Welcome to Kingston
Modern-day Canada's first capital, albeit only for three years, Kingston was stripped of the title when Queen Victoria worried that it was too close to the American border and could not be properly defended. Today, the pretty city finds itself strategically placed as the perfect pit stop between Montréal or Ottawa and Toronto.
Top experiences in Kingston
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Kingston activities
Thousand Islands Sunset Dinner Cruise
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises, Kingston, OntarioBoard the Island Star for your cruise from downtown Kingston and get ready to set sail. This 3-hour Sunset Dinner Cruise is a feast for the senses, as the comfortable glass-top boat navigates around 1000 Islands and you sip beverages and graze on tasty food or stroll around the open-air deck. Indulge in a tasty three-course meal on this 3-hour sunset cruise around 1000 Islands. Choose from five different delicious entrees and then sit back and enjoy the gorgeous scenery as the sun dips below the horizon and your palate is treated to a toothsome delights. At sunset promenade on the top deck at dusk or dance under the glass-topped canopy of this unique ‘Bateau Mouche’ style boat. A Sunset Dinner Cruise hits all the right notes!Duration: 3 hours
Kingston Discovery Sightseeing Cruise
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises, Kingston, OntarioYour 90-minute Discovery cruise highlights the westerly 1000 Islands and Fort Henry, along with shipwrecks and classical architecture, as well as Canada's Royal Military College and the imposing Kingston Penitentiary. The focus of this 90-minute cruise is on the history and waterfront of the city of Kingston, and its place at the beginning of the St. Lawrence River and the 1000 Islands region. Ride aboard the Island Belle, a replica St. Lawrence Steamer. It is a regular sight in the harbour showcasing Kingston's unique setting, historic sites, and neighboring islands from the best vantage point possible - the water. Kingston is now a UNESCO World Heritage Destination for its remarkable and well-preserved 19th-century defense fortifications. The Discovery Cruise is the perfect way to begin an exploration of the region. On board the Island Belle you can enjoy a full-service canteen and bar, as well as multilingual recorded commentary.Duration: 1 hour 30 minutesPass By: Fort Henry (Fort Henry National Historic Site), Kingston, OntarioYour 90-minute Discovery cruise highlights the westerly 1000 Islands and Fort Henry, along with shipwrecks and classical architecture, as well as Canada's Royal Military College and the imposing Kingston Penitentiary. The focus of this 90-minute cruise is on the history and waterfront of the city of Kingston, and its place at the beginning of the St. Lawrence River and the 1000 Islands region. Pass By: Royal Military College Museum, Kingston, OntarioYour 90-minute Discovery cruise highlights the westerly 1000 Islands and Fort Henry, along with shipwrecks and classical architecture, as well as Canada's Royal Military College and the imposing Kingston Penitentiary. The focus of this 90-minute cruise is on the history and waterfront of the city of Kingston, and its place at the beginning of the St. Lawrence River and the 1000 Islands region. .Pass By: Canada's Penitentiary Museum, Kingston, OntarioYour 90-minute Discovery cruise highlights the westerly 1000 Islands and Fort Henry, along with shipwrecks and classical architecture, as well as Canada's Royal Military College and the imposing Kingston Penitentiary. The focus of this 90-minute cruise is on the history and waterfront of the city of Kingston, and its place at the beginning of the St. Lawrence River and the 1000 Islands region.
Heart of the 1000 Islands Sightseeing Cruise
The world-famous 1000 Islands begin in Kingston and span the St. Lawrence River for miles. The route on board the triple deck Island Queen departs from Downtown Kingston at 12:30pm daily or every weekend at 10:30am and 2pm in the summer season. You'll wind your way through the small cottage islands of the Admiralty group featuring Napoleon's Hat, Wanderer's Channel, the Bateau Channel, the new, opulent Mandalay Mansion and the historic sights of Kingston. The Admiralty Islands host the highest concentration of small cottage islands and channels in the 1000 Islands. The Heart of the Islands Cruise is the most in-depth cruise in the 1000 Islands - the perfect way to explore the remarkable scenery that has made the region famous throughout the world. On board you will enjoy live entertainment, multilingual commentary which describes the history and folklore as you pass by spectacular scenery and island homes, as well as a full service canteen and bar.
90-Minute 1000 Islands Sightseeing Cruise
No visit to Eastern Ontario would be complete without a cruise to the world famous Thousand Islands. Departing from Brockville's historic waterfront, the "Jewels of the St. Lawrence" Cruise offers frequent daily departures. Your safety and comfort are assured aboard this fleet of modern, twin-decked, Transport Canada certified vessels equipped with on-board restrooms and fully licensed beverage and snack service (at extra cost).Revel in your view of palatial waterfront mansions, quaint island cottages and the many natural wonders of the 1000 Islands as you pass in the shadows of ships plying the main shipping channel of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Relax with a beverage and snack from a licensed snack bar. Get close to nature as you glide through narrow, scenic channels not available to larger tour boats - all while your bi-lingual Captain’s commentary provides an accurate account of the Islands history, its legends and its people.Start or end your visit with a meal at the Crow's Nest Bistro, Brockville's only true licensed waterfront bistro or pick up a memento of your visit in the 1000 Islands at the Chandlery Gift Shop. Limited free parking is available on site.After your cruise, you can delve into the Islands a little deeper with a visit to the Aquatarium (not included), a new 32,000 sq. ft. interactive discovery centre devoted to the history, culture and ecology of the region. Ogle ships from around the world plying the St. Lawrence Seaway channel from one of five waterfront parks. Explore Brockville’s many historical treasures with a visit to the Brockville Museum, Fulford Place, Canada’s First Railway Tunnel, and Fort Wellington. Or take a stroll through the historic downtown where you’ll discover an abundance of architectural treasures of this one-time Millionaire’s capital of Canada.
Heart of the 1000 Islands Lunch Cruise
The world-famous 1000 Islands begin in Kingston and span the St. Lawrence River for miles. The route on board the triple deck Island Queen or the glass-top Island Star departs from Downtown Kingston at 12:30pm. You'll wind your way through the small cottage islands of the Admiralty group featuring Napoleon's Hat, Wanderer's Channel, the Bateau Channel, the new, opulent Mandalay Mansion and the historic sights of Kingston. The Admiralty Islands host the highest concentration of small cottage islands and channels in the 1000 Islands. The Heart of the Islands Cruise is the most in-depth cruise in the 1000 Islands - the perfect way to explore the remarkable scenery that has made the region famous throughout the world. Combining Lunch with a 1000 Islands Cruise is not only relaxing, friendly and entertaining; a lunch reservation offers a beautiful view of the Islands from the panoramic second deck of the Island Queen, or from the glass-topped Island Star (depending on the date). In spring and fall bask in the beautiful views of the Islands from the panoramic second deck of the Island Queen. Enjoy buffet lunch, live entertainment, multilingual commentary which describes the history and folklore as you pass by spectacular scenery and island homes, as well as a full service canteen and bar. In summer, and select days in the spring/fall: take the lunch cruise on the Island Star offering a beautiful view of the Islands from our glass topped Bateau-Mouche styled vessel. Savor a delicious 3-course choice meal, made to order on-board and served to your table. Relax inside with live entertainment, then head outside to promenade on the open-air deck between courses.
Boldt Castle and Thousand Islands Helicopter Tour
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours, Gananoque, OntarioLocation of the 1000 Islands Heliport. Travelers will embark on their helicopter tour from this location. Features a welcome centre with ample parking for cars and larger vehicles, small gift shop, fully accessible washrooms and a spacious lounge.Duration: 1 hourPass By: Thousand Islands Bridge, Alexandria Bay, New YorkFly over both the Canadian and American spans of the Thousand Islands Bridge that connect two nations and sees the safe passage of millions of travelers every year.Pass By: Boldt Castle and Yacht House, Alexandria Bay, New YorkSee the world famous historic monument that stands as a testament to the love of George Boldt and his wife Louise; beautiful Boldt Castle on Heart Island! Pass By: 1000 Islands Tower, Lansdowne, OntarioSee this unique landmark from the air - the 1000 Islands Tower observation deck that gives visitors a 360 degree view of the area!