Fort Henry National Historic Site
The 19th-century fortress on Point Henry that guards the mouth of the Rideau Canal and the Kingston waterfront. It is closed for the season now, and the 2027 opening date has not been announced.
Ontario (Canada)
Kingston & 1000 Islands
Kingston sits where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence River, a limestone city of forts, a famous penitentiary, a Victorian City Hall and a public market that has run since 1801.
Just east, the 1000 Islands begin, with cruises out of Gananoque past island cottages and Boldt Castle on Heart Island. This guide covers Fort Henry, Canada's Penitentiary Museum, Kingston City Hall, Bellevue House and the Kingston Public Market, the 1000 Islands cruise from Gananoque, Boldt Castle and the town of Gananoque, plus a ghost tour and a waterfront bike ride. Much of it is seasonal, running roughly May to October, and the guide says so plainly: in November the forts and museums are closed, while the market, City Hall's self-guided floors and the evening walking tours carry on. Five hotels, from a boutique inn to a budget base, and two guides explain what to book ahead and where to stay.
Don't miss
Fort Henry National Historic Site
The 19th-century fortress on Point Henry that guards the mouth of the Rideau Canal and the Kingston waterfront. It is closed for the season now, and the 2027 opening date has not been announced.
1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque
A three-hour sightseeing cruise from Gananoque through the heart of the 1000 Islands, past island cottages, Millionaires Row and Boldt Castle. It is a warm-season activity, so check the schedule before you plan.
Kingston Ghost Tour: The Original Haunted Walk
An evening walk through downtown Kingston's haunted history, run with multiple start times and free cancellation. It is a good option when the forts and museums are closed.
Kingston Bike Tours: Scenic Waterfront Ride
A guided bike ride along Kingston's waterfront that covers the shoreline and the old town in about two hours and forty-five minutes, and keeps running in the rain.
Things to do in Kingston & 1000 Islands
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Canada's Penitentiary Museum
A small museum on the history of Canada's federal prisons, housed in Cedarhedge, the former wardens' residence beside Kingston Penitentiary. It is closed now and reopens in May 2027.
About 1 hourDetails →
Kingston City Hall
The domed limestone landmark on the waterfront, built in 1844, with free guided tours in season and self-guided floors you can explore in business hours all year.
30 to 45 minutesDetails →
1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque
A three-hour sightseeing cruise from Gananoque through the heart of the 1000 Islands, past island cottages, Millionaires Row and Boldt Castle. It is a warm-season activity, so check the schedule before you plan.
Boldt Castle
The Rhine-style castle on Heart Island, reached only by boat, with a Yacht House and gardens. It is closed now; the published 2027 season runs 8 May to 11 October, and it is a US port of entry.
Gananoque
The small riverside town that is the gateway to the 1000 Islands, with cruises, a theatre, trails, a seasonal farmers market and the town's own guide to what to do.
Half to full dayDetails →
Kingston Ghost Tour: The Original Haunted Walk
An evening walk through downtown Kingston's haunted history, run with multiple start times and free cancellation. It is a good option when the forts and museums are closed.
Kingston Bike Tours: Scenic Waterfront Ride
A guided bike ride along Kingston's waterfront that covers the shoreline and the old town in about two hours and forty-five minutes, and keeps running in the rain.
Bellevue House National Historic Site
The Italianate villa where Sir John A. Macdonald lived in the 1840s, run by Parks Canada with grounds and a visitor centre. It is closed for the season from 15 October to 15 May.
Kingston Public Market at Springer Market Square
The market at Springer Market Square, running continuously since 1801, open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday all year with local produce, baking and crafts.
About 1 hourDetails →
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
The Belvedere Hotel and Spa
Downtown Kingston, King Street East
A boutique hotel at 141 King Street East with individually designed rooms that follow the building's historic floor plans, plus a bathhouse-style spa, restaurant and bar. It is the splurge pick downtown.
Check rates →Delta Hotels Kingston Waterfront
Downtown Kingston, Confederation Harbour
A harbourfront hotel at 1 Johnson Street with water views, an indoor pool, a waterfront restaurant and a walk to Springer Market Square. It is the full-service mid-range pick.
Check rates →Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront
Downtown Kingston, Princess Street
A mid-range hotel at 2 Princess Street beside the waterfront, with the trolley stop, cruise docks, City Hall and market all within a few hundred metres.
Check rates →Gananoque Inn and Spa
Gananoque Waterfront, St. Lawrence River
A historic riverside inn at 550 Stone Street South in Gananoque, with waterfront rooms, two restaurants and free docking for boaters. The spa is temporarily closed for renovations.
Check rates →Comfort Suites Kingston Central
Kingston Central, off Highway 401
A budget-friendly base at 33 Benson Street just off Highway 401, with a free hot breakfast, an indoor heated pool and a Denny's on site.
Check rates →Kingston & 1000 Islands guides
First Time in Kingston and the 1000 Islands: What to Book, How to Get Around and How Many Days
A practical primer for a first trip to Kingston, Ontario and the 1000 Islands: the seasons, what to book ahead, how to get around, how many days to allow and where Fort Henry, the cruise, Boldt Castle and Gananoque fit.
Where to Stay in Kingston and the 1000 Islands: Downtown, Gananoque or Off Highway 401
Where to stay in Kingston and the 1000 Islands: downtown, the Gananoque riverfront and the Highway 401 corridor, with five hotels from a boutique splurge to a budget base.
