Reelout, Kingston’s queer film festival, returns February 1 for its 25th season. This year’s ten-day festival showcases more than 85 films from across Canada and around the world.
The festival kicks off with a gala shindig on February 1 at the Broom Factory, hosted by Kingston drag king Dare De LaFemme. Film screenings run every day from February 2 to 10 at The Screening Room. There are 28 unique film programs over the ten days, with a variety of feature-length and short films, dramas and documentaries. The opening night film, PeaFowl, comes from South Korea, and is paired with a Canadian animated short, Embrace the Moon.
Although most of the films screened at Reelout are recent productions, there are a few retrospective films of note this year. Dreamers of the Day is a 1990 romance by Patrica Rivera Spencer that was filmed mostly in Kingston. Skin Deep is a 1995 psychological drama by Midi Onodera. Both of these filmmakers will be in attendance at the screenings of their films.
Individual tickets and festival passes for Reelout are now on sale.
Reelout is now the second largest film festival in Ontario and Kingston’s longest running film festival (by a year – the Kingston Canadian Film Festival celebrates its 24th anniversary in 2024.)
Now in its fourth year, Kingstonlicious is a season-long culinary festival pairing premier prix fixe menus with curated culinary events across the city. Participating restaurants, cafés, and breweries offer something for every budget and taste.
Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner. Light bites. Experience how delicious Kingston is this winter.
January 15 to February 17: a world of flavours
Dig into the international tastes of Kingstonlicious between January 15 and February 17. From cozy, feel-good dishes to mouthwatering multicultural menus, Kingston’s restaurants have crafted a world of flavours.
Score Pizza offers a delicious Kingstonlicious meal deal for $25. Choose from one of their four signature fired sandwiches, including balsamic chicken (chicken topped with bacon, goat cheese, roasted red peppers, spinach, pesto mayo, and balsamic drizzle). Pair your sandwich with a Caesar salad or a “build your own” salad and a bottled non-alcoholic drink or Score’s housemade lemonade.
A balsamic chicken sandwich with salad and a drink from Score Pizza
Chez Piggy changes its three-course Kingstonlicious menu weekly: its tour of world cuisine kicks off on January 21, with roasted mushroom toast, roasted dry-brined chicken with “peasant” salad, and a hand-rolled lemon truffle, for $60 per person. The special Kingstonlicious menus are offered Sunday through Thursday.
A roasted mushroom toast appetizer from Chez Piggy
Crazing something sweet? Mio Gelato offers a trio of Italian classics for $25: raspberry sorbeto, pistachio gelato, and stracciatella gelato (sweet cream with chocolate crackle).
Raspberry sorbeto, pistachio and stracciatella gelato from Mio Gelato
Make it a culinary getaway: visit Kingston this winter and receive a $100 Visa gift card when you book select overnight packages.
Kingstonlicious 2024 offers six new culinary events, with Kingston chefs creating magical one-off menus, often in collaboration with guest chefs.
Explore the flavours of Mexico at the Mesa Fresca x La Condesa signature event
Mesa Fresca x La Condesa
Sun Feb 4, 11 am-4 pm
Mesa Fresca, Kingston’s Mexican-fusion restaurant, partners with La Condesa, Prince Edward County’s own cucina Mexicana. Explore the flavours of Mexico brought to life with local ingredients in this collaborative four-course feast (with vegan options). Mesa Fresca’s Andrew and Alison Scahill work with guests Samantha Valdivia and Matt Gilsenan of La Condesa to create a meal to remember. Raissa Sarkisian (Kingston’s Juniper Cafe) adds a delightful dessert to conclude the meal.
The Secret Garden Inn’s “Rock the Casbah” signature event
The Secret Garden Inn
Weds Feb 7, 5:30-8 pm
The Secret Garden’s Head Chef Rachael Johnston and Chef Andrew Kernohan have built upon the inn’s signature fondue experience to create a special five-course Moroccan feast. Inspired by the herbs and spices of Moroccan cuisine, and utilizing fresh, local ingredients, they have created a sumptuous meal – plus a signature cocktail – that will tantalize your tastebuds.
Miss Bāo special Chinese Lantern Festival signature event
Miss Bāo Restaurant + Cocktail Bar x The Pine & Mockingbird
Mon Feb 26, 5 pm
Chef Bellen Tong of Miss Bāo welcomes special guests from Collingwood and Kingston to create a special Chinese Lantern Festival culinary event. Guest chef Jeremy Austin showcases his culinary training in China at his award-winning Collingwood restaurant The Pine (and soon-to-open restaurant Mockingbird). Chef Brent McAllister (Kingston’s AquaTerra) joins the collaboration to create innovative dishes that celebrate the end of the lunar New Year celebrations, and herald new beginnings as spring approaches.
At HEIST Restaurant + Wine Club’s signature event enjoy a evening of Roman cuisine
HEIST Restaurant and Wine Club x Enoteca Sociale
Thurs Feb 29
Executive Chef Lindsay Skoropada of HEIST Restaurant and Wine Club welcomes Kyle Rindinella, Executive Chef of Enoteca Sociale, a Toronto restaurant known for its Roman cuisine. Together, they will create a sumptuous meal accented with selections from Heist’s impressive wine collection. The evening concludes with a special dessert inspired by Rome created by Kingston’s own Mio Gelato.
Black Dog Tavern’s signature event pairs a delectable surf and turf menu with carefully curated Ontario ciders
Black Dog Tavern x The Royal Hotel x Ontario Cidermakers
Mon Mar 4
Chef Andrew Varley of Black Dog Tavern hosts a culinary evening that pairs local cuisine with a variety of Ontario ciders. This event features a delectable surf and turf menu co-created by Executive Chef Albert Ponzo and Pastry Chef Sarah Villamere from The Royal Hotel in Picton. Ciders from Spy Cider House & Distillery (The Blue Mountains), Woodfolk Cider (Coldwater), Cold Creek Vineyards (Hillier) and Stock and Row (Bloomfield) will be paired with the dishes created for this event.
Enjoy Wharf and Feather’s signature event highlighting new Asian flavours
Wharf & Feather x DaiLo
Weds Mar 27
Chef Pankaj Bhatt of Wharf & Feather welcomes Chef Nick Liu of Toronto restaurant DaiLo, plus Kingston’s Chez Piggy Chef Rich Nicholas, to create a dining experience highlighting new Asian flavours. Chef Liu is known for his French-inspired Chinese cuisine, putting a new spin on the comfort food of his childhood. Together, these chefs have created an inspired menu that marries old favourites with new ideas and local ingredients.
February 18 to March 31: a shareable feast
From February 18 to March 31, enjoy Kingstonlicious menus crafted to bring you together. Snackable, shareable, and downright devourable, Kingston’s restaurants, cafés, and breweries are serving up charm and connection. Gather the family, cheers with friends, or make it a late-night date night.
Otter Creek Kitchen has a cozy date night meal for two, with two five-ounce Wagyu beef burgers with Wilton cheddar, large fries, and two drinks, all for $40.
Otter Creek Kitchen serves up Wagyu beef burgers topped with Wilton cheddar.
Heist Restaurant and Wine Club offers a romantic four-course dinner for two, available Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings. ($60 per person)
Arancini and polenta fries from Heist
Choose from arancini or polenta fries to start, then share a pizza (mortadella or roasted veggie). Your entrée choices are braised short rib (served with creamy polenta, grilled radicchio, and red wine jus) or eggplant parmigiana (with tomato sugo, fresh basil, and seasonal vegetables).
Your sharable feast concludes with sticky toffee pudding, filled with cranberry and fig, and served with toffee sauce and crème anglaise.
Heist’s sticky toffee pudding for two
See all prix fixe menus, signature culinary events, and $100 Visa packages on our Kingstonlicious page.
Enjoy a premier prix fixe culinary experience featuring local chefs and special guests, mouth-watering menus, and signature events. Plus, new activities and trip packages!
Take a holiday getaway in Kingston and find local goods to fill your stockings; festive events; spas to relax at; and delicious cuisine to enjoy.
Make your getaway even easier with VIA Rail. Centrally located between Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal, Kingston is an easy stop on VIA Rail, which provides services from many nearby cities.
Shop on us while staying with participating hotels offering a $100 Visa gift card when you book your visit to Kingston until Dec. 17, 2023.
Find unique holiday gifts at a local market in Kingston. From now until Christmas you can get your fix at markets including All Things Christmas Gifts & Art Sale, Fat Goose Craft Fair, Mackinnon Brothers Holiday Market, German Christmas Market, and Holiday Evening Market.
Visit a local store in charming downtown Kingston. Grab some books for stocking stuffers at Happy Thoughts, prepare for the holiday season with decorations from Send In The Clowns, and find games for the family at Minotour. These are just a few of the wonderful stores you’ll find in downtown Kingston offering seasonal options for you. Treat yourself or mark items off your list this holiday season!
Take a moment away from the holiday rush and unwind at one of Kingston’s spas. Enjoy Glow Spa’s thermotherapy and thermotherapy yoga indoors or relax in the fresh air during the guided outdoor sauna experience at Stoked Sauna Co. Treat yourself to a facial, manicure, massage, and more at Refinery Spa and Social House.
Experience Kingston’s holiday charm. Take the trolley to see Christmas lights twinkling around Kingston on the 75-minute Christmas Light Tour. Walk Princess Street to see all the festive window displays lit up. Explore downtown Kingston to see illuminated alleyways, singing trees, and other whimsical decorations this season.
Keep your chocolate local with Kingston’s artisan-made chocolates. Visit Cocoa Bistro and select six of your favourite truffles to make your own winter collection box (Cocoa Bistro chocolates are also carried at General Brock Commissary). At Mac’s Chocolates, pick a chocolate bar from their handmade selection (flavours include London Fog, dark chocolate, and raspberry tea). As a bonus, head to Cooke’s Fine Foods and Coffee for chocolates and other treats from around the world.
Warm yourself up with a hot drink at a local café. Enjoy one of Balzac’s coffee blends (winter blend, farmer’s blend, espresso blend). Order for everyone in the family at Kingston Coffee and Company (classic hot chocolate, peppermint chai, café mocha). Whether you’re downtown or in the west end visit Juniper Café to get your fix of specialty coffee (peppermint latte, matcha latte, regular latte)
Savour a sweet treat at a local bakery. Pick up your holiday favourites at Cards Bakery and Goods (gingerbread men, shortbread, holiday cupcakes). Find holiday classics with a twist at Pan Chancho (chocolate chip gingerbread loaf, sea salt chocolate shortbread, chocolate bourbon pecan pie). Head to the west end to satisfy your holiday cravings with scones and cookies at Bread and Butter Bakery (white chocolate cranberry scones, ginger molasses cookies).
See more packages available including the $100 Visa offer:
Brunch will never be the same once you’ve tried AquaTerra’s Brunch Menu. Soon you’ll be looking for new people to drag with you on a sunny Sunday at 10 am. Girlfriends? Mom? Spin class instructor? They’re all coming with you. Try their Belgian Waffle for something sweet, the Aqua Benedict for a twist on a classic, or the mouth-watering, game-changing Breakfast Burger. You heard that right. We’re talking Enright Cattle Co. prime cut meat, Beking’s Farms eggs, bacon jam, and house-cut fries. Get in line.
There’s nothing better than a brunch spot that was born out of one of the best bakeries in town, Bread and Butter. Located in a modern, spacious restaurant attached to the bakery, Toast and Jam has quickly become a favourite for its lovely staff, amazing food, and delicious coffee. Don’t leave here without getting the tomato pesto ricotta toast (even if it’s just for Instagram). And remember, this place is the product of a delicious bakery so say hello to fantastic croissants.
This locally owned, European-style cafe is checking off all the boxes for an amazing brunch; a charming aesthetic, food made from scratch, and a key location in the heart of downtown Kingston. We love the Weekender (two eggs over easy on a croissant with bacon, chives, and 2-year-old cheddar), the French toast, and the southwestern breakfast wrap (ranchero scrambled eggs, Monterey Jack, and refried black beans in a flour tortilla with roasted corn salad, sour cream, and chili machismo). And to be honest? Every menu item is unique!
If anyone understood the brunch assignment, it’s Chez Piggy. They offer an amazing brunch every Sunday from 10 am–2 pm. Immersed in Kingston’s History, the Pig has always been a top contender for one of the best restaurants in Kingston. Their brunch game is also strong! In addition to the usual suspects, there are also inventive options like their Chilaquiles Con Corne, Piggy Pancakes, fresh smoothies, and mouth-watering home fries. Stop by to enjoy a mimosa, some oysters, and the view. This is the spot to be for brunch!
Black Dog Tavern is another top contender for brunch addicts. Serving up brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am–3 pm, it’s a must-stop. The Tavern has a lot of fun cocktails that are perfect for all your brunch needs, plus a mix of its lunch menu and seven brunch items. It’s the perfect place to go when not everyone is as keen on brunch as you are! You can’t go wrong with fresh vegetables on the grilled vegetable sandwich or steak for your first meal of the day with the steak & eggs. Black Dog Tavern also uses local organic eggs from Beking’s Poultry Farm. If you haven’t gone yet, make a reservation for this weekend!
Hours of operation: Mon–Thurs (11:30 am–9 pm), Fri (11:30 am–10 pm), Sat (10 am–10 pm), and Sun (10 am–9 pm)
With a menu that is seasonal, fresh, and as locally sourced as possible – you can’t go wrong with brunch at Northside. Nestled in downtown Kingston, you can try classics like their Avo Smash (a whole smashed avocado with feta, mint, lemon + Thai chili on grilled sourdough) or branch out and try something new like the Rubarab Porridge. As you sip on your afternoon coffee, take a pause from the busyness of everyday life and soak up the atmosphere – you’ll love this cafe inspired by the culture of Melbourne, Australia.
If you have a tough time making decisions, coming to Eggsquis isn’t going to be easy with the sheer number of delicious options they have. Luckily, it’s a struggle we are willing to get over. Known for its casual, friendly atmosphere, this breakfast spot has huge portions and a variety of options for even the pickiest eater. There are six different types of eggs benny (thank you!), famous breakfast casseroles to try, classic pancakes, and 11 kinds of French toast, and that’s just a taste of their huge menu.
Tommy’s classic ’50s style diner has all your favourites, but with a twist. Locally owned and operated in Kingston since 2011, Tommy’s serves all-day breakfast, old-fashioned milkshakes, and many more options. Try their Canadian cakes (pancakes with bacon and smarties baked into it), the captains panwich (sausage, bacon, ham, fried egg, and aged Canadian cheddar stacked between two bread-sized pancakes), or funky G’s tacos (soft shell tacos loaded with scrambled egg, sausage, tomato, green onion, blended cheese, and chipotle mayo).
Rhodes Restro + Bar is a popular breakfast spot for French toast, pancakes, omelettes, and more. They also offer smaller breakfasts for kids 12 and under. Doors open at 7 am, and breakfast is available until 3 pm.
Wharf and Feather offers delicious breakfast options. Try the country skillet or the classic eggs benedict with poached egg, peameal bacon, or smoked salmon, an English muffin, and hollandaise. Breakfast options for kids include griddle cakes and scrambled eggs. Enjoy breakfast with a lakeside view!
Enjoy brunch at Union Kitchen and Cocktails from 10 am – 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Their array of brunch options includes three eggs benedict options: classic benedict, spinach benedict, and salmon benedict. Pair your breakfast with the French Connection drink made with amaretto, cognac, marley one love coffee, steamed milk, and shaved almonds.
Hours of operation: Mon–Wed (11 am–10 pm), Thurs (11 am–11 pm), Fri (11–1 am), Sat (10-1 am), Sun (10 am–10 pm)
This family-owned restaurant is one of the best places to get an omelette and they’re serving it up all day long. Get your fix of omelettes in whatever way you like it: plain, western, veggie, Greek, and more. Peter’s Place opens at 7:30 am daily.
Stop at The Caesar Company from 9 am – 2 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Try the lox bagel made with a toasted bagel, cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, dill, and a side of hash browns, or the BLT brunch burger made with two smash burgers, bacon, lettuce, tomato, cheese, a fried egg, and a side of hash browns. Pair your meal with any Caesar item on the menu, including the mermaid Caesar, morning-after Caesar, and charcuterie Caesar. Drinks are available during brunch hours.
Hours of operation: Mon–Thurs (11 am–11 pm), Fri (11–1 am), Sat (9 am–1 am), Sun (9 am–10 pm)
With numerous art galleries—and even more creative studios—Kingston is a hub for artists. From works by Rembrandt to locally produced pottery, you will be amazed by the talent on display.
Here’s a mini guide to keep on hand to help wade through the paintings, glassware, pottery, multimedia displays, and more.
Open Mon – Fri (9:30 am – 5:30 pm), Sat (10 am – 5 pm)
Located in a former historic carriage way and house, Gallery Raymond is Kingston’s largest commercial gallery, displaying over 400 works of art by 18 local artists. They offer custom framing and bi-monthly artist shows.
Open Tues, Fri – Sat (11 am – 4:30 pm), Wed – Thu (11 am – 8 pm)
Always provocative, this student-driven contemporary art gallery is found inside Stauffer Library and features the work of Queen’s students and established artists.
The Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning is a charitable arts organization, operating in the beautiful J.K. Tett heritage building on Lake Ontario’s waterfront. It is home to the Tett Gallery; a 1000 sq. ft gallery for both experienced and aspiring artists to share their work with the community. The Tett Centre is also home to the Creativity Studios, which host up to eight resident artists at any time. Stop by and meet some local artists in their workspace.
This historic, art-themed alley in downtown Kingston showcases numerous original works and prints from a variety of Kingston artists. Sit on Delightfully Different Tea Room’s patio with a cup of tea while you take in the artwork.
Check Martello on Brock at 66 Brock St. to shop local artist’s jewelry, pottery, wall art, fabric art, glasswork, metalwork, wood art, and more.
Black Dog Pottery is a storefront studio and gallery featuring the work of local potter Marc Lemieux. Shop handcrafted porcelain and stoneware pieces that make a perfect gift or art piece for your own home.
This visual, time-based and interdisciplinary gallery promotes experimentation and supports innovation through their artistic displays. Pay a visit to learn about alternative art forms executed by local Kingston artists.
Open Tues – Fri (10 am – 6 pm), Sat (10 am – 5 pm)
Look out over Springer Market Square while taking in oil, acrylic, mixed media, sculpture, photography and graphic works. This fine art gallery showcases emerging and established contemporary Canadian artists.
Open Tues – Fri (10 am – 4:30 pm), Thu (10 am – 9 pm), Sat – Sun (1 – 5 pm) *Agnes’ galleries will be closed from November 13 – 30 for exhibition turnover.
With a collection numbering 17,000 and featuring everything from contemporary and Indigenous art to a European Baroque collection that includes four works by Rembrandt, this is the most comprehensive gallery in the city.
Enjoy two km of Zimbabwean sculpture trails through fields and forests on this urban farm. Bring a camera, easel, or a picnic to enjoy the natural surroundings. Parts of a 200-year home and attached barn are used as indoor gallery spaces to display artworks from Canadian and international artists.
The artists of Kingston Glass Studio are passionate about fine contemporary art and strive to offer a wide variety of hand-blown glass designs. Glass artists Alexi Hunter and Mariel Waddell offer a variety of functional and decorative handmade glass pieces; they also feature pottery and artwork by other Canadian artists.
Open Mon – Wed (10 am – 6 pm), Thu (10 am – 7 pm), Fri (10 am – 6 pm), Sat (10 am – 5 pm), Sun (10 am – 3 pm)
Stop by Amaranth Stoneware to browse their naturally handcrafted pottery or to take a pottery class. Their name “amaranth” is inspired by a remarkable plant that symbolizes immortality, durability, and beauty – all qualities infused into their stone pieces.
Open Tue – Fri (9 am – 3 pm), Sat – Sun (noon – 4 pm)
It almost feels like you’re outside at this bright, modern gallery that’s part of the Kingston School of Art. Local and regional, young and old, the artists here will give you a broad taste of the Katarokwi-Kingston community.
Open Mon – Fri (9 am – 4:30 pm), Sat (9 am – 3 pm)
This frame shop has been featuring works from local artists like Sally Chupick and Pat Shea from its front window on Princess for over 40 years. Stop in to view their gallery and get your favourite art piece framed.
Known as Kingston’s grassroots art hub, the Kingston Community Arts + Design is a place for emerging artists to display their pieces. The walls of the store feature locally made paintings, prints, postcards, and more.
Open Mon – Wed (10 am – 5 pm), Thu – Fri (10 am – 7 pm), Sat (10 am – 5 pm), Sun (noon – 5 pm)
At the back of Art Noise, an art supplies and audio equipment store, you will find the Tri-Art Gallery. The warm and intimate space invites you to contemplate and absorb a variety of artwork.
Thanks to our friends Andrea and Manuel, a delightful print via Vermont — art by Julianna Brazill, and a gorgeous cat-witch to take us all into the Hallowe’en season!
This small outdoor art gallery on Cherry Street shows one piece of art a month made by a local Kingston-area artist. Take a walk northwest from Skeleton Park to find this quaint art exhibition.
Upcoming post-secondary sporting events you don’t want to miss
This fall, in Kingston, student-athletes are hitting the court – and the field – for competitive matchups. The St. Lawrence College Surge and Queen’s University Gaels are taking centre stage. Read on to learn more about these upcoming sporting events in Kingston.
Amber Perreault of SLC women’s basketball team / Credit: Adam Smith
The St. Lawrence College (SLC) men’s and women’s basketball season is starting with a doubleheader. They host their home opener game against their rivals, the Loyalist Lancers. As part of the Ontario College Athletics Association, these games will be the first of many for the SLC Surge basketball teams.
Amber Perreault, one of the leaders of the SLC women’s basketball team, shares her team’s anticipation of this game, “We’ll face some challenges in this game as Loyalist is one of our biggest competitors. Last year, we faced them in our first home game. We always are neck and neck with them.”
Amber says the team is ready for the season. “We have filled the spots, position-wise. Everyone is well bonded with each other and throughout the season it gets better. I think the expectations for this year are high.”
The SLC men’s basketball team shares the same excitement for their home opener. Abdullah Sheikh, one of the leaders of the SLC men’s basketball team, says, “We’re all pretty psyched and hyped. We’re just looking to play basketball. The atmosphere is good this year.”
He says their focus is on defending and running transition. “We are a smaller team compared to other teams in the league. We are going to run fast and play the best defence we can.”
Abdullah promises the team will put on a show. He says, “We are a good team to come and watch. We dunk a lot!”
For more information about the SLC basketball team’s home openers, visit the SLC Surge website.
The excitement is palpable as Queen’s University women’s soccer gears up to host the prestigious 2023 U SPORTS Women’s Soccer Championship. This year’s best university women’s soccer teams from across Canada will converge at the newly renovated Richardson Stadium to compete, with 11 games over four days.
As the host, the Queen’s women’s soccer team will automatically be a competitor in the championship. However, with an undefeated record (as of October 5), they are emerging as strong contenders for the trophy.
Kirstin Tynan, starting goalkeeper and captain alongside Alicia Sutcliffe and Sophie Miranda, says, “We’re grateful for the opportunity and it’s one we don’t take lightly. We want to do the right things here in our regular season to prepare so we come in as a host and competitor. No matter what, we know that if we keep playing the way we want to play and focus on our game we will be successful.”
Throughout the season, the team has only allowed a single goal, a testament to their exceptional teamwork. “That’s from our hard work across the field,” says Kirstin. “We have our forward and midfield players working to be creative offensively. And then our backline is locked down and relentless in their shutting down to players to make it easy for me. Their hard work is why we haven’t conceded as a team.”
Kirstin and the team express their gratitude for the support the team receives. She says, “For the Canadian soccer landscape, this will be the stage for some of the best women’s soccer players in Canada at the university youth sport level. It’s a great opportunity to come out and watch some incredible soccer in the beautiful Richardson Stadium. We’re excited to host seven other teams and a bunch of fans. We would love to see as many people out as possible.”
The historic Vanier Cup is coming to Kingston for the first time this November. Queen’s University will be hosting the 58th and 59th championship games at Richardson Stadium.
The Vanier Cup is the ultimate prize in Canadian university football, often referred to as the “Grey Cup of university football.” Originally called the Canadian College Bowl, the Vanier Cup honours the former Governor General of Canada, Georges P. Vanier. It has been awarded annually to the champion of U SPORTS football.
The championship serves as the culmination of the Canadian university football season, featuring the two best teams from universities across the country. It is a highly anticipated event, showcasing the skill, talent, and determination of young football student-athletes.
“Queen’s University is delighted to be hosting the Vanier Cup in 2023 and 2024,” says Queen’s University Principal Patrick Deane. “Queen’s is home to many traditions, and among our most beloved and celebrated is Queen’s football, which dates back to 1882. We look forward to welcoming the student-athletes and coaches, as well as fans from across the country to Richardson Stadium, our campus, and city.”
The road to the 2023 Vanier Cup is well underway, with four conference championship games that determine the Vanier Cup competitors on November 11.
Did you know some of your favourite horror, mystery, and thriller shows and movies were filmed in Kingston? Check out the list below for some eerieentertainment this spooky season.
Crimson Peak
The historic cityscape of Kingston was perfect for the backdrop of Guillermo de Toro’s Crimson Peak. The film was partially shot downtown, in Springer Market Square and along King Street. The Kingston shoot took about a month, and transformed 2015 Kingston into 1880s Buffalo, New York. The film follows a young American heiress who marries a mysterious British aristocrat. She moves into his crumbling and creepy ancestral home, only to find it conceals sinister secrets and spirits.
Netflix’s fantasy and horror drama Locke & Key features three siblings who move to their father’s ancestral estate after his murder. The siblings discover magical keys that unlock powers and sinister secrets. The three-season television series was filmed in several other locations and brought the crew to Kingston for almost a week to set up for a one-day shoot on Market Street, transformed to look like Bath, England, the setting for a romantic getaway for characters Tyler Locke and Jackie Veda.
Discover what happens when three AI experts meet as consultants on a shadowy project in the film Den Mother Crimson. This movie was developed, produced, and delivered locally in Kingston in 2023 by Kingston production company, Branded to Film. Visual Menace, a full-service design company for local productions, transformed a plain west-end studio space (at James Media) into an eerie, futuristic setting, complete with mysterious tunnels and doors leading into the unknown.
A work-in-progress print of “DEN MOTHER CRIMSON” was screened at the Kingston Canadian Film Festival in March 2023. The film was invited as 1 of 7 international productions to pitch at Frontières as part of the Canne Marchê du Film in 2023.
Film poster for Dan Brown’s Lost Symbol.
Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol
In 2021, NBC Universal Pictures chose the Kingston Penitentiary as a filming location for Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol. This series is a captivating blend of action, adventure, mystery, and thriller genres, with Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon embarking on a quest to locate his missing mentor while also unlocking an ancient supernatural portal. The TV crew spent 14 days at the Pen, leveraging the site’s cavernous, limestone buildings as the setting for the final, suspense-filled episode of the first season.
Prepare for a horror-filled twist on your typical cottage vacation! This summer, cameras rolled on the set of Kill Victoria in and around Kingston. Kill Victoria unfolds as a story of an idyllic trip to cottage country that spirals into a nightmarish ordeal. The group of 30-somethings are unimpressed with Nick’s new girlfriend, Victoria, who just doesn’t fit in. Gradually, Victoria learns certain dark secrets from the friends’ pasts – secrets they don’t want to get out. What initially started as a running joke about “killing Victoria” begins to lose its humour, taking on a deadly seriousness that none of them could have anticipated.
Release date coming soon.
To learn more about shows and films shot in historic Kingston, take a self-guided film walking tour around the city.
Kent Hawley, an amateur scout for the National Hockey League (NHL), has come a long way from his childhood days in Kingston. Kent has almost 30 years of experience in professional hockey, culminating this year in winning the Stanley Cup with the Las Vegas Golden Knights.
Kent grew up in Kingston’s west end, where he enjoyed an idyllic upbringing. He says, “It was a time when kids spent their summer days playing road hockey or baseball all day.” He was one of three boys in the household and his parents were hardworking blue-collar folks.
Kent started playing organized hockey when he was around six years old. He says, “I was very fortunate for hockey. It was kind of easy for me and I was born with the skill to play. I always wanted to play hockey.”
“When I was 16, I went to Ottawa to play Tier 2 hockey and I have been on the move ever since,” says Kent. After playing in the OHL for the Ottawa 67s, Kent was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers as the 28th pick in the second round of the 1986 NHL Entry Draft. Kent didn’t end up playing an NHL game but played in the minor leagues. For the last four to five years of his NHL career, he was a player-coach, an experience that introduced him to hockey operations. He retired from the NHL after 12 years and transitioned into coaching.
Kent with the Stanley Cup in Las Vegas
Kent coached minor league teams in Wisconsin, New York, and Alabama. After his family had traversed the continent, embracing the nomadic lifestyle that came with minor league hockey, they decided to move back to Kingston. He says, “I really enjoyed coaching. But I knew I was never going to coach at the NHL level. I just didn’t have that demeanour to be a head coach. I was more of a player’s coach.”
Kent’s desire to work in the hockey world never waned. During his time back in Kingston, he scouted for the OHL’s Plymouth Whalers and coached for a junior C team in Napanee.
His opportunity to scout for the NHL came in 2006 when he was hired by the Edmonton Oilers. In his first year, the team missed the cup in the finals, defeated by the Carolina Hurricanes in seven games. Kent had an 11-year journey as a scout with the Oilers, which saw him move to Las Vegas when the Golden Knights were born as an expansion team.
Kent on the ice after winning the Stanley Cup
Kent’s efforts supported the Golden Knights to reach the Stanley Cup finals in their inaugural season in 2018. He says, “Being a part of a new NHL team is unbelievable. I’ve been with them right from the get-go, and to be in the Stanley Cup Finals in year one was exciting.”
This year, the team won the Stanley Cup championship in five games against the Florida Panthers. Kent says, “We wanted it in year six. It has been a fun ride to finally win the Stanley Cup.”
As an amateur scout, Kent’s job involves travelling extensively to watch and evaluate potential draft picks. He explains, “I travel to wherever, making my own schedule. I work out of three major hubs: Toronto, London, and Michigan.”
He spends most of his time on the road, away from home, analyzing players’ skills. He says, “I have to identify if they have skill, good hockey sense, and size. I’m responsible for watching all of Ontario and building my list that we present at our meetings.” The meticulous work Kent does contributes to building a competitive roster season after season.
Kent with members of Greater Kingston Girls Hockey Ice Wolves at the Stanley Cup celebration
Kent still calls Kingston home and spends his time off with his family. He was able to bring the Stanley Cup to Kingston on the morning of October 2 for a small celebration with friends and family.
While the journey was challenging, Kent’s passion for hockey and his unwavering dedication to the sport had taken him from little league Kingston to the forefront of the NHL. His scouting efforts had played a crucial role in the Golden Knights’ success. Kent says, “We have a chance to repeat this year. If we stay healthy, I think we have a really good chance of chasing it again.”
It is a story of disease. Fire. And water. Of an emerging young city fueled by its ambitions to become a budding metropolis in the era of a nascent nation. A story embodied and preserved in Kingston’s PumpHouse Steam Museum, a magnificent building that today tells the story of how water transformed the fortunes of the Limestone City.
Perched at the junction between the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River, Kingston boasts one of Canada’s oldest original water works – one of only six similar preserved water pumping stations remaining in North America – where steam-powered pumps provided the first running water to Kingstonians for over a century.
This is truly history in motion.
The PumpHouse Steam Museum is housed in a majestic building known for its Richardsonian Romanesque architectural style typified by heavy rusticated stone and heavy horizontal lines that can still be seen inside parts of the museum. The building was designed by John and Joseph Power, a prolific father-son architecture duo.
“Inside the PumpHouse, you could actually see these beautiful, massive industrial Victorian-era pumps working their way through and pumping the water out to the city,” explains Melissa Cruise, Acting Supervisor of Heritage Services for the City of Kingston. “There was a lot of thought behind it, which today, you know, we don’t always see that level of thought going into very heavily industrialized buildings.”
In an era where Canada’s capital hopscotched from Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa and Kingston, the PumpHouse was critical to keeping Kingston in the running as the capital of an emerging country. Kingston had to demonstrate that it could offer its growing citizenry safe and healthy drinking water, eradicate disease, and fight the calamity of city fires.
“We see a few things begin to occur,” adds Melissa. “In 1840, a massive, devastating fire rolls through the city. And unfortunately, there was no centralized pumped water station – so in terms of an early fire brigade, we’re seeing people using bucket brigades and the occasional pump truck.”
“Over the course of the 19th century, Kingston would also see three severe outbreaks of cholera caused by contaminated well water, including a devastating outbreak in 1834 that would kill 1 in every 16 Kingstonian.”
“The first iteration of the city of Kingston Water Pumping Station was actually independently owned and operated – and their priority wasn’t necessarily to provide clean drinking water to ordinary citizens,” says Melissa. “One of the reasons the PumpHouse actually came to fruition is that the city had a handful of very wealthy landowners whose insurance rates were going through the roof because of the fires – and a centralized water pumping would help lower those rates.”
“We have really amazing archival records pertaining to the museum that are sitting in the city of Kingston archives at Queen’s University,” adds Melissa. “And so we’re able to actually go through all the correspondence and see city officials imploring this independent business to start to lessen water rates so more people can access and make something that can actually support a growing, healthy society.”
Though it is a marvel of the history of water in Kingston, the PumpHouse Steam Museum has also established itself as a cultural crossroads, hosting extraordinary exhibitions.
In the summer of 2023, the museum hosted The Art of Survival, an art exhibit in collaboration with the Prison for Women Memorial Collective, curated from coast to coast in Canada by artists who were formerly incarcerated, showcasing their creations, hosting sharing circles, and advocating for those who lived and died inside women’s prisons across Canada.
The museum’s newest exhibition is The Stuff Stories Are Made Of, its never-before-seen objets d’art pulled from collections that belong to the City of Kingston Heritage Services. The exhibition is now open and runs to the end of May 2024.
“It will be a really phenomenal exhibition that we’ve curated in-house,” explaims Melissa. “We’ve been able to go in and have a look and cherry-pick the things that we haven’t necessarily been able to pull out for exhibitions in a while that are just really interesting, or really fun, or really neat, or just incredibly odd.”
“It’s all about looking at what we collect and looking at turning it on its head. We’re not necessarily displaying things in a very traditional, austere manner. We’re actually treating a lot of our historic objects more like art pieces.”
“For instance, it’s the summer of Barbie and, oddly enough, we have a Barbie and Ken in our collection, so we’re pulling them out in tandem with everything” she concludes. “We also have beautiful stone cut prints – including one by Pudlo Pudlat called Umingmuk.”
“Every single one of our exhibitions is bilingual,” adds Melissa. “Whether the exhibition is produced in-house or we’ve borrowed it from another site, it must always be available in French. Full stop. We also try to make French-language tours available for each one of our exhibitions.”
Although the PumpHouse Steam Museum focuses on the history of water in the city of Kingston, the museum is also committed to the future and to the protection of this natural resource made vulnerable by human activity.
The museum, housed in the traditional homeland of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and the Huron-Wendat, has engaged in the protection of water, supporting Water Warrior programs and working with Engineers Without Borders to establish some of these programs.
“These impactful programs speak to water quality and security,” underscores Melissa. “They give young people an opportunity to really think about what it means if they don’t have water security.”
As it educates, enlightens and enchants its visitors, the PumpHouse Museum tells a story – one about the life-giving force of safe and clean drinking water.
This is the stuff stories are made of.
“There is joy in telling Kingston’s stories through the museum,” concludes Melissa. “And that’s really what it boils down to. It’s about telling stories. Preserving stories. Getting people excited about these stories – because they are really relevant today and can help guide us in caring for water.”
The limestone city is home to a vibrant music scene, which wouldn’t be complete without its record stores. Kingston is home to four record stores, a number rivalling much larger cities. From vintage gems to the latest releases, Kingston’s record shops are hallowed ground for music lovers and collectors alike.
Read on to discover the story of Kingston’s record stores, each with their own unique charm and passionate shop owners.
Two friends leaving Zap Records / Credit: Tim Forbes
Zap Records’ owner Gary discovered a love for vinyl at a young age. “While other kids were going to the toy section in stores, I was looking at the records. I was drawn to the cover art,” he says. This magnetic attraction to music and vinyl signalled to Gary that his career would be in the music industry.
His involvement in selling records began in 1985 when he met the original owner of Zap Records, Paul Cowan, in Belleville. Under Paul’s guidance, Gary honed his skills in record cleaning, album cover repair, inner sleeve replacement, and grading records. This knowledge became invaluable when he decided to move to Kingston and open Zap Records Kingston in 1991.
The choice of Kingston as the store’s location was driven by a deep love for the city’s music scene, vibrant downtown atmosphere, and proximity to both tourists and students. Over the years, Zap Records has seen a few locations, including 77A Princess Street and 340 Princess Street, before settling into its current home at 20 Montreal Street. At its current location, the store is packed with organized selections of equally new and used vinyl, CDs, and posters for sale.
“I am not a businessman. I am a passionate music lover,” Gary declares. His focus isn’t solely on popular or mainstream records but on lesser-known gems that he hopes will stand the test of time. He’s equally adept at selecting quality artists that deserve recognition, always attuned to what his customers desire.
But Gary’s connection to the Kingston music scene goes beyond being a record store owner. He’s a drummer and has played on two records. Gary was a member of Buck Jones, a country folk band, about 15 years ago. The band left its mark on Kingston, opening for notable acts such as The Sadies at the Grad Club and performing at various local venues, including the Toucan and The Merchant Tap House. He also played drums for Jill Barber’s first band, Bent Ivy. In 2021, Gary recorded the album Of Lures and Love as part of Clem Chesterfield and the La-Z Boy Recliners through Wolfe Island Records. You can now find Gary playing drums in the house band for Royal Jam, a monthly open mic hosted at Blu Martini.
For Gary, Zap Records isn’t just a business; it’s a lifelong passion. That passion resonates through the grooves of every record that finds a home at Zap Records. Check out Zap Records’ website to learn more about the store and to find your next favourite vinyl.
Record display at Something Else Records / Credit: Tim Forbes
Something Else Records opened its doors in November 2018, just days after the birth of owners Matt and Tanya’s son, Wilder. Their journey to owning a record store was a culmination of years of experience in the industry, including stints at record stores and bookshops in Toronto. When Matt and Tanya returned to Kingston after living in Toronto and Ottawa, they felt a surge of inspiration propelling them to follow their dreams of opening a record shop.
The name “Something Else” just came to Matt. He says, “Something else is a name commonly used for jazz albums in the 1960s. And for record collectors, you are always looking for something else and something new.”
The store is a counterculture haven for art enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of new and used records, books, cassettes, CDs, and work by local artists. Matt says, “We curate not just based on demand. We believe in good music and curate our selection based on the quality of music and pressings, focusing on counterculture.” With its art-forward and inclusive atmosphere, Something Else Records is a space where Kingston’s music and art community come together. The store has a local music section and an area for local accessories and art.
Two friends leaving Something Else Records / Credit: Tim Forbes
If you are looking for “something else,” look for the purple “records” sign adorning Something Else Records on Wellington Street. Beyond their brick-and-mortar location, Something Else Records maintains an active website, making their collection accessible to music lovers beyond Kingston’s limits.
The storefront of Brian’s Record Option / Credit: Tim Forbes
Open: Mon – Wed (9:30 am – 6:30 pm), Thu – Fri (9:30 am – 9 pm), Sat (9:30 am – 6:30 pm)
Brian’s Record Option has been a Kingston institution for over four decades. Established in April 1980, Brian’s store boasts an impressive inventory of used and new records, CDs, cassettes, posters, music books, and the occasional sound system or record player. The shop’s unique charm lies in the fact that while the store is bursting at the seams, Brian can locate any item you desire in the labyrinth of his store.
Brian’s journey into the world of record stores started with his father who was a record distributor. Over the years, Brian searched for something realistic. He used music connections and his extensive collection of records to start a record store in Kingston. He says, “I had a number of places in mind, but I choose Kingston because one – the student population; two – its closeness to my U.S. distributors, Montreal, and Toronto; three – the location on the water; and four – its downtown main drag.”
Friends picking a record at Brian’s Record Option / Credit: Tim Forbes
Brian describes his store as “alternative and overwhelming yet filled with laughter and stories.” Brian loves connecting with his large customer base of locals and tourists, sharing tales of his interactions online on his Facebook page. He says, “You have to listen to your customer base and be open to changes. If two people mention the same record to me, I stock it.”
Brian didn’t initially see his store as a significant contributor to Kingston’s music scene, but during a challenging time in 2018 when the store flooded, the outpouring of support from the community proved otherwise. Brian loves supporting the local music scene by selling local concert tickets and allowing artists to perform outside his shop. His story is known far beyond Kingston, as visitors have frequented Brian’s for years, drawn in by the vast array of musical treasures and Brian’s encyclopedic knowledge of his inventory.
The Now and Then storefront in the Cataraqui Centre / Credit: Now and Then
Open: Mon – Fri (10 am – 8 pm), Sat (10 am – 6 pm), Sun (11 am – 5 pm)
If you are a long-time music lover, you’ll remember the Canadian record store chain Sam the Record Man. In the early 1980s, this chain was Canada’s largest music recording retailer, boasting 140 stores from coast to coast. Holly and Spencer Destun opened Sam the Record Man as a franchise in Belleville in 1979, and today, it is the last remaining relic of the once-mighty chain. In 2017, they decided to expand their music business and bring it to Kingston under the name Now and Then Music and Movies Kingston.
Walking into Now and Then is like stepping into an entertainment time capsule. The store offers turntables, vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, and collectibles. When asked about their focus, Holly explains, “We do everything! We have a huge vinyl and movie section. All varieties and genres! We have an inventory like you wouldn’t believe. We always have had the belief that if you don’t have it, you can’t sell it, so we’ve made sure that our shelves are always full.”
With the resurgence of vinyl in the 2000s, Holly says, “We felt there was a need even though the industry has changed to streaming and downloading. People still want physical products. We wanted to see if we could fill that need.” Holly says that music can be an escape for people, “A lot of people can relate to their favourite bands and artists. We are happy for people to come in and pick out something.”
At Now and Then, metal and country genres reign supreme in their vinyl collection. They also have a special place for local artists like Miss Emily and The Glorious Sons, supporting them through consignment sales. “When we first opened, members of The Glorious Sons used to come into the store all the time. That was before I knew what they looked like! Now I want them to come in, and I can’t get them because they are huge now,” chuckles Holly.
The rock vinyl section at Now and Then / Credit: Now and Then
At its core, Now and Then is a family affair. Holly, Spencer, and son Krystofer collectively orchestrate the operations of Sam the Record Man in Belleville and Now and Then storefronts in Kingston and Oshawa. In a world where music transcends time, Now and Then is a place where melodies of the past and present continue to play on.
These four record stores – Zap Records, Something Else Records, Brian’s Record Option, and Now and Then Music and Movies – uniquely support Kingston’s music scene in their own ways. Whether you’re searching for a specific record or simply a place to explore the world of music, Kingston’s record stores have you covered.
Learn more about Kingston’s artists and their records on a self-guided music tour around the city!
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