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Kingston’s mocktail & non-alcoholic beverage scene unveiled (Part 2)

There is an enticing world of non-alcoholic drinks in Kingston, Ontario. Whether you are the designated driver or in the mood to try something different, Kingston’s mixologists have something to satisfy your thirst and curiosity.  

Read on to discover more local mocktail and non-alcoholic beverage spots in Kingston.  

 

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Miss Bao Restaurant & Cocktail Bar  

286 Princess Street 

Miss Bao has an extensive, Asian-fusion inspired cocktail menu that can be made non-alcoholic at your request. Taste bursts of tropical and citrus flavours while sipping the Tom Yam Siam or make a lighter choice with the delicately balanced Mount Fuji. Ask for their weekly offer mocktail if you want to try something new!  

Open: Thu – Sat (5 – 11 pm), Sun (5 – 10 pm)  

View drink menu | Contact: 613-545-0123  

Go Italian

2815 Princess Street  

Sip on refreshing, non-alcoholic concoctions that embody the essence of Italy at GO Italian. The atmosphere is comfortable yet sophisticated, making it a perfect place to partake in one of their mocktails. The Raspberry Spritz (muddled raspberries, lemonade, and soda water) is tart and refreshing, while the Cosmo-tini Mocktail (cranberry juice, orange juice, bar lime) is fruity and sweet. Both pair perfectly with GO Italian’s comfort food.  

Open: Mon – Wed (11:30 am – 7 pm), Thu – Sat (11:30 am – 8 pm)  – Closed for the season. Opens early May.

View drink menu | Contact: 613-766-1200 

Sunshine Up North

Atomica  

71 Brock Street  

Cotemporary mocktails are waiting for you at Atomica Kitchen. Their non-alcoholic creations have citrus flavours and bubbly add-ins. Local favourites include the Mango Mule (ginger beer, mango and lime juice, grapefruit, and 7UP) and Sunshine Up North (pineapple and lime juice, hibiscus simple syrup, and soda).  

Open: Sun – Thurs (11:30 am – 9 pm), Fri – Sat (11:30 am – 10 pm)  

View drink menu | Contact: 613-530-2118 

The Social YGK

1600 Bath Road  

Looking for live music, social games, trivia, and pub food all while you sip on a mocktail? Take a trip to The Social YGK. Their mocktails feature unique add-ins such as cucumber syrup and white grape juice. We recommend you try Bright Eyes (Seedlip, grapefruit juice, tonic water, and cucumber syrup).  

Open: every day (10 am – 1 am)  

View drink menu | Contact: 613-634-5527  

Chez Piggy

68 Princess Street  

For more than 40 years, Chez Piggy has been a downtown favourite for both locals and visitors. “The Pig” has inclusive beverage offerings, from virgin classics to creative mocktails. Their menu includes Electric Linen (Seedlip grove 42, Tuscan Tree elderflower aperitivo, butterfly pea flower, cucumber, rhubarb, and lemonade) and Kentucky Fog (Seedlip grove 42, lemon, cardamom, peach and bergamot meringue).  

Open: Mon – Sat (11:30 am – 9 pm), Sun (10 am – 9 pm)  

Contact: 613-549-7673  

Something in the Water Brewing Co.

275 Princess Street  

The winner of New Brewery of Year for 2022 at The Canadian Brewers Choice Awards, Something in the Water thrives on curiosity, creating drinks that are as inviting and delicious as they are unexpected. They recently developed a non-alcoholic beverage line called Meltwater. The line features uniquely flavoured sparkling iced teas and sparkling hopped waters. Meltwaters are available to order online or for purchase at the taproom.  

Open: Tues – Wed (2 – 10 pm), Thurs – Sat (noon – 11 pm), Sun (2 pm – 8 pm)  

Contact: 613-542-4222 

The Backyard Patio Bar & Grill

285 Queen Street  

Sample a burst of summer in a glass, as you bask in the sunshine on The Backyard’s patio. This patio offers dining and drinking in downtown Kingston. Their signature non-alcoholic beverage is the Strawberry Sunrise mocktail. If you are looking for something simpler, they also have a variety of non-alcoholic beer which pair perfectly with their snacks and sharable appetizers.  

Open: Mon – Thurs (noon – 11 pm), Fri (noon – midnight), Sat (noon – 1 am), Sun (noon – 10 pm)

Contact: 613-530-2550  

Tango Nuevo

331 King Street East  

Tango Nuevo is loved by locals for their huge selection of tapas and charcuterie. The hidden gem here is their fantastic mocktail list, which ranges from their classic non-alcoholic Nuevo Sangria to delicious signature creations like the Hibiscus Iced Tea, and Strawberry Lemon Soda. For those who’d like to try something new, Tango Nuevo now offers zero-proof cocktails crafted with non-alcoholic spirits (non-alcoholic rum, tequila, gin, Aperol, amaretto, and sparkling wine) featured in mocktails such as Paloma, Negroni, Aperol Spritz, Amaretto Sour, and more! 

Open: Sun – Thu (11:30 am – 11 pm), Fri – Sat (11:30 am – midnight)  

Contact: 613-548-3778  

Bar Mayla mocktail

Bar Mayla

331 King St East

Bar Mayla has an array of beverage options that can be made as non-alcoholic cocktails. Staff favourites include the Mezcal Pineapple Sour, made with grilled pineapple cordial, pineapple oleo saccharum, lime, and vegan froth, and the Mayla Mule, with pineapple oleo saccharum, ginger beer, lemon, and pressed ginger juice. This upbeat-style bar is the perfect place to gather with friends over tapas for the evening.

Open: Wed, Thurs, and Sun at (3pm – late), Fri & Sat (11:30 am – late)

Contact: 613-766-6068

Le Jardin mocktail

Le Jardin

343 King Street East

Above Bar Mayla (on the second floor) you will find Le Jardin, a welcoming space that immerses you in the elements of earth, wind, and fire. Le Jardin is known for its wood-fire grill where entrées and even desserts are cooked in front of diners. While the restaurant has an expansive wine list, it also offers tasty mocktails, including the Ananas, made with grilled pineapple cordial, pineapple oleo, and the Cinful, made with hibiscus, cinnamon, cordial, lemon, and sugar.

Open: Wed – Sat (4:30 pm – late)

Contact: 613-766-6068

 

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7 ways to explore the 1000 Islands from Kingston

Kingston, Ontario is where the natural wonder of the 1000 Islands is revealed. Nestled along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, this archipelago of islands presents a world of nature to be explored.  

Cruise along the gentle waves, cast your fishing line, or paddle your way through peaceful coves. As the largest city in the 1000 Islands region, Kingston is a place where you can find comfort, rest, and fuel after an adventure discovering the area.  

Read on to learn seven ways you can experience the 1000 Islands from Kingston. 

1. Cruise the waterways

If there is one thing you do while visiting the 1000 Islands, it is a cruise. What sounds better than sipping on a beverage while gliding through the water with magnificent views all around you? Kingston has a variety of cruise options leaving from the downtown Crawford Wharf.  

Kingston 1000 Island Cruises offers daily sightseeing and dining cruise options. Their cruises feature live entertainment and commentary, sprinkling in history and folklore of the scenery. 

Kingston Waterfront Pathway

2. Cycle the shores

The views of the 1000 Islands can be seen while riding your bike along the Kingston waterfront pathway. You can also cycle the largest of the 1000 Islands, Wolfe Island. You can take the free ferry from downtown Kingston to Wolfe Island in 20 minutes. There are four great bike routes on the island, leading you through rural communities and conservation areas. Stop at Big Sandy Bay Beach on your ride for a peaceful picnic or swim.  

Bring your bike and stay at one of Kingston’s bike-friendly accommodations. You can also rent a bike from Ahoy Rentals and i-Cycle Electric Bike Company.  

Neptune and Salacia diving

3. Dive underwater

The 1000 Islands’ waterways have an intriguing past to be discovered below the surface. It is believed that there are over 400 shipwrecks in the eastern end of Lake Ontario and the neighbouring St. Lawrence River. Approximately 100 shipwrecks are directly in Kingston waters, making for excellent dive sites.  

Kingston offers diving charters and services for tourist scuba divers. Neptune & Salacia Diving has boat charters seven days a week, on Canada’s first accredited PADI Open Water Dive Boat. With over 60 years of combined diving experience, Pat’s Dive Charters provides exceptional diving chartering to two wreck sites per dive.  

Ahoy Rentals

4. Journey by boat

Lake Ontario’s shoreline has many secret inlets and beaches waiting to be discovered. What better way to explore them than by boat? Paddle in a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddle board from Ahoy Rentals on Kingston’s waterfront. If you’re looking for something with more speed, rent a Sea-Doo from Treasure Island Marina.  

If you are visiting Kingston by waterway, you can moor your boat at Kingston’s Confederation Basin Marina or Portsmouth Olympic Harbour and stay a night at one of Kingston’s waterfront accommodations. View the City of Kingston’s website for more information on boating.  

 

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5. Catch a fish

Calling all anglers! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or beginner, the 1000 Islands will captivate you with its diverse fishing opportunities. This area is known for bass, northern pike, muskellunge, trout, salmon, and walleye. Kingston has a range of fishing charters; all you need is an Ontario fishing licence to enjoy fishing in the 1000 Islands.  

Blue Rock Charters, Nickel’s Fishing Charters, Limestone City Fishing Charters, and Kingston Sport Fishing all offer multi-species fishing charters leaving from the Kingston waterfront throughout the summer. Visit their websites for more information on their charters.  

Sailing

6. Hoist a sail

Kingston is considered the freshwater sailing capital of the world. Its reputation comes from its exceptional wind and wave conditions throughout the summer, which led to the city being chosen to host all the sailing events of the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games. Kingston is also the home to CORK, which hosts sailing regattas and championships every summer. Experience world-class sailing in Kingston on the 1000 Islands waterways.  

Kingston Yacht Club teaches multi-day sailing lessons throughout the summer, with programming options for all ages. Skippered sailing charters aboard a 26-foot sailing boat are offered by Ahoy Rentals. Choose from a sunset sail or a picnic sail with food by Pan Chancho Bakery. Kingston Sailing Tours also has sailing tours with half day, full day, or sunset charters. Overnight multi-day charters are available through Kingston Sailing Charters. Whichever you choose, you will enjoy your time on the water.  

Treetop Trekking 1000 Islands

7. Take a day trip

If you travel east of Kingston along the St. Lawrence River, you will discover Gananoque and more of the 1000 Islands. There are many popular excursions in the area which are accessible from Kingston.

Thousand Islands National Park

Journey to the picturesque granite islands and windswept pine trees of Thousand Islands National Park. Experience the magic of historic wilderness by kayaking or hiking, only 45 minutes from Kingston.

Treetop Trekking 1000 Islands

Climb, swing, and zip through the forest canopy at Treetop Trekking 1000 Islands. Drive 40 minutes from Kingston for an unforgettable forest excursion.

Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course

Golf on the landscape of the rugged Canadian Shield with high granite cliffs, tall white pines, and scenic elevated tee offs. This lush forest course makes for great golf, only 35 minutes away from Kingston.

Wolfe Island

Travel via ferry from downtown Kingston to the historic Wolfe Island. Once you arrive, you can journey by shuttle from the ferry dock to Marysville. Explore the downtown shops, farmers’ market, art gallery, and museum – all while taking in the view of the water. Eat farm-to-table food from Hotel Wolfe Island or indulge in pub-style food at Wolfe Island Pub & Pizzeria.

Visit Kingston’s day trip site for more information on day trips from Kingston to the 1000 Islands.

 

At the end of your 1000 Islands adventure, jump back into Kingston to experience our vibrant nightlife. Dine at our restaurants, cafés, and pubs, and enjoy the summer patio scene.

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Kingston’s mocktail & non-alcoholic beverage scene unveiled (Part 1)

While alcoholic sips often take the spotlight at many of Kingston’s restaurants, bars, and breweries, the city offers a delightful array of non-alcoholic options. From canned, 0% beverages to freshly crafted mocktails, Kingston has something for those searching for a locally made, non-alcoholic drink.

Let’s dive into a few of the Kingston establishments that provide a vibrant drinking experience, sans alcohol.

lord Grey Sour

Black Dog Tavern

69 Brock Street

As one of the city’s most popular dining establishments, this upscale pub has a variety of mocktails to quench your thirst. Their non-alcoholic drink menu features Lord Grey Sour (Lumette London dry gin, chilled Earl Grey tea, lavender, lemon, and egg white) and Lemongrass Lime Punch (Lumette rum, lemongrass syrup, coconut water, ginger beer, mint, and lime). These mocktails pair perfectly with Black Dog Tavern’s French bistro classics.

Open: Mon – Thurs (11:30 am – 9 pm), Fri (11:30 am – 10 pm), Sat (11 am  – 10 pm), and Sun (11 am – 8 pm)

View drink menu | Contact: 613-549-5635

Harper's Refresher

Harper’s

93 Princess Street

Harper’s is Kingston’s local burger joint serving up some of the city’s best burgers and beverage pairings. Harper’s Refresher (muddled berries, soda water, pomegranate syrup, splash of lime, and cranberry juice) does not disappoint. But what make Harper’s non-alcoholic drink menu special are their shakes and soda floats, made with premium vanilla ice cream and natural soda.

Open: Sun – Wed (11:30 am – 8 pm) and Thurs – Sat (11:30 am – 9 pm)

View drink menu | Contact: 613-507-3663

The Patio at AquaTerra

1 Johnson Street

The picturesque waterfront views of Lake Ontario and Confederation Harbour are better with a mocktail in hand at AquaTerra’s Patio. Their mocktail menu features Sweet Peach Tea Lemonade (peach tea, lemonade, and peach purée) and Tahiti Treat (Amarena syrup, orange, ginger ale). Their mixologists use the freshest and, whenever possible, locally sourced ingredients.

Open: Until June 18 Thu – Fri (5 – 8 pm), Sat-Sun (noon – 8 pm); June 19 & beyond everyday (noon – 8 pm)

View drink menu | Contact: 613-549-6243

Spearhead Brewing Company

675 Development Drive

Spearhead Brewing Company not only makes sensational craft beer, they also offer Akwa, a hop-infused sparking water. This canned zero-alcohol beverage with all-natural floral flavour is perfect for those looking to try something new. It is available to purchase at their brewery, online, and in select retailers around Kingston such as Pan Chancho Bakery.

Open: Sun – Tues (noon – 7 pm), Wed – Sat (noon – 10 pm)

Contact: 1-866-571-5839

Dianne's Ginger Shirley

Dianne’s

195 Ontario Street

Let the talented bartenders at Dianne’s whip you up an unforgettable mocktail. Their beverages uniquely mix the flavours of the East Coast and Baja, Mexico. Try their signature non-alcoholic drink, Mermaid Mocktail (blueberries, mint, soda limonada, guava juice, and lemonade). Or go for a twist on the classic Shirley Temple, Ginger Shirley (lime, grenadine, soda, ginger beer, cherry, and candied ginger).

Open: Sun – Wed (11:30 am – 8 pm) and Thurs – Sat (11:30 am – 9 pm)

View drink menu | Contact: 613-507-3474

Kingston Brewing Company’s homemade root beer

Kingston Brewing Company

34 Clarence Street

Kingston Brewing Company makes something to satisfy your inner child: homemade soda! They brew their soda fresh and in-house. Choose from the flavours of cream soda and root beer. They also have a selection of Ontario non-alcoholic beers and wines, if that is more your style.

Open: Sun – Thu (11:30 am – midnight), Fri – Sat (11:30 am – 1 am)

View drink menu | Contact: 613-542-4978

HEIST Restaurant + Wine Club

HEIST has a modern atmosphere, making it a great place to gather for dinner and drinks in Kingston. Their seasonal drink menu always features a mocktail. The Teller (0% sparkling wine and non-alcoholic aperitivo Carpano) is the star of their spring drink menu. Visit HEIST for more information on their mocktail offerings.

Open: Tues – Thu (5 – 10 pm), Fri – Sat (noon – 11 pm), Sun (noon – 9 pm)

Contact: 613-548-9463

The Bank at Frontenac Club

The Bank’s offers upscale non-alcoholic beverages on their temperance cocktail menu. Their drinks are visually stunning, from The Grey Lady (Earl Grey, lemon, whites, and London Dry) to Italian Spritz (aperitif, orange, and soda). Ask for Surprise Me, their rotating featured mocktail, made with fresh and seasonal ingredients.

Open: Thu – Sun (3 – 11 pm)

View drink menu | Contact: 613-547-6167

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Athletes of Kingston: Clive Morgan

On June 8th, 2023, Clive Morgan won Sport Event Volunteer of the Year at the Sport Tourism Canada PRESTIGE Awards.  

In the world of athletics, there are individuals whose tireless dedication contributes to creating memorable experiences for athletes, spectators, and volunteers.

One such individual in the Kingston sports community is Clive Morgan, whose work has been recognized nationally by Sport Tourism Canada PRESTIGE Awards. We sat down with Clive to delve into his journey as a triathlon and cross-country race organizer and his impact on sport events in Kingston.

Clive Morgan smiling at Athletics Canada Cross Country Nationals at Fort Henry on November 24, 2016, after shovelling snow off the racecourse / Photo Credit: Emily Setlack

Motivated athlete and competitor

Growing up as a competitive swimmer and runner, Clive was always passionate about competing in athletics. In 1984, he signed up for his first triathlon in Kingston and 40 years later, he still competes. His participation in sport combined with his children’s involvement in swimming, running, and triathlons translated into volunteering as a race director and organizer for many sporting events in the Kingston community.

“At some point, my kid’s swim club needed someone to organize swim meets,” he says. “I enjoyed it, and there was a certain satisfaction about putting together an event, seeing it all come together, working the way you want it to, and that everyone is happy with.”

After his wife’s encouragement to volunteer at the Loyalist Kids of Steel Triathlon in Kingston, Clive became the Organizer and Race Director in 2000. He ran that event for 10 years.

Clive then worked with Steve Boyd, his running coach at Physi-Kult, to bring university-level cross-country races for Queen’s University to Fort Henry. That effort resulted in years of hosting Athletics Canada and Athletics Ontario events in Kingston, bringing in thousands of visitors to Kingston.

Creating exceptional sporting experiences

With over 30 years of leadership in organizing sporting events, Clive Morgan has left an indelible mark on triathlons and cross-country in Kingston. Throughout his tenure as an organizer, his focus has been ensuring every athlete has a safe and positive experience. Clive’s attention to detail was evident in his final race organized in the fall of 2022.

Clive attended the racecourse’s preparation and went above and beyond the call of duty. He meticulously cut the grass to ensure a safe race surface and lead a team of volunteers in stringing five kilometres of rope to clearly mark the course.

“The bottom line is I am not going to be happy with doing something that’s not as good as it possibly can be,” he says. “If you put on good-quality events, people will get involved and try out different sports.”

When discussing his event planning process, he says, “I have this vision in my head of how I want the event to run. I have been around enough events to know what needs to be done at every single stage.”

Clive credits his success in organizing quality events to his dedicated volunteers. “I would have a lot of event volunteers that come back year after year. All the volunteers get trained and come back over the years, making it easier on me to run the events.”

He instilled the values of lifelong participation in sport in his volunteers. After every Loyalist Kids of Steel race, the organizing committee received a deluge of enthusiastic letters and comments from parents thanking Clive for creating a positive experience for their child.

Clive Morgan waiting to hand out medals to finishers at the Athletics Canada Cross Country Nationals at Fort Henry on November 25, 2017, wearing his recognizable Santa hat as Race Director / Photo Credit: Peter Stokes

Elevating Kingston as a cross-country destination

Clive’s collaborations with Athletics Canada and Athletics Ontario resulted in Kingston hosting prestigious events such as the Athletics Canada Cross Country Nationals (2015 – 2018) and the Athletics Ontario Provincials in 2021 and 2022. These events attracted athletes from all corners of Canada, including Olympians, National and USports athletes, and masters athletes ranging in age from 40 to 80.

Because of these events, Kingston has emerged as a premier competitive cross-country destination. Clive explains that the course is highly coveted. “Our selling point for the Fort Henry course, first off, was the quality of the course,” he says. “The course is a big open field. It is a true cross-country event entirely run on grass. There are many events where you must cross roads or go on gravel trails. And this course is rolling, with some hills. You are looking out over the fort to see the lake, Royal Military College and downtown Kingston.”

“The second selling point of the course is that it is a five-minute walk from downtown Kingston. It is easy to stay in hotels downtown and then walk or drive across to the course,” he explains. “Because of these factors, people were so excited that Nationals [and other races] were coming here. Its location has done a lot for exposure for cross country in Kingston.”

Supporting athlete development in Kingston

By directing sporting event revenue to Physi-Kult running club funds, Clive has prioritized developing Kingston’s athletic talent.

Physi-Kult is a local running group in Kingston, where Steve Boyd offers coaching to runners aged 13 to 50 years old. The club hopes to instill a passion for lifelong competitive running in its members.

The proceeds generated from Clive’s races have supported both junior and senior athletes at Physi-Kult, aiding their training, equipment, and participation in competitive events.

Physi-Kult members include high performance runners Dylan Wykes, Emily Tallen, Brogan MacDougall, and Julie-Anne Staehli. Notably, Dylan and Julie-Anne went on to compete at the Olympics for Team Canada.

Clive Morgan announcing for the Loyalist Kids of Steel Triathlon as the Organizer and Race Director on July 14, 2007 / Credit: Terence Dickinson

Commitment to volunteerism

As the Organizer and Race Director for the Loyalist Kids of Steel Triathlon for ten years, Clive was recognized with a plaque from Loyalist Township in 2010 for his significant contribution to the community and years of dedicated service to the Loyalist Kids of Steel Triathlon. He also received the Bev Snider Award for Volunteer of the Year from Odessa Public School in 2009.

Clive is now being recognized as a finalist for 2023 Sport Tourism Canada PRESTIGE Awards’ Volunteer of the Year. This award recognizes the outstanding contributions of an individual’s volunteer efforts during the hosting of one or more sport events in Canada occurring between 2020 and 2022.

“I’m humbled, and it is an honour,” he says. “I can say it reflects my name, but there are a lot of volunteers standing behind me that helped me. I would call them up and say I’m holding another event, and they would come and support me. So, a lot of thanks to them for their efforts over the years.”

Sport volunteers needed in Kingston

Kingston sporting community, from cross country to hockey, depend on volunteers to plan and executive successful events. Learn how you can be a part of Kingston’s dynamic sporting community.

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Kingston restaurant roundup

There is a charm in seeking out restaurants off the conventional path in Kingston, Ontario. These hidden gems promise unique flavours, captivating stories, and memorable dining experiences.  

Off the beaten path 

Mermaid Avenue Sandwich Factory

236 Wellington Street, Kingston, ON  

You can’t go wrong with a sandwich made from fresh produce, local meat, and in-house baked bread. Find Mermaid Avenue Sandwich Factory tucked away on Wellington Street (between Queen and Barrack). Try their unique sandwiches Casino Queen (slices of deli turkey with balsamic onion marmalade, bacon, mayo, avocado) or Hell is Chrome (devilled egg salad with lettuce and tomato). 

Open: Mon – Fri (7:30 pm – 3:30 pm)

View menu | Contact: 613-531-3438

Classics Tea Lounge

399 Princess Street, Kingston, ON   

Classics Tea Lounge serves Pan-Asian inspired dishes and teas in a welcoming atmosphere. Their most popular selection includes Pan-fried meat dumplings, Taiwanese spicy beef with noodles and fried udon. Pair your dish with a bubble tea – their peach crushed iced tea is a must-try!  

Open: Mon (4 pm – 11:30 pm), Wed – Sun (4 pm –11:30 pm)

View menu | Contact: (613) 546-8855

Coffee Way

472 Division Street, Kingston, ON  

Coffee Way is a Kingston staple, serving the best old-fashioned donuts in town. It’s hard to pick just one baked treat from this place so we recommend trying the sour cream cruller, honey-glazed donut, or any of their eclairs. They also offer hot drinks and lunch options that pair perfectly with their donuts. 

Open: Mon – Sun  (6 am – 11 pm)

View menu | Contact: (613) 546-9106

1000 Curry

1525 Centennial Drive Unit 5, Kingston, ON 

Some of the best Indian food in Kingston is served at 1000 Curry in Kingston’s north end. Their freshly ground spices are magic to your taste buds. Recommended dishes include the korma (your choice of meat in a traditional rich creamy sauce) and bhuna (your choice of meat roasted with a dry masala and 1000 Curry’s specialty spice). 

Open: Mon (3 pm – 9 pm), Wed – Fri (3 pm – 9 pm), Sat – Sun (11:30 am – 9 pm)

View menu | Contact: 613-507-7423

 

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Gaby’s Cafe

791 Princess Street, Kingston, ON  

Near the top of Princess Street, enjoy a freshly baked scone, fruity smoothie, or daily lunch special at Gaby’s Café. This spot offers home-style breakfast, lunch, baked goods, and refreshing drinks. 

Open: Mon – Fri (8 am – 2 pm)

View menu | Contact: 613-544-2297

Kino’s Sushi & Asian Cuisines

1730 Bath Road, Kingston, ON  

Sushi lovers, this place is for you! Kino’s Sushi earned the title of Best Sushi in Kingston in 2022. Travel down Bath Road to try their most popular dish, Kino’s Sushi Platter, which features a variety of their best sushi rolls.  

View menu | Contact: (613) 384-3883

Little Kitchen

1146 Clyde Court, Kingston, ON  

Little Kitchen is a small but mighty eatery, serving a variety of Asian dishes in the north-west of Kingston. Their food is enjoyable for the whole family and there is a plentiful of vegetarian options. You can’t go wrong with ordering their chicken pad thai or veg udon noodle.

Open: Mon – Fri (11 am – 2 pm)

View menu | Contact: (613) 389-6826

Podonamu

264 Princess Street, Kingston, ON  

Craving classic Korean food? Look no further than Podonamu, a Korean eatery in Kingston’s downtown core. Must-try dishes are the pork bone soup, scallion chicken, and BBQ pork belly.  

Open: Tue – Thur (12 pm – 3 pm, 5pm – 9:30 pm), Fri (12 pm – 3pm, 5 pm – 10 pm), Sat (12 pm – 3pm, 5 pm – 9:30 pm), Sun (4 pm – 9:30 pm)

View menu | Contact: (613) 777-9949

Patriam Coffee

Fine Balance Brewing Company, 677 Innovation Drive, Unit 4, Kingston, ON  

You will find a picturesque coffee shop known as Patriam Coffee inside Fine Balance Brewing Company in the east end. This coffee bar makes hot and cold drinks and sweet and savoury goods. Local favourites include their cappuccinos, biscotti, and scones.  

Open: Tues – Fri (7:30 am – 2:30 pm), Sat (9 am – 3 pm)

View menu | Email

Kingston Burger Company

695 Innovation Drive Unit 4, Kingston, ON   

Freshly grilled burgers, tangy sauces, and sharp cheddar cheese – does this have your mouth watering? Then head over to Kingston Brewing Company’s sister restaurant, Kingston Burger Company. Build your own burger or try a Nathan’s Famous dog.  

Open: Mon – Fri (11 am – 7 pm)

View menu

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The Hoagie House

384 Division Street, Kingston, ON   

As you wander down Division Street you will find Kingston’s quintessential sandwich shop, the Hoagie House. They offer build-your-own sandwiches. Pick your choice of meat and watch it be cooked right before your eyes. A classic showstopper is the double cheese steak with onions.

Open: Mon – Sun (11 am – 7 pm)

View menu | Contact: (613) 542-5971

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Your guide to Pride Month in Kingston

In June, Kingston celebrates Pride Month 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ We hope you participate in Pride and support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community with us in Kingston. We’ve created the ultimate Kingston bucket list for Pride Month, filled with fun events for everyone.

Are we missing a Kingston pride experience or item? Let us know using our webchat feature so we can add it to the list.

In-person activities

Explore downtown

Take a seat in a red Muskoka chair and enjoy time outdoors with your family and friends. A few steps away at the intersection of Clarence Street and Ontario Street, you’ll find the Pride crosswalk painted in support of Pride Month. As you walk through downtown, peek in storefront windows and keep your eye out for pride displays and transformed neon hearts.

Beers for queers

Beers for Queers Pride Kick-off

June 10 from 8 pm, Monte’s @ Tir Nan Og

Kick off Pride celebrations with members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and their allies. This event is hosted by Peechez, who is performing her fabulous One-Woman Roulette show packed with powerful pride-related music.

Katarokwi Indigenous Art & Food Market

June 4, 11, 18, & 25 from 10 am, Springer Market Square

This market features local Indigenous vendors, artisans, and musicians in Springer Market Square. Peruse handcrafted art, jewelry, and clothing for sale. Enjoy freshly made food and take in live music and demonstrations.

Pride run/walkPride Run/Walk 2023

June 11 from 10 am, John Machin Park

Get your adrenaline pumping with a 5k or 2k fun run/walk. This event is free and is sponsored by Cher-Mere Day Spa.

Queer Games Night

June 12 from 6 – 9 pm, Kingston Gaming Nexus

Join a free evening of board gaming at Kingston Gaming Nexus! Board games range from casual to complex, so there’s something for everyone at this all-ages event.

Pride Trivia Night

June 13 from 7 pm, Riverhead Brewing Company, Something in the Water, and Fine Balance Brewing

Join Kingston Pride for Tuesday Trivia at one of three local breweries! Trivia at all locations is free and no advance registration is required. Bring your trivia team and compete for awesome prizes at this all-ages event.

Queer Volleyball

June 14, 7 – 10 pm, Loyalist Collegiate and Vocational Institute Gym 3

Kingston Queer Volleyball will be hosting drop-in volleyball for all skill levels. This is a safe and welcoming space for those who want to meet new people, get some exercise, and celebrate pride.

 

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Drag Me to Pride: A Celebration

June 14, 8 – 11 pm, The Grad Club

Celebrate queer artistry, camp tomfoolery, and pride at The Grad Club. This event is hosted by drag performers Sherry Anne Hex and Eden Moore, and features Honey Jack, Abysskiss, Tanya King, and Tony Tequila. Tickets are available for purchase online or at the door.

Movies in the Square – Rosie (2022)

June 15 starting at dusk, Springer Market Square

Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a free viewing of the 2022 film Rosie (rated 14A). This dramatic comedy tells the story of a suddenly orphaned Indigenous girl who must live with her street-smart aunty and her two gender-bending best friends in 1980s Montreal. Come before dusk to see a special pre-movie performance by singer Krista Muir.

Queer Karaoke Night

June 15, 7 – 10 pm, Daft Brewing

Be proud and prideful at Kingston’s weirdest brewery, Daft Brewing, for a night of Queer Karaoke. Bring friends and family to belt out your favourite songs by 2SLGBTQIA+ artists and allies.

Pridelesque: Pride Week Burlesque

June 15 from 7 pm, Tie One On Creativity Bar

Join Limestone City Burlesque for a sequined celebration of queerness and fearlessness. This event starts with a fan-making workshop at 7 pm and then a pride-themed burlesque show at 9 pm. Tickets are required to attend.

Out on the Queen Boat Cruise

June 16 from 7 – 10 pm, Island Queen (Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises)

Enjoy a cruise through the 1000 Islands and three floors of entertainment on the Island Queen. This year will feature a DJ/dance party, a drag show, and a gorgeous rooftop view! Tickets are $40 on Kingston Pride’s website.

Beers for Queers

June 16 & 17 from 9 pm, main bar @ Tir Nan Og

Beers for Queers is a free social event for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and their allies. Come on out for an evening filled with friends and brews!

Kingston Pride Community Fair

June 17, 10 am – 6 pm, Confederation Park

This community fair is a celebration of people who support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Kingston and the surrounding area. Check out the local vendors and exhibitors while taking in performances at centre stage in front of City Hall. A beer garden (19+) will be available with views of the shows. This event is free to attend.

Drag Storytime

June 17, 10:30 – 11:30 am, Springer Market Square

Join local drag entertainers as we celebrate acceptance and being true to yourself through songs and 2SLGBTQIA+ stories. This is a free event for all ages.

Pride Parade

Pride Parade

June 17, noon – 1 pm, Princess Street

Bring your friends, family, furry buddies, and pride to this free parade for all ages! Join us for the march down Princess Street, from Alfred Street to Ontario Street.

Pride in the Square

June 17, 7 – 10 pm, Springer Market Square

Come down to Springer Market Square for an all-ages DJ concert and drag show to cap off your night. Bring your friends and family to dance the night away.

Pride Drag Brunch

June 18, 11:30 am – 2 pm, Wharf and Feather

Take part in a drag brunch to recover from all the Pride festivities! Tickets include a full brunch menu, table drink service, and a drag show starring local performers Rowena Whey, Van Goth, and Mini Osa. Tickets are required to attend.

Skeleton Park Arts Festival: Drag Queen Storytime

June 25, 11 am, Skeleton Park Main Stage

Join local drag entertainers at the Skeleton Park Arts Festival for Drag Queen Storytime. Listen to 2SLGBTQIA+ stories and songs at this free, all-ages performance. Visit Skeleton Park Arts Festival website for more information.

Check out Kingston Pride’s website for all planned events.

Kingston Pride Gifts

Alphabet Mafia

Alphabet Mafia

342 Princess Street

Alphabet Mafia is a specialized 2SLGBTQIA+ shop whose mission is to create a safe and welcoming space for people of any orientation or identity. They are Kingston’s go-to store for Pride swag. Their products include stickers, flags, shirts, socks, posters, hats, and queer memorabilia.

 

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Spearhead Brewing Company Queen of Wheat beer

Queen of Wheat is an award-winning classic Belgian-style white beer brewed with hints of succulent peach and generous amounts of soft Canadian wheat to create a smooth mouthfeel. The noble hops and wheat yeast give a zesty, citrusy fruitiness with floral and spicy aromatics. Spearhead Brewing Company has joined forces with activist and drag performer Rowena Whey and The Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity (CCGSD) to offer a portion of the proceeds from sales of each case to support CCGSD’s education efforts.

Kingston Pride merch

Visitor Information Centre, 209 Ontario Street

Enjoy your choice of Kingston tees, tanks, baseball caps, masks, and beach towels with 25% of all sales donated to Kingston Pride.

From Mercury Boutique

From Mercury is an LGBTQ2SIA+-inclusive alternative lifestyle boutique operating in Kingston. They celebrate our local artists and makers and provide quality one-of-a-kind products and gifts that are outside the box. They sell their creations online and at local markets and events throughout the year.

Are you interested in finding more Kingston events? Check out some upcoming Kingston events.

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Two-day wellness retreat in Kingston

Unwind in Kingston. Where it all just melts away. Discover historic inns, soothing spas, and locally sourced ingredients by celebrated chefs to pamper your mind, body, and soul.

Day 1

A luxurious stay awaits you as you check in to one of Kingston’s historic inns: Rosemount Inn, All Suites Whitney Manor or The Smith Hotel. After you have settled into your suite, let’s get outside and explore.

Located on Lake Ontario, Kingston’s Waterfront Trust Trail offers kilometers of waterfront walking to immerse yourself in the sounds of the water. If you want to get in the water, Ahoy Rentals offers hourly canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals.

Ahoy Rentals

A must do: Book your personalized two-hour sailing tour of Kingston’s historic waterfront at sunset with Ahoy Rentals You can try your hand at steering the sloop (under the supervision of the captain) or sit back, enjoy the magnificent views, and let the skipper do all the work.

Now that you have worked up an appetite, indulge at The Everly. Their rotating menu of seasonal dishes with ingredients from over 20 local farmers and purveyors offers something for everyone. A reservation is highly recommended.

Day 2

Wake up and enjoy an assortment of breakfast offerings from your choice inn or stop into Crave Coffee House & Bakery or Coffee and Company for a coffee and something sweet.

Afterwards, walk over to the Refinery Spa + Social House at 327 King St. East for your exclusive 90-minute spa appointment. Choose between:

Rem State: herbal foot bath, cedar aromatherapy, binaural beats, hot stone massage, facial + gua sha tools, and guided meditation

Radiant Reset: welcome champagne, eucalyptus steam room, invigorating Dead Sea full-body exfoliation, and grown alchemist facial + hydrojelly treatment

Enjoy a late lunch at Olivea (located below Refinery Spa + Social House), a family-run Italian trattoria serving traditional and contemporary Italian fare and well-known for their fresh pasta and sauces. From May to October, dine alfresco on the street-side patio across from Kingston’s Market Square, an ideal spot for eating, drinking, and people-watching.

Walk across Market Square and take a guided tour of Kingston City Hall. This free guided tour runs at 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm and lasts approximately 45 minutes. The tour shares a fascinating history about the people and events associated with this National Historic Site.

Stroll the streets and alleyways and pop into stores like Kingston Olive Oil Company, Harlowe Green, and Martello Alley.

After you freshen up from your day, dine at Miss Bao Restaurant + Cocktail Bar, a zero-waste restaurant dedicated to sustainability. You’ll enjoy a seasonal menu consisting of share plates and classical dim sum dishes made with local ingredients. Each cocktail is a unique experience inspired by traditional Asian liquors. Plant-based foodies and eco-conscious diners will also be happy to know that half of their menu is vegan and vegetarian.

Miss Bao Restaurant and Cocktail Bar

Must try: Crispy Shiitake Wontons – deep fried plant-based wontons served with sweet-and-sour sauce.

We have curated a portion of this itinerary for you – look for a selection of historic inns offering a Refinery Spa + Social House package.

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Your guide to Kingston guided tours

Whether you’re an experienced explorer who wants to take the reins or someone who wants to enrich your experience by learning from a guide first-hand – Kingston has a tour for you! Get ready to discover some of Kingston’s most famous locations. Let us know which tour you decide to take.

Great Lakes Museum

55 Ontario Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2Y2

Step aboard the S.S. Keewatin, an Edwardian-era (Titanic-era) steamship now docked at the Great Lakes Museum. Choose between the S.S. Keewatin passenger experience, an exploration of the decks, cabins, and first-class accommodations, or the engine room experience, a journey below deck to get you up close to the four-quadruple steam-powered engines. Each tour varies in length. Information about admission to the museum and tours is located on their website.

Bellevue House

Bellevue House

35 Centre Street, Kingston, ON K7L 4E5

Engage and reflect with a guided tour of the newly re-opened Bellevue House. Guided tours of the grounds and house will explore the complex story of Sir John A Macdonald from various viewpoints. Tours vary in length from 30 minutes to immersive experiences upwards of two hours. Learn more on a guided tour of the site, included in the museum’s price of admission. From more information about Bellevue House tours, please visit their website.

Haunted walk ghost tours

200 Ontario Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2Y9

Are you brave enough to learn about Kingston’s spooky and haunted past? Haunted Walk offers three different guided ghost tours: the Original Haunted Walk of Kingston, Ghosts of Fort Henry, and Ghosts of Queen’s University. If you enjoy a good scare, please visit their website to learn more and book a ticket.

Kingston by Bike Tours

21 Ontario Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2Y2

During this three-hour tour, Steve Lawrence will show you many things of natural and cultural interest found in beautiful and historic Kingston, including the Queen’s and Royal Military College campuses, the lakeshore trail, harbours, parks, and prisons. This tour takes a 14-kilometre, relatively flat route at a leisurely pace. Kingston Bike Tours requires 12 hours’ notice for all bookings, so please visit Kingston Bike Tours’ website to reserve your spot.  .

 

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Sunset sail with Ahoy Rentals

21 Ontario Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2Y2

Have you ever imagined what it would be like gliding along Kingston’s waterfront? The view of beautiful, historic Kingston from the water is a wonderfully unique, exciting perspective. Climb aboard Ahoy Rental’s lovely 26′ sailing sloop and let your skipper take you on a personalized sailing tour of Kingston’s historic waterfront to see why this city is known as the “freshwater sailing capital” of Canada. No sailing experience is required; group size is capped at five. Reserve your group’s sunset sail on their website.

PumpHouse Museum

PumpHouse Museum

23 Ontario Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2Y2

A historic Kingston treasure, PumpHouse is one of North America’s last six remaining water pumping stations. Built in 1850 in response to a devastating fire that swept through the city, Kingston’s first water pumping station operated until 1951. Learn more on a guided tour of the site, included in the museum’s price of admission. For more information about PumpHouse’s tours, please visit their website.

Fort Henry

1 Fort Henry Drive, Kingston ON K7K 5G8

Discover Fort Henry this summer and explore its rich history, comprising tales of passion and determination. Once inside the wooden gates, you will be transported to the realm of 19th-century military life. English and French guided tours are offered daily, included in the price of admission. Please visit their website for more information on Fort Henry and admission tickets.

Kingston Penitentiary Tours

Kingston Pen Tours

560 King Street W, Kingston, ON K7L 4V7

So much more than just a walk-through, the Kingston Pen is a must-see for anyone interested in criminology, Canadian history, or just unusual places and experiences. Unlock the mystery, learn the history, and go behind the walls of the Kingston Pen on a guided tour. Learn more about tour offerings on their website.

Trolley Tours

Kingston Trolley Tours

209 Ontario Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2Z1

Ride in style as you explore Kingston on a trolley tour! Kingston Trolley Tours offers the popular City Trolley Tour through downtown, covering all of Kingston’s historic old town and downtown shopping district. Also offered is the Ghost & Mystery Tour, travelling to notable sites and neighbourhoods that played ghostly roles in Kingston’s early history. Both tours allow you to enjoy Kingston’s history and attractions. Book a ticket on Kingston Trolley Tours website.

Kingston Walks: Arthur Milnes Walking Tour

209 Ontario Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2Z1

Embark on a one-hour guided walking tour with Arthur Milnes, Kingston’s storyteller-in-chief, and journey into a world of Canadian prime ministers, United States presidents, Indigenous leaders, and much more. These tours are available starting every Friday and Saturday, June 30. Check out their website for more information on Arthur himself, ticket prices, and how to book.

Historic City Hall

216 Ontario Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2Z3

Take in Kingston’s City Hall, a National Historic Site, on a guided tour. Gain exclusive access to the 1840s jail cells in the City Hall lockup gallery, the Victoria Library, and the clock tower dome. The tour schedule is being released this summer on the City of Kingston website.

Kingston Food Tours

209 Ontario Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2Z1

Kingston Food Tours provides a walking tour of Kingston’s hip and historic downtown that blends tastings at our best local restaurants with an insider’s perspective on our city’s history and culture. The Classic Kingston Tour introduces you to Kingston’s history as a premier destination for food. The Tapas Tour uniquely features small tastings paired with an alcoholic (or non-alcoholic) beverage at every stop.

Learn more about eating your way through Kingston by visiting their website.

Museum of Health Care

Museum of Health Care at Kingston

32 George Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7

Connect to the past and see the future of Canadian health and medicine at the Museum of Health Care at Kingston. The museum showcases the history and development of healthcare in Canada, particularly in the Kingston region, offering guided gallery tours and self-guided tours. For a unique opportunity to explore the experiences of health-care professionals and patients over time, please visit their website.

Queen’s University campus tours

Gordon Hall, 74 Union Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2N8

Established in 1841, Queen’s University is one of Canada’s oldest universities, located in Kingston near the shores of Lake Ontario. The best way to get to know Queen’s is through embarking on a campus tour. Explore historic buildings and spend time in distinguished museums, archives, and galleries. Please visit their website to learn more about booking a campus tour.

Frontenac County Schools Museum

414 Regent Street, Kingston, ON K7K 5R1

Go back in time to the good old school days on a guided tour of Frontenac County Schools Museum. The museum is an authentic rural schoolhouse of the early 1900s, with desks and artifacts from old schools that at one time dotted the countryside. Younger visitors can even participate in a short school lesson while on the tour. Please visit their website for more details on guided tours.

Murney Tower Museum

Historic Murney Tower

2 King Street West, Kingston, ON K7L 4V6

Explore the oldest operating museum in Kingston, Murney Tower Museum, on a guided tour. The museum is situated in one of the four Martello Towers of Kingston, built along Lake Ontario in the 1840s as fortifications against attacking ships. The museum connects visitors with Kingston’s military and cultural history. More information on their guided tours is available on their website.

Kingston Walking Tours

Creative Kingston Walking Tours

Explore Kingston’s rich music, literature, and film histories through self-guided walking tours. Discover the music venues where some of Canada’s best bands got their start. Go behind the scenes of films shot here. Visit the places that have inspired award-winning novels. Bring your own earphones and select downtown, west of downtown, or combine both tours to go on an extended tour, ranging in length from 1 to 2.5 hours. Connect directly to these self-guided tours here.

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Meet the maker: Tammara Maher of Collective Joy Farm

On the frontier of urban farming in Kingston

On the corner of Princess and MacDonnell Street, you will find a small but mighty urban farm. Tammara Maher moved her business, Collective Joy Farm, to Kingston in March of 2023. This unique farm sells fresh produce and high-quality food. While specializing in microgreens, offerings also include fresh produce, cold-pressed juice, eat-local bowls, crackers, flatbread, salad dressings, dips, and desserts. We sat down with Tammara to chat about her experience as a farmer and her work at Collective Joy Farm.

 

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With over 20 years of sustainable food experience, Tammara started farming at a young age. “For a brief time as a child, my family lived on a small farm, and I got a bug for it [farming],” she says. “It wasn’t until later, when I came here to go to university, I started working in a local community garden called the Frill Community Garden. I really loved working in the garden doing something in a community, growing with other people. I also worked on many different organic farms, travelled around the U.K. on various farms and then worked on farms around Kingston. I started growing microgreens vertically in my kitchen, just for myself, when I lived downtown. At the time, microgreens weren’t as readily available in stores yet. I loved it so much that I started my own farm out in the country.”

Tammara, with support from her 14-year-old son, has built up her business over the years, moving from her farm to Gananoque and then to Kingston. Many factors contributed to changing locations; however, Tammara’s drive for innovation led her to settle in Kingston. “Having a rural farm is a wonderful thing,” she says. “There are all kinds of farms, and I totally respect all local food producers. I have had the experience of having a rural farm and driving my products into urban centres. However, it’s just a different thing to be right in the city. I think we’ll see more and more of it in the future. It’s just really fun to be on the frontier of urban farming. I’m one of the first people.”

 

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A leader in Kingston’s urban farming space

Tammara has developed Collective Joy Farm to be a leader in the niche of urban farming. She puts effort into being sustainable, in hopes of inspiring customers to make positive choices. “I’m growing everything fresh, turning it into products and selling it right here in the community where it’s grown,” she says. “It’s really great, right? There’s very little waste involved with that. I’m enabling people to access food that hasn’t been shipped, hasn’t been grown in other countries far away, and hasn’t been stored. I feel like my whole business is centred around sustainability. We strive for zero waste or very little waste. I take back every container and piece of packaging, and I’m happy to reuse it.”

Tammara uses her growing skills to construct a space where people feel inspired, connected, and empowered to access fresh food. This is where the name Collective Joy Farm came from. When Tammara first started her farm, it was called Real Food because she was trying to provide the best tasting, high-quality food. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she transitioned into an urban farm model, and it needed a new name.

“I was trying to come up with a name, and I came up with Collective Joy Farm. This name captured my idea to create a space that felt good; that people would walk in and feel inspired. During that horrible mess of a time, I wanted to inspire joy and create hope by increasing access to fresh food.”

 

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When visiting her space, we learned about what goes into operating an urban farm. “There are two components to what I do here. I’ve got the hydroponic growing system for growing lettuces and herbs, and then I’ve got the microgrid for microgreens. There are many different ways to vertical farm on various scales. This is a small, neighbourhood-sized vertical farm for the community.”

She has always stayed true to her specialization: microgreens. Using a microgrid, Tammara grows a variety of microgreens. Microgreens are tiny shoots of vegetables, and they are very nutrient-rich. Studies have shown that microgreens are vital to developing sustainable urban food systems. Tammara explains, “More and more research is being done on microgreens. They are being touted as a great food for the future because of how easily it can be grown almost anywhere. I am trying to grow a nutrient-dense food supply on a small scale.”

Aside from growing and selling microgreens, Collective Joy Farm offers food products such as juices, bowls, dressings, and much more. They also offer zero-waste monthly microgreen subscriptions and weekly meal plans.

 

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Empowering the Kingston community

Tammara finds her work purposeful because of her direct contact with the community. She enjoys knowing all her customers. Rather than selling her produce to grocery stores or wholesalers, Tammara uses a community-based model to connect with people.

Collective Joy Farm’s central location plays into its community-building vision. The space is accessible to the community, being downtown and close to affordable housing. Also, the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market is a few streets over, where Tammara has been supported in growing her business over the years. She started selling her farm’s produce there nine years ago, and over time she collaborated with many local producers and farmers to enhance her business.

Tammara’s consultation and education programs empower people who want to grow their own food. She explains, “I’m doing something people haven’t seen before. Being here in the city has exploded my educational programs. Since I’ve been in Kingston, I have been approached by many different community organizations, hoping to learn about growing greens. For example, I have a group of seniors coming in soon to do a workshop on balcony gardening. Outside an urban centre, it’s harder to connect to these opportunities.”

 

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What is Tammara’s advice for people interested in growing their own greens? “Just start,” she says. “Sometimes it’s intimidating to do something new or something you’ve never tried before. But there’s something very empowering about growing your own food, whether it’s a small garden in your backyard or a little tray of microgreens on your windowsill. Just give it a try because there’s something magical about growing.”

Visit Collective Joy Farm at 477 MacDonnell Street, open Tuesdays to Saturdays, or check out their stall at The Kingston Public Market on Saturdays and the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market on Sundays. Learn more about Tammara and Collective Joy Farm by visiting their website.

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Kingston festival roundup (part 1)

Welcome to Kingston, Ontario, a city known for its rich history, charming architecture, and vibrant arts and culture scene. Throughout the year, Kingston plays host to a variety of festivals and events that showcase the city’s unique character and spirit. From music and theatre to food and drink, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

In this festival guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most exciting and noteworthy festivals that will take place in the city in June and July.

Spring Reverb

Various locations | June 1 – 4, 2023

Spring Reverb is a four-day festival that promotes, develops, and showcases Kingston’s music scene. From intimate club shows to larger concerts at historic venues, Spring Reverb offers a diverse range of musical experiences for fans of all genres. In addition to the musical performances, the festival also includes artist Q&A talks, film screenings, and workshops, creating a multi-faceted experience that celebrates the city’s creative spirit.

 

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FOLDA: Festival of Live Digital Art

Isabel Bader Centre | June 7 – 10, 2023

FOLDA is an innovative and exciting event that brings together artists, performers, and creators from across Canada and beyond to showcase their talents and engage with audiences in new and exciting ways. One of the unique aspects of FOLDA is its focus on live digital art, which refers to any performance or production that utilizes digital technology in real time. This includes interactive installations, virtual reality experiences, live-streamed performances, and online gaming.

YGK Craft Beer Festival

Fort Henry | June 10, 2023

YGK Craft Beer Festival is a can’t-miss event featuring craft beer, food, and music. Attendees can sample a wide variety of craft beers from more than 20 local and regional breweries. With everything from IPAs and stouts to sours and ciders, there is something to satisfy every palate. The festival also showcases live music from local bands and features food from some of Kingston’s best restaurants and food trucks.

Princess Street Promenade

Downtown Kingston | June 10 and August 5, 2023

During the Princess Street Promenade, a section of Princess Street is closed to traffic for the ultimate outdoor shopping festival. Local businesses set up stalls and displays outside their stores, showcasing products and services for pedestrians. Enjoy live music, free samples, giveaways, kids’ activities, and great deals throughout the day. The festival provides an opportunity for people to explore downtown Kingston, discover new businesses and experiences, and connect with each other in a festive and welcoming atmosphere.

Kingston Pride

Kingston Pride

Various locations | June 12 – 18, 2023

The Kingston Pride Festival is a celebration of diversity, inclusion, and acceptance. It provides an opportunity for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies to come together and celebrate in a safe and welcoming environment. One of the highlights of the Kingston Pride Festival is the Pride Parade, which takes place on June 17. This colourful and festive parade, featuring floats, performers, and participants of all ages and backgrounds, is a powerful symbol of love and acceptance. The festival also features a range of other events, including concerts, drag shows, film screenings, and workshops.

Skeleton Park Festival

Skeleton Park Arts Festival

Skeleton Park | June 21 – 25, 2023

The Skeleton Park Arts Festival is a free, community-driven event that showcases a diverse range of local artists and performers. The festival features live music, dance performances, theatre productions, poetry readings, a vendor market, and more. Celebrating creativity and community, Skeleton Park Arts Festival provides an opportunity for people of all ages to come together and enjoy the arts.

Artfest Kingston

City Park | July 1 – 3, 2023

Artfest Kingston is a must-visit event for anyone who appreciates the arts and is interested in exploring the creativity of the region. The festival features more than 150 exhibitors selling a wide range of artwork, from paintings and sculpture to pottery, jewelry, and textiles. Artfest also provides the opportunity for visitors to connect with the artists, learn about their creative process, or even commission custom pieces.

Kingston Buskers Rendezvous

Downtown Kingston | July 6 – 9, 2023

The Kingston Buskers Rendezvous is a one-of-a-kind street performance festival that takes place in the heart of downtown Kingston. This festival brings together a diverse array of performers from around the world to showcase their unique talents and entertain crowds of all ages. Expect to see circus acts, comedians, musicians, and acrobats. Catch their performances on the streets, in parks, and on stages throughout Downtown Kingston, bringing energy and excitement to the city’s already vibrant streetscape.

Kick and Push Festival

Various locations | July 22 – August 19

One of the defining features of the Kick and Push Festival is its commitment to innovative and experimental performances. The festival is known for pushing the boundaries of traditional theatre and performance, and for bringing together artists from a range of disciplines to create unique and unforgettable experiences. The Kick & Push Festival tells old stories in new ways and new stories in old places, giving audiences a glimpse into cultural and historical spaces.

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5 Kingston musical artists you need to check out

Kingston is home to an amazing array of talented musicians. You can enjoy live music any day of the week, at bars, concert halls, and, in the summer, outdoors on a patio or in Springer Market Square.

Over the last few months, selected Kingston performers were paired with local filmmakers and production companies to create professional music videos through the Slaight Music Video Program.

This initiative was built to connect the film and music scenes in Kingston and fund and support the creation of new music videos.

The resulting videos were screened in March at the Slaight Music Video Showcase presented by the Kingston Canadian Film Festival (KCFF) and Tourism Kingston’s film and media team.

We’ve highlighted five Kingston bands and artists who recently had their videos showcased at KCFF.

Keaton

Hip-hop artist Keaton has been rapping since he was a kid: he wrote his first song in grade 8. In his teens he performed as the opening act for hip-hop group M.O.P in Kingston. Keaton’s making a name for himself with his raw, heartfelt lyrics. Listen to his new album Kingston 2 L.A. Catch Keaton perform during Spring Reverb on June 1.

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Luella

Liv Whitfield, aka Luella, got an early look into how albums are put together: her dad, Zane Whitfield, is a Kingston music producer and founder of North of Princess Studios. At the studio, Luella got the chance to listen to bands like The Glorious Sons and Oh Susanna during their recording sessions. Luella co-produced her debut album, Luna, with her dad. Luella brings her original alt-pop style to Spring Reverb on June 4.

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Kasador

Alt-rock band Kasador recently released their second album, Youth, with songs that tackle relationships, trepidation, and the passage of time. Kasador’s video for “Lock on” (produced by Outpost 12 Studios with Visual Menace Creative) was voted best music video at KCFF 2023 by a jury that included Sarah Harmer and Hugh Dillon.

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Alex Mundy

Throughout her career, Alex has always turned to songwriting to tell her story. “When I have something to say, music is my megaphone. I love the challenge of taking an idea and sculpting it into a succinct hook or phrase. Putting each element together – the chord progression, melody, instrumentation, lyrics – the writing process is like my therapy. Everything seems to make more sense after I’ve written it into a song.”

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Owlehh

Owlehh, formerly known as HAYLEY, is a unique indie-pop duo. Vocalist Hayley Miller also sings with jazz and big band groups around town. With Owlehh, Hayley’s rich vocals are complemented by thoughtful lyrics by Natasha Bailey. The duo formed in 2018, making music in Hayley’s basement, and initially using free-to-download software and secondhand synths. They are currently working towards releasing their first seven-song EP.

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Creating an authentic Kingston experience

The Visitor Information Centre welcomes Francophone visitors

Read the story in French.

“I love Kingston. Love,” says André Soucy with great seriousness.

A Franco-Ontarian born in Quebec, André is passionate about the city he has called home for the past 20 years. As Director of Visitor Services and Customer Experience for Tourism Kingston, he shares his excitement at creating unforgettable and unexpected experiences for those who venture in the Limestone City.

Kingston, he explains, is located at the junction where the cool waters of the St. Lawrence River meet those of Lake Ontario, between the larger cities of Montreal and Toronto. A city with a small-town feel, Kingston immerses visitors in local history, culture, and adventure.

“Travellers can spend time in the city, but we’re also close to Prince Edward County, where visitors can savour Ontario wines at the vineyards. They can also make the trip to visit the sandy beaches of Sandbanks Provincial Park, which some say are among the most beautiful in Canada.”

In service of travellers

But where does one begin when arriving in Kingston?

The Visitor Information Centre, André reminds us, is in the service of travellers, ready to welcome, inform, and help them to enjoy the city in all its splendour. Located at 209 Ontario Street, just off Springer Market Square, the Visitor Information Centre offers several services to travellers.

“Our foremost purpose is to help visitors create an authentic Kingston experience,” explains André. “Some love museums, others prefer cruises – we engage travellers, we get to know them, understand their interests and what sparks their curiosity, in order to create an unforgettable experience for them.”

That includes recommending where to dine. Travellers, remarks André, are often hungry for Kingston’s finest fare, and as an avid gourmet, he has revelled in the city’s most impressive gastronomical offerings.

“I love Kingston’s restaurants – eating well is a passion of mine, and I love making recommendations to visitors and introducing them to our food scene,” he says. “Kingston has a lot of local restaurants, especially here in the downtown core – in fact, the city has more restaurants per capita than most cities in Canada.”

“The Visitor Information Centre also sells tickets for many of the tourist attractions. We partner with several attractions – such as Kingston Trolley Tours, Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises, Kingston Haunted Walk, Kingston Penitentiary Tours, Fort Henry, Kingston Food Tours and Treetop Trekking in Gananoque – and visitors can purchase tickets here.”

“We’re also deeply committed to the development of our staff, making sure that we train and support our employees well. We tell them about the history of Kingston, the heritage of the city, but most importantly, we send our guides to experience our major tourist attractions. We want them to know and care about the Kingston experience so they can better advise visitors.”

“And of course, we are also proud to offer services in French – we value la Francophonie and every day we will have someone who speaks French available at the Visitor Information Centre to support the francophone visitor’s experience.”

Kingston, a Franco-Ontarian city

If Kingston is of British colonial heritage on vibrant Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee lands, la Ville Calcaire is also a fertile terroir of la Francophonie – past, present, and future.

“We are truly in the footsteps of Canada’s francophone history – French presence in the region dates back to 1673, and there continues to exist a dynamic community here and in the region. It’s really my hope that French-speaking visitors – whether from Canada and beyond – have every opportunity to forge ties with our own local francophonie,” he continues.

In his capacity as a curator of an authentically Kingstonian experience, André has had the privilege of meeting francophone visitors from around the world who, he says, are sometimes surprised to experience the linguistic realities of Franco-Kingstonians, who live in a linguistic minority setting in Ontario. But, he adds, they quickly understand that Franco-Ontarians live their particular francophonie in a manner that is unique to them.

“If, as elsewhere in Ontario, Kingston’s Francophonie is not always evident on the streets, it is, however, very much in evidence in its businesses, institutions, art and cultural experiences,” says André.

“La Francophonie is lived through festivals, like the Kingston Canadian Film Festival – which could compete with TIFF in Toronto – and has put Canadian cinema on the map, including francophone films, and even some films that were shot here in Kingston,” he begins.

Kingston’s Francophonie is experienced in businesses like SENS Café, where coffee is elixir, poetry, alchemy, nourishing the art de flâner à la française,” continues André.

Or the Delightfully Different Tea Room, he adds, where, during the winter months, travellers can feast on tourtière, a dish rooted in centuries of French Canadian tradition.

It also manifests itself in institutions such as the Centre culturel Frontenac, he continues, with dreamy concerts, theatre, cinema, festivals and Franco-universal collaborations that spark the imagination.

Finally, Kingston’s Francophonie can be understood in an experience like the one offered by the Penitentiary Museum of Canada, which recounts the extremes of the human experience at Kingston Penitentiary, where Québécoise Marie-Anne Houde and famous Franco-Ontarian “Go-boy” Roger “Mad Dog” Caron were housed.

“Kingston is home to a unique francophone culture – a Francophonie open to creating community with francophone and francophile visitors from around the world.”

For the love of Kingston

Inspired by his encounters with visitors from all over the world and his love of Kingston, André hopes to pass on his passion and immense affection for the Limestone City to those who venture to his home.

“I want to make sure that the people who visit us have a good time here, that they see what I see in Kingston,” says André. “I want them to experience our rich history, our food and wine, our culture and art.

“I want them to feel that Kingston is home.”