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Kingston’s student-athletes back in action

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

St. Lawrence College Surge Basketball home opener

October 25, 6 pm & 8 pm  

St. Lawrence College Kingston Campus Gymnasium  

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.  

2023 U SPORTS Women’s Soccer Championship

November 9 – 12  

Richardson Stadium  

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.” 

For more information on the championship and to purchase tournament tickets, visit the Queen’s Gael’s tickets website.  

Vanier Cup

November 25, 1 pm  

Richardson Stadium 

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.  

To buy Vanier Cup tickets, visit the Queen’s Gael’s tickets website. 

Looking to extend your stay in Kingston while visiting for the Vanier Cup? Browse personalized packages with tickets and hotel accommodations.  

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Kingston’s spine-chilling productions

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 eerie entertainment 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.  

Where to watch: Google Play, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube  

Locke & Key filming in Springer Market Square
Locke & Key filming in Springer Market Square.

Locke & Key

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. 

Where to watch: Netflix (Season 2, episode 4)  

Den Mother Crimson

Den Mother Crimson

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 of the Lost Symbol
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.  

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video + STACKTV (Season 1, episode 10) 

Shot from the set of Kill Victoria.
Shot from the set of Kill Victoria.

Kill Victoria

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. 

 

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Athletes of Kingston: Kent Hawley

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 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 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 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.” 

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Water, fire and a growing city

History in motion at Kingston’s PumpHouse Steam Museum 

Read the French version on our French website

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. 

PumpHouse Steam Museum

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. 

PumpHouse Steam Museum

“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.” 

PumpHouse Steam Museum

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.  

PumpHouse Steam Museum

“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.” 

PumpHouse Steam Museum

“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. 

PumpHouse Steam Museum

“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.”  

PumpHouse Steam Museum

 

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Exploring Kingston’s four unique record stores

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 Kingston: A lifelong collector turned shop owner 

20 Montreal St.  

Open: 7 days a week (noon – 6 pm)  

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.  

 

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“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.  

 

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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: Where dreams meet vinyl  

207A Wellington St.  

Open: Mon – Sat (11 am – 6 pm), Sun (noon – 4 pm)  

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

Brian’s Record Option: A musical treasure trove since 1980  

381 Princess St.  

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

Now and Then Music and Movies Kingston: Carrying on the legacy of Sam the Record Man 

Cataraqui Centre, 945 Gardiners Road  

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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The past lives of Kingston’s historic buildings, part 1

Kingston was one of the earliest sites of European settlement and global immigration in Canada. The city has a history as a meeting place of Indigenous peoples and space for successful Black entrepreneurs. Beyond the bustling streets and modern facades of Kingston, many buildings have hidden stories dating back to the 19th century. Let’s take a journey to learn more about Kingston’s historic buildings.

View of Kingston’s City Hall on a postcard, 1900. Courtesy of Queen’s Archives.

City Hall

216 Ontario St

Kingston’s City Hall is a nationally designated heritage site and an iconic Kingston landmark. The architect George Browne designed and built the building in 1844 to be the space for a town hall and market. Although the building was meant to be a town hall, the space was rented out to many tenants. If you were to visit City Hall in the mid 1800s, you would find a bank, post office, theatre productions, courtrooms, church groups, and much more.

Two successful Black entrepreneurs, James and Maria Elder, operated Oregon Saloon in the building, a spot famous for serving oysters, fresh fruit, and wines. It was also home to Kingston’s original police headquarters until 1906, with working spaces for officers and dark basement cells for those who had been arrested.

Take a Guided City Hall Tour to learn more about City Hall’s fascinating history and beautiful architecture.

Exterior view of the S&R Discount Department store on the corner of Ontario Street and Princess Street. Courtesy of Queen’s Archives.

Smith Robinson Building

27 Princess St

Prior to housing Milestone’s restaurant and local office spaces, the Smith Robinson Building was known as the Commercial Mart. Built by architect George Browne in 1841, it became a space for Kingston’s many merchants. Between 1864 and 1940, a significant portion of this establishment was occupied by piano manufacturers Weber and Wormwith. The site housed The Kingston Vehicle Company, which specialized in the production and sale of buggies, spring wagons, and phaetons from 1894 to 1900.

During the Second World War, the Canadian military repurposed the property, using it as both barracks and a storage facility. Following the war, the building narrowly avoided demolition after the government’s declaration. Instead, it was sold to Percy Robinson and his brother-in-law Maurice Smith. Together they transformed it into the S&R Department store, which became a bustling retail hub until its closure in 2009.

Steacy’s Department Store, 1931. Courtesy of The Screening Room.

The Screening Room

120 Princess St

Back in the 1900s, if you strolled along Princess Street, you wouldn’t have encountered the glow of the movie lights from The Screening Room. Instead, your eyes would have been captivated by the exquisite displays of garments and merchandise at Steacy’s Department Store. Steacy’s made its move to 120 Princess Street after spending two decades at 106 Princess Street. From 1903 to 1983, visitors got to experience rides in the elevator with the elevator man, admire the glistening display cases, and savour the luxurious paper that encased Steacy’s products.

Following the closure of Steacy’s, it became home to Super Flicks & Food, a movie theatre offering second-run mainstream films at discounted rates and submarine sandwiches. Eventually, the theatre was renamed to The Screening Room, taking over the specialty/art house film niche.

Explore the film history of The Screening Room and other prominent locations on a self-guided walking tour.

View of the Kingston and Pembroke Railway Station with buggies outside, 1916. Courtesy of Queen’s Archives.

Visitor Information Centre

209 Ontario St

209 Ontario Street has been a gathering place for travellers since the construction of the Kingston and Pembroke Railway station in 1885. Also called the Inner Station, it was the southern terminal for the Kingston and Pembroke Railway (K&P), intended to run from Kingston to Pembroke. However, the railway only made it to Renfrew before it was terminated and the line was gradually abandoned beginning in the 1950s, with the last trains running in 1986. Now as the Visitor Information Centre, it is a space for visitors to make the most of their time in Kingston.

Check out Engine 1095, a locomotive built by the Canadian Locomotive Company once operating in Kingston, located behind the Visitor Information Centre.

 

The Grand Theatre, 1947. Courtesy of Queen’s Archives.

The Grand Theatre

218 Princess St

Originally, The Kingston Grand Theatre stood as the Grand Opera House, designed for live performances and constructed between 1901 and 1902. It was built on the grounds of the former Martin’s Opera House, which succumbed to fire in 1898. For several decades, The Grand operated as a movie theatre. In 1916, screened the controversial American film The Birth of a Nation (D.W. Griffith) with an orchestra and the 1928 silent World War I drama, Carry On Sergeant!

Since 1966, the building has been home to The Grand Theatre. It is one of the main performing arts venues in Kingston, featuring ballet, modern dance, theatre, comedies, musicals, film festivals, and concerts of all kinds.

To explore the music and film histories of the Kingston Grand Theatre, take a self-guided walking tour.

Wade’s Drug Store at 330 King Street East, 1900. Courtesy of Queen’s Archives.

Jack Astor’s Kingston

330 & 332 King St E

The northern corner of Brock Street and King Street, where Jack Astor’s now stands, boasts a rich history of thriving businesses. Among the notable figures associated with this location is William Johnson, one of Kingston’s earliest documented Black entrepreneurs. Back in the 1840s, his barber shop operated just two doors away from the corner on Brock Street on the north side of Market Square.

As time progressed, various businesses made their mark at this site. In the 1850s, it was home to the City Book Store, and in 1877, Wade’s Drug Store set up shop. Notably, in 1909, the building underwent a transformation, becoming the Bank of Toronto. Over the years, it has seen modern redesigns and updates, now serving as the location for Jack Astor’s, complete with an impressive rooftop patio overlooking Market Square.

Prince George Hotel, 1948. Courtesy of Queen’s Archives.

Tir Nan Og

200 Ontario St

Located adjacent to City Hall, the current site of Tir Nan Og pub once hosted a modest stone house, initially constructed in 1809 by Lawrence Herchmer. Over time, this dwelling was expanded to incorporate a store, catering to the needs of travelers arriving in the city. Subsequently, it evolved into a bustling center for shops and warehouses. During this time, the Elders operated the Oregon Saloon within the premises. Eventually, the property changed hands, finding its way into the possession of merchant William Henry Alexander.

After a destructive fire in 1848, Alexander initiated the reconstruction of the building. He enlisted the services of Kingston architect William Coverdale. The revamped structure was transformed into a hotel and underwent several name changes, including the Albion, Stanley House, Brown’s, and the Iroquois. However, in 1918, it assumed its enduring identity as the Prince George Hotel. Today, as you stroll by, you can still spot the original Prince George Hotel sign.

For a deeper exploration of Kingston’s buildings and the diverse individuals who have called these spaces home, visit Stones Kingston. And check out Tracing Kingston’s Solidarities, a series of performance pop-ups in Springer Market Square on October 20-21 and November 3-4 to activate Kingston’s hidden Black histories.

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Neighbourhood gems: Barriefield Village

Did you know Kingston is home to a quaint and historic east-end village? Barriefield Village was established in 1814 by the Honourable Richard Cartwright, just across the water from downtown Kingston. Named after Commodore Sir Robert Barrie, the commissioner of the Kingston Naval Dockyard in 1820, the village was built up to accommodate the growing demand for housing during a period of heightened military activity, fueled by the War of 1812 and the rebuilding of Fort Henry in the 1830s.

Fast forward to today, and Barriefield Village has managed to stand the test of time. The village earned the designation of Ontario’s inaugural Heritage Conservation District in 1980. Let’s discover the captivating stores, architectural wonders, and timeless allure of Barriefield Village.

 

The view of a path through the Barriefield Rock Garden / Credit: Kingston Film Office
The view of a path through the Barriefield Rock Garden / Credit: Kingston Film Office

Barriefield Rock Garden

James St and Main St

Everyone is welcome to enjoy the scenery of the Bill Robb Barriefield Rock Garden. The garden was designed in 1990 by Bill Robb, a retired Bell Canada lineman and engineering technician, to be a place for the community to enjoy the outdoors. As you meander through the garden’s trails you will find Canadian Shield rocks, trees and greenery, and benches for admiring your surroundings. You might even get inspiration for your next art project!

236 Main Street / Credit: Kingston Film Office
236 Main Street / Credit: Kingston Film Office

Wander down Main Street

Main Street is the historic transportation route of Barriefield Village. As one of the only streets in the village, the houses along the street were once inns, hotels, and shops to serve residents and travellers in the nineteenth century. The architecture of Main Street reflects rural character, as many of the buildings are one-and-a-half storey homes made of wood or stone.

One of the many notable homes is 202 Main Street, called Barriefield House. It is thought to be the oldest limestone house in Barriefield, built between 1814 and 1815 by William Baker. The Barriefield Village Association offers a self-guided walking tour of the village, which includes information about Main Street properties and their history.

Frontenac County Schools Museum

414 Regent St

Open: Mon – Fri (10 am – 4 pm)

Go back in time to the earliest school days at the Frontenac County Schools Museum. The museum is home to a replica of an early 1900s one-room school and a display gallery of artifacts and archival material from schools that once dotted the countryside of Frontenac County. While you visit, you can partake in a guided gallery tour and an old-time pen and ink lesson. The museum is free of charge, but donations are welcome.

Barriefield Antiques

242 James St

Open: Fri – Sun (11 am – 4 pm)

Looking for a new piece of funky furniture? Or perhaps you are searching for a new collectable? Get lost in the stacks of Canadiana and vintage antiques at Barriefield Antiques. The owner, Karen, is happy to share fun facts and history tidbits about each of the antiques on sale. Check out the Barriefield Antiques Facebook page to see the store’s variety of antique offerings.

Barriefield Market

760 Hwy 15, Unti 7 & 8

Open: Mon – Sat (9 am – 6 pm), Sun (11 am – 5 pm)

Exploring the village is bound to work up your appetite. Drive along Main Street towards Highway 15, and you’ll come across the charming Barriefield Market. This delightful deli shop is just outside the village and offers a selection of top-quality Ontario meats and prepared foods at their butcher counter. Additionally, you can savour their freshly crafted sandwiches, crisp salads, and savoury soups. Indulge in their Montreal smoked meat sandwich, paired with a delectable side of potato salad.

A view of the Great Cataraqui River from the shore of Green Bay / Credit: Kingston Film Office
A view of the Great Cataraqui River from the shore of Green Bay / Credit: Kingston Film Office

Green Bay

Knapp St & Green Bay Rd

For a quiet spot to enjoy the views of Kingston’s shoreline, visit Green Bay on the Great Cataraqui River. The area is of great historical significance to Barriefield Village, as it was a location for a large steam-powered sawmill and boating building businesses in the nineteenth century. Today it is a great spot to see views of the river and Kingston.

Military demonstration by the Fort Henry Guard at Fort Henry / Credit: Dwayne Brown Studio
Military demonstration by the Fort Henry Guard at Fort Henry / Credit: Dwayne Brown Studio

Close by: Fort Henry National Historic Site

1 Fort Henry Dr

Open Sept 6 – Oct 1: Wed – Sun (10 am – 4:30 pm)

After exploring Barriefield Village, you can learn more about Kingston’s military heritage close by at Fort Henry. The fort was built from 1832 to 1837 and is a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site. Experience the fort’s fall programming, consisting of English and French guided tours and rifle firing demonstrations. Starting September 29, the fort is transformed into a haunted experience, Fort Fright.

To learn more and plan your visit to the historic Barriefield Village, visit the Barriefield Village Association website.

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From limestone penitentiary walls to cinema screens

The Kingston Penitentiary is Canada’s oldest maximum-security prison, built in 1835 and decommissioned in 2013. Since then, the “Kingston Pen” has been transformed into captivating backdrops for gripping TV shows and creative films. From crime to mystery, history to the distant future, the Kingston Pen is a historic stage where stories come alive. Read on to learn about the movies and TV shows shot at Kingston’s most ominous backdrop.  

The movies and TV shows of the Kingston Penitentiary

Kingston Penitentiary transforming into a scene from Mayor of Kingstown. Footage courtesy of Paramount. Video: Untold Storytelling. 

Mayor of Kingstown 

In 2021, the crime thriller Mayor of Kingstown was shot in the Kingston Pen for three weeks, using the facility to portray the Kingstown prison. The co-creator and executive producer of the series, Hugh Dillion, is originally from Kingston and first found fame as the lead singer for the Headstones. He wanted to bring the series about the business of incarceration to Kingston because of the area’s architecture, geography, and history. Over 150 local background actors were employed to bring the Kingston Pen to life for filming.  

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video + Paramount, Apple TV (Season 1, episodes 1 – 10) 

 

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Reacher 

The TV series based on Lee Child’s Jack Reacher novels chose to start the series by filming in Kingston in 2021. The series opens with the main character, Reacher, being arrested and sent to the local jail after arriving in the town of Margrave. The Kingston Pen is set as the local Margrave jail, and the production team filmed for 11 days at the prison. They recruited local background extras with “rough and tough” appearances for the episode.  

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV (Season 1, episode 1) 

Still shot of Dick Grayson in the prison yard from Titans’ episode 10 of Season 2 at Kingston Penitentiary.

DC’s Titans 

This DC Universe television series has been filmed in the Kingston Pen twice over the years. In 2019, they shot season two, episode 10, showing the main character Dick Grayson become incarcerated at the “Kane County Correctional Facility.” For the episode, they replaced over 80 windows in the Kingston Pen boiler room. They also ran more than 100 metres of fence across the yard to make it look authentic (which they then donated to the Kingston Pen). In 2022, they came back to shoot season four, episodes three and four, for 20 days, where the Kingston Pen was depicted as the fictional “Bludhaven Penitentiary,” while using the basement and workshop dome for asylum scenes.  

Where to watch: Netflix (Season 2, episode 10 and Season 4, episodes 3 and 4) 

“The Butcher’s Knife Cares Not for the Lamb’s Cry” Episode 104. Pictured: Sonequa Martin-Green as First Officer Michael Burnham. Photo Credit: Jan Thijs/CBS © 2017 CBS Interactive. All Rights Reserved.

Star Trek: Discovery  

The world of Star Trek touched down at the Kingston Pen in December of 2019 to shoot the series, Star Trek: Discovery. The show required a scene with ancient step-wells, and the Kingston Pen fit the bill. The double staircase and walkway around the limestone walls of the penitentiary workshop dome was the perfect location for the scene. Local contractors supported the production’s efforts to transform the space into a sci-fi world.  

Where to watch: Prime Video + Paramount, Apple TV (Season 3, episode 11)   

Movie poster for The Lost Symbol
Film poster for Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol.

Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol

The Kingston Pen hosted NBC Universal Pictures for the filming of Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol in 2021. The crew filmed on location for 14 days to capture the scenes for the last episode of season one. The series is a mix of action, adventure, mystery, and thriller, with the main character, Robert Langdon, on the hunt for his mentor when he goes missing. See if you can spot the limestone walls of the Kingston Pen in the background of season one, episode 10.  

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video + STACKTV (Season 1, episode 10) 

Angel Three

The spy thriller Angel Three was entirely filmed in Kingston in 2022. The film portrays the main character, Sophie, as an agent in East Berlin in the 1980s who needs to guide a witness and a priceless document to the West. The production required the Kingston Pen cells for some scenes, but most of the film was shot in a studio set up inside the Pen by Visual Menace, a local design and fabrication company available to productions shooting in the area. The film was shot for 12 days in the Kingston Pen and used 16 local crew on set.  

Where to watch: coming summer or fall 2023 

“Alias Grace” Day 61/65 Photo Credit: Jan Thijs 2016.

Alias Grace 

Based on the Margaret Atwood novel and actual 19th-century events, this 2017 Canadian miniseries follows Grace Marks, a former domestic servant incarcerated at the Kingston Pen in the 1840s for the murder of her employer and his housekeeper. The Kingston Pen was a backdrop for the prison scenes. Across the street, Canada’s Penitentiary Museum was used as the warden’s house (which is what the building was used for in the 1800s). King Street, the street running in front of the Kingston Pen, was closed for several days while it was transformed to match the mid-1800s setting of the story.  

Where to watch: CBC Gem, Netflix 

Scene from Murdoch Mysteries Season 13, episode 14 shot at the Kingston Penitentiary.

Murdoch Mysteries 

The Kingston Pen gets a few mentions throughout this beloved CBC police procedural series, but in season 13, episode 14, it gets most of the attention. Filmed in September 2019, the plot of “Rigid Silence” has Detective Murdoch and Dr. Ogden visit Kingston to investigate an inmate’s suspicious suicide at Kingston Penitentiary. The episode is centred around the Kingston Pen but also features scenes at Springer Market Square and Kingston City Hall.  

Where to watch: CBC Gem, Apple TV (Season 13, episode 14 and Season 15, episodes 1 and 2) 

 

To learn more about shows and films shot at the Kingston Pen and other notable Kingston locations, take a self-guided film walking tour around the city.  

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Celebrate local farming and food at Open Farm Days 2023

Are you curious about where your food comes from? Are you interested in learning about sustainable farming practices? Want to indulge in meals featuring local flavours and fresh ingredients? Attend a unique farming event at Open Farm Days 2023 in Kingston and Frontenac County.  

Open Farm Days is an annual showcase of farms and local producers in the Kingston and Frontenac County region. This year’s events occur from September 1 to October 15, 2023. There are over 20 farm and culinary experiences, farmers’ markets, and educational activities for you to participate in. Please note that some events are drop-in and free of charge, while others require registration and the purchase of tickets..  

Let’s explore some of the events you can expect at Open Farm Days 2023. 

Culinary events

Many Kingston restaurants and breweries use products supplied from farms in Frontenac County. Learn more about your foods’ origin while indulging in the region’s flavours.  

Haymakers Coffee Co. Roasting Tours

September 1–3, 6–10, 13–17, 20–24, & 27–30 and October 1, 4–8, & 11–15 (various times)  

Take a trip to Wolfe Island to experience a Haymakers Coffee Co. Roasting Tour. On a one-hour tour, you’ll learn about the coffee roasting process and brew your own delicious cup of Haymakers coffee. Haymakers Coffee Co. is situated on the grounds of what was once one of Ontario’s largest dairy farms, with breathtaking field landscapes and water views.

Partake in a Class Kingston Lunch Tour with a twist for Open Farm Days 2023 / Credit: Tim Forbes

A twist on a Classic Lunch Tour with Kingston Food Tour’s Heather Ford

September 10 & 17 (11 am)  

Kingston Food Tours is offering a twist on the Classic Kingston Lunch tour. On a local-centric extended tour, you’ll meet Frontenac County growers and producers who will share their stories and connections to Kingston restaurants. You’ll sample some of their produce on specially curated menus at Kingston restaurants, including Feast On® certified Dianne’s Fish Shack & Smokehouse and Atomica Kitchen & Cocktails. You’ll also go home with your own gift box filled with Frontenac County and Kingston goods.  

Extend your Open Farm Days experience in Kingston with a customized package including an overnight stay at Green Acres Inn, two tickets to the Classic Kingston Lunch tour with a twist, a $100 Visa gift card, and a curated local producer gift.  

A sneak peak of From Farm to Cidery at Hard Way Cider Co. with Otter Creek Kitchen / Credit: Tim Forbes

From Farm to Cidery at Hard Way Cider Co.

October 1 (11 am or 2 pm) 

Hard Way Cider Co., in collaboration with Otter Creek Kitchen, is excited to present a brunch event, From Farm to Cidery. Enjoy a four-course, all-local menu with cider pairings (plus a brand-new cider release). You can expect an Otter Creek Farms Wagyu short rib patty melt, Red Fife French toast, and more!  

Farm experiences

Visit a local farm to learn more about growing, harvesting, and farm life! Wander through flower fields, grazing animals, and an urban microgreens farm.  

Create your own flower bouquet at the Flower Experience at Maple Ridge Farm / Credit: Frontenac County

Maple Ridge Farm Tour, Beekeeping Experience, & Flower Experience

Various dates and times in September  

Maple Ridge Farm, located in Sydenham, offers many different farm experiences for Open Farm Days 2023. On a Walking Farm Tour, immerse yourself in the sights of Maple Ridge Farm. Offered on September 2 and 16, you’ll get to talk with a farmer and experience day-to-day farm life. If you love honey, attend their Beekeeping Experience on September 3, where you’ll get to be hands-on with a honeybee hive and the local beekeeper. Also on September 3, harvest your flowers at Maple Ridge Farm’s flower fields and learn how to turn your blooms into a stunning hand-tied bouquet through their Flower Experience.  

 

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Collective Joy Farm All-Season Farm Drop-In

October 7 (11 am – 4 pm) 

Visit downtown Kingston’s urban farm, Collective Joy Farm, for an All-Season Farm Drop-In. Join Tammara to learn about vertical farming and sustainable greens production methods. Take home a starter kit to grow your own greens at home.  

Culinary experiences on the farm

Attend a farm-to-table event hosted at one of Frontenac County’s farms. Witness the journey from soil to plate as ingredients transform into delectable dishes and beverages. 

From Farm-to-Brewer: The Hopyard Experiential Tour

September 8 (5 – 6:45 pm) & 10 (12:30 – 2:15 pm or 3 – 4:45 pm)  

Have you had the chance to explore a hop farm? Pay a visit to the Wolfe Island Hopyard for their From Farm-to-Brewer: The Hopyard Experiential Tour. Experience the harvest process of the 20-foot-high hop plants, sample a variety of beer made with the hops, and dig into a delicious burger from the Wolfe Island Hotel.   

Farm tour in the greenhouse at Long Road Ecological Farm / Credit: Suzy Lamont

Long Road Ecological Farm Tour & Lunch

September 9 (11 am)  

Join Long Road Ecological Farm for a farm tour and lunch in Harrowsmith. Learn how they grow food and have developed a viable farming business while touring the farm’s garden, greenhouse, animals, and forest. Conclude the tour with a delightful Farm Sum lunch featuring steamed buns, dumplings, and fresh salad.  

Community and educational events

Come together with farmers and businesses from Kingston and Frontenac County to delve into the world of local agriculture. Build a sense of community while attending a fall market, harvest festival, or plowing competition.  

Sun Harvest Greenhouse Fall Market

September 9 (10 am – 4 pm)  

Famous for their cut-your-own flower fields and greenhouse tomatoes, Sun Harvest Greenhouse is opening up their greenhouse for the Fall Market. Adorned with autumn-inspired decorations, their greenhouse will host local vendors selling handcrafted crafts and delectable food items. 

Young farmer watching the cattle at Perry Farm / Credit: Frontenac County

Perry Farms at Food Less Travelled

September 9 (10 am – 4 pm)  

Pay a visit to Food Less Travelled in Verona to meet livestock from Perry Farm. At this free event, you’ll meet cattle, calves, bulls, donkeys, and maybe a few pigs from Harrowsmith’s Perry Farm! Bring your family and friends to participate in roping demonstrations.  

Frontenac County Plowing Match site location / Credit: Frontenac County

Frontenac County Plowing Match

September 10 (10 am – 3 pm)  

Meet the plowmen of the Frontenac County Plowmen’s Association as they show off their skills to achieve the best plowed land at the Frontenac County Plowing Match. There are activities for all ages; enjoy a wagon ride, musical performances, artisan displays, cow milking, delicious food and much more! 

Elements Fall Harvest Festival

September 20 (10 am – 4 pm)  

Elements Fitness and Wellness welcomes visitors to their all-ages Fall Harvest Festival in Sydenham. The day will be full of hands-on experiences on the farm and in the garden, delicious food, interactive crafts, games, and outdoor activities. Learn more about organic no-till gardening, regenerative farming and food storage.  

Connect with Mark and Becky of Maple Ridge Farms at Meet a Farmer / Credit: Frontenac County

Meet a Farmer

September 20 (7 – 9 pm)  

Curious about the life of a farmer? Attend Meet a Farmer in Sydenham to connect with numerous Frontenac County farmers. Hear about their successes, lessons learned, and motivations in their farming pursuits. Bring your farming questions for the Q&A session.

Farmers’ markets 

Open Farm Days 2023 supports four farmers’ markets in the region. During September and October, these markets sell bountiful hauls of produce, meats, dairy products, homemade baked goods, artisan crafts, and much more.  

Produce vendor at the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market / Credit: Garrett Elliott

Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market

Sundays (9 am – 2 pm)  

Kingston’s Memorial Centre is home to the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market, a 100% producer-run, year-round market. Everything available for purchase comes from within approximately 100 km of the market. The market runs every Sunday and is outdoors from May to October. The market will host a Mini-Oktoberfest on October 10 with a beer garden and themed games. 

The Market at the Wolfe Island Commons

Saturdays (9 am – 12:30 pm)  

Take the ferry from Kingston to Wolfe Island for The Market at the Wolfe Island Commons. Every Saturday until October 7, local farmers and producers gather on the water’s edge of Wolfe Island to celebrate community and good food. 

Frontenac Farmers’ Market

Fridays (3 – 7 pm)  

The Frontenac Farmers’ Market is open in Harrowsmith until October, with over 30 vendors and live music. They will host the Open Farm Days 2023 Launch on September 1 and an Octoberfest celebration on October 13. 

Sharbot Lake Farmers’ Market

Saturdays (9 am – noon)  

Check out the Sharbot Lake Farmers’ Market, hosted in the picturesque village of Sharbot Lake. This market runs until the end of September and attracts a variety of vendors from the Frontenac County region.  

 

For a complete list of events and to secure your tickets, visit the Open Farm Days 2023 website. 

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Neighbourhood gems: Sydenham Ward

Sydenham Ward encapsulates over 200 years of Kingston’s history and showcases some of the finest 19th-century architecture in Canada. Old Sydenham was designated a historic district in 2015, with more than 550 notable character homes. This historic area is located roughly between Princess Street, Barrie Street, and Lake Ontario. The unique street grid of the neighbourhood offers views of Lake Ontario, City Park, and downtown Kingston.  

On a stroll through Sydenham Ward, you’ll encounter notable buildings, such as a courthouse and a castle, along with numerous churches, inns, and dining establishments. Lace up your sneakers and discover the gems of Sydenham Ward today.  

Neighbourhood sites  

The Spire

82 Sydenham St  

Built as a Methodist church in 1851, The Spire has been a notable Kingston landmark for over 170 years. A vibrant community hub, the building is home to the Sydenham Street United Church, which shares the space with more than 20 arts, culture and non-profit groups. The building is used as a performance hall, concert venue, and community meeting place. The Spire welcomes visitors daily for activities and events.  

City Park

79 Barrie St 

Looking for a spot to relax and enjoy the scenery of the Sydenham Ward neighbourhood and Lake Ontario? City Park is a lush and shady park with mature trees, walking paths, picnic tables, benches, playgrounds, tribute gardens, and war memorials. Large grassy open spaces make it a location of many art shows, picnics and theatrical performances, such as the Women’s Art Festival and the Kick & Push Festival events.

The view of Frontenac County Courthouse from City Park / Credit: Jordan Milani

Frontenac County Courthouse

5 Court St 

Walking north through City Park, you will find the Frontenac County Courthouse. Constructed in 1858 and rebuilt in 1874 after a damaging fire, the courthouse symbolizes judicial and governmental development in Kingston’s 19th century. The building, made from limestone, is designated as a National Historic Site. The courthouse still operates today, so take in the architecture and history from outside. 

McIntosh Castle

14 Sydenham St  

Did you know that Sydenham Ward is home to Kingston’s only castle? McIntosh Castle was built in the 1850s for a Scottish ship owner, Donald McIntosh. It is rumoured that house’s inhabitants would use the house’s turrets to watch the court proceedings happening across the street at the Frontenac County Courthouse. As a residential property, it is not open to the public. Still, visitors are welcome to wander down Sydenham Street to view the property. 

Historic hotels  

The street view of The Rosemount Inn / Credit: Tim Forbes

The Rosemount Inn

49 Sydenham St 

The Rosemount Inn is a boutique, Victorian-style hotel nestled in the limestone streets of Sydenham Ward. It was built in 1850 as The Rosemount House for Edward Hardy, an English merchant. In 1990, The Rosemount Inn was opened to travellers to experience the historic yet modern guestrooms and amenities.  

Contact: 613-480-6624 | info@rosemountinn.com | Contact form

The street view of the Hochelaga Inn / Credit: Hochelaga Inn

Hochelaga Inn  

24 Sydenham St 

Hochelaga Inn currently operates as a bed and breakfast; however, it was once home to John McIntyre, mayor of the city, in 1878. It was sold to the Bank of Montreal in the early 1900s, then became apartments in 1933 and was eventually converted into an inn in the 1980s. The inn’s name, Hochelaga, is an Iroquois word for the land on which Montreal is built.  

Contact: 613-549-5534 | stay@hochelagainn.com

The exterior of the Secret Garden Inn / Credit: Tim Forbes

The Secret Garden Inn

73 Sydenham St 

The Secret Garden Inn offers luxurious rooms in a grand Victorian home built in 1888 by leather merchant and furrier John McKay. Following four generations of McKay inhabitancy, the building became home to many other notable Kingston families before being transformed into a bed and breakfast in 1996. 

Contact: 613-548-1081 | info@thesecretgardeninn.com

The street view of the Frontenac Club / Credit: Tim Forbes

Frontenac Club

225 King St E 

Steps away from downtown Kingston, in Sydenham Ward, you will find the Frontenac Club. “The Club” is a heritage limestone building, originally opened in 1845 as the Bank of Montreal. It was completely restored and re-opened in 2020 as the Frontenac Club, with amenities that include the Bank Gastrobar, private back patio, and fireplaces in every room.  

Contact: 613-547-6167 | Contact form

Educational museums  

Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston

55 Ontario St 

The Marine Museum of the Great Lakes is home to the Kingston Dry Dock, a National Historic Site. The area was once a shipyard and port that supported the Canadian shipping and naval industry. The museum was established in 1976 to share the story of maritime heritage of Kingston and the Great Lakes. Visit to experience their detailed exhibits and collections, guided tours, and educational programs.  

Open: Mon – Sun (10 am – 5 pm)

Contact: 613-542-2261 | marmus@marmuseum.ca

PumpHouse Museum

23 Ontario St  

A historic Kingston treasure, the PumpHouse is one of North America’s six remaining preserved–water pumping stations from the 19th century. Built in 1850 in response to a devastating fire that swept through the city, Kingston’s first water pumping station operated until 1951. Visit the museum to view their informative exhibits and engage in family-friendly activities.  

Open: Tue – Sat (10 am – 5 pm)

Contact: 613-544-7867 | phsmuseum@cityofkingston.ca

Decadent dining  

Old Farm Fine Foods  

204 Barrie St 

Old Farm Fine Foods prepares fresh lunches daily, using as many local products as usual. They also sell a selection of quality meats, produce, and dairy products. In the spring, they sell vegetable seedlings you can plant in your garden. Stop by to try their delicious goodies!  

Open: Mon – Fri (8 am – 6 pm), Sat (10 am – 5 pm)

Contact: 613-546-3276

Curry Original

175 Bagot St  

For Indian cuisine in Sydenham Ward, head down to Curry Original. Their menu is prepared with traditional recipes, authentic Indian spices, and fresh ingredients. During the summer, choose to dine on their outdoor patio while enjoying a view of the historic Sydenham Ward streets.  

Open: Mon – Sat (11:30 am – 2 pm, 4 – 9 pm), Sun (4 – 9 pm)

Contact: 613-531-9376

The stone exterior of SENS Café / Credit: Bernard Clark

SENS Café  

136 Ontario St  

A visit to SENS Café is a must during a trip to Kingston. The owners, Isabelle and Pierre Tardiveau, hailed from Annecy in the French Alps to establish a coffee shop in Kingston in 2020. Visit to try their specialty coffees, beverages, homemade food, and French pastries. SENS Café extends an invitation to not only savour their coffee but also forge meaningful connections with the Kingston community.  

Open: Tue – Fri (8 am – 5 pm), Sat (9 am – 5 pm), Sun (9 am – 4 pm)

Contact: (613)-766-2466

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Athletes of Kingston: Sadie Schmidt Stutzman

At 14 years old, Sadie Schmidt Stutzman will be the youngest athlete representing Canada at the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) Climbing Youth World Championships in Seoul, South Korea. Read on to learn how this young Kingston climber scaled the walls of the Boiler Room Climbing Gym to the world stage of climbing.  

Sadie’s climbing journey began at six years old when she attended kids’ climbing sessions at the Boiler Room. What started as a curiosity quickly transformed into a passion for climbing. In 2017, she competed in her first competitive climbing event and has trained as a climber at the Boiler Room ever since. During the 2019–2020 climbing season, she swept the season, winning every competition in her category. 2023 is the first year she is eligible to compete at the IFSC Climbing Youth World Championships.  

Sadie training at the Boiler Room Climbing Gym / Credit: Sherri Schmidt Stutzman

Sadie has practiced various styles of climbing but is focused on bouldering. Bouldering is climbing short, challenging routes (known as problems) over boulders without using ropes or harnesses. When bouldering, the climber’s goal is to reach as many tops and zones as they can during a problem, within a time limit of four minutes per problem.  

Sadie’s climbing style is defined by her ability to tackle these short but intense routes, requiring a combination of strength, agility, and problem-solving skills. When asked what skills make her a successful climber, she says, “I think knowing what to do, like being able to adapt on the wall and read the boulders, as well as time management, like managing my attempts.”

Sadie competing at the 2023 Youth Boulder National Championships / Credit: Sherri Schmidt Stutzman

Sadie credits her climbing skills to practice and her previous sports experience in gymnastics. She says, “Similar to gymnastics, [in climbing] I need to understand what and why I need to do something. In gymnastics, you also need to tighten your core, which translates to climbing.” Sadie sticks to a training schedule of two days practising in the gym and off days running to keep up her endurance.  

Although she competes on her own, Sadie enjoys the comradery of the Boiler Room. She says, “I train on my own, but sometimes we have training camp, and I get to train with other athletes. They’ll be climbing next to me and then we get to talk about climbing.” Training with other athletes helps Sadie strategize and learn techniques from other skilled climbers.  

Malek and Sadie at the Boiler Room Climbing Gym / Credit: Tourism Kingston

Her coach, Malek Taleb, supports Sadie on her climbing journey. Malek is the owner of the Boiler Room and Climbing Escalade Canada’s National Team Coach for Boulder and Lead disciplines. Malek identified Sadie as a skilled climber from a young age. “Her spatial awareness is a huge skill that makes her a good climber. I think her body and her movements are more advanced than most. She’s young, but she is very mature and wise. She realizes her end goal and is willing to sacrifice a lot to get to that goal,” he says.  

Sadie (right) on the podium after winning bronze at the 2023 Youth Boulder National Championships in Calgary / Credit: Sherri Schmidt Stutzman

Sadie’s journey to IFSC Youth World Championships has required a culmination of hard work and performance at competitions. To qualify, she competed at regional and provincial competitions and the 2023 Youth Boulder National Championships in Calgary. Her efforts resulted in a third-place finish in the bouldering category for Youth B – Female at the 2023 Youth Boulder National Championships. This accomplishment earned her a ticket to the world stage at the IFSC Youth World Championships in South Korea. 

For Sadie, the prospect of competing at the world championships is both exciting and nerve-wracking. She says, “It’s cool [to represent Canada at the World Championships]. I like being able to travel to different places in the world, climb with other people, and see my climbing progress.”  

Malek’s guidance has played a pivotal role in shaping Sadie’s strengths as a climber. His ability to recognize and nurture her skills had set her on the path to climbing excellence. He says, “We identified that she could do this a few years back, so it’s really neat to see it work out. That said, I think she still has a long way to go. But this is the first step, for sure. All signs point to a good result [at the championship]. Not many people get this opportunity. We are happy on our progress so far.”  

As Sadie looks toward the future, her ambitions are as high as the walls she climbs. Best of luck to Sadie as she competes at the IFSC Climbing Youth World Championships from August 19 to 27.  

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Explore Kingston’s spookiest ghosts and mysteries

As one of Canada’s oldest cities, Kingston has a historic past, full of chilling and haunted tales. Curious souls have the opportunity to delve into the city’s mysteries through two tours on both lake and land: the Ghost and Mystery Cruise and Ghost and Mystery Trolley Tour.  

Continue reading to learn more about these tours and the historical sites you’ll visit.  

The Island Queen on the Kingston shoreline at dusk / Credit: Kingston Destination Group

A cruise of ghostly discoveries 

The Ghost and Mystery Cruise sets sail from Crawford Wharf on the Island Queen, in the eerie glow of moonlight, to explore the ominous tales that shroud Kingston’s shoreline sites and Lake Ontario. For 90 minutes, you will be captivated by the stories that unfold, each one more spine-chilling than the last. The cruises depart at 8 pm on September 27 and October 11.  

Reserve your tickets by visiting Kingston 1000 Island Cruises or the Visitor Information Centre, 209 Ontario Street (open daily 9:30 am – 6:30 pm).  

The Ghost and Mystery Trolley Tour visiting the Rockwood Asylum at night / Credit: Kingston Destination Group

A spooky trolley ride 

On land, you can still explore Kingston’s haunted tales on a Ghost and Mystery Trolley Tour. Hop aboard Kingston’s red trolleys for a 90-minute evening tour. This tour takes brave souls on a journey from the Visitor Information Centre in downtown Kingston to notable sites and neighborhoods, where ghostly legends played a part in shaping the city’s early days.  

Tours are offered daily until October 27 at 6:30 pm, and it is recommended for guests 13 years or older due to the content discussed. This tour is included in the K-Pass, the all-inclusive attractions ticket to Kingston.  

Visit Kingston Trolley Tours’ website or the Visitor Information Centre, 209 Ontario Street (open daily 9:30 am – 6:30 pm) to book your tour.

Historic & mysterious sites you’ll visit…  

View of Kingston from Fort Henry at night / Credit: Kingston Destination Group

Fort Henry

Fort Henry, the 19th-century fortress, has been a location of paranormal encounters. On Fort Henry Hill, you may see the “Wandering Ghost,” an artillery brigadier who died when reloading a battery. This site is viewed on both the Ghost and Mystery Cruise and Trolley Tour.

Kingston Penitentiary 

Canada’s oldest maximum-security prison, Kingston Penitentiary, has a mysterious history. On both tours, you might catch a glimpse of the ghost of George Hewell, a prisoner who met his end in 1897, vowing vengeance.  

Skeleton Park  

Once Kingston’s Upper Burial Ground in the 19th century, McBurney Park, better known as Skeleton Park, was transformed into a park in the 1880s due to capacity issues and grave robberies. Locals now report stories of ghostly encounters in the Skeleton Park neighbourhood, so be on the lookout on your trolley tour.  

View from Fort Henry Hill of Cedar Island and the Cathcart Tower / Credit: Garrett Elliott

Cedar Island 

Did you know Cathcart Tower on Cedar Island is home of the fair maiden ghost Elizabeth? On both tours, you will learn of the secrets of Deadman’s Bay, the water surrounding the island.  

Marysburgh Vortex

The Marysburgh Vortex has gained notoriety as a location where so many ships have met their demise on Lake Ontario. Considered “the graveyard of Lake Ontario,” the area harbours about 270 shipwrecks and 40 planes. On the Ghost and Mystery Cruise, delve into the historic shipwrecks in this area.  

Rockwood Asylum visited by a trolley tour / Credit: Kingston Destination Group

Rockwood Asylum

Established in 1868, the Rockwood Asylum housed over 300 patients at once, many of whom were from nearby prisons and deemed “criminally insane.” Vacant since 2000, it is rumored to be haunted by the departed souls of patients and doctors. Peer through windows to spot ghosts while on your cruise or trolley tour.  

Both tours offer glimpses into Kingston’s past, a city that had lived through years of haunting tales. What sets these tours apart is their individuality; every tour guide is a local who shares their personal experiences and firsthand narratives, ensuring an unparalleled experience on each Ghost and Mystery Cruise and Trolley Tour.  

The brave souls who dared to embark on these experiences will be left with a newfound appreciation for the city’s history. But beware, for the tales you hear and the ghosts you encounter might just linger in your mind long after the journey is over. 

To book your tickets and learn more about the Ghost & Mystery tours, visit Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises and Kingston Trolley Tours. 

More spooky experiences

Kingston loves spooky season. See all of Kingston’s historical and haunted attractions.

Looking to scare up more thrills? Check out these spine-tingling options in South Eastern Ontario: Get goosebumps in South Eastern Ontario & 16 paranormal locations we dare you to visit.