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Before you go
Your trip to Kingston.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Kingston – Ontario Destination Kingston and Thousand Islands about 260 km from Toronto
How to get there
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Kingston Norman Rogers Airport (YGK) 10 km
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Kingston Station (VIA Rail) 5 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
The VIA Rail station is about 5 km from downtown, with bus and taxi connections. The airport, about 10 km away, has regional flights. On Highway 401, the city lies between Toronto and Montreal.
How many days
One day for downtown and Fort Henry; two days to include Kingston Mills and a boat trip.
When to go
June to September, while Fort Henry and the boat tours operate; the sunset ceremony usually takes place on Wednesdays in July and August.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Not in downtown. For Kingston Mills and Gananoque, use a car or taxi.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Kingston
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Morning
Historic center
Start at City Hall and the market square and walk along the waterfront to Confederation Park.
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Afternoon
Fort Henry
Cross over to Fort Henry and watch the guard drills and cannon demonstrations.
2 days in Kingston
Day 1
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All day
Downtown and the fort
Do downtown in the morning and Fort Henry in the afternoon, staying for the sunset ceremony if it’s a summer Wednesday.
Day 2
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Morning
Kingston Mills
Go to the Kingston Mills locks to see boats rise step by step on the Rideau Canal.
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Afternoon
Island boat cruise
Take a boat cruise to the first islands of the Saint Lawrence, departing from the downtown waterfront.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Was Kingston ever Canada’s capital?
Yes, it was the first capital of the Province of Canada, from 1841 to 1844.
What is the Fort Henry sunset ceremony?
A show with marching, military music, cannon fire and fireworks, performed by the Fort Henry Guard on summer evenings. Check the season dates.
What to do in Kingston in one day?
See City Hall and the market square, walk the waterfront and visit Fort Henry.
Is Kingston part of the World Heritage Site?
Yes: the Rideau Canal and Kingston’s fortifications, such as Fort Henry, were inscribed by UNESCO in 2007.