The best (and sometimes overlooked) photo spots in Kingston

By Abigail Beckett

Besides the awesome Kingston sign downtown at Confederation Park, check out these other Instagram-worthy spots. Kingston is filled with unique spots where you can capture professional-quality photos. Whether it be classic nature photos, or artsy and edgy ones, there is a place for everything. Grab some friends or go solo and start the photo shoot!

1. Agnes Etherington Art Centre

36 University Ave. 

Before the reimaging of the Agnes begins in 2023, the Art Centre created the Transformations exhibit. A group of artists from across the Toronto-Montreal corridor were hosted for a commission for the exterior facades of the Agnes. The vibrant wall art on the Anges serves double-duty as both an extraordinary sight to see and as a new hot spot for photos in Kingston.

2. Emma Martin Park

1 Cataraqui St.

Looking for cottage country vibes? This picturesque spot is located by the River Mill Restaurant along the Waterfront Pathway/K&P Trail. Capture the reflection of the sunset on the buildings on the east side across the water. You might even find some wildlife out here.

3. Antique Alley

207 Wellington St.

Located at 207 Wellington Street, check out the Antique Alley for your next photo op with a vintage vibe. The hidden alleyway is filled with one-of-a-kind antique items, pictures, and signs. Visit the store at the end of the alley and see what exciting antiques they have!

4. Delta Hotel pathway

1 Johnson St. 

Walk along the Waterfront Pathway beside the Delta Hotel and find amazing artwork across the walls by Kingston artist EronOne. Take some pictures with the murals and some shots with the water. You will also see many boats both docked and in the water during the summertime.

5. The Grocery Basket rooftop

260 Princess St. 

Visit The Grocery Basket’s rooftop patio and snap some shots of downtown from the sky. Get the bird’s-eye-view of Princess Street or take some photos of the city’s skyline. Try some of The Grocery Basket’s amazing breakfast and lunch options and enjoy the view.

6. Newlands Pavilion

Macdonald Park by Murney Tower

Head to the waterfront and check out the gazebo located by Murney Tower. This area is great for capturing the view of Lake Ontario using the gazebo as your personal frame. This spot is perfect for all seasons and is especially useful for group photos.

7. Secret spot west of Lake Ontario Park

Trailhead Pl. 

Lake Ontario Park has some fantastic natural features to capture the ideal outdoorsy photo. However, if you head west for just under 1km, you will find a secret spot. At the end of Trailhead Place, walk down a path that takes you out to a narrow point with a great view of the water.

8. City Park

Located on the east side of Queen’s University campus, this park has a few hidden gem photo spots you need to check out. This is the perfect place to capture sunset photos. It is full of greenery in the summer and packed with fall colours in the autumn. Check out the unique Victorian-style homes that border the park. They are also great photo backdrops!

9. Churchill Park

685 Brock St.

Looking for flowers? Head down Brock Street and stop by Churchill Park. This spot will have your senses heightened with the beautiful sights and smells of the flower gardens. Snap some photos with the bright and colourful flowers and get that perfect vibrant summer photo.

10. Barriefield Rock Garden

Alongside James St. (Barriefield)

Head over to Kingston’s east side and explore Barriefield Rock Garden. The garden was created by Bill Robb in 1990 who used a variety of engineering techniques to devise the garden’s layout. The area has some exceptional spots for pictures. Fall colours look remarkable in this spot.

 

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