Kingston

Travel Guide

A street with brick buildings, storefronts, and flower planters.
A sign reading "KNGSTON" with a train and flowers in the foreground.
A street lined with historic buildings, including Morrison's Restaurant.
A city square with historic buildings, a fountain, and a restaurant.
A street with historic buildings, including a Masonic Building, Studio 22, and the Kingston Coffeehouse.

Where to stay in Kingston

Find the best Kingston areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Kingston
Learn more about Kingston
A marina with numerous boats docked, surrounded by urban buildings and greenery.

Downtown Kingston

If you're spending some time in Downtown Kingston, Grand Theatre and Wellington Street Theatre are top sights worth seeing.

A coastal cityscape with a marina, buildings, and a clear blue sky.

Inner Harbour

Restaurants, shopping, and waterfront views are just a few things travelers enjoy about Inner Harbour. Check out Slush Puppie Place or Kingston Waterfront while you're exploring the area.

A city skyline with historic buildings, modern skyscrapers, and a waterfront with boats.

Williamsville

Williamsville might not have many top sights, but Grand Theatre and Kingston Centre are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

A historic building with a dome and clock tower, a fountain, and a park with benches and people.
Photo by Melanie Hartshorn
Open Photo by Melanie Hartshorn

Sydenham Ward

If you're spending some time in Sydenham Ward, Wellington Street Theatre and Grand Theatre are top sights worth seeing.

An aerial view of a coastal city with a mix of modern and historic buildings, a prominent round building, and a lighthouse.

Queen's

While visiting Queen's, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Ontario and Agnes Etherington Art Centre.

Confederation Place - Hotel

Confederation Place - Hotel

3 out of 5
237 Ontario St Kingston ON
The price is $98 total per night from Nov 8 to Nov 9
$98 total
per night
Nov 8 - Nov 9
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kingston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,955 reviews)
"all good very nice staff and clean rooms good parking and breakfast"

Reviewed on Nov 6, 2026

Confederation Place - Hotel
Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront by IHG

Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront by IHG

3.5 out of 5
2 Princess St Kingston ON
The price is $131 total per night from Dec 6 to Dec 7
$131 total
per night
Dec 6 - Dec 7
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kingston. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,767 reviews)
"I like the size of the room and the extra table and chairs in the couch. The view of the water on both sides of the room was nice and we were able to hear the waves when which was very appeasing . There really wasn't enough coffee and then we had to call in for creamers. The balcony was dirty and ..."

Reviewed on Nov 5, 2026

Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront by IHG
Kingston Marriott

Kingston Marriott

4 out of 5
285 King St E Kingston ON
The price is $159 total per night from Nov 15 to Nov 16
$159 total
per night
Nov 15 - Nov 16
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kingston. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (889 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel. Front desk staff wonderful and very accommodating re parking our Tahoe. Location is wonderful for downtown parks shows and restaurants. Only complaints are related to fridge which froze all our food and drinks and the coffee machine that didn’t work."

Reviewed on Nov 6, 2026

Kingston Marriott
See all 761 properties in Kingston
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Dwell Aparthotels

Dwell Aparthotels

4 out of 5
7 Colborne St Kingston ON
Stay at this aparthotel in Kingston. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kingston Waterfront and Kingston Penitentiary ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (65 reviews)
"Amazing place for a weekend. Beautiful place, nicely furnished, good kitchen and great location. Will definitely return. Only issues we had was soundproofing from above. Parking is also awkward, especially if there is a large vehicle is in the middle parking spot. Ended up leaving our car on the ..."

Reviewed on Oct 20, 2026

Dwell Aparthotels
Charming Kingston Home w/Private Yard & Peaceful Vibes — Family Friendly!

Charming Kingston Home w/Private Yard & Peaceful Vibes — Family Friendly!

Kingston ON
Stay at this vacation home in Kingston. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kingston Penitentiary and Kingston Waterfront ...
5.6/10 (12 reviews)
"Malheurusement, l'état de propreté du logement était désastreuse : toilettes non-lavées, croustilles sur sofa et lits, beaucoup de poussières et saletés sur le plancher, plusieurs toiles d'arraignées, des robinets défectueux, J'ai dû balayer tout le logis et laver et remplacer les draps surs les ..."

Reviewed on Oct 16, 2026

Charming Kingston Home w/Private Yard & Peaceful Vibes — Family Friendly!
Luxury, top floor suite with free parking space. Walking distance to downtown!

Luxury, top floor suite with free parking space. Walking distance to downtown!

Kingston ON
Stay at this apartment in Kingston. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and balconies. Popular attractions Kingston Waterfront and Kingston Penitentiary are ...
Luxury, top floor suite with free parking space. Walking distance to downtown!
See all properties in Kingston
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Kingston attractions

A historic tower with a red roof, surrounded by boats and trees in a marina setting.

Kingston Waterfront

9.2/10 (4,687 reviews)
Explore the waterfront in Kingston with a trip to Kingston Waterfront. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
See properties

Things to do

1000 Islands

Thousand Islands Helicopter Tour

$93
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Thousand Islands Helicopter Tour
Orignal Haunted Walk of Kingston 75-Minute Ghost Tour

Kingston Ghost Tour: The Original Haunted Walk

$26
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Kingston Ghost Tour: The Original Haunted Walk
Fun & Friendly Tour Guides - Photo by Garrett Elliott

Queen's University Ghost Tour: Campus Legends & Lore

$26
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Queen's University Ghost Tour: Campus Legends & Lore
Kingston: Haunted Night Walking Tour

Kingston: Haunted Night Walking Tour

$26
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Kingston: Haunted Night Walking Tour
Soar over Boldt & Singer Castles!

Thousand Islands Two Castle Helicopter Tour

$237
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Thousand Islands Two Castle Helicopter Tour
Hidden Kingston City Walking Tours

Hidden Kingston City Walking Tours

$26
per adult
Hidden Kingston City Walking Tours
See all activities in Kingston

Frequently asked questions

Is Kingston worth visiting?
Kingston is worth visiting for its standout attractions like the Kingston Waterfront and Queen's University. Travelers can explore distinct areas such as Downtown Kingston and Queen's, and enjoy diverse dining with options for Asian and Italian cuisine.
When is the best time to visit Kingston?
The best time to visit Kingston is from May through September, when the weather is generally pleasant for exploring. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of December through March are a good option, offering a cooler experience. Travelers can enjoy the destination without the peak season hustle.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in Kingston?
The best neighborhoods to explore in Kingston depend on what you want to see:

  • Downtown Kingston offers entertainment at Wellington Street Theatre, golf at Amherstview Golf Club, and access to the Kingston Waterfront.
  • Queen's is home to historical sites like Murney Tower Museum, Queen's University, and the Agnes Etherington Art Centre.

What is Kingston known for?
Kingston is known for its prominent institutions like Queen's University and historic Fort Henry. Travelers can enjoy the Kingston Waterfront, set along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. The city also offers a strong Asian food culture, providing diverse culinary experiences.
What is a good itinerary length for Kingston?
A good itinerary length for Kingston is two to three days to explore key highlights like the Kingston Waterfront, Queen's University, and Fort Henry, perhaps with a walking tour. An extended stay of four to five days allows you to delve deeper into Downtown Kingston and Queen's, or consider a longer Eastern Canada tour. See Kingston Activities.
How do you get around Kingston?
Kingston offers train service for travelers, with the main stop being Kingston Train Station. For exploring further afield, rental cars are available in areas such as Cataraqui North and Auden Park, providing flexibility for your trip.
What are the top things to do in and around Kingston?
Kingston offers a rich blend of history, unique landmarks, and scenic waterfront experiences:

  • Stroll the Kingston Waterfront for views and relaxation.
  • Explore Fort Henry on a ghost tour, delving into Kingston's haunted past.
  • Visit Kingston Penitentiary, a historic landmark with a storied past.
  • Discover the city's stories on a walking tour with a local historian.
  • Enjoy the Heart of the 1000 Islands Brunch Cruise for a scenic meal on the water.

How do I plan a trip to Kingston?
Plan your trip to Kingston by booking flights, hotels, and rental cars in advance. Explore Downtown Kingston or the Queen's area, visiting attractions like Fort Henry and Kingston Waterfront. Book activities such as a Walking Tour or a Fort Henry Ghost Tour. For outdoor plans, have indoor options ready for weather flexibility.
What cuisines can you find in Kingston?
In Kingston you can find Thai cuisine, with popular dishes like Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Tom Yum Soup. Travelers can also enjoy other Asian options such as Chinese, Indian, and Japanese, alongside Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican, and North American fare.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Kingston?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Kingston by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Kingston with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Kingston trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Kingston?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Kingston can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Kingston trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Kingston trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Kingston trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Kingston trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Kingston?
If it's your first trip to Kingston, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Kingston hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Kingston hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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A wooden deck with two Adirondack chairs, a striped pillow, and a potted plant with red flowers.

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