From cheering on the local hockey team or taking in an exercise class to relaxing at a Kingston spa or enjoying live music, there’s so much to see and do in Kingston while you’re here for the 2024 Vanier Cup!
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1. Cheer on the Kingston Frontenacs
Slush Puppie Place
Make your way to Slush Puppie Place and catch one of two opportunities to see Kingston’s local OHL team in action. On November 22, watch the Kingston Frontenacs take on the Peterborough Petes, or join their game against the North Bay Battalion on November 24.
2. Rest and relax at a Kingston spa
Glow Spa Kingston, 234 Princess Street
Stoked Sauna Co., 225 King St E
Refinery Spa + Social House, 327 King Street East
Dolce Bella Spa, 8 Cataraqui Street
Take time to unwind during your weekend in Kingston. Enjoy a guided sauna experience, thermotherapy, rejuvenating facial, or soothing massage at one of our spas downtown.
3. Catch a concert
Every weekend the pubs and venues of Kingston come alive with music, from small jazz bands to singer songwriters to bands playing rock, country, pop, and more. Here are a few of the shows you can catch on the weekend:
Musiikki Café – 73 Brock Street
- Nov. 21, 8–11 pm: Jessica Wolowich
- Nov. 22, 8–11 pm: Oscar Evans’ swinging jazz night
- Nov. 23, 8–11 pm: Chris Roderick
- Nov. 24, 4–6 pm: Afternoons with Savannah Shea
- Nov. 24, 8–11 pm: ATIARI
Broom Factory – 305 Rideau Street
- Nov. 21, 7 pm: A Comedy of Drag Errors
- Nov. 22, 7:30 pm: The Backsteps
- Nov. 23, 7:30 pm: Geoffroy
Tir Nan Og – 200 Ontario Street
- Nov. 21: Andrew and Brian from the Celtic Kitchen Party
- Nov. 23: The Retrofits
The Toucan – 76 Princess Street
- Nov. 21, 9:30 pm: BILLIE ZIZI and The Wild Rose Orchestra
- Nov. 22, 5–8 pm: Jonny Kirwan Live in Kirkpatrick’s
- Nov 22, 10:30 pm: The Sun-Dried Flies
- Nov 23, 10:30 pm: Reggaddiction
4. Catch a movie at The Screening Room
Kingston’s independent cinema, The Screening Room, plays a variety of films, from new blockbusters and mid-budget movies to classics and independent films. Their concessions also offer movie classics like fresh popcorn and a fantastic mixture of local pop and craft beer, so you can get a taste of the city’s breweries while enjoying a movie. View upcoming shows on their website and book tickets.
5. Explore a holiday market
The holiday season is here and with it come holiday markets. This year, several seasonal favourites make their return, including the Kingston Potters’ Guild Holiday Sale at the Tett Centre Nov. 21–23; All Things Christmas gifts & art sale at the Kingston Symphony Warehouse Nov. 22–24; the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market on Nov. 24, and more. Learn more about Kingston’s holiday markets in our 12+ holiday markets to visit in Kingston list.
6. Take a Creative Kingston Walking Tour
Downtown & Queen’s University
Take a walk through Kingston’s downtown and learn about the city’s rich artistic history with a Creative Kingston Walking Tour. Discover the music venues where some of the biggest names in Canada’s music got their start, see behind-the-scenes of films shot here, and visit the places that inspired award-winning novels on the Music, Literary, and Film walking tours.
7. Experience a taste of the city’s culinary scene
Starts at the Visitor Information Centre, 209 Ontario Street
Kingston Food Tours offers two guided food tours that include famous dishes at local restaurants, all presented with an insider’s perspective on our city’s history and culture. Learn about Kingston’s culinary legacy while enjoying local bites on the Classic Kingston Tour, or enjoy small tastings paired with an alcoholic (or non-alcoholic) beverage on a Tapas Tour.
8. Get active: spinning and yoga classes
Pedal Works Café & Studios, 1412 Princess Street
Morro Yoga, 103 – 27 Princess St.
One of Kingston’s newest shops, Pedal Works Café & Studios, offers Spinning and yoga classes every week. If you’re interested in joining a class, sign up on their website. After you’re finished a class, check out their café for some sweet treats and refreshments. Learn more about Pedal Works Café & Studios: Spinning & yoga, coffee & community
Would you rather heat things up? Try Morro Yoga’s hot room yoga class, combines deep breathing with gentle stretching to boost strength, balance, and mobility.
Bonus:
See women’s flag football in action
Miklas McCarney Field, 246, 300 Sir John A. Macdonald Blvd.
Richardson Stadium, 366 Hargreaves Way
Watch some of the top teams in flag football from Ontario and Quebec compete in a two-day tournament! Check out the Canadian Collegiate Women’s Flag Showcase on November 23 at Miklas McCarney Field, and at Richardson Stadium on November 24 from 8:30 am–2 pm.
Football fundamentals for kids
Miklas McCarney Field, 246, 300 Sir John A. Macdonald Blvd.
Are your kids interested in football? Sign them up for the Football Canada 1st Down ‘Try Football’ Day on November 23 at Queen’s University’s Miklas-McCarney Field. Hosted from 11:30 am–1 pm, this free event encourages youth (ages 4–12) to get active and learn some of the fundamentals of the sport. Register for free online.
