Summer weekend in Kingston
How locals do summer in Kingston — patios, beaches, festivals and the long-evening rituals that only happen in July and August.
Top spots in Kingston
Wolfe Island Ferry
FamilyDowntown waterfront
Free 20-min ferry to the largest of the Thousand Islands.
Rideau Canal
OutdoorsKingston Mills
UNESCO canal locks — kayak in summer, skate in winter.
Thousand Islands Cruise
OutdoorsConfederation Basin
Three-hour cruise past 1,864 islands.
Princess Street
Food & DrinkDowntown
Limestone storefronts, brewpubs, patios and indie shops.
Where to eat
Atomica
$$Italian · Bagot St
Wood-fired pizza, students and professors both crowd in.
Chez Piggy
$$$Eclectic global · Princess St courtyard
Hidden 1810 stable — Kingston's beloved 40-year institution.
Olivea
$$$Italian · Market Square
Hand-rolled pasta facing the 1843 City Hall.
Pan Chancho
$$Bakery / Brunch · Princess St
Best bread in eastern Ontario, packed brunches.
Live & on stage
Kingston Buskers Rendezvous
Waterfront · Jul 10–13 · Street Performance
Kingston WritersFest
Holiday Inn Waterfront · Sep 24–28 · Literary
Limestone City Blues Festival
Downtown · Aug 28–31 · Blues
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: Thousand Islands Cruise, Princess Street, Wolfe Island Ferry. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Kingston and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.