The Portsmouth area used to be a small village independent from Kingston; it was annexed to the city in the 1950s. Although it is now part of Kingston, its historic charm and village vibes have remained intact. Check out the park across from the marina, which has a plaque sharing more of the village’s history. Portsmouth extends beyond the main strip on King Street West with historic limestone buildings and homes that can also be found in the Portsmouth neighbourhood just west of the marina. The entire area is easily walkable, from the Kingston Penitentiary to Lake Ontario Park. Discover Portsmouth Village with this list of neighbourhood gems.
This harbour provides scenic walkways along the water. It The marina is home to Canadian Olympic training Regatta Kingston (CORK), Neptune & Salacia Diving, and community events. (Kingston hosted the sailing events of the 1976 Montreal Olympics here.) The harbour provides an excellent view of Lake Ontario, scattered with colourful boats. Along the harbour you will also find walking paths that take you through the neighbourhood and on your way to other village gems.
Experience local theatre at the Domino Theatre on Church Street. This year Domino is presenting seven live performances, from comedies to dramas, and classical adaptations. This season’s first performance is a comedy by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hoope, and Jamie Wooten, Savannah Sipping Society, which will be playing from September 8 – 24. Between October 20 and November 5, an adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express by Ken Ludwig will be performing. Check out the website to see the complete schedule of this season’s performances. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students and children.
Known to the locals as The Ports, The Portsmouth Tavern is open seven days a week and offers both lunch and dinner options. Enjoy Canadian comfort food with burgers, wings, and fish & chips. Try one of their favourites like the KP burger and beef dip sandwich. Be sure to walk around the back of the tavern to find the Wilton Wheat Kings bakery.
This bakery is located at the back of the Portsmouth Tavern. All bread made by Wilton Wheat Kings is 100% handmade using a no-knead technique for the freshest quality. They offer a variety of different breads including sourdough, multi-grain, focaccia, and cinnamon raisin. They also have sweet treats and pastries including croissants, cinnamon buns, and butter tarts. Their bread is also available for purchase at the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market, Tara Foods, The Grocery Basket, and Old Farm Fine Foods.
Learn more about Canada’s correctional service history right at its birthplace. Find out why there are so many penitentiaries in Kingston and what formerly occupied the museum building. The building is situated right across from the Kingston Penitentiary and played an important role for the organization of the prison. The building itself is also worth a visit with its iconic limestone architecture.
The Plant Shelf is located on King Street West and is the perfect spot if you are looking for plants, unique pots, and other plant paraphernalia. Step into a plant oasis and find all kinds of houseplants, including easy care plants, pet-friendly, low-light, or trailing plants. Find houseplant 101 guidebooks to help take your plant care up a notch. Talk to the knowledgeable staff to get plant, pot, and care recommendations. The Plant Shelf is located on the main Portsmouth strip on King Street West.
Visit Eunice Sushi in the heart of Portsmouth Village for bento boxes, entrée dishes, combos, lunch specials, and party trays. Try their chicken teriyaki dish, veggie bento box, or speciality rolls like the mango roll, dynamite roll, red dragon roll, and rainbow roll. Eunice Sushi offers dine-in, take-out, and delivery.
Just west of historic Portsmouth Village, Lake Ontario Park offers amazing views, walking and cycling paths, a splash pad, playground equipment, a boat launch, and a cobble beach. It is also the site of Manidoo Ogitigan (Spirit Garden), a living public artwork and contemplative space. Escape the city with some fresh air at this neighbourhood nature spot. You might also walk along the mural wall created by artist Aaron Forsyth at the dock behind the old Rockwood Asylum.
Kai’s Delight is a family-owned and operated authentic Chinese restaurant. Try some of their specialty dishes, including fish filets in hot chili oil, sizzling beef with black bean sauce, pork chop with spicy salt, and barbecued duck. After a long day of walking and exploring, stop into Kai’s for dine-in or take-out.
Located on King Street East, the Village Spa and Hair Boutique offers a variety of services from hair cuts to colouring, facials, manicures and more. The team at Village Spa and Hair is built of seven talented women that are trained stylists, estheticians, and a registered nurse. If you are looking to freshen up your hair or relax with a facial, the Village Spa and Hair Boutique in Portsmouth Village is the perfect place for all things hair, spa, and beauty.
Kingston is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and Huron-Wendat First Nations. In Anishinaabemowin, this space is called “Gaadanokwii,” which is interpreted to mean “a great meeting place.” In Huron-Wendat it is known as “Ken’tarókwen” and in Mohawk it is known as “Ka’tarohkwi;” both are interpreted to mean “a place where there is clay.” Clay in this context refers to the location of ancestral roots.
Tourism Kingston acknowledges the everlasting presence of other Indigenous nations, the Métis, Inuit, and other First Nations that now share this landscape with us. We are grateful to reside in and remain visitors to this territory, while acknowledging our shared responsibility to honour this space by walking gently and respectfully upon the land and preserving and purifying the surrounding waters. See what Indigenous art, cultural and learning opportunities are in the Katarokwi/Kingston area.
Katarakowi Arts and Food Market
Springer Market Square
Sundays 10 am – 3 pm From June 12 until September 25
Visit Springer Market Square for the Katarokwi Indigenous Art and Food Market. The market showcases a variety of local Indigenous artists, musicians, and artisans and is the only market of its kind in eastern Ontario. Check out featured vendors including Bougie Birch, Martin’s Bead and Craft Supplies, Cadue Fine Foods, Flint and Maple Beadwork, and W.C. Creatives. Featured musicians from June included Lorrie Young & Broderick Gabriel, B Heaslip, Cris Derksen, Whispering Winds, and Myrriah Xochitl. Performances begin at noon. The market runs every Sunday until the end of September but will not occur on August 28 due to the Limestone City Blues Festival.
The Agnes Etherington Art Centre is home to many different collections, including the Indigenous Art Collection. Comprising various media forms, the collection features work by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists from Turtle Island and internationally. The collection traverses contemporary and historical art collections.
The Tett Centre is hosting an Indigenous Art Series for 2022. These workshops are developed and facilitated by artists based in Katarokwi and Tyendinaga. While learning how to create various crafts, explore the associated history of teachings with each artform. Three workshops have already happened for the 2022 year. In January, there was dreamcatcher making with Melanie Gray, in April there was porcupine quill earring making with Melanie Gray, and recently in July there was an introduction to Métis sash weaving and oral stories with Candace Lloyd. Upcoming workshops include beaded corn with Tsiokeriio and beaded poppies with Candace Lloyd.
The KILN began as a grassroots project by a local group of Indigenous language lovers and learners. Their vision was to advocate for the urban resurgence of Indigenous languages and to continue this growing movement. KILN offers community workshops and language learning sessions in a variety of formats. Learning opportunities and approaches include games, songs, conversations, vocabulary, and grammar lessons. Their website also features the Dibajimowin: Urban Indigenous Languages Revitalization Project – a collection of 30 digital stories about culture and language from community members.
Digital Kingston, Part of Kingston Frontenac Public Library
Digital Kingston is an online resource part of the Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL). The StoryMe: Indigenous Voices project is part of a larger project to capture the voices and stories of the people of Kingston. The KFPL staff conducted a series of oral history interviews with community members, Elders, and language keepers between July and December of 2021 in the Kingston-Frontenac region and surrounding areas. The goal of this project was to collect histories, memories, and stories from local Indigenous peoples and have it told in their traditional way. As well, by adding these interviews to a digital archive, these histories can remain accessible to future residents, students, and the public. Discover local and regional stories and histories at the StoryMe: Indigenous Voices project. Also, check out KFPL’s Indigenous book collection.
Check out the Kick and Push theatre festival happening this August. Kick and Push, in partnership with Parks Canada, presents original performances from three Indigenous movement artists on Cedar Island National Park. Works will be shown to audiences in front of a traditional longhouse and illuminated by 3D projection mapping. This experience will be curated by Waawaate Fobisteer, an Anishinaabe Dora-award-winning actor, dancer, playwright, and storyteller from the Asubpeeschoseewagong First Nation.
Manidoo Ogitigan (“Spirit Garden”) is a living public artwork and commemoration garden designed by landscape architect and artist Terence Radford that creates an intimate gathering space for reflection, ceremony, and teaching. It is located in Lake Ontario Park and it incorporates the history of important Wampum Belts, the symbolism of the medicine wheel, with reference to the Alderville Methodist Church and includes over 430 select native plant species. The public artwork was developed as a joint project of the Alderville First Nation and the City of Kingston that aims to commemorate the historical and contemporary ties between the Nation and the Kingston area.
This 2023 event happening at the Kingston Grand Theatre presents a journey of varied experiences through different stories of encounter and conflict to resolution, recognition, understanding, and respect. Using a variety of mediums; videos, narrative, and music, the stories and messages are situated in the context of contemporary issues and events, along with historical context to understand Indigenous experiences and realities. The show builds a story that seeks to create a pathway toward Truth and Reconciliation. Ticket prices are a “pay what you want” to allow audiences to attend the show at no charge and pay a voluntary amount based on their experience after the show.
Besides the awesome Kingston sign downtown at Confederation Park, check out these other Instagram-worthy spots. Kingston is filled with unique spots where you can capture professional-quality photos. Whether it be classic nature photos, or artsy and edgy ones, there is a place for everything. Grab some friends or go solo and start the photo shoot!
1. Agnes Etherington Art Centre
36 University Ave.
Before the reimaging of the Agnes begins in 2023, the Art Centre created the Transformations exhibit. A group of artists from across the Toronto-Montreal corridor were hosted for a commission for the exterior facades of the Agnes. The vibrant wall art on the Anges serves double-duty as both an extraordinary sight to see and as a new hot spot for photos in Kingston.
Looking for cottage country vibes? This picturesque spot is located by the River Mill Restaurant along the Waterfront Pathway/K&P Trail. Capture the reflection of the sunset on the buildings on the east side across the water. You might even find some wildlife out here.
3. Antique Alley
207 Wellington St.
Located at 207 Wellington Street, check out the Antique Alley for your next photo op with a vintage vibe. The hidden alleyway is filled with one-of-a-kind antique items, pictures, and signs. Visit the store at the end of the alley and see what exciting antiques they have!
Walk along the Waterfront Pathway beside the Delta Hotel and find amazing artwork across the walls by Kingston artist EronOne. Take some pictures with the murals and some shots with the water. You will also see many boats both docked and in the water during the summertime.
Visit The Grocery Basket’s rooftop patio and snap some shots of downtown from the sky. Get the bird’s-eye-view of Princess Street or take some photos of the city’s skyline. Try some of The Grocery Basket’s amazing breakfast and lunch options and enjoy the view.
Head to the waterfront and check out the gazebo located by Murney Tower. This area is great for capturing the view of Lake Ontario using the gazebo as your personal frame. This spot is perfect for all seasons and is especially useful for group photos.
Lake Ontario Park has some fantastic natural features to capture the ideal outdoorsy photo. However, if you head west for just under 1km, you will find a secret spot. At the end of Trailhead Place, walk down a path that takes you out to a narrow point with a great view of the water.
8. City Park
Located on the east side of Queen’s University campus, this park has a few hidden gem photo spots you need to check out. This is the perfect place to capture sunset photos. It is full of greenery in the summer and packed with fall colours in the autumn. Check out the unique Victorian-style homes that border the park. They are also great photo backdrops!
Looking for flowers? Head down Brock Street and stop by Churchill Park. This spot will have your senses heightened with the beautiful sights and smells of the flower gardens. Snap some photos with the bright and colourful flowers and get that perfect vibrant summer photo.
Head over to Kingston’s east side and explore Barriefield Rock Garden. The garden was created by Bill Robb in 1990 who used a variety of engineering techniques to devise the garden’s layout. The area has some exceptional spots for pictures. Fall colours look remarkable in this spot.
In 2016, Steve and Lisa Goddard started the Hard Way Cider Company just outside the village of Bath, Ontario.
Over the years, cider has become an increasingly popular choice of drink. It is a great alternative for gluten-free consumers, or simply those who don’t reach for a beer.
While Lisa is more of a cider drinker, Steve was initially not a fan. “When I first started trying cider, I really didn’t enjoy it because it was really sweet.” At the time, Steve was already making his own wine and because “making wine and cider are more or less identical processes,” he decided to experiment with cider.
“I like to tell people the first few batches we made were really bad. We drank them because we made them but didn’t give them to anybody. As we got better at it, we started sharing with friends and they enjoyed it, and put it into a bottle from there.”
“To start up,” says Steve, “you need at least five acres of land, but when COVID hit, the government waived that requirement.” Steve and Lisa were able to move into the Kingston area about a year and a half ago. The move allowed for more production facility space and for the company to really grow. Kingston is also home to many established breweries and great community support. Why not add cider in the mix?
There are about 20 different kinds of apples that Hard Way Cider uses to create their signature blends. Steve explains that the “traditional cider apple” is the Golden Russet. This apple is great for cider because of its high sugar content. This doesn’t mean sweeter cider, rather “lots of sugar means more alcohol content because the yeast converts sugar into alcohol.”
Other apples used by Hard Way Cider are the Northern Spy and Ida Red. Portland, Spartan, and Empire apples are used primarily for flavour and juiciness.
Hard Way specializes in both dry and barrel-aged cider. The market for dry cider “is definitely getting bigger,” says Steve, “as people sort of learn more about cider and understanding that it is more than just – or can be more than just –, a sugary drink. There definitely is more of a trend going towards dryer stuff. It’s finding that balance between not being super dry but also not being super sweet…the spot that resonates with most people. It’s still a learning process.”
Their first two releases were Rogue and Renegade. Rogue is a triple barrel blend cider aged in whiskey, red wine, and bourbon barrels. Renegade is a classic English apple cider blend aged in three separate barrels with notes from red wine, whiskey, and bourbon barrels.
Their Loco Blanco, however, is a tequila-infused cider. While most of Hard Way’s barrels were wine or whiskey barrels, “our U.S. distributor sourced some tequila barrels.” Steve and Lisa decided to experiment with them, and people liked the end product. Loco Blanco is aged in Mexican Añejo tequila barrels, with notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel at 6.5% abv.
Hard Way’s new unoaked cider series is currently being released. Steve explains that the new collection “isn’t barrel aged…it’s a little lighter than our barrel program, so a little less alcohol and a little lighter flavour.”
The first one released is called Raspberry Dreams, which is currently in the tasting phase at the LCBO. This cider is low carb, low sugar, gluten-free, and vegan. It is your perfect ‘guilt-free’ drink. It is tart and dry (but not too dry) and at 5.5% abv. Look out for the second unoaked release, a peach cider.
Part of Hard Way Cider’s goal is “to innovate new ciders and try to develop new ones that will be interesting and enjoyable for people. We are coming out with four or five different non-barrel aged ciders over the next four to six months to hopefully have a broad offering for folks.”
Next on the agenda for Hard Way is a tasting room. They are currently working with the city and the AGCO to make it happen. Steve hopes to have “the ability for people to come here and have a flight of ciders or a pint…We also will be offering beer and other drinks… from other producers as guest taps.” Renovations are already in the works, so keep your eyes peeled for the opening of Hard Way’s tasting room.
While Hard Way Cider is working to get into the LCBO, you can stop by their location at 748 Development Drive to pick up some cider to go. You can also find their ciders in local bars and restaurants. Look for Hard Way next time you visit Daft Brewing, Atomica, Spearhead, The Caesar Co, Mesa Fresca, The Purple House Café (in Gananoque), Chez Piggy, Tie One On Creativity Bar, and Days on Front. You can also find them at the Memorial Farmer’s Market on Sundays.
Looking for date night ideas? Kingston has a dynamic date scene, from classic dining opportunities to experience-based activities. Grab your partner and check out these Kingston date spots.
Get ready for your next date to experience Kingston’s fine dining. Book a table at Tango Nuevo on King Street and indulge in one-of-a-kind food. Explore their tapas-style menu with a wide variety of offerings like Avocado tartare, PEI mussels, and Turkish ravioli.
Chez Piggy offers lunch and dinner options and a brunch menu on Sunday mornings, perfect for any kind of date. Enjoy a fine dining experience with a worldly menu. Try their duck drumettes to start off the night! If you are visiting in the summer, ask for a seat in their courtyard patio.
AquaTerra is the spot for waterfront dining in Kingston. Plan your next romantic evening for a night of remarkable food, wine, and views of Lake Ontario. Explore their extensive wine list, beverage and food menus and reserve a table for your next night out.
Feeling like comfort food? Harper’s Burger Bar is the perfect place for a laid-back, tasty outing. Try one of their feature burgers or build your own. Harper’s has many other options to choose from, including poutine, tacos, and salads.
Union offers a lively, upbeat atmosphere for a fun night out. The menu features great sharing dishes, mains, and amazing cocktails. Try one of their weekly feature cocktails posted on their Instagram and Facebook pages.
Get your shopping fix while warming up with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa. Stop at Coffee and Company to buy a cozy drink then take a walk down Princess Street to explore Kingston’s unique artisan shops.
Going to the movies is a classic date idea, but going to the movies at the Screening Room is even better. This independent movie theatre plays all kinds of films but specializes in art-house, indie, foreign, and classic cinema. See what movies are currently showing at The Screening Room.
Kingston is home to many art galleries, all perfect for a daytime outing. Visit Queen’s University campus and plan your next date at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre to explore its collections of modern and historic works of art and the Union Gallery to observe the installations by Queen’s students and other local artists.
Escape the city and plan a trip to the Marshlands Conservation Area, located in Kingston’s west end. Walk along the Rideau Trail and enjoy the fresh air, tranquil sounds, and any wildlife you might spot along the way. If you are looking for a quiet date for you and your partner, this is the perfect spot.
Treat yourself and your partner to a spa date at Dolce Bella Spa. Book their couple’s package and enjoy a couple’s 60-minute massage and gourmet lunch for two. The spa is located in the historic Old Woolen Mill on the bank of the Cataraqui River. Make your next date a relaxing one.
Experience new County Sips tours! Book the PEC Holiday Shopping & Tasting Excursions with County Sips or a Wine Tasting Party at Curate Social hosted by Sommelier Ian Nicholls. Get the chance to visit select wineries for tastings or celebrate the Holidays with your own personalized event at Curate Social.
Bask in the sun, go for a swim, play beach sports, or take a leap into the water. This Kingston hot spot at Breakwater Park is great for a great day with friends and is entirely free. Make sure to bring sunscreen and stay hydrated!
Visit Ahoy Rentals and discover what summertime activities you can do. Why not try a stand-up paddle board? These are only $16 for one-hour use. This cheap outdoor activity is perfect to do solo or with friends.
The ferry is 100% free! Check out the ferry times online and start planning a day with your friends. Plan a mini vacation that isn’t far from home and is extremely affordable. There is lots to do while on Wolfe Island, like swimming at Big Sandy Beach, cycling, and visiting local shops. After taking the free ferry ride over to Wolfe Island, take the shuttle bus to Marysville. This shuttle is completely free and runs seven days a week bringing you right to the village.
4. Movies in the Square
Watch a movie downtown in Market Square. Every Thursday night in June, July, and August, movies will be showing in Springer Market Square starting at 9 pm in June and July, and closer to 8 pm in August. Check out a list of scheduled showings.
Go for a bike ride on one of Kingston’s many trails. Check out the K&P Trail, Waterfront Pathway, Rideau Trail, or St. Lawrence Recreational Trail. Kingston also has many great parks to cycle through, and lots to see while peddling around town.
Check out events happening in Kingston this summer. Roam around the Princess Street Promenade on July 30 and see what vendors and activities are there. This is a great opportunity to get to know the small businesses, crafters, and artists of Kingston.
Shop some of Kingston’s thrift stores for unique and affordable finds. Head downtown to explore YGK Thrift, Montreal St. Collective, Phase 2, and What’ll I Wear. In the west end, check out Salvation Army, Value Village, Mission Thrift, and in mid-city, The Goodway. Not only is thrifting an affordable way to shop, it is also more sustainable and supports local business.
Grab a coffee – iced or hot – and a treat at a coffee shop. Try some downtown favourites like Crave, Balzac’s, Coffee and Company, and Kingston Coffee House. Gather some friends, get some caffeinated beverages, and head for a walk!
Catch some live music at the Visitor Information Centre in Confederation Park on Sundays from 1-3 pm. Enjoy the sun while listening to some talented local musicians. While you’re there, check out local shops, cafes, and hangout at Confederation Park and enjoy the view.
11. The Agnes Etherington Art Centre
Located on Queen’s University campus, entrance into the Agnes Art Centre is free or admission by donation. If you are looking for an affordable activity this summer, explore current art exhibitions and permanent collections at the Agnes. The space holds a variety of artwork that ranges both geographically and temporally. Discover pieces by local and global artists, as well as contemporary and historical art.
All is silence, shadow and light, under the water. The water weighs heavy on the heart, one’s breath taken away by the secrets of the ancient shipwrecks – those living museums of Kingston – moored in the depths of Lake Ontario.
“Diving in Kingston’s freshwaters is history; it is archaeology,” say Martine Roux and Guillaume Courcy.
The duo are the forces of nature behind Neptune & Salacia Diving, which offers scuba diving excursions in Kingston to adventurers of all skill levels. Aboard the Dorothy J, a PADI-authorized boat, Martine and Guillaume offer diving courses from beginner to professional level, as well as other specialties. They also offer private chartering and snorkelling tours.
It is from the love story of Neptune, Roman god of freshwater, and his wife Salacia, the female divinity of the sea, that Martine and Guillaume were inspired to name their venture, a tribute to a myth that echoes their own journey towards one another.
“Neptune fell in love with Salacia,” says Guillaume with a smile. “Salacia was scared, and she left. Neptune was very unhappy. He sent dolphins to find her, then he convinced Salacia to come back. Eventually they got married and lived happily ever after.”
“Our story is a bit cocasse, a bit quirky at first,” adds Martine. “In 2015, I was teaching a diving course in Ontario and had a car problem – I had to be towed to Kingston. I wrote on Facebook, “I’m stalled in Kingston.” And Guillaume, who was a diver I only knew from Facebook, said, “I’m in Kingston, I can show you around.”
At the water’s edge, Martine and Guillaume connected with each other. He, taken with her. She, uncertain. He, on the eve of a six-month deployment in Ukraine. She, in Montreal. It was decidedly complicated.
Time passed, and a few years later, a new encounter in Kingston. Followed by a third visit. And always, extraordinary dives in the sapphire and emerald depths of Lake Ontario.
“And since that day, we’ve been together,” Martine smiles.
It is their common passion for diving (“on est des mordus – we are obsessed!”) that brings Martine and Guillaume together as a couple, as divers, and as entrepreneurs. Neptune & Salacia Diving wishes to share this passion with Kingston and with all adventurers who are drawn to the depths of Lake Ontario.
If they are adventurous, Martine and Guillaume are also courageous. In 2020 (“in the middle of a pandemic!”), they came up with an exhilarating idea: buying the Dorothy J and bringing the mysteries of Lake Ontario to other adventurers. Neptune & Salacia Diving welcomes divers aboard the historic Dorothy J, a boat with a fascinating history – built in 1972 as a fishing boat, later used by Fisheries and Oceans Canada to conduct research, and finally as purveyor of leisure and diving.
“I recently learned that perhaps the name Dorothy J was that of the mother of the owner who ordered the boat,” Guillaume speculates. It’s out of the question to rename a boat, he explains, “There is a superstition – if you change the name of a boat, you have to make sure that you burn everything that bears the name of the old boat, and rename it, otherwise it will bring misfortune.”
Lake Ontario’s depths are no stranger to that misfortune – and it is that tragic history that today Neptune & Salacia Diving invites divers to discover.
“There are so many interesting things to see at the bottom of the lake!” Guillaume exclaims. “The geography of the lake in Kingston, coupled with the weather, means that many ships have sunk in these waters – there are so many wrecks, and even ship cemeteries.”
If the owners of Neptune & Salacia Diving are preoccupied with the mysteries of Lake Ontario, they are also committed to ensuring the sustainability of the waters here in Kingston and elsewhere, paying it forward through their participation in Diving Against Debris®, an initiative that encourages divers to pull debris from oceans, lakes, and other waterways.
“Each dive must be a cleaning dive,” says Martine. “The only people who see all the debris down in the water are the divers. It’s important to remove the debris, because microplastics pollute the water, here and around the world. It’s even dangerous for marine fauna! If you put together all micro-actions, it’s a big action for the planet.”
With Neptune & Salacia Diving, divers will be captivated by the depths of Lake Ontario, the romanticism of its stories, the beauty and brutality of its nature, delivering on the promise of an exciting experience for great adventurers. Martine and Guillaume are preparing an exciting summer program, including a snorkeling tour of the HMS Princess Charlotte, a War of 1812 shipwreck, or for certified divers, the exploration of ancient wrecks including the Eureka (1858-1883), George T. Davie (1898-1945), George A. March (1882-1917).
“Originally from Quebec, proud of our French-speaking roots, we decided to settle in Kingston because it’s one of the best places in Canada to dive,” underline Guillaume and Martine. “Below the water, there is no language barrier. Now, we define ourselves as Franco-Ontarians. The people here made us feel very welcome and we are here to stay for a very, very long time.”
If you are looking to know more about one of the oldest parts of Kingston, join The PumpHouse Museum on a 60-minute walking tour along historic Ontario Street. Learn about Kingston’s late 18th, 19th, and 20th-century history of local brewers, property owners, boilermakers, and more.
This tour provides a unique experience that fuses contemporary Kingston business with historic architecture and stories. Starting at The PumpHouse, the tour begins with a brief walk along the Waterfront Pathway up to the Marine Museum and returns to Ontario Street until The Prince George Hotel, where the tour ends.
On this tour you will learn about the many challenges the people of Kingston faced to keep their businesses and services alive. The 1800s posed to be a particularly rough time with cholera epidemics and the Great Fire of Kingston in 1840 that affected the livelihoods of many. Some of the sites on the tour no longer exist and have been replaced by modern amenities. However, a substantial portion of the tour includes preserved buildings that are home to local establishments like SENS Café, PJ Murphy’s Gastro Pub, and Dianne’s Fish Shack. One of the reasons why these places still stand today is because of the city-wide mandate to use stone, mostly limestone, as building material to avoid further destruction from fires.
The informative tour guides are sure to point out details like additions to buildings, underwater rail tracks, and hitching posts, which enhance the stories being told. Questions are always welcome. Just as the name suggests, the tour covers a wide variety of topics like Kingston breweries, foundries, boat docks, gristmills, Victorian hotels, train stations, oyster bars, and more. Check out the PumpHouse walking tour to discover the authentic history of Ontario Street, the lives of Kingston locals, their stories, and the history of the city by walking in the footsteps of the past. The PumpHouse is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm with a variety of opportunities and events.
Details: Offering tours Thursday – Saturday at 11 am and 2 pm for $5+HST per person.
Looking for a way to jazz up date night, entertain the kids, or turn a solo summer day into an adventure? Experience the magic of the performing arts in Kingston! We compiled a list of performances to put on your summer bucket list.
Various performances at Thousand Islands Playhouse
Throughout July and August
Thousand Islands Playhouse (185 South St., Gananoque)
It’s Thousand Islands Playhouse’s 40th anniversary this season, and they’re putting on five stellar shows throughout the summer to celebrate. Enjoy musicals, comedies, and drama throughout July and August. We’re excited for “Every Brilliant Thing,” an upbeat story that is both funny and heartwarming. You can view the list of performances and purchase tickets on the Thousand Islands Playhouse website.
Blue Canoe Theatrical Productions Inc. is ready to cut loose with Footloose! this summer. This show is family-friendly, although parents should be aware there is an allusion to some mature themes. Blue Canoe is a non-profit, youth-led community theatre dedicated to offering opportunities for young people to get involved in the performing arts. The entire production team (cast, band, directors, designers, and technical crew) are Kingston youth. More information about the show will be posted to their website and tickets will be on sale soon through the Kingston Grand Theatre website.
There’s nothing like The Kick & Push Festival to introduce you to a variety of theatrical styles here in Kingston. This festival aims to transform audiences from passive observers to engaging participants – and we’re excited to see what their eighth season will bring. The festival runs for three weeks throughout eight venues downtown including the Kingston Grand Theatre, The Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning, and City Park.
Kick & Push aims to break the mould of traditional theatre, so prepare yourself for surprising venues, audience participation, and unconventional performances. You’ll be able to purchase tickets and view the upcoming lineup on the festival website. Tickets can be purchased in-person at the Kingston Grand Theatre box office or on their website.
Cost: adults $25; arts worker, student, and family pricing available for select performances
Experience a variety of theatrical performances in one night for one night only. The One-Act Play Festival showcases three plays. Time-travel back to the 1960s with “Hairball” by Harry Jordan; witness a mother who leaves her marriage for an adventure with “A Mouse No More” by Adam Fulker; and gain insight on what it means to write for the stage with “The Auditions” by Greg Duncan. This juried festival will crown one winner who will then travel to the Academy Theatre in Lindsay for the Eastern Ontario Drama League’s One Act Festival in November. You can purchase tickets on the Kingston Grand Theatre website.
The Driftwood Theatre brings back its Bard’s Bus Tour to put on Shakespeare in the Park (after a three-year pause). The Driftwood team has adapted three Shakespeare plays (Henry IV parts I and II and Henry V) to create King Henry Five. The play uses a contemporary patio bar as its backdrop and combines music, puppetry, and Shakespearean poetry to weave a tale about power, corruption, and rebellion. While the cast will be travelling across Ontario to perform, they’ll be playing two previews in the Kingston area first before their official opening.
Bard’s Bus will park on Wolfe Island for a show at Hotel Wolfe Island on July 14. You can also see the show on July 15 at Lions Civic Gardens. This Kingston-specific performance is free, thanks to the support of the Eastern Workforce Innovation Board, Sherlock’s Escapes, and the Kingston Frontenac Public Library – simply reserve your seat online. The bus will return for another performance at Hotel Wolfe Island on August 12.
You can purchase tickets to the Wolfe Island performances and/or reserve your seat for the Kingston performance on their website.
Cost: Wolfe Island shows: Pay What You Can Afford’ admission. Kingston show: free.
Storefront Fringe Festival
August 4 – 14, various times
Various locations
The Storefront Fringe Festival returns this summer. A fringe festival focuses on offering opportunities to independent theatre artists to produce and perform their work. There are no limits on content, and anyone can submit a show.
Did you know that Fine Balance Brewery created a special beer to support theatre-based festivals this summer? “FestivALE” made its debut at the Kingston Grand Theatre during the Watershed Festival this past spring. You can find the ale in cans in the Fine Balance Brewery taproom or on tap downtown at The Iron Duke on Wellington, The Grad Club, and The Rustic Spud. FestivALE is an easy-drinking, smooth wheat beer with hints of clove and citrus. Grab one for a post-performance celebration!
Close to Kingston, the Festival Players of Prince Edward County have some fantastic new theatre offerings under the stars at the Outdoor Pavilion at the Eddie Hotel and Farm. The world premiere of The Shape of Home: Songs in Search of Al Purdy runs through to the end of July. In August, experience the Flight Festival of Contemporary Dance, which is filled with opportunities for the community to get involved through classes, workshops, and shows. The summer season wraps up with Beyond the Sea, a new romantic comedy. Learn more: festivalplayers.ca/2022-season
The performances you have to add to your summer 2022 bucket list
Summer is here and the limestone city is ready to charm you with a variety of musical performances. From up-and-coming bands to Juno winners, Kingston has concerts that will allow you to rock out and wind down. Read on for a list of summertime performances we’re adding to our calendar.
Live music at Musiikki Café
Daily, various times (check the Musiikki Instagram page)
Musiikki Café (73 Brock St.)
The music in Kingston never sleeps – Musiikki Café makes sure of it! Musiikki has live music for you every single day between 8 and 11 pm (and they’re open until 2 am). This is the best place to grab a cozy coffee, delicious cocktail, or their specialty: fine whiskey, and discover a new favourite artist at the same time. Musiikki offers an eclectic roster of local, national, and international performers. Their downstairs bar offers daytime music; their upstairs stage makes for intimate performances, and their gorgeous back courtyard completely immerses you in the musical experience. Weekly lineups are posted to their Instagram profile.
Cost: FREE
Indigenous music at the Katarokwi Indigenous Art & Food Market
Every Sunday this summer, you’ll have the chance to see Indigenous performers at the Katarokwi Indigenous Art & Food Market in Springer Market Square. Community members will provide live entertainment such as dancing, drumming, and singing. While enjoying the entertainment, browse the variety of vendors offering handmade jewelry, delicious snacks, and other handcrafted goods. View the schedule to discover the amazing performers from various nations across Turtle Island.
Cost: FREE
Music made in Kingston at the Visitor Information Centre
Until August 21, 2022, the back patio at the Visitor Information Centre in Confederation Park will be bustling with local performers, so bring a lawn chair and enjoy a lakeside concert. This series highlights artists from the community and celebrates a wide range of musical genres. For more information and a look at the lineup, visit the event page on Facebook. Come out and support the many sounds of Kingston!
Spend an elegant evening at the Bank Gastrobar, the Frontenac Club’s gorgeous lounge. Enjoy hand-crafted cocktails and a bite to eat while being serenaded by a local musician every Monday throughout the entire summer. The patio is open from 3 to 11 pm, with dinner served between 4:30 and 10 pm. Featured performers include Spencer Evans (a singer who plays piano, clarinet, and accordion), Moira Demorest (a balanced pop and minimalist pianist), Megan Hamilton (an elegant folk musician), and Tiny Horse (a musical duo that will captivate you with their intimate acoustics).
This concert series gives you a chance to unwind, catch up with friends, and connect with the local music scene. For more information and the lineup of performers, visit the event page on Facebook. Tables are limited so make sure to reserve your spot online or by phone.
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 12:30 – 1:30 pm
Confederation Park
Experience free concerts all summer long in Confederation Park. Music in the Park runs throughout July and August at 12:30 pm every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Grab a bite to eat and spend your lunch hour getting to know local musicians and enjoying a wide range of musical genres. More details and lineups are available on Downtown Kingston’s calendar.
Cost: FREE
Downtown Country Concerts
Thursdays 7 – 8 pm
Confederation Park
Make room in your schedule on Thursdays from 7 to 8 pm. Confederation Park will be showcasing local country artists all summer. From bluegrass to folk to country-pop, there will be different types of country music every week. More information can be found on Downtown Kingston’s calendar.
Cost: FREE
Music in the Gardens presented by CaraCo
Thursdays at 7pm
Lion’s Civic Gardens
Every Thursday throughout July and August, bring a lawn chair and take in a free concert at Lion’s Civic Gardens. A special weekend concert, featuring Andy Forgie, will be held on Saturday, July 23 at 2:30 pm. The full line-up can be seen on the City of Kingston website.
Start your weekend off right by heading down to Springer Market Square every Friday at 7 pm. Big Band Fridays provide the soundtrack you need to welcome the weekend. This event is all about romance, unadulterated joy, and an eclectic mix of jazz tunes. Get ready to swing and jive! More information can be found on Downtown Kingston’s calendar.
Silly Sounds on Sydenham
Saturdays 10:30 – 11:30 am
Sydenham Street between Princess and Queen
Transform your Saturday morning with this live concert series designed specifically for kids. Silly Sounds on Sydenham takes place every Saturday from June 25 to September 3, 2022. This is a fantastic opportunity to get your kids moving. More information can be found on Downtown Kingston’s calendar.
Looking to kick back with a cold one and some cool tunes? Spearhead’s monthly taproom events are a vibrant mix of live music experiences. Their monthly offerings include live music Wednesdays starting at 7 pm, Friday open mic nights at 7 pm, Sunday live music from 2 to 5 pm, and more. Who doesn’t love a night out to discover emerging talent?
Spearhead’s taproom is welcoming, and the airy patio is perfect for a sweltering summer day. You don’t have to be a beer-drinker to relax here either. Spearhead offers their own non-alcoholic sparkling water, Akwa, as well as a list of wines, spirits, and other beverages. Stay up-to-date with who’s taking to the stage next by consulting the Spearhead event webpage for July and August.
Cost: FREE (weekly events)
RCHA Club
Various dates and times
Home venue for the Kingston Blues Society, the RHCA Club offers a variety of live music, from rock to blues to jazz, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Check their website for the latest listings.
The Spire (Sydenham St. United Church, 82 Sydenham St.)
JP Saxe is a Grammy-nominated artist ready to play his heart wrenching and soul-soothing music to a Kingston crowd. His music combines R&B and pop for catchy, heartfelt tunes. JP Saxe has also partnered with PLUS1 so that a portion of proceeds from the show will go to organizations that provide humanitarian care in conflict zones.
This show is one stop on his The Feelings are Stupid ’22 Tour with Alexander Saint. Saint is a must-see, multi-instrumentalist who’s carving a space for himself in the Canadian music scene as an alternative acoustic soul musician.
These are two phenomenal lyricists you don’t want to miss, so make sure to purchase your tickets online before they sell out.
New on the scene, Relatively Minor is a seven-piece jazz-funk ensemble – inspired by Miles Davis and Stevie Wonder. This band has the energy, talent, and soul to give you an unforgettable night. You can find more information on The Toucan website.
The Toucan hosts many local and up-and-coming bands, offering you the chance to enjoy traditional pub food, Irish classics, and good tunes in a venue that’s been around for over 30 years. They host live music every Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. You can view their upcoming music events on their website.
Cost: FREE
Cost: General admission $31.06; VIP meet–and-greet $76
Discover the sounds of Canada’s premier training institute for orchestral musicians. This July, the Isabel hosts the National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYO). The NYO is made up of young musicians who competed for a place in the orchestra, participated in a six-week residential training institute, and are ready to impress Canadian audiences. More information and tickets can be found on the Isabel website.
Cost: General public $40; faculty/staff $36; students $10
Experience the amazing acoustics at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts and journey into the life of Francis Pegahmagabow, a member of the Ojibwe nation, a military sniper in the First World War, and a highly decorated member of the Canadian military. Sounding Thunder is a unique piece of art that combines Ojibwe oral history, historical record, and Pegahmagabow family stories. The performance is composed by Tim Corlis and written by Ojibwe poet, Armand Garnet Ruffo. You can purchase tickets on the Isabel website. The show is part of the Human Rights Arts Festival series which also features ECHO: Memories of the World on August 5, an international multi-media project that contemplates knowledge-sharing in Canada, Norway, Austria, and Mali.in Canada, Norway, Austria, and Mali.
Cost: General public $40; faculty/staff $36; students $10
Celebrate the best of Neil Diamond at this tribute tour starring Zac Coombs. Celebrate this Grammy-winning rock-and-roll legend who produced music you can’t help but sing along with. Diamond’s classics will be performed by a world-class international band.
Cost: Admit one $56.64; group of 6+ per ticket $52.51; children 13 or under $30.97 (+ HST and handling fee)
This popular music and beer festival returns with headliners The Strumbellas, supported by Born Ruffians, Miss Emily, Rocket Surgery, The Gertrudes, KaKaow, Julia Finnegan, Tiny Horse, and The Reds. As well as all-day live music, Back to the Farm features craft beer, food trucks, local wine and cider, games, and more.
Cost: $45; free for kids under 12
Limestone City Blues Festival
August 25 – 28, various times
Throughout downtown
Kingston’s legendary Limestone City Blues Festival returns this year to tug on your heartstrings and get you grooving. You can catch numerous performances throughout the downtown area at small bars, larger music venues, and outdoor locations. Did you know this year the main stage will be mobile? You can find the lineup and headliner information on the event webpage. We’re excited for Crystal Shawanda’s fiery vocals and HOROJO Trio’s rich melodies.
Want access to all three nights of main-stage performances, as well as participating club shows? Make sure to purchase a wristband! Wristbands are $20 when bought in advance and $25 when bought at showtime. Wristbands will be available for online purchase on July 1 at 10 am. They can also be purchased in person at participating clubs and the BIA office (353 King St. E. Suite 200) beginning July 18.
Cost: In advance $20, At the gate $25
Motel Ben’s Strike the Anvil While the Iron is Hot tour
Check out Motel Ben at The Mansion and experience funky, shoe-gaze folk music from this unique Ottawa band. The Mansion has live music nearly every weekend in their upstairs “Living Room,” and on their patio many afternoons. Keep checking their event list on Facebook for updates on acts.
Cost: $5
Kingston has a reputation for nurturing musical artists, and with so many supportive venues and excited audiences, it’s no wonder why. Enjoy a live music event this summer and perhaps you’ll glimpse a few rising stars.
Kingston’s abundance of eateries means you’ll never leave the city hungry, but if you’re looking for a fun, educational way to explore a variety of dining options, a Kingston Food Tour should be on your bucket list.
Kingston Food Tours is a locally owned and operated food tasting walking tour that operates all year long. The experience exposes you to a whirlwind of Kingston cuisine in an environment that’s fun, laidback, and incredibly delicious. Choose from two experiences: the Classic Kingston Tour or the Tapas Tour. Both options take you through historic downtown Kingston and are guided by a local host whose upbeat energy is contagious. Indulge in tastings at some of the finest local restaurants and learn about Kingston’s history and food culture – past, present, and future.
The signature Classic Kingston tour offers you exclusive food and beverage tastings at great local restaurants while learning about how the city has become an incredible dining destination by supporting local farmers and producers. The tour begins at 11 am and runs for two hours. With the Tapas Tour, you can transform an ordinary afternoon into an unforgettable experience as you enjoy four tastings, each paired with a beverage. Private tours are also available upon request.
Kingston Food Tours accommodates all food preferences, allergies, and restrictions. Whether you eat gluten-free, plant-based, or dairy-free, you’ll be served accordingly (and your guide will still give you some interesting insight into what you’re eating or drinking).
Begin your day in gorgeous Confederation Park alongside glittering Lake Ontario. You’ll meet your tour guide here at the Visitor Information Centre (209 Ontario Street). Before embarking on your adventure, you’ll receive some background on how the Kingston food scene has grown into a thriving foodie destination that attracts locals, visitors, and food tourists. Feel free to ask your guide any questions – each is a Kingston resident with a wealth of knowledge.
Dianne’s Fish Shack and Smokehouse Margarita
Savour the first sip and bite at each stop while your guide provides some information on how the restaurant came to be, and how the ingredients ended up on your table. This is one of the defining features of Kingston Food Tours: you gain an appreciation of the local food movement, which emphasizes sustainable production and eating in-season.
While food is the focus of the tour, you’ll also enjoy a leisurely stroll downtown as you make your way between tastings. Kingston Food Tours incorporates educational moments about Kingston’s unique history, its gorgeous architecture, and key figures in the food industry along the way. From Lake Ontario shipwrecks to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – you’ll be surprised to learn how it all connects to the food scene. The tour also offers a great opportunity to take in Kingston’s historic limestone buildings, charming alleyways, and contemporary street art.
Throughout the tour you’ll learn a variety of foodie terms you can add to your vocabulary. You’ll also learn about the food growing processes that contribute to flavours on a plate. And although you’ll be given just the right amount of time to browse at locations that offer food to go, you’ll probably want to return later to take home some newfound favourites.
Kingston Olive Oil products
Whichever tour you choose, you’ll experience an eclectic mix of sweet and savoury items, from a variety of Kingston’s eateries, both laidback and upscale. Perhaps the greatest part about Kingston Food Tours is how well-organized it is, allowing you to truly unwind as you dine. You’ll have no regrets after a seamless flow from tasting to tasting, and a sweet treat as a final palette cleanser. There’s always room for dessert, right?
Mio Gelato sweet treat
This curated experience is full of local gems that reflect Kingston’s thriving food scene, and you can experience it all from a local’s perspective.
Looking for date night ideas? Kingston has a dynamic date scene, from classic dining opportunities to experience-based activities. Grab your partner and check out these Kingston date spots.
At Skeleton Park Brewery, Trevor Lehoux and Becky Lu have revived traditional Kingston beers, with a twist.
Kingston has been home to breweries since the late 1700s. Skeleton Park Brewery has recreated old local recipes, using traditional ingredients and leveraging Kingston’s mineral-rich water to make great beer.
Their flagship beer, the Amber 6.6, “happened by mistake, in a way,” says Trevor. When they started brewing in Kingston, he wanted to try a 6.6% amber ale, and thought to explore Kingston’s beer history for inspiration.
Through archival research, he found an old local newspaper ad for a 7% amber ale. In the same newspaper, there was a classified ad from the same brewer, looking for certain ingredients. So, with that, Trevor had the beginnings of recreating an old Kingston beer recipe.
“For our other heritage beers, like the Proper English ale, we couldn’t find recipes. Brewers of the day were super secretive; they kept their recipes in their heads. But we have found traces of ingredients.” Recreating old recipes for their English ale and Bohemian pilsner involved a bit more detective work.
“For the hops we use for the English ale, there’s a farmer in the Ottawa Valley area, who found it growing at the back of his farm. It was a non-native species. As it turned out, it was really closely related to a hop called Fuggle, an English hop.” Trevor surmised that this type of hop had been introduced to the region by the Loyalists in the 1780s. Today, the “Loyalist hop” is a signature component in Skeleton Park’s Proper English Ale.
Skeleton Park’s third mainstay in the Heritage series is their Bohemian pilsner. “I really suspected that someone would have brewed a Bohemian-style beer in Kingston. So, we did a lot of research on the family names of local brewers and where they came from. And that led us to what they would have brewed because they came from a certain region. So, the last name “Bajus” – that lineage comes from the Czech Republic/Northern Germany area. The Bajus family [who ran the Bajus Brewery on Rideau Street] came from a specific region in Germany that was known for Bohemian-style beer.”
Skeleton Park’s Sol juice IPA is not a traditional type of beer. But, “the malt behind it, there’s a story,” says Trevor. “Back in the day, there was a transition point away from malted barley. Barley was the cash crop in Ontario. And that stopped as bakeries became more popular, and wheat became the cash crop to grow. Brewers couldn’t get their hands on barley, so they started substituting with wheat and oats.” The Sol Juice IPA incorporates those grains, and so, even if it’s not a traditional type of beer, does reflect the evolution of beermaking in the region.
Speaking of grain, it takes a lot of it – whether you use barley, wheat, oats, or rye – to make beer. The grain is malted – steeped in hot water, then dried – to allow the conversion of starch to sugar that will help fermentation. So, what happens to all that grain after the beer is made? Becky and Trevor have found a few great ways to put it to good use. For some time now, the spent grain from the brewery has been incorporated into dog treats made by Lakeside Dog Biscuits, a local business. (Skeleton Park Brewery is also a dog-friendly property.)
More recently, the brewery has connected with VOCEC, an employment club for people living with mental illness. One of VOCEC’s businesses, Great Lakes Kitchen, uses the brewery’s spent grain in their pretzels, also available for purchase at Skeleton Park. (Becky has also used the spent grain in her breadmaking at home.) And whatever is not used in those endeavours is donated to farmer friends in Harrowsmith for their cows.
In addition to cutting down on waste from the brewing process, it’s a nice way to make connections between the brewery and the local community.
And speaking of keeping things local, this summer, Skeleton Park Brewery launched the first beer in its 100 mile series, which uses ingredients found within 100 miles of the brewery.
While they usually use barley from out west, for the local series, they sourced Ontario barley, malted by Barn Owl Malt in Belleville. Trevor describes Ontario barley as having a distinctive aroma and taste, almost like pie dough, adding a unique flavour for the local brew. The hops come from the Wolfe Island Hopyard. “They supplied four different kinds of hops, and from those different types, we were able to select ones that worked really well for specific recipes.”
And putting it all together, Kingston water. “Kingston water is awesome for beermaking,” says Trevor. “With all its mineral content, we really don’t have to do anything to it, besides filter it. The mineral content is perfect for the styles of beer we make.”
A number of Skeleton Park beers are available at the LCBO, with a greater selection at local restaurants. “A lot of restaurants like to support local,” says Becky, “and they like knowing the story behind the product.” Limited-edition brews like the 100-mile series, as well as special cask ales, are available only in the Skeleton Park Brewery taproom, while supplies last. It’s worth a trip to their Arlington Park Place taproom to see what’s new on tap. And if you go on Fridays, they feature live music from 5 to 7 pm, with different local musicians every week.
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