Kingston’s own queer film festival returns Jan. 26.
Kingston’s own Reelout Queer Film Festival returns Jan. 26–Feb. 5 for its 24th year. Since 1999, Reelout has been showcasing queer media arts and encouraging discussions about diversity. This year’s line-up offers a lineup of 76 films, from shorts and feature-length narratives to documentaries. The 2023 festival will screen films from 15 different countries. with a spotlight on both trans cinema and on films from the Islamic Republic of Iran. All cinema events will take place at The Screening Room, 120 Princess St.
The festival kicks off on Jan. 26 with an opening shindig from 6 to 8 pm at The Broom Factory (305 Rideau St.). Enjoy live music from The Gertrudes, plus drag and burlesque performances. Food and drink options will be provided by Pan Chancho and Spearhead Brewing Company. This is an all-ages event but is not intended for children.
The festival opens Jan. 27 at 9 pm with Rosie. This Canadian comedy-drama tells the story (in both English and French) of Rosie, an orphaned, Indigenous girl who is forced to live with her reluctant, street-smart Aunty Fred. Rosie is a tale of identity, family, love, and misfits. This evening also features a live musical performance by Krista Muir, several of whose songs are on the Rosie soundtrack. Learn more about the event and watch the trailer from Rosie on Reelout’s site.
Grab some popcorn and enjoy the variety of short films presented during Reelout. The Gender Bender shorts program highlights gender diversity. The Spotlight on Iran shorts program celebrates work by Iranian artists. The Mystique Et Lubrique French shorts showcase queer French-language films.
See the full list of shorts programs on the Reelout website.
Featured closing film
Golden Delicious, directed by Jason Karman, is a Canadian film about a high school senior who begins to struggle with his own desires when an openly gay teen with a love for basketball moves in across the street. Golden Delicious airs on Feb. 4 (7 – 9:30 pm). Jason Karman will be in attendance for a post-screening Q&A.
Learn more about Golden Delicious on the Reelout website.
Individual tickets (for screenings and the opening night shindig) cost $15 plus tax; tickets are $12 plus tax for students and seniors. Buy a transtastic pass for $50 plus fees to see all five major trans/NB/gender fluid programs at the festival. You can also get an all-access pass for $100 plus service fees to gain entry to all screenings. Buy tickets online. Stay updated on the festival through the Reelout Instagram account.
One of Kingston’s newest restaurants, Heist offers casual dining as well as a large space for groups and events. Heist has also created Kingston’s first wine club, CASE 168 Wine Club. Join their waitlist to learn more about CASE 168 and be updated on its opening.
Open: Tues – Thurs (5 – 10 pm), Fri – Sat (5 – 11 pm), Sun (5 – 9 pm)
Relax and enjoy a glass of wine paired with a small plate or dinner at The Everly. If you’re planning a special meal at home, go next door to The Everly’s Wine and Provisions shop. There you can find selections that are available at The Everly, as well as a few special wines available nowhere else in Kingston. You can also pick up local cheeses, house-made terrines, and marinated olives to go with your selection.
Curate Social has a number of offerings for wine lovers. Book a wine tasting party hosted by sommelier Ian Nicholls, shop the County Sips wine collection, or enjoy a charcuterie spread paired with a glass of wine.
Open: Tues – Wed (11 am – 6 pm), Thurs (11 am – 7 pm), Fri – Sat (11 am – 9 pm)
Choose from a selection of rosé, sparkling rosé, white, and red wines. On Saturdays and Sundays, Whiskey + Rosé will mix up a mimosa to go with your brunch between 9 am and 3 pm.
Open: Mon – Thurs (noon – 9 pm), Fri (11 am – 11 pm), Sat (9 am – 11 pm), Sun (9 am – 3 pm)
County Sips offers multiple wine experiences. Enjoy a winter wine tour through Prince Edward County with sommelier Ian Nicholls or host a wine-tasting experience at your home or business. See their website for details.
Enjoy a glass of vino bianco or vino rosso with your dinner at this downtown restaurant offering traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine. See their website for their full wine list.
Open: Sun – Thurs (11:30 am – 9 pm), Fri – Sat (11:30 am – 10 pm)
You don’t have to cross oceans to feel like you’re on a trip. This downtown restaurant is tucked into an alleyway creating a European feel. Enjoy fine wine and a delicious meal inspired by flavours from around the world.
Relax and enjoy a glass of wine with the upscale, eclectic pub grub offerings at at Black Dog Tavern. On “Wine Wednesdays,” Black Dog offers $10 off all bottles of wine, as well as $25 pitchers of Sangria. You can also purchase a bottle of house wine to go. Choose from a 2020 Sauvignon Blanc / Grenache Blanc or a 2019 ‘Black Dog’ Pinot Gris. Follow their Instagram to be updated on wine deals and specials.
Open: Mon – Wed (4 – 9 pm), Thurs (11:30 am – 10 pm), Fri (11:30 am – 11:00 pm), Sat (11 am – 11 pm), Sun (11 am – 9 pm)
Take a trip to the west end for a glass of wine at Days on Front. Pair a Tenuta Santome Prosecco with the duck spring rolls or the Rockway Vineyards small lot Syrah with Steak frites. Explore the full menu for all suggested pairings.
Pizza and wine…is there a better pairing? Wooden Heads offers wood-fired pizza and wines on its menu. Ask your server for the best wine pairing with your meal.
Treat yourself to high tea or book the five-course fondue at The Secret Garden Inn and choose from their new wine list from small producers in France and Italy. Turn your dining experience into a package with high tea or five-course fondue and an overnight stay. See our website for package details.
Open: High tea various days (noon – 4 pm), dinner various days (5:30 – 7:30 pm)
Take a night off and stay at the Frontenac Club, where you can enjoy in-room dining or go to The Bank for a glass of wine or choose a bottle from their vault selection to pair with dinner. You can also make your stay a package with the Stoked and Chill Sauna experience and indulge in The Bank’s Après-spa menu.
Open: Thurs – Sat (3:30 – 9:30 pm), (in-room dining is available during The Bank’s hours)
Kingston restaurants showcase local ingredients with culinary flare
Starting January 16, Kingstonlicious returns for its third year, with several Kingston chefs putting their individual spin on healthy start menus for the new year. Twenty Kingston restaurants and breweries are offering special prix fixe menus for January, ranging from healthy fish dishes to a five-course plant-powered dinner. There are also a variety of price points, with offerings from $25 to $65. Several menus showcase products from Ontario farms, including Patchwork Gardens, Primal Growth Farms, Forman Farms, The Fungi Connection, Lenberg Farms, Beking’s Poultry Farm, and Back Forty Artisan Cheese.
In February, Kingstonlicious participants will announce new menus, all inspired by the theme “love and family.” Look for romantic dinners for two and family-style menus from local restaurants. And in March, Kingstonlicious will celebrate Indigenous culture and cuisine.
In addition, special culinary events will take place January through March, which will showcase the talents of Kingston and guest chefs.
2023 is in full swing and what better way to fuse feel-good vibes into the new year than a 75-minute guided sauna experience followed by an indulgent seafood fondue feast, paired with a selection of natural wines chosen specifically to suit your palate.
Feb 22 // $175 per person Multiple seatings, starting at 6 pm
Chef Brent McAllister welcomes Maïtre Fromager Afrim Pristine, from Toronto’s Cheese Boutique, to create a multicourse menu showcasing cheeses from around the globe, with wine pairings for each course. Guests may also purchase featured cheeses and products. Mio Gelato will create a special dessert for this evening.
March 4 // $85 per person Seatings at 10 am, noon, and 2 pm
Northside’s Chef Art Hill welcomes Chef Nick Liu of Toronto’s DaiLo and Sally Ramsaran of Kingston’s Sally’s Roti Shop to create a unique multicultural brunch. Enjoy a dim sum platter followed by a Trinidadian breakfast plate, Sada roti and chokra, and a special dessert that brings the two culinary worlds together.
March 18 // $65 per person, Complimentary registration for the Indigenous community 11 am – 3:30 pm with culinary and artistic activations throughout Juniper Cafe (Tett Centre) & Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts
Inspired by Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 83 – for Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists to undertake collaborative projects and produce works that contribute to reconciliation – this celebration brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous chefs and beverage purveyors for a day of exploration. Rooted in education, collegiality, and respect for the seasons, these culinary collaborators will build a powerful experience that explores Indigenous foodways, linking the food and drink consumed with its history, heritage, culture, and geography.
Collaborating chefs:
Chef Zach Keeshig, Naagan
Chef Leah Marshall Hannon, Stella’s Eatery
Chef Lee Arden Lewis, formerly Jackson’s Falls Country Inn and Indigenous Restaurant
Chef Joseph Shawana, Professor & Indigenous Culinary Advisor, Centennial College, and former Owner/Operator, Kūkŭm Kitchen (now closed)
March 21 // $175 per person Multiple seatings, starting at 6 pm Chef Joel Watanabe of Vancouver’s Kissa Tanto (recently awarded one Michelin star) joins The Everly’s Jamie Hodge and Miss Bao’s Bellen Tong for an evening highlighting hand-crafted pasta. Guest sommeliers from Toronto’s Grape Witches, a female-owned organic, biodynamic, and natural wine-focused agency, will pair local, B.C., and international wines with the menu.
Montreal joie de vivre stopovers at soon-to-open Hey Darlin’ Diner. Host chefs Amanda Finkle (Whiskey & Rosé) and Rory Seifried join Chef Hakim Rahal from Montreal’s adventurous hotspot, Provisions Bar à Vin. Expect a brunch with classics like Provisions’ hugely popular house-made brisket, a breakfast version of croque-monsieur, and of course Montreal bagels – with a few other surprises like pain perdu with apple compôte and chicken liver pâté. Niagara’s boutique Rosewood Estates Winery & Meadery’s winemaker Ryan Corrigan will pour and speak to Rosewood’s most brunch-friendly wines.
We recently launched Kingston’s first outdoor winter spa. Our vision was to bring Nordic traditional sauna and cold exposure to our community. Nordic countries have been using heat and cold exposure to optimize physical and mental wellness for thousands of years. We wanted to create this in an outdoor community setting in order to bring people together. The last few years I have been exploring my own personal wellness journey. I’ve found that adding elements of sauna and cold exposure has greatly improved my long-term outcomes while creating much better sleep and decreased stress. We all need a mission. Mine is to shine a spotlight on routines and activities that optimize our length and quality of life.
Kingston is known for its vibrant culinary scene: holiday dinners are taken seriously here. From classic turkey dinners to snackable boxes with local goodies, discover what offerings Kingston restaurants have for you to enjoy for the holidays.
Enjoy Christmas day at AquaTerra. The Christmas Day prix fixe menu offers your choice of three appetizers, four entrées (prime rib, turkey breast, pan-seared salmon, and asparagus risotto), and three desserts. Reserve your table as soon as possible to ensure your spot. Book your Christmas day meal from noon – 9 pm.
Bring in the new year with AquaTerra’s six-course tasting menu. This special menu includes amouse-bouches, soup, salad, your choice of entrée (Atlantic halibut, grilled aubergine, beef tenderloin, or Muscovy duck), cheese, and dessert. The New Year’s Eve tasting menu is available Dec 31 (5 – 9 pm). Reservations are recommended.
Order a holiday feast for 6 to 8 people. This menu offers a Maplescapes turkey, buttermilk mashed Yukon gold potatoes, autumn salad with fig and balsamic vinaigrette, dessert, and more. This dinner is available for pick up Dec. 23 or Dec 24, (10 am – 2 pm).
Purchase a $100 gift card to AquaTerra. To spread the holiday joy, they will include a complimentary $25 gift voucher with every $100 gift card purchased.
Treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind wine & gift package or use it for a Christmas gift. Each package is personalized and includes wine and specialty items.
Go to the Wharf and Feather for Christmas Day brunch. It will include a breakfast station, cold and hot stations, and desserts and treats including tater tot poutine, buttermilk chicken, cob salad, honey mustard-glazed ham, and more. Available Dec. 25 (9 am – 2:30 pm)
Wharf & Feather’s New Year’s Eve menu includes your choice of warm grilled Cajun spiced tuna or smoked burrata cheese salad and beef tenderloin or pan-fried monkfish tail. Reservations are required.
Get your holiday meal to-go. Enjoy roasted butternut squash, turkey breast, stuffing, and more. Available for pickup Dec. 24 – 25 (9 am – 3 pm). Reserve as soon as possible.
Shop locally in downtown Kingston and complete your holiday shopping passport. Spend $10 or more at five stores to fill your passport and enter the holiday passport draw. You can win $500 in downtown dollars or the grand prize of $3,000 in downtown dollars.
This holiday menu offers broccoli and cheddar quiche, vegetarian turkey, curried chicken pie, and more. It’s available Dec. 22 – 23 (8 am – 4 pm) and Dec. 24 (8 am – 3 pm). All orders must be prepaid and placed 72 hours in advance of the order date.
Dine in at Days on Front for New Year’s Eve. Their menu offers three appetizers, four entrées (chicken, Arctic char, beef tenderloin, lentil Bolognese), and your choice of desserts. Reservations are required.
Head over to Curate Social to try their holiday special, the Hibiscus Fizz. Then take your cocktail and enjoy some shopping. As its name says, Curate Social has curated outfits for both men and women from a select group of Canadian and international designers.
Open: Tues – Wed (11 am – 6 pm), Thurs (11 am – 7 pm), Fri – Sat (11 am – 9 pm)
Get festive with a cozy drink from Northside Espresso. This season’s holiday special is a boozy latte with Baileys + Kahlua. This delicious drink can be made with oat milk + Kahlua if you’d prefer a vegan option.
The Everly serves up refined modern classics when it comes to food and beverages. Warm up with an espresso martini made with Patrón XO, vodka, simple syrup, Amaro Nonino, and fresh espresso.
Enjoy the Kingston waterfront as you sip on a holiday cocktail at AquaTerra. Try their partridge in a pear tree cocktail made with Northern Keep vodka, Lillet Blanc, Prosecco, cinnamon, ginger pear syrup, and pear juice. (The bar is open for drinks 11 am – 11 pm.)
If you’re shopping on Princess Street, The Grocery Basket is there to provide warm cocoa for you. Their festive drink is a peppermint hot chocolate. And if you’re planning a holiday gathering, you can pre-order with The Grocery Basket and have your event catered.
Open: Mon – Fri (9 am – 6 pm), Sat (10 am – 5 pm), Sun (10 am – 4 pm)
Visit Nora’s in the west end to try one of their three special festive drinks: eggnogg chai latte, white candy cane hot chocolate, and gingerbread latte. Looking for catering for your holiday events? Email Nora’s for more details on their catering packages.
BSE Skate Shop serves cinnamon, white, and peppermint hot chocolate. If you are looking for a vegan option, you can get your hot chocolate made with oat milk. While you’re there, grab a sweet treat or a hand pie to pair with your drink (the hand pies are made every Thurs – Fri).
Open: Mon – Fri (10 am – 6 pm), Sat (10 am – 5 pm), Sun 11 am – 5 pm)
Kingston in winter can feel like the set of a romantic winter movie. Immerse yourself in historical surroundings, picturesque views, and fun winter activities. And if life is anything like a romantic winter movie, maybe there’s a meet-cute in your near future!
Start your morning with a stroll through Kingston’s historic market square. Across from the square, stop in at the Kingston Coffee House for a seasonal chai-nog (their own spin on eggnog combined with spicy chai) or hot chocolate. Don’t leave without taking a look at the local art displayed on the historic brick walls of the coffee house.
Explore Sydenham Ward
Admire the Victorian-era homes of historic Sydenham Ward, close to downtown. While many of the houses are still private homes, some have been turned into historic inns that balance authentic historic detail outside and in with modern amenities. They look especially beautiful with a fresh dusting of snow.
Kingston’s longest running restaurant – family-owned and operated since 1921 – serves retro diner vibes, lightning-fast service, and a huge variety of breakfast and lunch options (from 7 am to 2 pm). Everyone comes to Morrison’s – maybe you’ll run into your high school crush, just like in the movies!
Go book-shopping at Kingston’s two downtown used bookstores: Berry & Peterson and the newly reopened Wayfarer Books. These local shops each feature an amazing array of books crammed into every possible space available. You never know what treasures you’ll stumble upon.
Grab some popcorn and watch a classic movie or a new release at The Screening Room. When you step into this quaint theatre, you’ll be transported back in time to your favourite movie date scenes. Enjoy the classic movie posters displayed along the walls, rows of soft velvety seats, and a cinematic escape. (See titles and showtimes on their website).
Warm up with a bowl of Andalusian tomato and bread soup or Ligurian seafood stew and enjoy your view of the market square as it comes to life with lights and music.
Save room for that Canadian winter classic, a piping-hot Beavertails pastry. Cross the market square and grab one to take on your next adventure.
Take a picture at the Kingston sign
209 Ontario St.
Walk down the street to the Visitor Information Centre and take a picture in the “I” of the Kingston sign or in the glowing heart sign.
Downtown window shopping
Explore the areas around Princess, Brock, and King streets for window shopping. This is the perfect chance to get inspired for those souvenir gift items or just admire the dazzling window displays.
When the sun has gone down and market square is glowing, it is the perfect time to go skating in Kingston’s downtown outdoor public rink. (Throughout the winter, the rink is open 8 am – 10 pm, weather permitting).
Fire pits in the square
325 King St. E
After your skate, settle into an Adirondack chair and warm your fingers and toes at a fire pit in Market Square. Finish your night with the warm cozy feeling of a campfire. The winter fire pits will run Thursdays and Fridays 5–9 pm, and Saturdays noon–9 pm throughout the winter.
Stay tuned for more special downtown winter events in January.
Enjoy the best of Kingston in the winter as it melts your heart with its charm.
Whiskey and Rosé offers elevated comfort food that pairs well with their assortment of whiskey and rosés. Follow their Instagram page to stay updated on new drink creations, food options, and current events. The restaurant highlights locally sourced sustainable items on their menu.
Open: Sun – Wed (11 am – 9 pm), Thurs – Sat (11 am – late)
Go to Manoosheh to try authentic Lebanese food. The smell of their freshly made flat bread is to die for. Experience the variety of spices in their curry, the burst of flavour in their mini Fatayer Bi Jibneh( cheese pie), and many more Lebanese dishes.
Heist Restaurant and Wine Club is the newest place to gather for dinner and drinks. Their menu is modern Italian, with pasta, steak, and seafood offerings. Heist also offers a number of gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options.
This downtown Kingston restaurant has a large venue space that is perfect for celebrating special occasions and planning dining events.
Become a member of Case 168, the first wine club in Kingston. Enjoy the benefits of a private lounge, socializing with peers, 20% off all wines at Heist, and more. To learn about the 168 Wine Club, go to their website.
Otter Creek Kitchen creates delicious burgers using Wagyu beef from their own farm as well as produce from local farmers and suppliers. The restaurant keeps things sustainable as well as local using biodegradable packaging and cutlery.
Open: Wed – Thurs (11 am – 7 pm), Fri – Sat (11 am – 8 pm), Sun (11 am – 6:30 pm)
Soulful Delish makes healthy eating choices easy. Get a freshly squeezed cup of juice or a smoothie before work or energize yourself with a power bowl after practice.
This family-owned restaurant serves up phenomenal Vietnamese food, including a variety of stir fries, rice dishes, appetizers, and of course, pho, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup.
Open: Mon – Thurs (11 am – 8 pm), Fri –Sat (11 am – 8:30 pm)
Tasty Indian Bar & Grill offers a variety of curries and tandoori dishes, with a great selection of vegetarian and gluten-free and lactose-free menu options.
The K-House Bar and Grill is located by Kingston’s waterfront in a beautiful red brick building. They serve Korean- style food including dishes like donkatsu, a breaded pork cutlet with sweet and sour sauce. Students get a 10% discount with a valid student card.10% off your meal. Find other K-House specials and seasonal offerings on their Instagram.
Open: Tues – Wed (4 – 9 pm), Thurs – Sun (11:30 am – 9 pm), Fi – Sat (11:30 – 10 pm)
This west-end shop is brought to you by the founders of Days on Front. Nora’s offers a variety of coffee drinks, Montreal-style bagels (from Nosh Kingston), and croissant sandwiches.
Tula is a new café located in The Broom Factory. Tula focuses on plant-based goods including sandwiches, salads, energy balls, smoothies, and many more delicious items. Tula Cafe also focuses on partnering with local businesses to make a bigger impact on the community.
Open: Coming soon (For more updates follow Tula Cafe on Instagram)
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Kingston is a diverse and vibrant city with a vast array of culinary experiences waiting to be discovered. Become a part of the experience by visiting our top picks for some of the best dining spots in Kingston, Ontario
This year’s gift guide features three unique advent calendars, two spectacular getaway packages, Kingston merch (for humans and dogs!), and lots of handmade goodies and original artwork.
Count down the days until Christmas with 24 days of the 1000 Islands Soap Co.’s best-selling skincare products and seasonal soaps, all handmade in downtown Kingston.
Give the gift of music with two tickets to see Raine Maida and Chantel Kreviazuk at the Isabel Bader Centre on December 17, plus overnight accommodation in Kingston.
Go all out with the Pan Chancho holiday basket with a selection of sweet and savoury treats (plus some Chez Piggy coffee), choose a Petit Cadeau, or something in between.
Show off your love for Kingston, Loughborough Lake, or other local destinations with the Kingston and beyond apparel and accessories collection, which includes ornaments, hats, mugs, and throw pillows.
Keep your canine pal toasty and stylish in this Kingston toque for dogs. Ten per cent of proceeds from animal merchandise this month go to Kingston Animal Rescue.
9. Kingston holiday makers box
Each box comes with a Kingston toque, gloves, mug, a wine opener, and a handcrafted K ornament from Stone City Woodworks. Available at the Visitor Information Centre.
Just in time for the holidays, Pan Chancho has released The Café Cookbook, which features sweet and savoury recipes from the beloved café and bakery, including opera cake, gluten-free scones, and sweet potato hash. The cookbook is available exclusively at Pan Chancho.
Make crafts with the kids, take part in an escape room, or take in a unique exhibit at one of Kingston’s many museums.
WinterLight
Celebrate the change in seasons with the MacLachlan Woodworking Museum at its ninth annual WinterLight event on December 3. Create winter-themed crafts with your kids. Admission is one unwrapped toy per family in lieu of admission; otherwise, regular admission rates apply.
This year, WinterLight will have timed entry. Learn more and register for your time slot: 10 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm.
All aboard for the holidays!
The PumpHouse is being transformed into a winter wonderland, where model trains travel through delightful seasonal settings and fun activities await discovery. This family-favourite event, All Aboard for the Holidays, returns Dec. 10 and 11. Enjoy the museum’s hands-on holiday activities and learn about trains from expert volunteers. There will be timed entry on both days at 10 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm. Please register online for your preferred time. Regular museum admission rates apply or bring one unwrapped toy per family, in lieu of admission.
A sensory-friendly All Aboard event will take place Sunday, Dec. 11 from 10 – 11:30 am. The museum’s winter wonderland and train displays will be converted into a quieter space with dimmed lights, a reduced number of people, and the music turned off. This event is designed for visitors who may benefit from a more relaxed environment.
The Marine Museum of the Great Lakes is open this winter Monday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm. Explore the museum on your own or pre-book a 45-minute guided tour of the Kingston Dry Dock National Historic Site for your family or group (Wednesday through Friday).
You can also delve into the nautical life with Shipwrights, a collaboration with Improbable Escapes. You and your crew will need to work together to navigate your way out of the museum by solving puzzles, deciphering hidden codes, and breaking out your telescopes.
You have until December 4 to check out the current exhibitions at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre; these include The Masks We Wear, an installation by multimedia artist Winsom Winsom; Land Protectors, featuring works of art from the Agnes’s Indigenous art collection; and The Fabric of Representation, featuring works from the centre’s historic art collection, including recently acquired17th-century Dutch and Flemish paintings by Carstian Luyckx, Pieter Claesz, Constantijn Verhout, and Jan van Noordt.
The Agnes also offers its final Creation Station event of 2022 on December 4. Creation Station is a free studio program designed to give families and children ages 2 and up an exploratory artmaking experience. Art educators ignite curiosity through painting, drawing, clay, and mixed media activities.
The Military Communications & Electronics Museum is open Monday through Friday. The main gallery has a number of displays dedicated to the chronology of the Military Communications and Electronics Branch starting in the late 19th century and ending in the modern day.
The museum also offers two escape room adventures in collaboration with Improbable Escapes: Camp X places you in a secret training school for covert agents. In Spymaster, players sleuth through the museum in search for double agents. Learn more.
Winter hours for the Museum of Health Care are Wednesday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm. Current exhibitions include Trench Menders: Health Care in the First World War, For Service to Humanity: Nursing Care at Kingston General Hospital, and Quack: the exhibit that cures all. *
*This exhibit will only cure your thirst for knowledge.
The Children’s Gallery at the Museum of Health Care is a place for kids to learn about their bodies, health, and health care in a fun and interactive environment. The current exhibition is The Skin You’re In.
Learn more about the many museums, galleries, and historic sites in Kingston and area.
Norma Rosier is a weaver, sewer, knitter, and spinner. Originally from Yorkshire, England, Norma became interested in spinning and weaving after seeing a spinning demonstration in Yorkshire and becoming curious about the creative process. “You can’t be around weavers a lot before you get sucked in,” she says. Norma joined a guild in Bradford, the centre of the British woollen industry, and learned how to weave.
In 1982, Norma took a rug weaving course in Wales; this made her decide she wanted to be a rug weaver. After meeting her husband, who was a woodworker, she asked him if he could build her a loom. He obliged. “He made me a wonderful loom,” says Norma. She then became a full-time weaver.
Norma wanted to make a living out of rug weaving, but everyone told her that the rugs were too nice to put on the floor, so selling them was difficult. So Norma thought, “Why not hang them?” She began tapestry making.
Norma and her husband decided to come to Canada after living in the Hebrides. “We were very keen on finding somewhere where I would meet other fibre artists. It was very important to come to an area like this where we had the guild.”
Norma says that she tends to stick to landscape and seascape designs both because she likes them, and also because it is easier to create horizontal patterns on the loom rather than vertical, which would result in much harsher lines. She has played with geometric patterns in the past but now focuses on landscape imagery. Norma says that she developed her style from photos she took in the Hebridean landscape. Her style was initially inspired from an early issue of the magazine Handwoven, which featured an article on a tapestry made for the Swedish Houses of Parliament, which comprised three panels stitched together. This is essentially the style that Norma does now, although not to the same scale. Instead of stitching the panels together, she prefers to keep a few inches of space between each panel, so your eyes fill in the negative space.
Creating tapestries can take a long time. For Norma, working a few hours each day, tapestries can take up to two to three months from start to finish. Each thread has six strands that – together – create a specific colour. Norma describes the threading process as something similar to that of a painter mixing paint.
Although Norma has taught classes in the past, her favourite thing to do is create. From a young age, she had the urge to create and has always found joy in making things. She reminds herself that with all the skills she has acquired, she truly enjoys what she does. She says that this is what keeps her going.
A member of the Kingston Handloom Weavers and Spinners guild (KHWS), Norma teaches beginner-level tapestry weaving workshops held at the guild’s studio space at the Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning.
She really enjoys teaching tapestry and rug weaving workshops, specifically at the beginner level. “It’s satisfying to take someone who has never done weaving before and getting them to the point where they can take it and run with it,” she says.
After taking a workshop with KHWS member Bridget Lewis on creative dyeing, Norma found it incredible to see how she could create her own colours. She has now been dyeing wool for knitting and fibre for spinning. She also has an at-home dye station (involving a microwave and her upstairs bathroom). Norma can now create any particular colour she wants.
Photo cutline: Two of Norma’s tapestries on display at the Tett Centre. The blue scenic tapestry utilizes wool from a mill in Scotland where Norma lived before coming to Kingston. Norma’s advice for those wanting to start weaving or any related craft is to get involved with fellow crafting groups, “because the people who get involved are the ones that stay,” adding that “until you become a part of a community, it can feel a bit isolating.” She has formed friendships and learned a lot from others at the guild.
Every year, the Wynn family designs a new corn maze that is perfect for an afternoon family outing or a “moonlit maze” adventure with friends. This year’s maze is themed “Under the sea.” Picture yourself in a submarine, taking part in an underwater expedition. As you explore, you’ll learn about the coral reef and sea creatures. Try to find all 10 “under the sea” images hidden within the maze.
Wynn Farms also offers pick-your-own or pre-picked apples (Macs, Lobo, Cortland, Spartan); pears and Honey Crisp apples (pre-picked only); caramel apples, hot cider, bouquets, pumpkins and gourds…and a campfire to warm up by if the day is chilly!
Head to Fruition Berry Farm to pick your own pumpkins or squash. After you are done picking, check out the farm’s Monarch Migration themed corn maze. This maze is made for all ages and includes a series of checkpoints to discover. As you finish the corn maze make sure to stop at the shop where you’ll find fresh goods including honey, apple cider, and jam.
Open: Saturday – Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm until the end of October. The farm is also open on the school PA Day on Monday, October 24.
Admission:
$6 per person (13 and up
$4 for kids (5 to 12 years)
Free admission for kids aged 4 and under
$20 family rate (two adults and up to five children)
Specializing in alternative, foreign, and classic movies, The Screening Room features some cult classics this month that are perfect for the fall season. The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Donnie Darko, Night of the Living Dead, and Shaun of the Dead are among the October screenings. Check the website for dates and times.
Back for the 2022 season, Pumpkinferno transforms Fort Henry is an enchanted wonderland that is Pumpkinferno. Guests of all ages will love this spectacular outdoor experience of glowing pumpkins inside the walls of the historic site. Pumpkinferno runs seven evenings a week until October 31.
Take a walk through Lemoine Point Conservation Area, comprising 136 hectares of forest, fields, and marsh, with 11 kilometres of walking trails. As you explore the area, you will see many forms of foliage showing off different shades of fall colours.
Open: Daily from 7:30 am to 8 pm
Lemoine Point is one of eight local conservation areas (plus the Cataraqui Trail) that you can explore on the 2022 Hike Challenge. Hike your favourite trail and take a photo that illustrates what you love about that area. Hike four trails before November 27 for the half-challenge or eight for the full challenge. Submit your photos to a contest for a chance at a prize from Cataraqui Conservation. Learn more about the 2022 Hike Challenge.
Take advantage of the Kingston 1000 Islands fall cruise to get a spectacular view of the diverse autumn palette of Kingston and the Thousand Islands. Choose from a one-hour Discovery cruise or a three-hour Heart of the Islands lunch cruise (with live musical entertainment)
Open: Until October 23 (see more details on their website)
Take a relaxing ride on the Kingston Tour Trolley to take in the fall colours throughout the city. Listen to stories about the history of the Limestone City and enjoy the ride as you pass through sites such as Fort Henry, City Hall, and more. The Trolley Tour lasts an hour and fifteen minutes long and it is perfect for a family expedition.
A trip to Coffee and Company is sure to get you in the fall mood! Here you can choose from a variety of hot or cold beverages and baked goods. Be fresh and order their Milano with smooth caramel notes or stay original and order their spicy chai latte.
Open: Sunday – Thursday 7 am to 6 pm and Friday – Saturday 7 am to 7 pm
Located on Kingston’s waterfront, the Juniper Cafe is a hidden gem serving up café fare. Grab a latte to pair with a cinnamon bun or a cheddar and bacon sandwich with an apple compote.
Open: Monday – Saturday 8 am to 7 pm and Sunday 9 am to 5 pm
Get your pumpkin spice fix at Pan Chancho with a pumpkin Nanaimo bar or a pumpkin pie to take home. Continue the cozy fall vibes with a container of pear and parsnip soup or chipotle butternut squash soup.
Take a trip to General Brock’s Commissary to reveal a world of local goods. Local chocolatier Audrey Brown (Cocoa Bistro) has created a selection of tasty truffles and chocolates for the fall season, now available at the Commissary. Try the Warm Hugs, featuring milk chocolate ganache with warm spices and a piece of ginger.
Open: Tuesday – Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday noon – 4 pm
GET INSPIRED
Tim Forbes/Forbes Photographer. http://www.forbesphotographer.comTim Forbes/Forbes Photographer. http://www.forbesphotographer.com
Take a walk through the city and experience the beautiful fall colours. Some stand-out locations include the Waterfront Pathway, Queen’s University campus (where a number of limestone buildings have magnificent displays of ivy changing from green to red), and Lake Ontario Park. Where is your favourite place in Kingston to experience the best of fall?
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