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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.”

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Jill Barber: Celebrating the homemakers

On Mother’s Day, Jill Barber returns to Kingston to perform songs from her intimate new album, Homemaker.

To celebrate Jill Barber’s return to Kingston on Mother’s Day, we are offering a package including two tickets to Jill’s concert at the Isabel and a one-night stay at one of these participating hotels: The Rosemount Inn, Green Acres Inn, Donald Gordon Hotel, and Delta Hotels by Marriott Kingston Waterfront. Each hotel stay also comes with its own special treat for mom: explore all the packages.

When Jill Barber was 16 years old, she visited her brother Matthew in Kingston, where he was a student at Queen’s. During their visit, Matthew took Jill to the Grad Club, where there was an open mic night. Jill got up on the stage and sang “In the road,” a song by Weeping Tile, one of her favourite bands. It was her very first live music performance.

Jill would go on to perform many more times at the Grad Club and at other venues in Kingston, before she went on to national fame. The three-time Juno award-nominated singer-songwriter is known for both her folk-pop and jazz styles. Among her critically acclaimed musical releases is 2017’s The Family Album, in collaboration with Matthew, which won the 2017 Juno award for contemporary roots album of the year. Jill is also known for singles like the very catchy “Girl’s gotta do” from her 2018 album Metaphora.

 

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This past February, Jill released a new album, Homemaker, an album that takes her back to her folk roots. Homemaker explores Jill’s own life as a mother and a musician; it provides her the platform to address, through her whip-smart lyrics, both the beauty in life’s quiet moments and societal assumptions about women. It also, in one song, celebrates Jill’s own mother.

I’d know that writing anywhere
I’ve seen it all my life
You never miss the chance to send a card
For a birthday or a birth or an anniversary
It’s your way of saying that I’m with you where you are

This is how the song “A mother’s hand” opens. Jill wrote it as a birthday present to her mom when she realized that she had forgotten to send a birthday card.

And I’m sorry I forgot to send a card
I’ve been so busy with the kids
And working in between
That keeping up with details has been hard

The song celebrates the emotions that burst forward from little details, like seeing a recipe written in the handwriting of someone you love.

There’s a certain recognition
Any child can understand
There’s comfort in what’s written
In my mother’s hand

 

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“I’ve been a professional musician for 20 years; it’s obviously a passion of mine,” says Jill. “Then just under ten years ago, I also became a mom, which was also a dream I always had for myself. And sometimes the demands of being a touring musician can be at odds with the demands of parenthood and domesticity. The tension between my two selves came to a head when the whole world shut down [due to COVID] and the rug was pulled out from under me – and all gigging musicians. And I thought, ‘If I am not a performing musician, am I just a homemaker?’ So, I spent my time writing these songs and recording this album trying to get rid of that “just” – and actually celebrating what it means to be a person who makes a home for other people, take care of other people, and allow them to thrive.”

On the song “Homemaker,” Jill sings:

Homemaker, it’s okay
If today, the only thing you make
Is you make it through the day

“We all know that much of this work is unpaid and unseen,” says Jill. “But it’s almost the most important, foundational work that has to happen in order for our society to function and be healthy. “We’ve seen that recognition for frontline health-care workers, people looking after other people. But I think it’s time for us to celebrate and uplift homemakers of all stripes – and not just parents, but all the people who care for other people.”

A couple of kids to raise
And never get any praise
Just a sideways glance
I might’ve screwed it up today
I didn’t mean for it to go that way
Another day’s another chance

 

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Jill’s excited to be back on tour and performing in front of a live audience again. On this tour’s first show, in Whitehorse, she says, “There was certainly a feeling in the room of deep connection and community, and there were even some tears. I think that with this album, I am digging into some personal, vulnerable, and I think – relatable – struggles of what it is to be a homemaker.” As she sings on “Beautiful life,”

So what? I’m not picture-perfect
It’s messy but it’s working just the way it is
So what? It’s the scars that make us
There’s beauty in the chaos of how we really live

Jill is really looking forward to her return to Kingston: she’ll perform at the Isabel Bader Centre on Sunday, May 14, which is Mother’s Day. Jill’s own mother will be in the audience and Jill hopes that others will bring their moms to the Kingston show, to celebrate, together, the homemakers in their lives.

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To celebrate Jill Barber’s return to Kingston on Mother’s Day, we are offering a package including two tickets to Jill’s concert at the Isabel and a one-night stay at one of these participating hotels: The Rosemount Inn, Green Acres Inn, Donald Gordon Hotel, and Delta Hotels by Marriott Kingston Waterfront. Each hotel stay also comes with its own special treat for mom: explore all the packages.

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The Mother’s Day gift experience

Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 14) is just around the corner, so it’s time to start thinking about the perfect gift for your mom. Mother’s Day brunch is a time-honoured tradition, but what if you took your mom on an adventure in Kingston as well? Here are some of our ideas for a fun and memorable Mother’s Day. 

 

For foodies 

 

Memorial Centre Farmer’s Market  

The market is back outdoors, so if the weather’s nice, this is a great place to go for a stroll with mom. You can grab a snack, find some local natural products or handmade crafts and more while enjoying the fresh air and live music.  We recommend stopping by Churro Guy Plus for some freshly made churros, Natasha’s Ukrainian Cuisine for the most unreal perogies, and Fine Balance Brewery for some beverages to take home.  

 

The Secret Garden Inn  

The Secret Garden Inn is known for its incredible high tea, which includes tea, champagne and an arrangement of housemade baked goods and sandwiches.  Mom can also spend a night of relaxation at the inn and enjoy a complimentary breakfast and an afternoon tea experience for two between noon and 4 pm! Call (613) 548-1081 and use the code “TEA” to book. 

 

Delightfully Different Tea Room  

This tearoom is such a fun unique experience. Choose your own fancy tea pot and choose from a variety of black, green, and herbal teas. To go with your tea, choose from a selection of freshly made sandwiches, homemade soups, and baked goods. Enjoy the afternoon inside or on their outdoor patio in Martello Alley (open Wednesday through Saturday, 10:30 am to 4:30 pm). 

 

Kingston Food Tours  

Is your mom a foodie? Then you need to take her on a Kingston Food Tour  Spend time on a historical tour of Kingston and its culinary scene while stopping at downtown restaurants to indulge in Kingston’s popular dishes. There are two options to choose from. The Classic Kingston tour focuses on local Kingston restaurants and their architecture.  The Tapas tour offers four stops of small tastings paired with local alcohol. Want an even better experience with the Kingston Food Tour?  Why not take a look at some of our packages. Mom can get two tickets to the Food Tour, a $100 prepaid visa card, and a two-night stay with one of the following hotels; The Frontenac Club, Residence Inn Waterfront by Mariott, The Smith Hotel, Rosemount Inn, Green Acres Inn, and Holiday Inn Waterfront.

Explore available packages. 

For the arts and culture lover 

 

Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts  

Jill Barber is a three-time Juno Award-nominated singer and songwriter who began her singing career in Kingston as a student.  Jill is returning to Kingston to perform at the Isabel Bader Centre  just in time for Mother’s Day! She’ll be serenading the Kingston audience (which will include her own mom) with songs from her new album, Homemaker. We are offering a package including two tickets to the Jill Barber concert and a one-night stay at one of these participating hotels; The Rosemount Inn,  Green Acres Inn,  Donald Gordon Hotel, and Delta Hotels by Marriott  Kingston Waterfront.  Each hotel also comes with its own little special treat for mom.
Explore all the packages. 

 

The Screening Room  

The Screening Room will be playing Mamma Mia over Mother’s Day weekend for the movie’s 15-year anniversary. Grab some popcorn, drinks, and a sweet treat and let this love story musical get your mom in all the right feels! 

 

Tie One On Creativity Bar  

Paint and beer, beer and paint? Sounds like a fun Mother’s Day. Bring your mom to Tie One On Creativity Bar on May 14 where the two of you can each create an acrylic painting of a glowing forest. Enjoy a beverage and snacks while you get creative with mom.
Tickets are $65. 

Musiikki Cafe  

Musiikki has such a beautiful courtyard with a budding cherry blossom tree. This is the perfect place to take mom for cocktail hour. Choose from their selection of whiskey, cocktails, and delicious coffees; there is something for everyone. Musiikki also has live music every night.  

For rest and relaxation 

 

GLOW Spa Kingston  

If you are looking for rest, relaxation, and a refresher, GLOW is the place to take your mom. We recommend their thermotherapy spa treatment. This Nordic ritual is all about relaxation, reducing stress, and soothing aches and pains. Treat your mom to a package with a one-night stay at the Donald Gordon Hotel, three-hour thermotherapy spa retreat at GLOW, and enjoy the rest of the amenities the spa has to offer.
Book your GLOW package for mom. 

 

The Refinery Spa + Social House  

Treat your mom to an exclusive rest and relax package from the Refinery Spa + Social House, combined with an overnight stay.  Choose from the Rem State or Radiant Reset spa package at the Refinery with a luxurious stay at one of these historic inns: The Smith Hotel, Rosemount Inn, or the All Suites Whitney Manor.  Book your spa package for mom. 

 

For the adventurer 

 

Kingston Axe Throwing   

Want to do something different? Axe throwing is something everyone should try! Have a blast while indulging in a little friendly family competition.  Drop-ins are $30 per person, but reservations can be easily made online.  

 

Improbable Escapes 

Put your family skills to the test and see if you can escape before time runs out. This fun-filled activity is a great way to have fun with the family.  Utilize all the teamwork and problem-solving skills that your mom taught you! Improbable Escapes has a variety of escape rooms available with indoor and outdoor games, museum games, and online games. All games range from two or more players, so bring the whole family: the more the better! 

 

The Boiler Room   

Do you have an active mother who loves to try new things? Give The Boiler Room a try. There are different walls based on difficulty and speed: there is a wall for everyone! Spend the day testing your ability and learning how much core strength goes into this fun activity. Admission for adults is $12 a person. 

 

Kingston Penitentiary  

If your mom is a history fan, the Kingston Penitentiary tour is the activity for her. Choose from standard, extended, architecture, and film tours of Canada’s oldest penitentiary, dating back to the 1830s.
Book your tickets online.  

 

Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises  

After what feels like the longest winter ever, why not take your mom on the Sunset Dinner cruise? While taking in the panoramic views of the beautiful Thousand Islands, enjoy a fabulous three-course dinner, while being serenaded by live music. It’s the perfect place to eat, see and do. The cruise is set to “sail” for 6:30 pm on Sunday, May 14 (but runs every weekend in May.)
Reserve your table online. 

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Two-day culinary feast in Kingston

Chez Piggy

Kingston boasts world-class cuisine, farm-to-table delights, and an abundance of hand-crafted brews and ales. Over the next 48 hours, you’ll be immersed in a culinary feast. Pack your bag, your walking shoes, and your appetite.

Day 1

Wake up and enjoy the breakfast options at your host hotel, ranging from Holiday Inn Waterfront on-site restaurant Wharf and Feather for their waterside omelet to baked-in house pastries and cold-pressed juice at the Rosemount Inn.

Take a walk along the Waterfront Trust Trail and refuel at Sens Café or, if you are walking along Princess Street, stop at Crave Coffee House & Bakery for a mid-morning snack.

Lunch time! If you find yourself along Princess Street, Northside Espresso + Kitchen serves locally sourced fare. When the sun is out, make sure to take advantage of the patio.

After lunch, discover locally made products at Kingston boutiques and markets. Black Dog Pottery, Gallery Raymond, and Kingston Frameworks showcase local artisans from different disciplines – some of whom you may be able to meet while browsing.

Chez Piggy

Dine at Chez Piggy, a staple of the Kingston culinary scene and known as the destination for food lovers everywhere. Their menu is globally inspired using locally sourced ingredients. Reservations are encouraged!

Must try: Tom Yum Talay (Thai seafood soup) or Enright braised short rib

Day 2

Indulge on your brunch stop at Pan Chancho Bakery, a retail store with gourmet food to-go as well as a full-service café and patio that serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch.

Must try: Chai latte and Everything but the bagel

Explore the city with a guided trolley tour by Kingston Trolley Tours. Hop aboard this one-hour round trip trolley tour that will connect you to the most popular sites and share Kingston’s history and heritage.

Meet at the Visitor Information Centre (209 Ontario Street) for the Kingston Food Tour tapas tour at 3 pm. Gain an insider’s perspective on the city’s history and culture with stops at Dianne’s, Kingston Brewing Company, Mio Gelato, and more. The two-hour tour offers you exclusive food and beverage tastings at local restaurants while learning about how the city has become an incredible dining destination by supporting local farmers and producers.

Favourite story on the tour: Dianne’s to learn about smoked meat and mezcal

Cap your day with a light dinner with a stop at Whiskey and Rosé, which offers elevated comfort food, complemented by an excellent selection of cocktails (and mocktails) and wine.

We have curated a portion of this itinerary for you – look for a number of hotels and inns offering a Kingston Food Tour package plus you will receive a $100 Visa gift card with your stay.

Extend your culinary journey with the diverse offerings at Kingstonlicious.

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Insider Itinerary: Emma Barken of the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market

Born and raised here, I moved back to Kingston in 2010 after living in Montreal for almost a decade. Kingston was a great place to grow up; moving away was a rite of passage, but it made me appreciate what a special place Kingston is! Moving back to Kingston, and looking to get involved in local vegetable production, I worked at a few area farms. While pregnant with my second child, one of the farmers suggested I apply to manage the then two-year-old Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market, and I’ve been operations manager for the past eight years. 

Here are my favourite things to see and do in Kingston. 

Breweries

We have so many different breweries to choose from. Some of my favorites are the Kingston Brewing Company, Fine Balance Brewing Co., and Mackinnon Brothers Brewing Co.   

KBC is such a great place to be when the patios open, I’m always excited to see what’s on their extensive beer menu. Fine Balance Brewing is well worth the drive to Kingston’s east end. It’s easy to bring the kids to, as they have board games, juice, and chips! Lastly, MacKinnon Brothers Brewing is the ideal setting, relaxed atmosphere, and right on the farm.

 

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Swim spots

With the swimming season around the corner, there are a few places that are a must-go. “Flat rocks beach,” aka Patterson Park, always has a great breeze. Make sure to bring your water shoes to explore the shoreline, find sea glass, and play in the waves. Lake Ontario Park is the perfect place for a quick dip, and to marvel at all the ways people use Lake Ontario’s waterfront. Gord Edgar Downie Pier –  while the PUC docks of my youth were great, this is much improved! Pick the right time of day, and this is a family-friendly spot! Always great for people-watching. It’s a rite of passage to jump off the diving platform.

 

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Hobbies

Reading, watercolors, and board games – luckily for me, we’ve got great local businesses to enhance all of these! I could spend hours in Minotaur browsing their games, and honestly, all the best presents are bought here.  Novel Idea is what a bookstore should be, with a considerable curated selection of books from near and far. Art Noise is unique, with affordable and high-end art supplies and with such knowledgeable staff.

Thrifting

Kingston has some great spots to find a hidden gem or two!  The Revolving Door is a very well-organized and clean consignment. These ladies are discerning and everything is well cared for and in season. I always find some great pieces here. Another favourite thrift store is YGK Thrift has an unbelievable turnover and the location is perfect being right on the main street, so easy to hit up. Last but certainly not least is the Closett Candyy Consignment. They are new to the scene, with a great location right on Brock Street, and specialize in higher-end scores.

The entertainment scene

Kingston has so many different entertainment options. My favorites include The Screening Room, Musiikki Cafe & Whiskey Bar,  and The Hotel on Wolfe Island  

The Screening Room is a must-visit! Going to the movies really can be magical; it’s an affordable experience and brings back classic theatre experiences. The next stop on the list is Musiiki; a cozy whiskey and coffee bar. It’s a great spot to catch some local music daily and they have a beautiful patio in the back courtyard in the summer. The Hotel on Wolfe Island is another great place for entertainment. It is currently under new management and these guys are bringing in the musical acts from all over the place, and they have the best view of Kingston.

 

Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market

Of course, this is on the list; it’s the perfect way to spend a Sunday morning! The local produce is something to touch on. I am so proud to say that our agricultural producers have veggies all year round, so you can truly eat in season. The unique prepared food, including Long Road Eco Farm’s steamed buns with butternut squash dough, Main Street Urban Farm’s okonomiyaki (a Japanese vegetable pancake), and Little German Baker’s jalapeno pretzel dog, just to name a few. The market offers more than just shopping; feel free to join in a yoga class, listen to some local musicians, or run to the splash pad and aqua park to cool off. 

I am just so excited to get back outside, under the trees! May 7th kicks off the outdoor market season: Sundays 9 am to 2 pm, rain or shine. Every year we welcome a few new vendors to add to our existing crew! This year we’re excited to have Spring Pasture Farms, new farmers bringing lamb and wool to the market. Cravin’ is a local, gourmet home food box provider that also offers healthy sandwiches and salads. Carolina Rojas is a photographer with Kingston-focused artwork. Lastly, ChocChique is a bean-to-bar chocolate maker! 


In a complete sentence, “how does Kingston make you feel”?

Kingston makes me feel like there are endless ways to strengthen our community;  we are the perfect size to pilot all sorts of innovations to tackle the challenges we’re facing.  

 

  

If Kingston had a theme song, what would it be?

“Boys’ Town” by The Gertrudes

Describe Kingston in three words.

Surrounded by lakes. 

Are there any upcoming events at the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market that you are excited about: performers, kids’ activities, etc.

In addition to all the great vendors, we host many community groups and special events, from beer gardens with local breweries to a monthly Kingston School of Art table with art projects for all ages to the ever-popular Zucchini 500. Yes, that’s zucchinis racing on wheels down a wooden track! Check for updates on our social media pages.

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Best local restaurants to indulge in Kingston Ontario cuisine

Any day is a good day to treat yourself in Kingston, where the restaurants, cafés, and bakeries offer a variety of decadent goodies. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there are plenty of amazing eateries to discover in this charming city. From cozy cafes to upscale restaurants, Kingston has something for every palate and budget. Here are some of our top picks of some of the best dining spots in Kingston, Ontario.

1. Dianne’s Fish Shack & Smokehouse

195 Ontario St.

Try Dianne’s Nova Scotia lobster rolls, featuring chunks of lobster mixed with tarragon, lemon, chives, celery, and mayo, served in butter-toasted potato buns and topped with pickled red onion. Have a side of dirty fries with chorizo-roja gravy, pico de gallo, jalapeños, red onion, queso fresco, cilantro, and lime mayo.

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

View menu | Contact: 613-507-3474

2. Bread & Butter Bakery

1530 Bath Rd.

It’s hard to pick just one treat from this west-end staple so we recommend their baked goods gift box, featuring a small raspberry pie, three macarons, six ginger molasses cookies, a banana chocolate chip loaf and two plain butter tarts. (And if you feel like sharing a box of Kingston treats, Bread & Butter ships these gift boxes throughout Ontario.)

Open: Wed – Fri (8 am – 5 pm), Sat (8 am – 4 pm), Sun (8 am – 3 pm)

View menu | Contact: (613) 384-3675

3. Kingston Brewing Company

34 Clarence St.

What foodie list would be complete without the addition of some tangy, saucy wings? The KBC wings come with your choice of sauce: BBQ, maple chipotle, hot honey, buffalo, or Nashville hot dry rub. To quench your thirst, grab one of their craft beers. The Dragon’s Pale Ale will go great with your wings.

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

View menu | Contact: 613-542-4978

 

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4. Bubba’s Poutine & Pizzeria

349 King St. E.

401 Princess St.

No Kingston food list would be complete without Bubba’s famous poutine on it. There are Greek and Italian options, but if this is your first—or last—attempt, go for the classic Quebec-style poutine. The curds are thick and salty, the gravy is dark and rich, and the fries are sturdy enough to withstand and soak up all that cheesy and messy deliciousness.

Open: Mon – Wed (11 am – 11 pm), Thurs (11 am – midnight), Fri – Sat (11 am – 3 am)

View menu | Contact: (613) 549-5425

5. White Mountain Homemade Ice Cream

176 Ontario St.

Try the vanilla lover’s vanilla in a waffle cone. I know, vanilla ice cream—how boring. But give this one a chance! In the hands of White Mountain’s ice cream masters, that flavour gets even smoother and more enhanced in this ice cream classic. And when you have it in one of their fresh, homemade waffle cones, you’ll find few desserts will beat it.

Open: daily (2 – 9 pm)

View menu | Contact: (613) 545-3474

6. Black Dog Tavern

69 Brock St.

The elevated tavern classics don’t get better than at this Kingston staple. Enjoy their tavern mac ‘n’ cheese, made with cavatappi, Brie cheese mornay, caramelized mixed mushrooms and onions, parmesan, and breadcrumbs.

“My friend took me on a day trip to Canada because I’ve never been and we came here! Absolutely amazing service. The specialty cocktails were great and so was the food! Highly recommend the basil guava mule!” – Jacque A

Open: Tues – Wed (4 – 9 pm), Fri – Sat (11:30 am – 11 pm), Sun (11 am – 9 pm)

View menu | Contact: 613-549-5635

7. Tata’s House of Pizza and Pasta

2561 Princess St.

Tata’s old-school pie maestros have been around for over 25 years and now rightfully call themselves “The Serious Pizza People.” Go all out with the Tata’s supreme pizza, with meat sauce, pepperoni, bacon, sausage, and ham (plus sliced meatballs added on request).

Open: Tues – Wed (4 – 9 pm), Thurs (11:30 am – 10 pm), Fri – Sat (11:30 am – 11 pm), Sun (11 am – 9 pm)

View menu | Contact: (613) 384-9434

8. The Dessert Indulgence

685 Justus Dr, Unit 4

Try the chocolate raspberry mousse cake, featuring chocolate sponge cake topped with both chocolate and raspberry mousse and enrobed in chocolate glaze. This cake comes in six portions, making it easy to share. The Dessert Indulgence also offers pies, cheesecakes, and trifles, as well as a nice selection of gluten-free, vegan, and keto sweet options.

Open: Mon – Fri (9 am – 3 pm)

View menu | Contact: (613) 777-5520

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Guide to creating a farm-fresh & local Easter dinner

Time to get the family together! As we are approaching the Easter holiday you might be wondering what to make for Easter dinner. It’s hard enough with all the allergies and food preferences your family might have. We are here to help by showing you our local favourites for getting everything you need to make your perfect meal.

Easter dinner isn’t just about the turkey anymore. It’s time to explore other options like porchetta, prime rib, smoked ham, vegetarian options, and more. Our local recommendations will offer you flavourful side dishes. Are you stuck on what to do for your vegan guests and gluten-free guests? No worries, we have a list of local gems that will help you host a variety of preferences.

The main course

Enright Cattle Company

326 Hunt Rd.

Craving beef? Then Enright is the perfect option for you! They specialize in everything beef offering you the perfect variety to shake things up a little. Enright is a fourth-run cattle farm that is devoted to its community. Sustainability comes first, along with doing what it takes to provide top-quality meat and little to no waste. It’s a no-brainer! Enright also sells beef bones if you want to venture into making your own stock for the best homemade gravy. Learn more and order online.

Recommended: filet mignon, brisket, and prime rib

Barriefield Meat Market

760 15. Unit 7

Barriefield Meat Market is known for their holiday turkey hotline, but they have more than just turkey. They are a grade A butcher shop that specializes in top quality Ontario meats and prepared goods. Everything is sourced exclusively from local Ontario farms. They specialize in grade dry-aged beef, all local AAA cuts of beef, air chilled chicken, fresh Ontario pork, local lamb, certain game meats, and everything in between. One of the most appealing parts of this meat market is that they will source anything you need. Take a look at their Easter & Passover section

Recommended: AAA black angus prime rib roast, rack of lamb, and whole turkey or turkey breasts

Haanover View Farms

4062 Blessington Rd, Marysville.

Nothing beats a nice porchetta for Easter dinner. When it comes to pork products, Haanover is the choice! They are a family farm, producing ecologically raised pork, grass-fed beef, and rabbit. Value, flavour, and peace of mind are what they provide.

Find them at the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market. Orders for pick up can be made from Tuesday at noon – Thursday at 8 pm. Pick-up is available on Sundays, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm and delivery is available on Sundays,1:30 – 3:30 pm. You can also find Haanover products at Pig & Olive. See what’s available through the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market.

Recommended: smoked bone-in ham, pork belly slab, frenched pork chops, pork butt roast, and pork loin

Mike Mundell’s

235 Gore Road, Unit 3.

We can’t forget about Fish Friday. Easter Good Fridays are meant for fish so why not stop by Mike Mundell’s for some fish and seafood? They have an Easter takeaway package, but you can pick your own fish to take home to make.

Recommended: salmon, cod, halibut, and live lobsters

The farms that bring you side dishes

Patchwork Gardens

4649 Milburn Rd, Battersea

When you think of side dishes there is no better local produce than Patchwork Gardens! This collaboration between two farming families sustainably grows the most nutrient-dense, best-tasting vegetables. Patchwork Gardens began with the idea that food should be grown locally and sustainably, grown without toxic chemicals. Nothing feels better than crunching into a carrot that is 100% good for you. During this time of year, there isn’t a lot in terms of seasonality, but there are some heartier side dish options. Products can be purchased at Tara’s Natural Foods, Pan Chancho, and Daughters General Store.

Recommended: red fingerling potatoes, onions, carrots, beets (red, candy and orange), and coleslaw mix

 

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Forman Farms

4040 Brewers Mills Rd.

Forman farms is located in Seeley’s Bay and offers top-notch produce. They are growing fresh, nutritious food that you and your family can rely on, especially on Easter weekend. Much like Patchwork Gardens, seasonality needs to be taken into consideration, but they are a great option for things like smashed potatoes, maple-glazed carrots, and having herbs for the turkey. Order online.

Recommended: rosemary, thyme, fingerling potatoes, garlic bulbs, heirloom carrots, and radishes

 

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Collective Joy Farm

477 MacDonnell St.

New to Kingston is Collective Joy Farms. They are a new kind of farm – a small, indoor farm that is built to supply fresh, high-quality produce. Right now, it’s a small operation but their hydroponic lettuces would be great for any holiday salad, nutrient-rich microgreens for garnish, fresh herbs for the meat and side dishes, and edible flowers if you are really looking to make your food pop.

Recommended: lettuce, micro greens, and fresh fruit juices

Joe Deodato & Family

598 Cataraqui Dr.

Although not a farm, Joe Deodato is a great option in terms of ordering produce for your dinner. They deliver your order right to your door; no having to go to the grocery store and deal with lines and product shortages. Joe Deodato & Family are continuing the family tradition of being a quality produce supplier. They have more than just produce, they have fresh baked goods available plus decadent sweets. Feel free to order dessert at the same time! Order online.

Recommended: russet potatoes, green beans, Brussel sprouts, asparagus, a variety of mushrooms, and their Easter produce boxes (ranging between $70 – $80)

Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free

Knifey + Spooney

89 Colburn St. & Memorial Market (select days only)

Do you have a vegan amongst the group? Owners Radford and Christina are offering a complete meal for one, or to feed a family (4-8 servings). In addition to this you can also purchase full-size tourtière and lemon meringue pie.

Pickup day will be April 7 from 3 – 5 pm at Next Church. They can also arrange pickup or delivery at alternate times-reach out if you need it! Orders are due by April 3. Order online.

Recommended: tourtière, scalloped potatoes, spring green salad, and lemon meringue pie

Daughters General Store

63 John St.

Daughters General Store is your one-stop shop for all your eaters. In addition to prepared gluten-free and vegan options, they are a great place to get niche brands and products. Daughters is a family-owned small business curating a thoughtful selection of comfort foods and necessities that are sourced locally, from the GTA, and beyond. Daughters is a welcoming store to people from all walks of life and is deeply connected to the local community.

Recommended: vegan smoked bacon, No Whey easter chocolates, a large assortment of non-alcoholic beers, vegan meats and cheeses, and gluten-free pastas and sauces.

Tara’s Natural Foods

81 Princess St.

Tara’s is another great spot for all your diners with dietary preferences or restrictions! Located in the heart of downtown Kingston, Tara’s opened in 1972 and has been serving the community healthy and hard-to-find local products ever since. This is a staple of the Kingston community! Order online for pickup.

Recommended: gluten-free bread, flours, baking items, plant-based butter and baking items, vegan meats, cheeses, and local produce from farms.

For those looking for vegetarian fare, Kingston is a well-known destination. Explore this selection of vegetarian and vegan friendly options.

The baked goods

Bread & Butter Bakery

1530 Bath Rd.

Bread & Butter is a family-run bake shop that has been providing Kingston with amazing bread and baked goods for over 20 years. Don’t stress about making your own dessert, stop by and get some amazing baked goods and spend the extra time with your family.

Recommended: hot cross buns, breakfast pastry selection, easter basket cake, cheese trays, sourdough bread, dinner rolls

We are here to help by showing you our local favourites for getting everything you need to make your perfect meal.  

Pan Chancho Bakery

44 Princess St.

Pan Chancho is a staple in downtown Kingston. Their bread is a real treat and their pastry chefs serve up some of the best desserts in the city. Pan Chancho always has holiday goods and deals available to be purchased online. It’s a great spot to go if you are looking to purchase a premade or ready to cook meal for you and your family. Online orders need to be placed 48 hours before pickup is requested. Order online.

Recommended: carrot cake, brown sugar glazed easter ham, easter cupcakes, hot cross buns, quiche, olive rosemary bread, and croissants.

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Best restaurants serving vegan or vegetarian food in Kingston (part 2)

Best restaurants in Kingston if you’re vegan or vegetarian (part 2)

With more and more people jumping on the plant-powered lifestyle every year, the restaurant industry is offering more plant-based, vegan, and vegetarian options. Read on to find more amazing veg-friendly dishes at your favourite spots in Kingston.

 

1. Harper’s Burger Bar

93 Princess St.

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

If you think eating plant-based limits your options, head to Harper’s! They have multiple vegetarian patties that you can customize to make the perfect burger plus a variety of other veg options on their menu.

Highlights:

  • PlantClassic! burger (Beyond burger patty, lettuce, tomato, pickle, red onion, and plant-based HBB sauce)
  • The health nut salad (broccoli, chickpeas, cucumber, pickled red onion, purple cabbage slaw, dried cranberries, candied walnuts, cilantro, and lemon-curry vinaigrette)

2. Symphony Smoothies + Raw Bar

295 Brock St.

Open: Mon–Wed (9 am–5 pm), Thurs–Fri (10 am–6 pm), Sat (9:30 am–6 pm), Sun (10 am–5 pm)

What’s the perfect complement to a spa day? Delicious Symphony Smoothies, naturally. Enhance your smoothie with chia seeds, hemp seeds, or vegan protein (among other ‘uplifts’) and choose from a menu chock-full of delicious creations that include juices, acai bowls, tapas, and even crêpes.

Highlights:

  • Green goddess smoothie (coconut milk, guava, avocado, mango, pineapple, lime, ginger, banana, yogurt, and vanilla protein)
  • Acai superfood bowl (acai, banana, strawberry, blueberry, spinach, kale, chia seeds, coconut milk, hempseed, granola, and hemp hearts)
  • Envy refresher (kale, cucumber, mint, and coconut water)

 

3. Tasty Indian Bar & Grill

120 Princess St.

Open: Wed–Mon (11:30 am–10 pm), Tues (4–10 pm)

“Tasty” isn’t just part of their name. The Tasty Indian Bar & Grill offers a wide variety of vegan/vegetarian appetizers, sides, rice dishes, naan breads, and soups, plus vegetable and paneer curries. With a whole menu section dedicated to vegetable and paneer curries, you won’t have to miss out on indulging in their truly tasty cuisine.

Highlights:

  • Dal makhani (black lentils, red kidney beans, and butter in a tomato gravy)
  • Veggie biryani (basmati rice cooked with mixed vegetables and onion tomato gravy, flavoured with saffron and rosewater)
  • Veg pakora (potato, onion, spinach, cauliflower marinated with chickpea flour, Indian spices and deep-fried)

4. Grecos Grill and Wine Bar

167 Princess St.

Open: Tues–Thurs (4:30–9:30 pm), Fri–Sat (4:30–9:45 pm), Sun (4:30–9:30 pm), Takeout and Delivery (noon–9:30 pm)

Since 1967, Gus (the owner) has been sharing his Greek cuisine with the Kingston community. Transforming his experiences from the small Greek village he came from and making it a staple in our city. You can choose from vegetarian appetizers, pasta, or pizza to indulge in.

Highlights:

  • Bruschetta (fresh tomato, garlic, onion, olive oil, and fine herbs)
  • Fettuccine primavera pasta (fresh vegetables sautéed in your choice of cream or tomato sauce)
  • Athenian pizza (artichoke, mild goat cheese, black olives, and red peppers)

 

5. Namaste

178 Ontario St.

Open: Sun–Thurs (11:30 am–2:30 pm, 5–9 pm), Fri–Sat (11:30 am–2:30 pm, 5–9:30 pm)

If you find yourself on Kingston’s waterfront don’t forget to stop by Namaste to get your fix of Indian cuisine with a modern twist. They are known for their curries and you’re in luck because they offer a selection of vegetarian curries and paneer dishes.

Highlights:

  • Namaste veggie platter (samosas, paneer pakora, and veg fritters)
  • Saag aloo (pureed spinach, potato, cream spices, garlic, tomatoes, and onions)
  • Vegetarian experience for two (namaste veggie platter, any 4 veg curries or paneer dishes, peas pulao or veg pualo, two namaste bread, two desserts, bottomless tea or coffee for two, with raita, and pickles & papadum)

 

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6. Woodenheads

192 0ntario St.

Open: Daily (11:30 am–11 pm)

Who doesn’t love the smell of wood-fired pizza? When you’re at Woodenheads and want a veg meal, check out their pizza menu and choose between gourmet red, white, and green sauce wood –fired pizzas, or choose to build your own! And don’t forget to ask for the perfect wine pairing for your pizza choice! You might be pleasantly surprised.

Highlights:

  • Arbre amore pizza (tomato sauce, sundried tomatoes, mozzarella, wood-roasted mushrooms, and artichoke)
  • Margherita (pomodoro sauce, tomatoes, bocconcini, and basil)

 

7. Pan Chancho

44 Princess St.

Open: The store is open Mon–Sat (8 am–5 pm), Sun (8 am–3 pm), and the café is open daily (8 am–3 pm)

Have brunch at Pan Chancho and try vegan smoothies and breakfast items with scrambled tofu instead of eggs. For lunch, grab a deli to-go box or premade brown bag lunch. Check out their freezer section for vegan and vegetarian burgers, pasta dishes, and other delicious pre-made meals.

Highlights:

  • Boxed lunch to go (includes a sandwich, small deli salad, beverage, and individual dessert, and ask for the vegan or vegetarian version)
  • Vegetarian lasagna (from the freezer section)

8. Olivea

39 Brock St.

Open: Daily (lunch: 11:30 am–4 pm), (Dinner: 5 pm–late)

Experience Italy in downtown Kingston. Olivea offers antipasti, pasta, and sandwiches on their lunch and dinner menus. Even though there’s not a dedicated plant-based menu, if you ask for vegan options they will create a delicious meal for you.

Highlights:

  • Truffled frites (with parmesan)
  • Tagliatelle (with semi-dry cherry tomatoes, bocconcini, and basil)
  • Linguine (with basil pesto)

9. Freshii

271 Princess St. (downtown)

225 Gore Rd. (east end)

764 Gardiners R. (west end)

Open: Various times

At Freshii, enjoy warm bowls, grilled pockets and wraps, soups, salad bowls, smoothies, and kids’ meals filled with fresh ingredients.

Highlights:

  • Buddha’s satay bowl (rice noodles, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, crispy wontons, green onions, and spicy peanut sauce)
  • Teriyaki burrito (brown rice, edamame, crispy wontons, broccoli, carrots, cucumber, green onions, sesame seeds, teriyaki, and a whole wheat wrap)

 

10. The Bank at the Frontenac Club

225 King St. E.

Open: Wed–Thurs (3–10 pm), Fri–Sat (3–11 pm)

The Bank at the Frontenac Club offers a small menu that packs a punch when it comes to flavour. Their small plates and shareable plates menu mostly features vegetarian dishes with ingredients from local producers including Patchwork Gardens in Battersea, Salt of the Earth Farm, Pan Chancho, and Kingston Olive Oil Company, and Brass Point Farm in Seeley’s Bay.

Highlights:

  • Hummus (roasted garlic hummus, arugula pesto, toasted pine nuts, Parmigiano, served with toasted pita)
  • Nabulsi ratatouille (pan-fried Nabulsi cheese in a rice panko breading, seasonal summer vegetable ratatouille, toasted pin nuts, and arugula pesto)

11. Fresh Healthy Café

33 Brock St.

Open: Daily (9 am–5 pm)

Fresh Healthy Café is a place to enjoy healthy meals and fresh smoothies. Their menu includes power bowls, wraps, and sandwiches – pair them with a smoothie or fruit juice drink for a truly fresh meal.

Highlights:

  • VEG buddha bowl (with beyond meat)
  • Super veg wrap
  • Veggie portobello melt

 

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12. Flavours of India

461 Princess St.

Open: Mon – Thurs (lunch: 11:30 am–2 pm), (dinner: 5–9:30 pm), Fri–Sat (lunch: 11:30 am–2 pm), (dinner: 5–10 pm), Sun (dinner: 5–9 pm)

If you’re a student or military personnel head to Flavours of India for 10 percent discount on dine-in or takeout orders (provide valid ID). Chef Mainul Chowdhury’s menu ranges from spicy to sweet and savory. Alongside classic butter “chicken” (tofu) dishes, you’ll find that there are a ton of vegetarian and vegan alternative options – with a completely separate section for vegetarian meals.

Highlights:

  • Cauliflower bhaji (fresh cauliflower cooked with tomatoes, green peppers, ginger, garlic, fenugreek, fresh coriander & curry leaves, and mild spices)
  • Tarka dall (red lentils puree cooked with onions and mild spices. Garnished with fried onions and sautéed garlic)
  • Bombay aloo (a spicy and sour potato dish cooked with tomato puree, onions, green peppers, fresh lemon juice, fenugreek leaves, black pepper, and red chili powder)

 

13. Toast and Jam

1530 Bath Rd.

Open: Wed–Sun (8 am–3 pm)

Feeling the brunch vibes? Toast and Jam offers breakfast and lunch options made in-house and from scratch. For extra pizazz make sure to pair your meal with the Md Vegan Hot Chocolate with oat milk, cocoa, vanilla, cinnamon, and chocolate chips. Follow their Instagram for special features and current offerings.

Highlights:

  • Creamy falafel sandwich (warm falafel chickpea salad on sourdough bread with roast beet hummus, pickled onions, and fresh parsley salad. Served with your choice of daily soup, house greens, or roasted potatoes)
  • Sweet potato breakfast hash (roasted sweet potato, a mix of sweet peppers and red onion, corn bean medley, kale, and pumpkin seeds topped with avocado cashew crema)
  • Grilled peach & brie sandwich (brie, preserved peaches, housemade apricot jam, and fresh basil on Italian, grilled until golden. Served with your choice of daily soup, house greens, or roasted potatoes)