The city of Kingston Ontario is a rich community filled with opportunity for people of all ages. From historic attractions like Fort Henry to the underwater dives and exploration of sunken ships, there's always something to do in Kingston. This site is proud to feature some great trip ideas for the adventure-seeker in all of us. If you're from out of town, out of province or even out of country, Kingston has something fit for you.
"Kingston was a great spot to have a more active weekend trip... the paths along the lake shore were a treat." - Scott from Ottawa
"We decided to take a weekend getaway every fall to enjoy the foliage, this year we ended up in Kingston and it was fantastic, especially on the boat cruises through the 1000 Islands." - Judi from Toronto
"This year was our first time at Buskers Rendezvous in Kingston and we will definitely be coming back next year. The weather was incredible as were the buskers... being able to walk through downtown and see performers from all over the world was unique experience" - Mark from Ottawa
"When we came to Kingston we were able to spend time hiking and biking but also shopping in the downtown Farmer's Market, it was all the things we wanted to do on our trip" - Tim and Mandy from Toronto
The Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce owns and operates the Confederation Tour Trolley. Relax and let our trained guides take you on a 50-minute exploration of Kingston?s historic past. Highlights of this entertaining and informative tour include the Royal Military College, Fort Henry, Fort Frontenac, Penitentiaries, Portsmouth Olympic Harbour (home of the l976 Olympic Sailing), Bellevue House (residence of Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada?s first Prime Minister), Queen?s University and many more points of interest. The tour trolley operates every hour on the hour daily, rain or shine, from the Tourist Information Office at 109 Ontario Street (across the street from City Hall), from Mid-May to Thanksgiving.
Many vistors to Kingston wish to come via their motor or sail boat and it's easy to do so. You may enter Canada aboard your pleasurecraft or with it hitched to a trailer. Customs officers stationed along highway border crossings and at harbours will issue you a permit, which is then returned upon departure as proof that the boat has left the country. Many destinations offer Remote Area Border Crossings, which require you to register by telephone. More information can be found at Canada Boarder Services Agency
For many, Kingston is a destination for culture, entertainment and sailing; but a thriving athletic scene is starting to draw new types of visitors to the city, runners! During the year the Kingston Road Runners Association holds a race almost every month and for 2010 there will be two races in June and September.
The big race weekend of the year in Kingston is happening at the end of April, the 24th to 25th and includes three races. The Saturday will have the KidsFest 3K and the KGH Trauma 10K and Sunday is the Half Marathon and 5k. Runners from outside of Kingston are always welcome for the big race weekend and discounted accommodations are available at the Four Points Sheraton
Spring may officially start March 20th but March 5th is when it starts in Kingston. The Gardening Expo is happening March 5th 2010 at the Portsmouth Olympic Harbour from 9am to 9pm. Gardening related business and horticultural experts gather at the Harbour to offer their products and knowledge in landscape designs, seeds, garden art, furniture and more Seminars and demonstrations all day long. Garden Fashion Show Sunday @2.30 pm.
There is no better way to explore the nature trails of the Kingston region than by cross country skiing. Skiing allows you to choose your pace so the excursion can be as leisurely or as strenuous as you wish. It also allows you to enjoy the scenery without having to trudge through ankle deep snow, you just glide right through.
If you’re a beginner skier or looking for some tips the Cataraqui Conservation Authority hosts lessons on Saturdays throughout the winter. From 10am to 12pm.
Kingston's 2010 FebFest celebrations are only a few days away and below is a list of highlights:
Imagineation on Ice with Elivs Stojko - Monday Feb. 1st 7p.m.
Stanley Cup Display - Tuesday Feb. 2nd starting at 12 p.m.
OHL All-Star Classic - Tuesday Feb. 2nd 9p.m.
The Flying Canucks - Wednesday Feb. 3rd starting at 1p.m.
Tom Cochrane with Red Rider - Thursday Feb. 4th 7:30p.m.
Also, one of Kingston's First Canada Inns has a special for those stayin in town for FebFest
Every year Kingston hosts FebFest; a week long winter event that features ice sculpture competitions, figure skating demonstrations, public skates, live music and of course the Limestone Classic which has 10 hockey teams including NHL greats and local Kingston players. All the activities take place in downtown Kingston so it’s close to most of the hotels and B&B’s plus all the shopping and restaurants.
Most visitors to the Kingston area view the beauty of the 1000 islands from the deck of the boat. On your next visit try something a little more unique with aerial sightseeing tours. There is no better way to fully appreciate how diverse and expansive the islands are. The Kingston Flying Club allows you to fly over the small cottage islands of the Admiralty group featuring Napoleon's Hat, Wanderer's Channel, the Bateau Channel and the Nakomis Lodge.
There is more to add to the downtown tours that are available in Kingston, as well as the Confederation Tour Trolley and the Haunted Walk audio tours and rickshaws are also on hand. Audio tours eliminate the need for a guide or for you to be stuck in a large group, take all the time you want at various landmarks because the tour guide is your MP3 player. Download the tour you want print the map and get started! Rickshaw tours provide a unique way to go around the city with out leaving a carbon footprint, what more could the eco-traveler want? And for those who book in advance you can set up a picnic lunch in the park after your tour.
Kingston has never been short of sports that get the adrenaline pumuping. Biking, kayaking, diving and climbing are all activities that those live in Kingston have relished for years. Visitors to the city should take the opportunity to get their hearts pumping and try some of the following...
Rent a bike or bring your own along and take some time to explore the scenic paths in the many waterfront parks Kingston has. Once you've warmed your muscles up take the short trip to the conservation area and try some of the more challenging trails. Make sure your hotel is close by though because at the end of a day of biking you won't want to do much else but have a great dinner and crawl in to a comfy bed!
Kayaking along Kingston's shore line is a fantastic way to spend a summer weekend in Kingston. The best part of kayaking in Kingston is that, aside from walking you get the best views of the city... being able to see historic monuments, parks and the City's downtown from the water is a treat.
Rock climbing is another past time locals and visitors enjoy. Kingston boasts North America's largest indoor climb at the Boiler Room climbing club. However, first time climbers are always welcome even though they often need a massage after their initial lesson, luckily lots of Kingston hotels and spas offer them.
At the end of all these adventures it's usually a good idea to spend some time recouping with a yummy meal and a relaxing room to have a long sleep in.
As the longest running market in Ontario, the Kingston Farmers Market fits in to the overall historical theme of the city. The market runs Tuesdays, Thursdays and during the weekend from May to September, making it a great way to start a weekend trip to Kingston.
The market features local producers and crafters while on Sundays the market showcases local antiques. Located in the middle of Kingston's downtown the market is only a short walk away if you're staying at one of the many downtown inns or hotels. For more information on Kingston's Market check out Downtown Kingston for more details.
For those who have their own sailboats and like to spend time cruising Lake Ontario a sailing trip to Kingston is an affordable and entertaining stop. Kingston has many marinas available to those looking to dock for the weekend and many activities situated near those harbours to ensure a great stay.
The Kingston Yacht Club is surrounded by beautiful parks and only a 10 minute walk to the downtown. Check out www.kingstonyachtclub.com for more details
Portsmouth Olympic Harbour was built for the 1978 Olympics and has 300 slip docks available plus other amenities for those spending a few nights there. Get booking information at www.cityofkingston.ca/residents/recreation/marinas/
Confederation Basin Marina is located directly across from City Hall in downtown Kingston and steps away from some of Kingston’s best restaurants and attractions. Marina details and booking information is available here www.cityofkingston.ca/visitors/marinas/
Enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife that the Kingston region has to offer by spending the day hiking, cross country skiing or snowshoeing through the trails at the Cataraqui Conservation Authority. If you’re from out of town make sure to stay overnight at a spot that has a fire place, you can find many great hotels, bed & breakfasts, and inns at www.stayinkingston.ca so you can warm up from the days outside adventures. The next day enjoy a free skate at Kingston’s Market Square and be sure to bring a thermos of hot chocolate.
Experience the vibrant colours of fall in the Kingston/1000 Islands region with a cruise through the islands and around Kingston. Lunch cruises are available as well as tours that narrate Kingston’s history and most popular sights, a great way to learn about the area while enjoying the foliage.
Enjoy the best of both worlds. Canoes, kayaks and sailboats are available to rent for the day www.ahoyrentals.com. Spend an afternoon paddling or sailing on the lake and head out for dinner and a well deserved rest a local hotel or Inn. Give your arms a rest the next day by renting bikes and heading out on the scenic bike paths that follow the shore of Lake Ontario. Finish the weekend with a completely necessary message at local Spa
The Kingston Dragon Boat Festival is a great way to experience some Chinese history. This festival, highlighting the ancient sport takes place every year in Kingston and helps raise money for the Kingston Boys & Girls Club of Canada. The festival boasts more then the races, there are shows, musical acts and entertainment that showcase Chinese culture. Kingston has many great Chinese, Japanese and Thai restaurants to finish the day off in keeping with the Asian theme.
Kingston has a multitude of tours available for those looking see the city sights, however there are two tours that have a unique twist visitors enjoy.
The Haunted Walk is one of the creepiest outdoor activities Kingston has to offer. A walk is one of the best ways to view Kingston’s historic downtown and hearing about the ghosts and ghost stories of Kingston''s past is an added bonus on this tour. The rich and dark history of the city comes alive with stories told by the cloaked and lantern bearing tour leaders.
The Confederation Tour Trolley is another great way to view Kingston, from a relaxing and non-haunted view point. The Trolley is a fun way to get a glimpse of Kingston’s points of interest such as the Royal Military College, Fort Henry and the Penitentiaries. The Trolley runs every hour during the summer season in Kingston is a must.
One of the most exciting weekends in Kingston is during this street performer’s festival that takes place all over Kingston’s downtown. Wandering around downtown in the warm summer weather is a treat especially so when there are fire breathing, juggling, balloon animal making, acrobatic buskers around every turn. For more information visit www.kingstonbuskers.com