Fun Things To Do In Kingston During Summer

Kingston, a charming city nestled on the banks of Lake Ontario, is well-known for its breathtaking shoreline, rich history, and active cultural scene.

 

Kingston comes alive with a wide range of fascinating events and activities that promise enjoyment and adventure for guests of all ages as the summer sun shines brightly.

 

There are plenty of things to see and do in Kingston throughout the summer; from touring historic sites to engaging in outdoor activities. This article will discuss some of the most entertaining and memorable things to do in Kingston

 

9 Summertime Fun Activities in Kingston

1.     Take a ride on the Kingston trolley tour

Taking the Historic Trolley Tour on one of Kingston’s most popular attraction tours is a great way to see the city!  This “hop-on hop-off” trip brings you to all the major attractions that tourists would like to see.

 

Not only may you get off and tour the destination (such as Bellevue House), but you can also take another trolley, which passes by often during the summer.

 

The trolleys are an excellent method to learn about the city’s historical landmarks and much more, as they have a live commentary from the driver and/or audio tour.

 

2.     Hit the water on a 1000 island boat cruise

The Saint Lawrence River and the Thousand Islands, two nearby waterways, are stunning locations to explore from the water and have significant historical significance. You can choose from a huge variety of boat cruises; some last for a few hours, while others take all day.

 

Some are supper cruises on various boats at sunset. You can choose the one you like best and make plans based on budget and availability. It can get bright and windy out there on the sea, so if you do a trip in the summer, make sure to include a hat, sunscreen, and maybe a sweater.

 

3.     Go shopping on Downtown Princess Street

If you’re in the mood to shop, Princess Street is the ideal destination. Princess Street is a lengthy thoroughfare that runs directly through the heart of the city and ends at the waterfront. It is also located in the heart of the city atop a hill that opportunely descends to the lake!

 

Princess is fantastic since the street is lined with stores. A large number of them are neighborhood companies that offer anything from food to apparel, artisan crafts, and other items! There are lots of interesting spots to explore on the streets that lead to Princess.

 

4.     Visit the Historic Fort Henry

The “Kingston Fortifications National Historic Site” is a major historical site that includes Fort Henry. The historic fortifications surrounding Kingston Harbour and the Rideau Canal entrance are located at this location.

 

In addition to Fort Henry itself, other historic sites include the Shoal Tower, which is located directly by the downtown shoreline, the Murney Tower Museum, and the walls and tower of Fort Frederick, which is located adjacent to the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC).

 

Returning to Fort Henry, this “genuine” experience in a British military stronghold includes rifle shooting, dining options, sightseeing, and a summertime cannon launching ceremony at dusk.

 

5.     Go to Slush Puppie Place for a Frontenacs Game

It was formerly known as the Krock Center, Leon’s Center, and is currently (hilariously) dubbed Slush Puppie Place. A few events are held at Kingston’s largest arena every year.

 

But this is mostly where the Kingston Frontenacs perform. Seeing an Ontario Hockey League (OHL) game isn’t the worst thing to do if you’re visiting Kingston (or Canada) for the first time and want to see ice hockey!

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6.      Check Out the Agnes Etherington Art Centre

The Agnes Etherington Art Centre is a public art gallery with a large collection of artwork on show that is situated on the Queen’s University campus. Together with interesting shifting exhibits, there are permanent displays such as European and Canadian Baroque art.

 

Interestingly, although it appears tiny, three Rembrandt paintings are contained within! The Agnes is conveniently close to the Queen’s Campus trolley tour stop.

 

7.     Walk the Kingston Waterfront Trail

 

Walk along Kingston’s shoreline if you simply want to breathe fresh air. Most of the neighborhoods surrounding downtown have sidewalks or walking routes, as do the districts in front of Queen’s University, west toward Portsmouth, and east across the Causeway (a bridge) toward Fort Henry. In the summer, people swim at the pier area, which also has tables and benches.

 

8.    Attend a Local Performance

The performing arts are just one example of the many cultural offerings of Kingston. There is usually a performance going on somewhere, ranging from comedic acts to vocalists and theater groups.

 

The Grand Theatre, which is on Princess Street almost halfway down to the bottom of downtown, and the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, better known as The Isabel, which is situated directly on the waterfront, are two of the primary places to visit.

 

9.     Visit a Kingston Brewery

Like many other Ontario cities, Kingston has hopped on the craft beer bandwagon.
This has led to the opening of several breweries in recent years, many of which are located downtown, some even directly on Princess Street.

 

Not to be overlooked are the breweries located north of the city center, such as Skeleton Park and Spearhead, or in the West End. Regarding breweries that are easily accessible by foot for tourists, Kingston Brewing Company is a reputable and well-established option if you’re in the downtown area along the shore.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth going to Kingston?

Everyone can find something to enjoy in Kingston. Kingston provides you with a mix of the old and the contemporary at every turn with its numerous museums, historic landmarks, and distinctive shopping and dining options.

 

What attracts people to Kingston?

With more than twenty museums, galleries, and historic monuments, including Fort Henry, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Kingston is a hub of creativity, history, and culture.

 

Conclusion – Fun Things to Do in Kingston During Summer

Kingston, Ontario is the ideal place for a summer vacation because of its breathtaking waterfront. Also interesting about visiting Kingston is its fascinating history, and tons of outdoor activities.

 

Enjoying outdoor activities at Lake Ontario Park, touring the Thousand Islands, or touring historic sites—this quaint Canadian city offers an abundance of fun and adventure.