fort Henry Dr, Kingston, ON K7K 5G8, Canada |
| Phone | +1 800-437-2233 |
| Opened | 1812 |
Kingston Waterfront #3
Kingston is home to a number of attractions that will make your visit to the city memorable. From the waterfront to the museums, there is something for everyone. The Kingston Waterfront is a vibrant historic district that offers a variety of shops and restaurants that are full of historical interest.
The area traces its roots back to a prosperous maritime village that grew up after the opening of the Delaware and Hudson Canal in 1828 with its terminus at Rondout Creek. While in the area, don’t miss out on visiting Canada’s Penitentiary Museum, which has displays and artifacts that are related to many of the nation’s top prisons.
You can also check out Fort Henry National Historic Site, which is one of the most important sites in Canada’s history and serves as a part of the Rideau Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The waterfront is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a picnic or just watch the sun set over Lake Ontario. It is also a great place to take your kids to play and have fun on the beach.
| Address | 2 Princess Street, Kingston, ON K7L1A2 |
| Near Hotels | Delta Hotels by Marriott Kingston Waterfront, Holiday Inn Kingston-Waterfront, an IHG Hotel |
Queens University #4
Queens University is a mid-sized university with several faculties, colleges and professional schools. It is a major research university in medicine, the basic sciences and engineering. It is also a member of the prestigious U15 group of research-intensive Canadian universities, and the international Matariki Network of Universities.
The university is well-known for its pioneering academic initiatives, including introducing graduate work and correspondence study in Canada and launching international student exchange programs.
The university is also known for its excellent library and one of the most important nongovernmental historical archives in Canada. It holds a large collection of primary source material, in particular on British, Canadian, European and American history.
A good place to start is the Stauffer Library, which specializes in advanced historical research. Its extensive holdings of archival documents, manuscripts, rare and specialized Canadiana, printed governmental documents, microfilm copies of newspapers, and various PAC/Department of Labour materials comprise an excellent scholarly resource.
The University District, which surrounds Queen’s University, is a diverse and lively neighbourhood that features publicly accessible athletic facilities, art galleries, museums, and libraries. It is characterized by a high level of student life, and a variety of restaurants, cafes and shops.
| Address | 99 University Ave, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada |
| Phone | +1 613-533-2000 |
| Founder | John Mowat |
Wolfe Islander III #5
The Wolfe Islander III is a government-run ferry that runs from historic downtown Kingston to Wolfe Island. It’s free to ride and offers great views of the city skyline as it sails across the harbour.
You can also rent a bike on Wolfe Island for a leisurely cruise around the island’s country roads. There are also a number of water lovers’ activities you can enjoy while you’re on the island, including swimming, sailing, and fishing.
During the summer, a smallmouth bass tournament is held on the island, where visitors compete for prizes. Other popular fish species include walleye, northern pike, and musky.
For divers, the waters surrounding Wolfe Island are a great place to explore wrecks that were once used as transportation for people. Many are still intact, and zebra mussels have cleaned them up to improve visibility.
| Address | Barrack St, Kingston, ON, Canada |
| Timings | 12:00 am – 02:00 am |
| Phone | +1-6133851875 |
Kingston City Hall #6
Kingston is a quaint and historic town, brimming with historical sites, museums and excursions. It’s a great spot for exploring Canada’s history, and a good destination for those looking to enjoy outdoor adventures and an exciting nightlife.
Kingston City Hall is a stunning neoclassical heritage building that dates back to 1844 when it served as the seat of government for the Province of Ontario. It was designed by the renowned architect George Browne and is regarded as one of the most striking and important buildings in Canada.
It was abandoned in 1972, but the brick hulk that loomed over Broadway from the windows of high school classrooms soon became a preservation success story thanks to local historian Edwin Ford and a group of dedicated citizens. Ford spearheaded an effort to restore the building and saved a number of the exquisitely detailed lunettes from falling to ruin.
The building is now a fully restored National Historic Landmark, and it’s a popular venue for cultural events such as ballet, theatre and opera. Its 560-plus-seat concert hall is a breathtaking space for live music and theatrical performances.
| Address | 216 Ontario St, Kingston, ON K7L 2Z3, Canada |
| Opened | 1841 |
| Current use | City hall |
| Phone | +1 613-546-4291 |
Cathedral of Saint Mary #7
St Mary’s Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Kingston, Ontario. It is one of four churches located within 600 metres along Clergy Street. The cathedral has magnificent stained glass windows and beautiful icons that depict biblical scenes and the salvation of humanity by Jesus Christ.
It is a must-see attraction in the city of Kingston. Another must-see in the city of Kingston is the Canadian Museum of History. The high-tech, architectural gem is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about Canada’s history.
It features the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles, a major focus on Indigenous Peoples’ achievements and a large exhibition highlighting Canada’s rich multicultural diversity. In addition, the museum’s sculpture-like interiors twist and turn through a labyrinthine exhibits with many touching and thought-provoking displays.
Especially noteworthy is the secluded War Room, which Moriyama & Teshima Architects enclosed with grooved concrete walls divided into rectangles that recall cemetery grave markers.
| Address | 279 Johnson St, Kingston, ON K7L 1Y5, Canada |
| Phone | +1 613-546-5521 |
| Architect | Joseph Connolly |
| Opened | 1843 |
Bellevue House National Historic Site #8
Bellevue House National Historic Site is a must-visit attraction in Kingston Canada. It is a house that was once the home of Sir John Alexander Macdonald and his family. It was built around 1840 and it was one of the first examples of Italian Villa inspired architecture in Canada.
Today, it is a museum and a national historic site. Visitors can learn about the history of the house through a variety of displays and exhibits. They can also watch informative videos.
There is a lot of history that has been preserved here, and the staff are very friendly and helpful. They give tours and tell you about the house and the country’s history in a very interesting way.
If you are a fan of military history, then this place is a must-visit. It is a museum where you can find thousands of artifacts related to the British military. You can also take a tour of the fort and experience it in an old-fashioned way.
| Address | 35 Centre St, Kingston, ON K7L 4E5, Canada |
| Phone | +1 613-545-8666 |
| Architectural style | Italianate architecture |
FAQs about Kingston Canada
What is Kingston Canada famous for?
Kingston, Canada is known for its rich history as a military and political center, including being the birthplace of the Canadian Confederation. It’s also home to several prestigious universities, including Queen’s University and the Royal Military College of Canada. Additionally, Kingston offers beautiful waterfront views and is a popular destination for sailing and boating enthusiasts.
How is live in Kingston Canada?
Kingston, Canada is a vibrant and friendly city with a high quality of life. It offers a diverse range of cultural and recreational activities, including live music, festivals, and outdoor recreation. The cost of living is relatively affordable, and the city boasts a strong economy with opportunities in various sectors. The city also has excellent healthcare facilities and education options.
