Weekend getaway from Toronto · #7 of 10
Kingston
The Limestone City at the head of the St. Lawrence: Fort Henry, a lively waterfront and market square, and boat cruises into the Thousand Islands. Easy by VIA Rail, walkable once you arrive.
Where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence, Kingston serves up a gorgeous mix of 19th-century stone buildings, a historic military fort, and easy access to the Thousand Islands. Day one is all about historic streets and Fort Henry; day two gets you out on the water.
Getting there
A straightforward cruise down the 401. You will breeze right through as long as you avoid the GTA's typical Friday and Sunday evening rush hours.
Trains run constantly along the Toronto-Ottawa/Montreal corridor. Once you land in Kingston, the downtown, the fort, and the waterfront are all walkable from the station area.
Day 1 - Fort Henry and the old town
Stunning stone streets, a historic waterfront, and a living fortress- 19:00 AMDrive
Drive the 401 to Kingston
Point your wheels east on the 401. Aim to pull in by lunchtime so you can drop your bags and dive straight into exploring.
📍 Kingston, Ontario
- 212:00 PMFood
Lunch at Springer Market Square
Dating back to 1801, this bustling spot next to City Hall is one of Ontario's oldest markets. Grab some fresh treats and soak up the local energy.
📍 Market Square, Kingston
Tip · Skip the tourist shops and buy your maple syrup straight from the producers here. It is noticeably cheaper.
- 31:30 PMSight
Fort Henry National Historic Site
This 1830s limestone citadel on Point Henry once defended the Rideau Canal's Lake Ontario end from a US invasion. The Fort Henry Guard performs military drills in period British uniforms from May to September.
📍 Fort Henry, Kingston
Tip · Set aside up to three hours here. Just heads up: there is a separate fee for parking and the evening sunset ceremony.
- 44:00 PMSight
Kingston City Hall and the waterfront
Stroll the harbourfront in front of the domed 1844 City Hall, passing Confederation Basin marina and the 1915 lift bridge that carries Highway 2 over the Rideau Canal's mouth.
📍 Kingston City Hall, Kingston
Tip · The lift bridge serves up one of the best views looking back toward Fort Henry Hill.
- 55:00 PMSight
Murney Tower Museum
As one of four Martello towers built to guard the harbour, this squat 1840s stone fort now houses a fascinating little museum on Kingston's military history.
📍 Murney Tower, Kingston
- 66:30 PMFood
Dinner on Princess Street
Kingston's main commercial strip stretches from the waterfront past Queen's University, packed with independent restaurants, cozy pubs, and student spots.
📍 Princess Street, Kingston
- 78:30 PMStay
Overnight downtown
Base yourself downtown or by the waterfront. It is the priciest area, but it keeps everything from the fort to the market within easy walking distance.
📍 Downtown Kingston, Kingston
Day 2 - The Thousand Islands
Island cruising, a free ferry ride, and a gorgeous historic estate- 89:30 AMActivity
Kingston 1000 Islands Cruise
Hop on a classic tour boat (like the Island Queen, Island Belle, or Island Star) downtown for a loop around the Thousand Islands on the St. Lawrence. Trips take 1.5 to 3 hours.
📍 Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises, Kingston
Tip · Get the K-Pass to bundle this cruise with Fort Henry and other spots at a discount, if you did not already grab it yesterday.
- 912:00 PMActivity
Wolfe Island ferry ride
Take the free, year-round car ferry from downtown over to Wolfe Island. The 20-minute crossing offers gorgeous views looking back at the Kingston skyline.
📍 Wolfe Island Ferry, Kingston
Tip · The ferry welcomes pedestrians and bikes too, so you can easily leave your car parked in town.
- 101:00 PMFood
Lunch on the waterfront
Back in town, pull up a chair at a sunny patio overlooking the harbour or Confederation Basin for lunch.
- 112:30 PMSight
Bellevue House National Historic Site
Tour this striking Italianate villa, once home to Canada's first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, set in restored Victorian gardens close to downtown.
📍 Bellevue House, Kingston
- 124:00 PMSight
Stroll Queen's University and the Agnes Etherington Art Centre
Stroll the ivy-draped limestone campus of Queen's University, founded in 1842, and pop into the free Agnes Etherington Art Centre if it is open.
📍 Queen's University, Kingston
- 135:00 PMDrive
Drive back to Toronto
Head back west along the 401. Traffic is usually smooth and light on a Sunday evening when you are leaving Kingston.
📍 Kingston, Ontario
Where to eat
Ontario's oldest farmers market sits right beside City Hall, perfect for fresh produce, baked treats, and cheap local maple syrup.
The main downtown drag is packed with local restaurants and lively pubs catering to a fun university-town crowd.
Eateries around Confederation Basin and the waterfront lift bridge are perfect for a scenic lunch or dinner stop.
When to go
The peak time for Thousand Islands cruises and Fort Henry's full military drills and sunset ceremonies (May to September).
Enjoy smaller crowds and crisp harbour walks, though keep in mind cruises start winding down as November gets closer.
Market Square's outdoor rink is groomed and open for ice skating, though Fort Henry and the boat cruises shut down for the winter.
Since the Wolfe Island ferry runs year-round, it is a fantastic shoulder-season getaway even before the tour boats launch.
Good to know
- Grab the K-Pass to bundle Fort Henry, a cruise, the trolley tour, and museum entry. It is way cheaper than buying them separate.
- Take advantage of the free Wolfe Island ferry. It runs hourly all year long, even when tourist boats are docked for the winter.
- Skip the drive and take VIA Rail. Trains run daily from Toronto, dropping you close enough to walk straight to downtown.
- If you are visiting in peak summer, book your tickets for Fort Henry's sunset ceremony in advance. It gets super busy.
