Top reasons to visit Kingston
- Scenic Waterfront: Kingston boasts stunning waterfront views, perfect for leisurely strolls and boat tours.
- Historical Significance: Explore rich heritage sites, including preserved locations and historic prisons that highlight the city's past.
- Outdoor Activities: Enjoy a variety of eco-friendly adventures, from hiking to recreational sports in beautiful parks.
- Charming Local Culture: Discover friendly locals, unique boutiques, and vibrant community events throughout the city.
- Convenient Accommodation: Kingston offers diverse lodging options, ensuring a comfortable stay for every type of traveller.
Find great hotels in Kingston
Discover the charm of Kingston, Ontario, with a variety of accommodation options to suit every traveler's needs. From pet-friendly hotels to family-oriented motels, Kingston offers the perfect base for both business trips and leisurely vacations. Explore the best hotels in the area, providing a blend of comfort, convenience, and top-notch amenities to ensure a memorable stay.
- Residence Inn by Marriott Kingston Water's Edge: This 3-star hotel offers a welcoming atmosphere perfect for families and business travellers alike. With a remarkable guest rating of 9.2 out of 10, the Residence Inn by Marriott Kingston Water's Edge is pet-friendly and provides a range of amenities tailored for children, including complimentary cribs. The hotel is set along the picturesque waterfront, allowing guests to enjoy scenic views while relaxing in spacious rooms equipped with kitchen facilities. The pet policy accommodates various animals, ensuring a comfortable stay for all family members, including furry ones.
- Motel 6 Kingston, ON: A budget-conscious option with a guest rating of 9.0 out of 10, Motel 6 Kingston, ON focuses on providing a straightforward and comfortable experience for travellers. This motel is pet-friendly, allowing dogs and cats, and does not charge for pets, making it an ideal choice for those travelling with animals. The no-frills accommodation features essential amenities and convenient access to local attractions, providing a solid base for exploration in the Kingston area without breaking the bank.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Kingston: With a 3.5-star rating and a guest rating of 8.8 out of 10, DoubleTree by Hilton Kingston combines adventure with comfort. This hotel caters to adventurous spirits, offering nearby activities such as kayaking, windsurfing, and sailing. The property is also pet-friendly, with specific policies in place to ensure a pleasant stay for all guests. With its modern amenities and convenient location, DoubleTree by Hilton Kingston serves as an excellent choice for both leisure and business travellers seeking excitement and relaxation.
Where to stay in Kingston
Kingston, Ontario, is a delightful blend of history and adventure, perfect for eco-conscious travellers. Discover the charming streets lined with friendly locals while indulging in shopping at unique boutiques. With its convenient location, you can explore nearby attractions such as the picturesque Thousand Islands or enjoy outdoor activities along the waterfront. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in Kingstonโs rich heritage and vibrant community during your memorable stay.
- Downtown Kingston: Situated at the heart of Kingston, Downtown Kingston is a vibrant area that buzzes with activity year-round. The neighbourhood is particularly lively from July to September, making it an ideal time for visitors seeking outdoor adventures and eco-friendly experiences. Here, you can explore a variety of educational venues, recreational areas, and shops, all within walking distance. Local landmarks include stunning nature reserves and a modern college university, making it a hub for both tourists and students alike. The marina offers picturesque waterfront views, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a scenic boat ride.
- Sydenham Ward: Nestled close to Downtown, Sydenham Ward shares a similar charm and appeal, drawing visitors throughout the year, especially during the summer months. This neighbourhood is known for its outdoor and adventure activities, as well as eco-friendly initiatives. You will find a range of recreational areas and educational institutions here, alongside quaint shops offering local goods. The proximity to nature reserves and the marina adds to the areaโs allure, making it an excellent spot for those who appreciate the great outdoors and wish to immerse themselves in Kingston's natural beauty.
- Queen's: Positioned near the esteemed Queen's University, this neighbourhood is a lively mix of academic energy and community spirit. Like its counterparts, Queen's sees a peak in tourism from July to September, attracting those looking for outdoor pursuits and eco-conscious adventures. The area boasts accessible recreational spaces, educational facilities, and charming stores. With a modern college university, nature reserves, and the marina nearby, Queen's offers a unique blend of scholarly atmosphere and natural beauty, making it a delightful destination for visitors of all interests.
Things to do in Kingston
Shopping
In Kingston, visit the Kingston Centre for a variety of shops, from clothing to electronics. If you're up for a drive, check out Cataraqui Centre, about 16km away, featuring a range of retailers and dining options in a spacious setting.
Recreation
In Kingston, the Kinston Wellness Centre offers a range of holistic treatments, including yoga and meditation classes designed to rejuvenate the mind and body. Nearby, the Invista Centre provides recreational activities such as swimming and fitness classes, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle amidst a vibrant community atmosphere.
Adventure
Explore the Thousand Islands by embarking on a boat tour, where you can marvel at stunning landscapes and unique islands. For a thrilling experience, try kayaking along the waterfront, navigating through beautiful scenery and spotting local wildlife.
Nightlife
Experience Kingston's vibrant nightlife at The Ale House, where live music and local brews create a lively atmosphere. For a more relaxed vibe, visit The Kingston Brewing Company, offering craft beers and a welcoming pub environment. Don't miss the late-night dance scene at The Grad Club, a popular student hangout.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kingston
Kingston, Ontario, offers numerous ways to save during your visit. Enjoy free attractions like the Kingston Waterfront and City Hall, and consider using public transport, such as buses, for budget-friendly travel. The best time to visit for lower prices is from December to February, with Mondays typically being the cheapest day to stay. Use Expedia's search tools to find the best accommodation deals, and consider bundling your flight, hotel, and activities for extra savings. Booking in advance can also help you secure the best rates.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Kingston are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Kingston is Monday. The most expensive day to stay in Kingston is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expediaโs search wizard to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel reservation in Kingston with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package deal.
Find the best attractions in Kingston
Kingston, Ontario, is an excellent destination for outdoor and eco-friendly vacations, offering a variety of attractions for culture enthusiasts and families alike. Visitors can explore historic sites, such as preserved locations and historic prisons, which reflect the city's rich heritage. With plenty of opportunities for adventure and nature experiences, Kingston caters to diverse interests, ensuring a memorable holiday for all types of travellers.
- Kingston Penitentiary: Explore the intriguing history of Kingston Penitentiary, a former maximum-security prison with over 180 years of stories. Guided tours provide a glimpse into the lives of inmates and the prisonโs architectural significance, offering a unique cultural perspective on justice in Canada.
- Kingston Waterfront: Stroll along the picturesque Kingston Waterfront, where friendly locals gather. This serene reserve features beautiful parks and vibrant waterfront activities, perfect for leisurely walks, picnics, and enjoying stunning views of Lake Ontario.
- Fort Henry: Visit Fort Henry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the military history of Canada. Engage with reenactors, explore the fortโs impressive architecture, and enjoy panoramic views of Kingston and the surrounding area, enriching your cultural experience.
Best time to go to Kingston
The best time to visit Kingston can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Kingston falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Kingston falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Kingston
Flying into Kingston, Ontario, is convenient via three major airports. Ottawa International Airport (YOW) is located 137km away, with nearby hotels such as the 5-star Fairmont Chateau Laurier Gold Experience and the 4.5-star Hilton Lac-Leamy, both only a short drive from the airport. Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR), 127km from Kingston, offers options like the 4-star DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Syracuse and the 4-star Marriott Syracuse Downtown. Lastly, Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) is 154km away, with hotels including the 4-star DoubleTree by Hilton Rochester. Each airport provides easy access to Kingston, ensuring a smooth arrival for visitors.