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.

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Often called the 'Limestone City,' Kingston is stocked with clunky halls of hand-cut stone and prim Victorian mansions. A noticeable lack of modern architecture helps to maintain the historical charm. Added to the slew of interesting museums and historical sites are the pretty waterfront location and vibrant, colorful gardens.

Founded in 1841, the same year as Kingston was proclaimed capital, Queen's University adds a dash of hot-blooded youthfulness to the mix. An assortment of great dining options, some with student-friendly prices, and a crankin' nightlife round out the package.

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Top experiences in Kingston

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Travel guides

Starting at $36.39

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Kingston activities

$21.71 Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours

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.
$136.48 Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours

Boldt Castle and Thousand Islands Helicopter Tour

For a different view of the Thousand Islands and Bold Castle, embark on a helicopter tours that offers the most spectacular views. Your incredible journey begins as you lift off you will be see the unspoiled beauty of the St. Lawrence River, Ivy Lea Bridge and the richness of the Thousand Islands. Then you will proceed to the US side (passports not required) to view the famous, beautiful and iconic Boldt Castle. This tour is approximately 20 minutes in duration. Upon your return, you have the option of taking home the memories by purchasing your personalized high-definition videos of your tour.
$19.35 Cultural & Theme Tours

Original Haunted Walk of Kingston

Follow your cloaked and lantern-carrying tour guide on a 90-minute storytelling adventure that will surprise amaze and delight even the most skeptical in the group. Along the way, you will hear a number of stories, including: The tragedy at the Prince George Hostel How graverobbings used to be quite common in Kingston The location of several burial grounds hidden in plain sight How the guests of a local B&B continue to have unexplainable experiences A restless spirit who turned to a photographer for help The tour will end back at your local operator's ticket office where souvenirs will be available for purchase. A pub is conveniently located next door for refreshments before or after your tour.
$209.75 Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours

Thousand Island Helicopter Tour Including Boldt and Singer Castles

Choose from one of many daily departure times between 10am and 5pm, then head to the Thousand Islands Heliport (in Thousand Islands, Ontario) to meet the pilot guide and get a rundown and safety briefing of the upcoming adventure. Upon liftoff, see the unspoiled beauty of the St. Lawrence River and the Thousand Islands (Ivy Lea) Bridge. Proceed to the US side (passports not required) to view the famous, beautiful, and iconic landmarks in the Islands — namely the Boldt and Singer Castles. Also on this tour, see the Manhattan group of islands, Sunken Treasures (the Thousand Islands ship wrecks), and the Sisters Island Lighthouse.This tour is approximately 30 minutes in duration. Upon return, take home the memories by purchasing personalized, high-definition videos of the tour, if desired.
$90.68 Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours

Thousand Islands Helicopter Tour

This Thousand Islands helicopter tour offers the most spectacular views with four unique tours operating year around. Become mesmerized by the richness and beauty of the Thousand Islands only seen from the air. The new state of the art Heli Port facility offers a welcome lounge, outdoor viewing area, plenty of parking for RVs and tour buses. After arriving at our Visitors Center, you'll go over your tour route and be provided a safety briefing. Then you'll proceed to the helipad where you will be loaded into a 3-passenger Robinson R44 Helicopter. As you lift off you will be see the unspoiled beauty of the St. Lawrence River and the richness of the Thousand Islands. On this tour you will see the Town of Gananoque, Admiralty Group of Islands, Howe Island and the Ferry, Wolf Islands and the Wind Turbines. This tour is approximately 10 minutes in duration. Upon your return, you have the option of taking home the memories by purchasing your personalized high-definition videos of your tour.
$412.17 Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours

Ultimate Thousand Islands Helicopter Tour

Once you arrive at the Visitors Center, you will be greeted, checked-in and provided a safety briefing. Then you will proceed to our helipad where you will be loaded into a 3-passenger Robinson R44 Helicopter.This ultimate tour allows you to experience the most of the 1864 splendid Islands. After minutes of taking off you will find yourself flying over the marvelous and historic Kingston, Ontario. The views of the charming downtown Kingston, the notable Fort Henry, Queens University and the famous Kingston Penitentiary will leave you speechless. After leaving Kingston, the forgotten parts of the Thousand islands will be uncovered. You will explore the history of the sunken ships of the St. Lawrence and the disintegrating Wyckoff Villa only seen from the air. After exploring the forgotten parts, you will be taken to the iconic Boldt Castle and Singer Castle. Included in this tour is your personalized video and t-shirt.
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