The Thousand Islands Playhouse’s 2018 summer season is heating up! From a touching tribute to a music legend to a hilarious case of mistaken identity, and a pair of very green tenants, you’ll want to schedule in some time to visit Canada’s Dockside Theatre during your stay in Kingston this summer.
Photo via Thousand Islands Playhouse
Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story
June 22 – July 21 Check showtimes and buy tickets As one of the founding fathers of rock & roll in the mid-1950s, Buddy Holly’s tragic and untimely death is still felt today. Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story celebrates his life and meteoric rise to fame in a powerful musical tribute including over 20 of his greatest hits.
When a retired couple leaves the countryside for highrise living in the city, they leave their old home in the hands of a “nice young man.” But it’s harder than they thought to leave the country behind, and often return to visit the old homestead. When they learn their new tenants are youthful farmers of a particular kind of crop, they are thrown into an unexpected adventure.
Photo via Thousand Islands Playhouse
The Canadian
July 27 – August 18 Check showtimes and buy tickets A small-town waterfront resort falls on hard times and is forced to face the reality of its inevitable bankruptcy and the threat of condo developers lurking offshore. Just when all hope is lost, an eccentric Hollywood writer swoops in with the cash that just might save the day. But can the resort meet the writer’s list of demands?
Photo via Thousand Islands Playhouse
Midsummer (a Play With Songs)
August 10 – September 2 Check showtimes and buy tickets This dysfunctional rom-com tosses sketchy low-life Bob and adulterous (and high-powered divorce lawyer) Helena together in an ill-advised tryst that neither of them could have predicted. Midsummer does it what it says on the tin: you’re in for a play with songs that warns for “strong language and sexy content.”
Photo via Thousand Islands Playhouse
Prairie Nurse
August 24 – September 15
Check showtimes and buy tickets Set in small-town Saskatchewan in the 1960s, two Filipina nurses find themselves the latest employees of a local hospital. Cultures clash as the two women struggle to distinguish their night and day personalities to the townsfolk, including the man who falls in love with one of them only to accidentally court them both.
Located a quick 30-minute drive east of Kingston, a trip to the Thousand Islands Playhouse should be on the top of your list of things to do this summer! For more information on this cool, historical playhouse or for their full season lineup, check out their website.
Festival season kicks off this May in Kingston just as it should: with plenty of live music, beer, summer reading material, fresh air and fireworks.
Photo via The Juvenis Festival
The Juvenis Festival
April 28 – May 6, 2018 Citywide Back for its third year, this youth-led arts festival is all about showcasing the artistic talents of the under-30 crowd from across the city. Think musicals, plays, a battle of the bands, art galleries, short films, a poetry show, a dance performance, arts workshops for young people and more. Prices vary. Some events are free or by donation. juvenisfestival.ca
Photo via public domain
Jane’s Walk Kingston
May 4 – May 6, 2018 Citywide These annual worldwide walks aim to get people thinking about the ideas of the late Jane Jacobs, a writer, urbanist and activist who championed the voices of everyday people in neighbourhood planning and city-building. In Kingston, that will mean cycle tours, guided podcast tours and traditional guided walks of RMC, Barriefield, the old Morton Brewery site, Portsmouth Harbour, part of the K&P trail, and historic parks and neighbourhoods throughout the city. Free janeswalkkingston.wordpress.com
Photo via SBImages
Homegrown Live Music Festival
May 5, 2018 Downtown The premise for this yearly all-day music fest is simple: 15 venues featuring local artists from a specific genre. The Public House is all about folk music, for example, while you can expect alternative at The Toucan and jazz at King Street Sizzle. Ten years in, this will be the biggest one yet. All proceeds go to The Joe Chithalen Memorial Musical Instrument Lending Library. All-access bracelet: $10 homegrownlive.ca
Photo via Flickr — photographer Jennifer Yin
Red House Downtown Cask Fest
May 6, 2018, 2pm – 5:30pm Red House Downtown Cask-conditioned beer is unfiltered and unpasteurized beer that’s served from a cask without any added nitrogen or carbon dioxide. On this beery Sunday afternoon, you’ll get to try a few of these smooth brews as well as some bottle- and barrel-aged craft beers from Mackinnon Bros, Stone City, Nickel Brook, Bobcaygeon, Signal and more. $25 (includes eight-ounce sample glass, five drink tickets and bar snacks) redhousedowntown.ca
Photo via Free Stock Photo
Success By 6 Week
May 7 – May 13, 2018 Citywide It’s no secret that a child’s early years are critical to their success in life, and this annual United Way event looks to highlight that with a fun-filled week of kid-friendly activities. All events are free and will include everything from movies to swims to celebrity story time to moms-and-tots yoga. Free unitedwaykfla.ca
Photo via Queen’s University Flickr
Science Rendezvous Kingston
May 12, 2018, 10 am – 3 pm Rogers K-Rock Centre One day every year Rogers K-Rock Centre gets transformed into a giant pop-up science centre where families can meet and talk to scientists, engage in experiments, and learn about the possibilities of science, technology, engineering and math. Over 50 groups will be there this year from Queen’s, RMC, St. Lawrence College and beyond. The first 2,000 families will receive a take-home booklet filled with experiments that can be done at home. Free educ.queensu.ca
Photo via visitkingston
Victoria Day Celebration
May 20, 2018, 1 pm – 9:30 pm Lake Ontario Park Kick off the unofficial start of summer outside at Lake Ontario Park with a day packed full of inflatable activities, an obstacle course, food trucks, a splash pad, a K-9 demonstration, bubbles shows and more. The evening live music lineup starts at 6 pm and includes Eagles tribute band Hotel California. At 9:30 pm, get set for the fireworks finale. Free cityofkingston.ca
Photo via visitkingston
Spring Art After Dark
May 25, 7 pm – 10 pm Downtown Kingston’s gallery scene is perhaps the most underappreciated within the arts sphere here, but this bi-annual nighttime event looks to change that. Around 20 galleries will open their doors in the evening, some with special events and light refreshments. All of them will offer a chance to enter to win the $500 art shopping spree from Downtown Kingston. Free downtownkingston.ca
Photo via Stock Photo
The Speakeasy: Limestone Beard and Moustache Competition
May 26, 4 pm – 12 am Zorbas Banquet Facility See how your funkiest facial hair stacks up against some of the best beards and ‘staches from across North America at this fundraising event for the Alzheimer’s Society of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington. The fresh-faced and clean-cut are welcome too, as there will be craft beer, food, vendors, live music and more. An event patch is needed to enter the competition. Tickets must be bought in advance. $10 – $105 facebook.com
Photo via Limestone Genre Expo
Limestone Genre Expo
May 26 – 27, 2018, 10 am – 5 pm Holiday Inn Waterfront If you’re any fan of Canadian fantasy, horror, mystery, romance or science fiction, this is the place to stock up on summer reading material. The two-day literary fest also features panel discussions, workshops, readings, pitch sessions and lots of chances to interact with authors, editors and publishers. One of those authors will be internationally bestselling crime author Michael Slade. $15 – $55 limestonegenreexpo.ca
Photo via Kingston Lapidary and Mineral Club
Gem and Mineral Show
May 26, 2018, 10 am – 6 pm; May 27, 2018, 10 am – 5 pm Cataraqui Arena The Kingston Lapidary and Mineral Club’s annual gem and mineral exhibition will showcase over 45 dealers from Ontario and Quebec displaying and selling jewellery, crystals, fossils, minerals and gemstones. There will be a food truck onsite and a children’s mine too, as well as a jewellery workshop, free hourly draws and two grand prizes of an all-inclusive silversmith course. $5. Free for kids 12 and under mineralclub.ca
It’s June, and you know what that means? It’s officially Summer whether it’s warm out or not! To celebrate the long slog through winter, we’ve got an unbeatable list of things to keep you busy including the return of The Lumberjack, YGK Craft Beer Fest, Movies in the Square, and so much more! 1. Celtic Kitchen Party at Riverhead Brewing Co. — June 1 2. The Lumberjack is back at MacLachlan Woodworking Museum — June 2
3. Derek Seguin 43.0 stand-up at The Isabel — June 2 4. The Beat Beethoven Run 2018 — June 3 5. Monster Spectacular at the K-Rock Centre — June 8 6. Cannonball Crush at Fort Henry — June 9 7. YGK Craft Beer Fest at Fort Henry — June 9 8. Rocking Karaoke at Portsmouth Tavern — Every Friday 9. Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic live at The Grand — June 11 10. Downtown Kingston presents Music in the Park — June 14–September 1 11. Doors Open Kingston — June 16 12: #DKSHOPFEST 2018! — June 16 13. FoldA Festival of Live Digital Art — June 19–22
14. Pride Day in Kingston — June 16 15. Chill on the Hill Music Fest at Fort Henry — June 22 16. Big Band Friday — June 22 17. Kingston Corvette Invasion — June 22 18. Skeleton Park Arts Festival — June 20–24 19. YGK Team Charity “Bring on Summer” — June 16
20. Silent Movie at Modern Fuel — until June 23 21. Movies in the Square return! — June 28 22. Rockin’ the Square — June 29 23. Kingston Ghost and Mystery Trolly Tours — Wednesday–Sunday 24. ArtFest 2018 at City Park — June 30–July 2 25. Downtown Kingston presents Chef Cooking Demos — June 30–August 25
Some of our favourite Kingston events and attractions are back this May including the Juvenis Festival, Kingston Pen tours, Fort Henry’s opening day, and an eclectic concert lineup! 1. Juvenis Festival — April 28–May 6 2. MacLachlan Woodworking Museum opens for the season — May 1 3. Drop in for free Games night at Minotaur Games & Gifts — Thursday and Sunday nights 4. Kingston Penitentiary tours start — May 9 5. Jimmy Carr live stand-up at The Grand — May 4 6. HomeGrown Live music festival — May 5 7. Drop-In And Spin at Amaranth Stoneware — May 5 8. The Beauty of Bach with Angela Hewitt at The Isabel – May 5 9. Theory of a Deadman Live at The Ale House — May 6 10. Sinatra, The Man, His fans, His Music at The Grand — May 10–12 11. The Kingston Symphony Warehouse Vinyl Records sale —May 10–13 12. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest at The Domino Theatre —April 26–May 12 13. Science Rendezvous Kingston at the K-Rock Centre — May 12 14. Radiohead tribute Idioteque live at The Mansion — May 12 15. Dollhouse and Miniatures Show and Sale — May 12 16. Happy Mother’s Day! Treat her to brunch at Megalos! — May 13 17. Hop On, Hop Off Kingston Trolley Tours start — May 19 18. Fort Henry’s Opening Day! — May 19 19. National Fiddling Day! Stop by Springer Market Square for live music! — May 19 20. Victoria Day celebrations and fireworks! — May 20 21. 2018 Limestone Genre Expo literary event — May 26 22. Dirty Dancing at the K-ROCK Centre — May 27 23. Kingston Food Tours — Sundays, Wednesdays, Saturdays 24. Try a Vinotherapy Spa treatment at Rosemount Inn & Spa — by appointment 25. Open Mic Night at Musiikki Cafe — Tuesday nights Do you have an event you’d like featured on our monthly list? Add it to our events calendar (look for the button on the right, under the search filter) for consideration!
“Watch your step! The house is hilly,” warns new co-owner, Jeff Day, of the Holiday Country Manor as he tours us around the 178 year-old space.
The Holiday Country Manor, originally owned by the founder of Battersea, Henry Van Luven, has shifted through owners throughout the years but has remained a consistent place for fishers to rest their heads. New owners Jeff Day and Core Lee are hoping to elevate the space and attract not only the locals in Battersea but Kingstonians and those looking to escape the big city. “We thought we’d put a new spin on an old property,” says Day. A year and a half ago while visiting Jeff’s family, the two started eyeing The Holiday Country Manor and before they knew it they were the owners of a 22 bedroom bed and breakfast. “It took us two minutes to make the decision,” Day says. “We could see the potential.” Day, a native of the area, has a background in hospitality. Lee has culinary experience as well as a construction background. Who better to take on such a large task? Both have lived in Toronto for years and were ready for a new country adventure. Safe to say, they’ve got one. They’ve added fresh ideas and experiences for guests and locals. Last summer, they transformed an outdoor storage space into an ice cream parlour. Their Sunday brunch, open to the public, is always a hit. “It used to be private. Guests only. None of the locals had been in the house,” says Day. “People came in for breakfasts simply because they had never been in here before.” They’ve also launched a regular “Wine and Dine with your Spirits” night during that allows guests to connect with lost ones through a Medium after enjoying a three-course meal. Their Murder Mystery dinners and dinners for the public feature Lee’s specialty of the day. Last summer they launched live music on the porch every Thursday night and will continue that this summer. Being so close to the unique hiking trails of northern Kingston, they are also hoping to offer self-guided walking tours this summer with details of the area. To add to their summer agenda, they plan to give guests pre-packed picnics to take on the canoes across to the island or to the beach. Did I mention it is a waterfront property? We wake up to the sweet and savoury smells of eggs benedict and French toast wafting through the house and find Day and Lee in the dining room preparing for service. They clearly have a passion for their new business and with that much love, The Holiday Country Manor is bound to become something special. Visit their website and book your stay today!
We all know the joys of poutine; the anticipation as you see that gourmet gravy poured on a heap of crispy tots, the cheese curds tumbling down the mountain of goodness that’s about to go in your belly. And that first bite? Wait, what’s that? The fries are cold, and your hot mess of a meal has just turned into a soggy, chilly pile. Been there? Us too. That’s why we made this list of unreal poutine places that won’t only serve your poutine piping hot, but they’ll also create a dish bursting with flavour. Never again will you have to face a disappointing basket of fries. From the classic gravy and fries to elaborate takes on your favourite dish that’ll excite your taste buds — you better be hungry.
Duck Confit Poutine This gourmet French favourite isn’t the first place one would think of going for a messy meal of fries and gravy but get ready to be pleasantly surprised. Ever heard of boujee poutine? Now you have. Black Dog Tavern serves up frites with triple cream brie, shredded duck confit, green peppercorn, and cognac jus.
Some Pig Poutine When you’re done with your juicy burger (meat-free or meat-full), why not follow up with a little poutine? And because it’s Harpers, they are making their poutine as innovative and unique as their burgers; get ready for their Some Pig Poutine. Fries, ‘Black River’ cheese curds, gravy, and pulled pork will keep your taste buds intrigued all night long.
Donair Poutine House of Donair is a poutine favourite for its filling, satisfying grub. They offer shawarma-style poutine giving you the best mix of Canadian and Middle Eastern cuisine. However, we recommend the Donair poutine, it comes with hand-cut fries, shaved donair meat, cheese curd, and gravy. But don’t stop there, ask for a drizzle of donair sauce to get that full east coast donair experience.
Copper Penny Poutine It’s no wonder that Copper Penny is celebrating over 40 years of business; with gourmet comfort food and a prime location right in the middle of downtown, it’s a local favourite for the books. Their Copper Penny Poutine is simplicity at its best: warm fries, homemade gravy, and blended cheeses. Want to amp up the poutine experience? Try the Chicken Fajita Poutine with Cajun chicken, blended cheese, sauteed onions, peppers, salsa, sour cream and — oh right, fries and gravy.
Seafood Poutine Poutine and seafood? Yes please! This Thai-inspired poutine is sure to satisfy any poutine extremist. It’s served with fries, coconut green curry, shrimp, calamari, mussels, haddock, queso fresco, and scallions. It’s the east coast kitchen sink of poutines and we are living for it!
Mac & Cheese Poutine Yup, you guessed it! Melt & Grill is making a traditional poutine with gravy and cheese curd even more Canadian by adding Kraft Dinner on it! If that wasn’t enough to catch you attention, how about trading in those french fries for waffle fries? Not your style? No worries, they have 7 other tasty poutines to choose from.
Dirty Bird Poutine New to the block is Whiskey and Rose! They are taking Kingston by storm with their gluten allergy-friendly restaurant by using local and seasonal ingredients. It only makes sense that Chef Amanda Finkle would provide us with such a treat. The Dirty Bird Poutine comes with Yukon gold potatoes, rosemary salt, cheese curds, mushroom gravy, fried chicken thigh, poblano mayonnaise, and scallions. I’m not drooling, you’re drooling!
Braised Wagyu Poutine How could we not put Otter Creek on the list of best poutines! If you have had the pleasure of hitting up their food truck in the summer or stopping by their new west-end location, then you know they mean business with their poutine. Not only do you get fresh cut fries and Wilton cheese curds, but you get slow braised wagyu beef with a real house made beef gravy created with the braising juice. How could you not want to order it
The Original Poutine No Kingston poutine list would be complete without Bubba’s famous poutine on it. There are Greek and Italian options, but if this is your first—or last—attempt, go for the classic Quebec Style Poutine. The curds are thick and salty, the gravy is dark and rich, and the fries are sturdy enough to withstand and soak up all that cheesy and messy deliciousness.
Kimchi Fires Okay, so not quite poutine but we will allow it! The Kimchi fries are a work of french fry art in Kingston. It is a must for those fry connoisseurs! Fries smothered in kimchi with kewpie mayo, scallions, and sesame seeds. For the love of foodie heaven please don’t shy away from adding the pork belly and fried egg! We promise you won’t even miss the gravy when it comes to this one.
Spring is here, and to welcome it we have a full list of great activities and Kingston events happening in April. From the return of some electrifying festivals, inspiring art, and a winning lineup of concerts, clear your calendar — it’s going to be a busy one.
1. Kingston 1000 Island Cruises — Starts this month! 2. Spring/Summer Season Launch at The Agnes — April 27 3. The Year of the Suddenly at The Grand — April 5–7 4. Just for Laughs Roadshow 2018 at The Grand — April 7 5. Kingston Craft Beer Festival at The Brooklyn — April 7 6. Catch an indie film at The Screening Room — all month 7. The Genius of John Coltrane at The Isabel — April 7 8. Jeff Tweedy Live at The Grand — April 8 9. The Harlem Globetrotters at the K-Rock Centre — April 11 10. Baroque and Beyond at The Isabel — April 12 11. Spring Fever at the BLU! — April 13 12. Classic Albums Live: The Eagles at The Grand — April 14 13. Johnny Reid and Jessica Mitchell live at the K-Rock Centre — April 14 14. Writers and Friends Grand Finale at City Hall — April 15 15. Chun Hua Catharine Dong exhibit at Modern Fuel — Until April 28
16. Electric Circuits Festival — April 20 – 21 17. Roseanne Barr live at The Grand — April 21 18. Spring Fashion Show at Kingston Symphony — April 21 19. Constantinople and Suzie LeBlanc at The Isabel — April 24 20. Climb to the top of The Boiler Room — all month 21. Live Pub Quiz at The Mansion — Every Sunday 22. Big Dig Deals in Downtown Kingston — all month 23. First Capital Highland Gathering Concert at The Isabel — April 28 24. Limestone Race Weekend — April 28 – 29 25. Juvenis Festival — April 28 – May 6 Do you have an event you’d like featured on our monthly list? Add it to our events calendar (look for the button on the right, under the search filter) for consideration!
Concerts, museums and gourmet meals are all fine and good, but if you’re looking to do something a little more active and immersive in Kingston, keep reading. From escape rooms to an astronomical observatory, here are 11 places to kickstart your mind and body.
Since 2015, the folks at Improbable Escapes have been “locking” visitors into themed rooms and challenging them to escape before a buzzer goes off after 60 minutes. The only way out is to work with one’s team to find clues and solve puzzles. There are a variety of escape rooms here and in pop-up locations around the city, that rotate throughout the year. A few are family-friendly, others not, but all are done privately with just the group you bring (typically 2 – 6 people). $7 – $22.50 + tax/person
This decadently designed escape room experience challenges you and your team to find clues that will lead to the missing Sherlock Holmes. Be quick, though. You only have 60 minutes. The three locked rooms here are connected to a larger storyline, and though they can be done independently, it’s more fun if you do them in sequence starting with A Culinary Pursuit. Private appointments only. $22.50 + tax/person.
Though Minotaur is best known as a unique spot to buy games, crafts, cards and art, those in the know can’t quit its free weekly drop-in events. On Games Night, pick from the store’s massive selection and then sit down to challenge your friends, old or new (Thursday and Sunday, 5 pm – 9 pm). On Craft Night, bring your own project and get some inspiration. Although all projects are welcome, each night has a theme with an expert in that area in attendance (Wednesday and Friday, 6 pm – 9 pm). Minotaur also has free games tournaments and free craft workshops. Free
Created by the same folks who run Improbable Escapes, Wonderland Kingston features over 450 board games for you to choose from – perfect for spending a day with friends and family. With colour-changing drinks, unique escape rooms, and out-of-this-world decor, you’ll be falling down the rabbit hole with this Alice in Wonderland themed cafe. $5/person cover fee for board games, $25 for escape rooms
Did you know that Queen’s University has its own astronomical observatory? Did you know you can peer through its 14-inch telescope to some of the farthest reaches of space during monthly open houses? They happen on the second Saturday of every month and include a half-hour presentation on a specific topic related to space, followed by an hour-long tour of the observatory dome and telescope. Free
370 King Street West If you’re looking to scratch that creative itch, consider signing up for a workshop at the gorgeous Tett Centre, home to several arts groups and individual artists and makers. Those artists lead a variety of ever-changing workshops that have ranged from still-life drawing to weaving to improv classes to make-your-own charcuterie board to lantern making. Some are free, many are for beginners, and most include all necessary supplies. Prices vary
The quickest way to understanding the heart of Kingston is through its food. And what better way to experience the best cuisine the city has to offer than a comprehensive, authentic tour by passionate local guides who know good food. Walk through the city experiencing exclusive tastings at various downtown restaurants and learn a few fun facts about Kingston’s illustrious, and delicious past. From Classic Food Tours to a Beer and Bites tour of local microbreweries, it’s a tasty time for all.
Various times. Adults $69.00 — Children (6-12) $59.00
4 Cataraqui Street, Suite 103 What was once the boiler room for a 19th-century woollen mill is now a state-of-the-art climbing gym with Canada’s highest indoor ascent. If the 100-foot chimney climb sounds like too much, though, find your wall in one of two rooms, where there are 40 ropes and over 80 climbs to choose from whatever your skill level. There is also a bouldering structure. Beginner and advanced lessons and programs are available, as are change rooms, showers, lockers, equipment, and snacks and drinks. Open seven days a week. $15 – $17.50 plus shoe and harness rental ($5 each)
Polish up on those dance moves at this not-for-profit’s drop-in classes during the evenings. You can choose from ballet, Afro-Cuban, Latin jazz, contemporary, swing, ballroom and other styles. Some classes include performance options, others do not. Couples and solo dancers are welcome. Prices vary.
Bored with the same old yoga class? Then consider dropping into Modo Yoga’s Friday evening classes. These donation-based classes raise funds for local and international charities while offering great yoga at a reduced rate. Donations
Escaping the Canadian winter is often the March Break dream, but Kingston has loads of fun to offer! No need to hop on a plane — just get in your car, catch the train or bus and celebrate March Break, Kingston style. Besides all of the delicious kid-friendly restaurants, there are tons of activities and kid-friendly places to stay that are offering deals to accommodate March Break travellers.
What’s the deal? Located on the beautiful waterfront, Delta is offering a special winter rate that expires March 21 and includes a pizza dinner. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at AquaTerra and spend the day exploring Kingston. What’s close by? Everything. The Delta is right downtown so you can leave the car and go on an adventure on foot. Also, if you’re looking for something to keep the kids occupied, The Agnes is offering art camps during March Break. Sign them up for a day, or the full week.
What’s the deal? Enjoy a staycation or a quick getaway with the kids in Kingston. If you stay with Holiday Inn between March 8 – 17, receive a 20% discount off their best flex rate, take advantage of the indoor pool, and, best of all? Every child checking in gets a welcome gift! What’s close by? Like its neighbour the Delta, you’re right in the heart of the downtown action at Holiday Inn Waterfront. Pick a spot from ourkid-friendly restaurants and endulge — most are within walking distance. Or test your family’s skills at a Sherlock’s Escapes room.
What’s the deal? Superheroes, Monsters or Romance – which will you choose? This Movie Night Package is perfect for an evening out with friends or family and includes $25 Movie Gift Card to Landmark Cinemas plus overnight accommodation. Sometimes a good flick and a change of scenery is just what you need during a break. What’s close by? Also, right off of the 401, you and the fam can stay at the Ramada but don’t worry, everything in Kingston is within a 20-minute drive. Bring the kids to one of the many museums for family learning!
What’s the deal? Confederation Place Hotel and The VR Hut are teaming up and bringing you the ultimate family fun getaway. This package includes overnight accommodations for 2 adults and 2 children, 2 Pod rentals at The VR Hut, continental breakfast and wifi access. Rates start at $150/night. What’s close by? Another downtown Kingston waterfront experience can be had at Confederation Place. It’s a great location to find good food, great shopping options, and for the kids, why not let them burn off some steam at the Boiler Room Climbing Gym.
What’s the deal? Stay at the charming Green Acres Inn for two nights starting at $278. Enjoy exploring family-friendly winter activities in Kingston, room service continental breakfast (one morning), self-guided winter itinerary, bird seed for feeding chickadees at Lemoine Point, room service gourmet hot chocolate (one afternoon). What’s close by? The Green Acres Inn is a charming space to bring the family and it’s close to activities happening in the west end of Kingston. Or take a bit of a roadie and experience Maple Madness at the Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area for wagon rides, pancakes, maple taffy and tree tapping demonstrations.
From launching yourself down a 100-foot waterslide to getting crafty at an arts camp, there are tons of things to do for the young and the young at heart. Here are 8 of them.
Kingston’s largest indoor waterpark is always a March Break hotspot in the city. Kids will love the 100-foot waterslide and interactive splash pad. Adults will appreciate the relaxing vibes of the hot tub, steam room and dry sauna. Open daily 8 am – 11 pm. Waterslide open daily 9 am – 10 pm. Adult Swim (18+) 10 pm – 11 pm.
Note: Pool and slide is only available to overnight hotel guests during March Break Learn more
1641 Perth Road, Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area
It’s maple syrup season, and at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area, just 15 minutes from downtown, you’ll be able to go mad for the stuff all March Break. Daily events include wagon rides to the sugar bush, tree tapping, maple taffy demos, pancakes and more. Maple Madness runs March 9 – 17, 23, 24, 30, and 31. Sugar bush open 9 am – 4 pm (the last wagon ride to the bus leaves at 3 pm) $15/per vehicle (carpooling encouraged!)
Public Skating
Besides Springer Market Square, you’ll have three arenas to lace up during March Break: INVISTA Centre (various times all Break); Centre 70 on Tuesday and Thursday (4 pm – 4:50 pm) and Friday (7 pm – 8:45 pm); and the Memorial Centre on Sunday March 10 and 17 (12 pm – 1:45 pm) and Wednesday (5 pm – 5:50 pm). Drop-in rates apply.
The Kingston Association of Museums is organizing a fun, family-friendly and FREE scavenger hunt event this March Break. From Tuesday, March 12 to Sunday, March 17, clues will be posted on social media and participants can search for items at local art galleries, historical sites, and museums in Kingston.
Opened in 1943, this small but impressive museum is Canada’s oldest sports hall of fame. You’ll find here hockey’s oldest puck, jersey and Olympic gold medal, as well as Wayne Gretzky’s rookie jersey and the original Calder Cup trophy. Open Thursday – Sunday, 12 pm – 6 pm. Free.
Agnes Etherington Art Centre, 36 University Avenue
Queen’s University’s public art museum is back with its special March Break art camp. Children ages 6–12 will learn all about form, colour, and techniques of modern art. Lead by artist Ella Gonzales. Register now for individual days or a full week. $55/day. $260/week.
The Ontario Hockey League’s Kingston Frontenacs are in town twice over March Break. Don your yellow and black and see them light it up at home at the Leon’s Centre. First, the Oshawa 67s come to town on March 8, then it’s the Oshawa Generals on the 15th. March 8, 7 pm March 15, 7 pm $13.79 – $27.34
This Saturday morning drop-in art program at the Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning is for kids aged 4 – 10 and their parents. Donate $2 – $5, and you’ll get a variety of hands-on, creative arts activities that vary week to week. Sessions are led by a different local artist each month. $2 – $5. March 9, 10 am – 12 pm March 16, 10 am – 12 pm
As the Kingston Canadian Film Festival prepares to dim the lights and roll out its 18th annual screenings of Canadian feature-length and short films from March 1 – 4, we’ve collected 10 highlights from this year’s festival to get you hyped for movies in Kingston! Don’t worry, no spoilers here.
Ava by Montreal director Sadaf Faroughi
1. Female Filmmakers lead the charge
It’s baffling to many how Hollywood and some major festivals — and the industry itself — have done a less than stellar job showcasing female filmmakers. If we look at the top grossing movies over the past decade, only 4% were directed by women! KCFF is giving women filmmakers their due, over half of the films on the 2018 lineup were directed women (45% of features and 61% of shorts)! Montreal-based Sadaf Faroughi makes her directorial debut with Ava, and Molly McGlynn brings Mary Goes Round. We’re excited to see what these talented women are going to share with us!
Adventures in Public School with Judy Greer and Russel Peters
2. It’s a funny old year
Canada is well known for its roster of comedy actors and their contributions to some of the best-loved blockbuster comedies over the years (that one you’re thinking of right now? That one, too). KCFF brings the laughs this year with comedies from some Canadian powerhouses. Make sure you round off your festival binge with Adventures in Public School (feat. Judy Greer, Russell Peters), Don’t Talk To Irene(feat. Scott Thompson of Kids in the Hall) and Room For Rent (feat. Mark Little from Mr D, Brett Gelman from Stranger Things), just to name a few.
3. Shiny new venues
The Film Fest will be screening in style this year. With a newly renovated Screening Room, it’s always exciting to showcase independent films in local, independent theatres. It’s the quintessential film festival experience! Showings will also take place at The Isabel Bader screening room and the Baby Grand. Check out KingCanFilmFest.com for showtimes and ticket information.
4. More screenings mean longer marathons
It’ll be a delicate balancing act, but if you plan right, you can maximize your festival experience! With more films joining the 2018 lineup than previous fests, KCFF is hosting more screenings across venues. Most time slots will be playing 5 different films, so you’ll have to choose wisely. But with 4 days of film festival at your disposal, we’re confident you’ll experience the movie marathon of a lifetime.
Birth of a Family by Saskatoon director Tasha Hubbard
5. Indigenous representation
The Kingston Canadian Film Festival is a place for indigenous filmmakers to share their stories. Nearly 20% of the feature films on the bill this year are by indigenous filmmakers — compared to other festivals, international or otherwise, KCFF has an impressive lineup! Don’t miss Birth of a Family by First Nations/Métis director Tasha Hubbard, and The Road Forward by writer-director Marie Clements.
Meditation Park director Mina Shum joins the KCFF guest list
6. KCFF feat. a star-studded guest list
Besides an all-star lineup of great Canadian films, the KCFF also welcomes an elaborate guest list to the stage. Most films on the bill are accompanied by their filmmakers or cast. The special guests engage the audience in a Q&A and make themselves available to the audience throughout the fest for chats and insights. We won’t unveil the entire guest list yet, but we’ll namedrop a few stars you can expect to see milling about the fest including Alanis Obomsawin, Mark Little, Amanda Strong, Simon Lavoie, Mina Shum, and many many others.
Canada’s #1 podcast comes to KCFF
7. The year of the podcast
We all found ourselves getting into Podcasts last year. We collectively opened the Holy Grail and found it was filled with hours and hours of content spanning the genres of comedy, politics, crime, advice, and more. Joining the fest this year is Canada’s number 1 podcast Someone Knows Something (joined by creator David Ridgen for a behind-the-scenes discussion about the series) and Grownups Read Things They Wrote As Kids. KCFF has raised the bar as a multimedia experience!
Live music from Lowest of the Low
8. Very special Special Events
But wait, there’s more! The Kingston Canadian Film Festival is bringing more than a killer lineup movies and shorts. In addition to podcasts, attendees can expect live music from Lowest of the Low, workshops for kids and adults alike with Kids Animation Workshops, the Breaking In career event, and more receptions and parties than you can shake a bag of popcorn at. Take a break from the movies and join your fellow audience members for an intimate evening with the legendary Deaner (aka Paul Spence) from the cult-classic Fubar.
Festival Director Marc Garniss’ favourite flick The Little Girl Who Was Too Fond of Matches
9. Festival favourites
We caught up with Festival Director Marc Garniss to see if he could play favourites with this year’s lineup. “It’s so hard to pick personal favourites because I love our entire lineup,” he says. “But, two films that made my annual ‘year-end’ list are Unarmed Verses and The Little Girl Who Was Too Fond of Matches. We’re excited to have guests in attendance on behalf of both!” Be sure to check them out before the fest is over!
10. Local filmmakers shine at KCFF
Filmmaking is alive and well in Kingston and thanks to the new Kingston Film Office; the city has seen more and more opportunities for local and young filmmakers. The KCFF welcomed tons of submissions by local filmmakers including some 17 years old and under! The festival has a dedicated program for locals (the Local Shorts Program) and youth (the Youths Shorts Program) which are always a blast to attend. The program offers awards and a chance to experience homegrown creativity on the big screen.
Can’t get enough of Kingston’s film scene? Tourism Kingston just announced the formation of a brand new Kingston Film Office aimed at attracting and supporting large-scale film and television production within the area. This exciting new office is lead by the Kingston Canadian Film Festival’s original founder, Alex Jansen. Watch for updates coming soon…
Food is about sharing, and the amazing cuisine in Kingston makes sharing that much more delicious. Besides sharing, food brings people together, and at the end of the day, it’s all about the memories. But of course, like everything today, we decided to take that sharing to the next level. It seems now we can’t even take a bite out of our food before taking a picture of it. We wait hours in line for crazy food trends just so we can post a picture and say we were there. No longer do you have to be a famed food blogger or professional photographer to take a dope photo of your food. But what food to pick? Where to go?
Kingston’s unbelievable food scene is here to save the day and your Instagram feed. In the 613 you’ll have no trouble finding some fresh, delicious food for that perfect picture. And don’t worry, it obviously tastes just as good as it looks. But don’t take our word, go out and try it for yourself.
After leaving this legendary spot on Princess, grilled cheese will never be the same. Gone are the days when you can just toss a sad piece of cheddar on two slices of bread and call it a “meal”. At MLT DWN (or Melt Down, if you’re fancy) they’re serving drool-worthy creations that will have everyone on your feed double tapping. Some highlights include the Lasagna Grilled Cheese (with homemade lasagna stuffed inside), Beef Brisket Grilled Cheese (with caramelized onion, provolone, swiss, and garlic truffle mayo on rye), and of course, the Grilled Cheese stuffed with Mac and Cheese.
Pan Chancho is the cafe/bakery of your aesthetically pleasing dreams. This Kingston hot spot is bringing European charm to YGK. Even better? Their food is made in-house from scratch daily using fresh ingredients and locally sourced products — so yes, that crisp croissant will be looking extra fresh on your feed. Some of our favourites include, “Our Dutch Baby”, skillet baked pancake with apples, blue cheese and apple butter. “The Burger” with fried mushrooms and Gruyere served with patates frites and chive aioli. And finally, “Poutine Bravas” with patates frites, spicy chorizo, a poached egg, cheddar curds, and smoked paprika gravy.
Before we even stepped foot in this new Australian inspired cafe, all we heard were rave reviews about how beautiful it is. Add in the fact that the food is seasonal, fresh, and as locally sourced as possible, this cafe invites you to sit down and get away from the busyness of life in the most comfortable way possible. Baked French Toast with mascarpone cheese, Avo Smash (avocado toast with feta, mint, lemon and Thai chilis) are guaranteed to make your feed pop.
Bayview Farm in Collin’s Bay isn’t only a restaurant, but the home of Clark Day, and trust us, you’ve never had a home cooked meal like this. The food is better described as art, and there isn’t one thing on this menu that wouldn’t make anyone scrolling through Insta drool. Some of the standouts from the menu are the Garam Masala Maple Duck Breast & Udon Noodles in Thai Coconut Broth, the House Made Spaghettini with basil and garlic scape pesto and of course, the elm smoked Arctic char mousseline. Caption? #Boujee.
Kame is one of the hidden gems in Kingston that never fails to satisfy. It’s a favourite among students for its affordable prices and high quality, large portioned sushi. It also has some lesser known menu items that make it a stand out among other sushi spots in Kingston. We’re talking about their fresh poke and sushi burritos. Forget about your average sushi pic, it’s time to take it to the next level.
If you’ve run out of things to say “AW!” at, no worries. Fat Cat Cookies is here. Switch up the cute dog pics with pictures of adorable, custom decorated sugar cookies by Kat Elizabeth. This local business doesn’t have a storefront, but according to their Facebook page, orders for the 613 are opening in 2018! Email fatcatbakeshop@gmail.com for more info.
No longer do you need to hop on a plane to Europe to get a taste of your favourite crêpe. Geneva Crêpe Café Bistro has been serving their famous crepes since 2010 and Kingston has definitely taken notice not only of their flavour but their aesthetic appeal (double tap approved). Go savoury with their signature crêpe, The Bombay, with chicken, cranberries, coconut, almond, celery, and apples all tossed in mild curry sauce. Or maybe keep it simple and sweet with a Deep Dutch Brownie Sundae on a crêpe or waffle. Whatever you pick, just make sure to get a picture for you devour it.
Our favourite kind of clean eating picture? A clean, crisp picture of a beautifully loaded cheesy burger. Enter Harper’s Burger Bar. Delicious beef, turkey, salmon, chickpea, and portobello burgers are just the start of your Insta journey here. Add in a picture of some Pig Poutine with pulled pork, ‘Black River’ cheese curds, gravy, maybe a boozy float, and your feed will be fire.
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