Kingston isn’t just a port stop — it’s where Canadian history was literally carved from stone. Fortresses, royal military colleges, and a former penitentiary crowd a waterfront that still buzzes with farmers’ markets and craft breweries.
Arriving by Ship
Cruise ships dock at the Confederation Basin Marina, right in the heart of downtown Kingston — no tender required. You’ll step ashore practically at the foot of City Hall, which means zero wasted time getting into the action.
The waterfront is walkable and well-signposted, with most major attractions within a 10–15 minute stroll. Larger vessels occasionally use the nearby Cataraqui Waterfront, but either way, Kingston greets you at ground level.
Things to Do
Kingston punches well above its weight for a mid-sized city, offering everything from medieval-style fortifications to ghost-lit cobblestone laneways. Give yourself at least half a day — a full day is better.
History & Landmarks
- Fort Henry National Historic Site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where costumed soldiers fire cannons and drill in 19th-century formation — entry is around CAD $20 for adults.
- Kingston Penitentiary Tours let you walk the cellblocks of Canada’s most notorious prison, closed in 2013 and now open to the public — book ahead as tours sell out fast.
- Bellevue House was once home to Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald — guided tours run daily in summer for about CAD $5.
- City Hall is one of the finest examples of neoclassical architecture in Canada and sits right on the waterfront — free to walk around and photograph.
On the Water
- Heart of the 1000 Islands Sightseeing Cruise takes you through the stunning archipelago stretching east of Kingston along the St. Lawrence River — from USD $50.67 for a 3-hour cruise. 🎟 Book: Heart of the 1000 Islands Sightseeing Cruise
- Heart of the 1000 Islands Lunch Cruise combines the same spectacular scenery with a full onboard meal — from USD $78.77 and worth every cent for the views alone. 🎟 Book: Heart of the 1000 Islands Lunch Cruise
After Dark & Hidden Gems
- Original Haunted Walk of Kingston is a 75-minute ghost tour through the city’s darkest stories, taking in the penitentiary, old asylum, and murdered souls of the limestone streets — from USD $25.54. 🎟 Book: Orignal Haunted Walk of Kingston 75-Minute Ghost Tour
- Kingston Bike Tours offers a guided 2.5-hour ride through the city’s neighbourhoods and waterfront trails, covering more ground than you’d manage on foot — from USD $56.52. 🎟 Book: Kingston Bike Tours
- Trolley City Tour is perfect if you’re short on time, hitting all the major landmarks in just one hour — from USD $34.49 with live narration aboard a vintage-style trolley. 🎟 Book: Trolley City Tour of Kingston
What to Eat
Kingston’s food scene is rooted in local ingredients — fresh Lake Ontario fish, Ontario craft cheese, and some of the best pub food in the province. The Market Square area is your starting point for eating well.
- Limestone City Poutine — the Quebec classic done right with local cheese curds and dark gravy; grab it from Bubba’s Bar-B-Q near Princess Street for under CAD $12.
- Pickerel (Walleye) — a freshwater Lake Ontario fish served pan-fried or in tacos at Chez Piggy, Kingston’s beloved bistro in a restored 1820s livery stable; mains around CAD $28–35.
- MacKinnon Brothers craft beer — brewed in Bath, Ontario, and poured widely across Kingston’s bars; try the Beau Paysage pale ale at The Merchant Tap House for about CAD $8 a pint.
- Cheddar from the Kingston Public Market — the region around Prince Edward County produces exceptional aged cheddar; buy a wedge for under CAD $10.
- Butter tart — a quintessentially Canadian pastry filled with a gooey brown sugar custard; found at most bakeries and the Saturday farmers’ market for CAD $2–4 each.
- Amir’s Lebanese on Princess Street offers brilliant shawarma wraps for under CAD $15 — a local favourite that’s been feeding students and visitors for decades.
Shopping
Kingston’s Saturday Farmers’ Market in Market Square is one of Ontario’s oldest and best, running from spring through late fall — it’s ideal for picking up local honey, maple syrup, jams, and artisan cheese. Princess Street is the main commercial strip, lined with independent bookshops, vintage stores, and local clothing boutiques worth browsing.
Avoid buying generic “Canada” souvenirs sold near the cruise dock — they’re rarely local. Instead, look for Thousand Islands–themed art prints, locally produced maple products, or hand-thrown pottery from one of Kingston’s several craft studios.
Practical Tips
- Currency is Canadian dollars (CAD); USD is not widely accepted, so exchange cash or use a credit card.
- Tipping is expected at 15–20% in restaurants and for tour guides.
- Getting around is easy on foot from the dock, but the trolley tour or a bike rental will extend your range significantly.
- Best time ashore is early morning to beat tour groups at Fort Henry and snag the freshest picks at the farmers’ market.
- Weather in summer runs 20–27°C but lake breezes can be cool — bring a light layer.
- Safety is excellent; Kingston is consistently ranked one of Canada’s safest cities.
- You need at least 4–6 hours to scratch the surface; a full day lets you do the fort, a water cruise, and dinner.
Kingston rewards the curious — peel back its limestone façade and you’ll find a city that shaped a nation, one fortress and butter tart at a time.
🎟️ Things to Book in Advance
These highly-rated experiences fill up fast — book before you arrive to avoid missing out.
This page contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
📍 Getting to Kingston ON, Ontario Canada, Lake Ontario
Use the interactive map below to explore the port area and plan your route from the terminal.
Leave a Reply