Get outdoors or warm up inside: here are our picks for a fun winter weekend in Kingston.
1. Sip on some hot chocolate at Kingston Coffee House
322 King St.
If you’re looking for a winter warm-up, stop by Kingston Coffee House for a hot chocolate. Kingston Coffee House steps it up a notch with a variety of hot chocolates to choose from, as well as peppermint mochas and chai lattes. Try a drink of your choice with one of their toppings (whipped cream, candy cane, toasted marshmallow).
Open: Mon – Fri 7 am – 7 pm, Sat 8 am – 6 pm, Sun 8 am – 5 pm
2. Cozy up in a historic inn
Various locations
Relax at one of Kingston’s historic inns. Book a five-course fondue at the Secret Garden Inn or a Stoked and Chill Nordic Spa experience at the Frontenac Club. You can also combine your culinary or wellness experience with an overnight stay at All Suites Whitney Manor, Green Acres Inn, and more. View all packages
3. Try a Kingston Food Tour
209 Ontario St.
This two-hour tour blends tastings at some of Kingston’s best downtown restaurants with an insider’s perspective on our city’s history and culture. The tour highlights unique shops, restaurants, artisans, and farmers that contribute to Kingston’s thriving local food movement. Expect to try new and familiar flavours while strolling through our charming downtown with a local guide. Check the website for availability.
Now until March 31, save 10% on Kingston Food Tour tickets when you use the Kingstonlicious promo code: Yummy
4. Explore museums in Kingston
Military Communications and Electronics Museum: 95 Craftsman Boul.
Museum of Health Care: 32 George St.
PumpHouse: 23 Ontario St.
With more than 35 museums, art galleries, and historic sites, Kingston offers a variety of fun learning experiences. Explore the history of military communications at the Military Communications and Electronics Museum, discover the story of placebo medications at the Museum of Health Care, or experience kid-friendly exhibits and activities at the PumpHouse, housed in one of Canada’s oldest original water works.
5. Snowshoe or ski at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area
1641 Perth Rd.
Enjoy the fresh snowfall at Little Cataraqui Creek by snowshoeing or skiing 13 kilometres of beautiful trails. Your first stop will be the Outdoor Centre, where you can rent a pair of snowshoes or a full set of ski equipment. Don’t forget to bring birdseed to feed the chickadees at rest stops!
6. Experience a culinary event during Kingstonlicious
Various locations
Throughout February and March, Kingstonlicious offers curated culinary events across the city, showcasing local chefs, special guests, and a delicious experience. From sustainable culinary celebrations and an east coast kitchen party to a fierce burger showdown at the new Burger 347 restaurant, you won’t want to miss the Kingstonlicious signature events this winter. View all upcoming events online.
7. Try out an escape room or a board game
Improbable Escapes: 303 Bagot St.
Wonderland & Board Game Café: 500 Gardiners Rd.
Did you know Kingston is home to escape rooms and a board game café? Get out of the cold and enjoy a themed escape room. Unlock your way through family-friendly or frightening rooms at Improbable Escapes. If you’re not up for an escape room, Improbable Escapes Wonderland offers more than 450 board games, as well as snacks and drinks.
8. Skate at Springer Market Square
325 King St.
Grab a friend, lace up your skates, and glide around the public skating rink while listening to some tunes. After a couple of laps, walk across the street to snack on a Canadian classic: a Beavertail. If you aren’t into skating but like the atmosphere, stop during the evenings and warm up by the fire pits in the square.
9. Take a tour around historic Sydenham Ward
As you walk through the neighbourhood surrounding Kingston’s downtown, you’ll see beautiful architecture and buildings rich in history, like The Spire, a community arts hub located in Sydenham Street United Church and historic inns like Hochelaga Inn, Secret Garden Inn, and The Rosemount Inn.
10. Grab lunch at Kingston’s local burger bar
93 Princess St.
Head to Harper’s Burger Bar and choose from a variety of burgers (including the plantclassic! burger, crunch burger, and la la land burger). Pair your choice with a classic dessert, the sundae (Harper’s sundae, berry indulgence sundae).
