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Kingston stands where Lake Ontario drains into the St. Lawrence River and the Rideau Canal reaches its southern end. Its many limestone buildings earned it the nickname Limestone City, and it served briefly as the first capital of the Province of Canada in the 1840s. Military history, a major university, and a lively waterfront give the city a character that is both historic and youthful.
The domed Kingston City Hall faces the harbor across Market Square, where a farmers' market runs much of the year. Nearby, the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes covers shipping on the lakes, and Bellevue House, a Tuscan-style villa, was once home to Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister. Queen's University adds a campus of stone halls along the lakeshore. Across the Cataraqui River, Fort Henry hosts costumed drills and evening ceremonies, and the round stone Murney Tower recalls nineteenth-century defenses. Guided tours of the decommissioned Kingston Penitentiary are among the city's more unusual experiences.
Kingston works well for history-minded travelers and couples who like walkable downtowns with good restaurants. A drive north reaches the Kingston Mills locks on the Rideau Canal, and a free ferry crosses to rural Wolfe Island. Summer is busiest, while spring and fall are calmer.
WiserMap travel guideKingston Ontario Fort Henry and Thousand Islands CruisesPlan a trip to Kingston Ontario: limestone landmarks, Fort Henry, Rideau Canal locks, Wolfe Island and Thousand Islands cruises, plus food and where to stay.Read the guide
Restored 1830s British fort on a hill overlooking the harbor, part of the Rideau Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site. Costumed guards perform drills, artillery and music, and the Sunset Ceremony runs on summer evenings. Check the schedule and book Sunset Ceremony tickets early.
Round stone Martello tower built in 1846 beside Lake Ontario to defend Kingston harbor. It is now a small museum showing soldiers' quarters and the gun platform. Combine a visit with a walk in the waterfront park around it and along the shoreline path.
Canada's oldest penitentiary, opened in 1835 and closed in 2013, now open for guided tours that visit cell blocks, the dome and workshops. Some tours are led by former staff with real stories. Tours sell out in summer, so reserve online in advance.
Italianate villa where Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister, lived in the 1840s, now a national historic site restored to that era. Guides discuss his life and his complicated legacy. The gardens are pleasant; check seasonal opening days before going.
Grand limestone city hall with a silver dome on the waterfront, built in the 1840s when Kingston was briefly the capital of the Province of Canada. Free guided tours show the council chamber and Memorial Hall's stained glass. It faces the harbor and Confederation Park.
Square behind City Hall that hosts one of Canada's oldest public markets, with farm produce, crafts and food stalls on market days. In winter it becomes an outdoor skating rink, and in summer it holds concerts and movies. Arrive in the morning for the best market selection.
Historic university founded in 1841, with limestone buildings, green quadrangles and a lakeside setting. Visitors can stroll the campus and visit the art center. Look for Grant Hall's clock tower and walk down to the shore for views of Lake Ontario.
Art museum on the Queen's University campus with a notable collection that includes several paintings by Rembrandt, Canadian historical and contemporary art, and African art. Exhibitions change often. Admission is free; check hours, as it closes on some weekdays.
Museum in the former warden's residence across from Kingston Penitentiary, displaying prison artifacts, inmate-made objects, weapons and stories of escapes and reform. It is small but fascinating. Visit it alongside a penitentiary tour to get the full history.
Flight of historic locks on the Rideau Canal north of downtown, set in a rocky gorge with a blockhouse built for defense. Boats are still raised by hand-operated gates in summer. Watch the lockstation in action and walk to the viewpoint over the gorge.
The largest of the Thousand Islands, reached by a free car ferry from downtown Kingston in about twenty minutes. The island has quiet farm roads for cycling, wind turbines, beaches and a small village with a pub. Bring a bike on the ferry for a relaxed day out.
Sightseeing boats leave from the downtown waterfront for cruises into the Thousand Islands, passing island cottages, Fort Henry and historic harbor sights. Options range from short tours to dinner cruises. Sit on the upper deck for views and bring a layer for the breeze.
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