The Kingston Public Market is the best year-round stop in the downtown. It is held at Springer Market Square, at King and Brock streets beside City Hall, and the City says it has been running continuously since 1801. Market days are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. From 1 April to 31 October the hours are 8:30 am to 5 pm, and from 1 November to 31 March they are 9 am to 5 pm. Vendors sell fresh local produce, cut flowers, plants, baked goods, preserves, local crafts and more, from farms, artisans and a rotating mix of casual vendors. Unlike most of Kingston's attractions, it is open now, so it is one of the best things to do in the off-season.
What to do
Wander the stalls, taste and buy, and build a picnic. The produce, dairy, honey and preserves come from local farms, the artisans offer handcrafted goods and gifts, and casual vendors rotate through with products from makers and small businesses. It is a good place to buy edible souvenirs, from preserves to baking, and an easy way to meet people from the region. The square itself, in front of the limestone City Hall, is part of the pleasure.
Seasons and planning
The City's page gives two schedules. In summer, from 1 April to 31 October, it opens from 8:30 am to 5 pm. In winter, from 1 November to 31 March, it opens from 9 am to 5 pm. The market runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays throughout. Come early on any day for the best choice. The page does not list individual vendors, so the selection varies with the season: expect more produce and flowers in summer and more baking, preserves and crafts in winter.
Fitting it in
Allow an hour. Because the square is beside City Hall, the Kingston waterfront and the cruise docks, the market combines easily with a City Hall visit and a walk by the water. Bring a reusable bag and some cash in small bills, as individual vendors vary in the payment methods they accept. If you are staying in a hotel with a kitchen or a room with a fridge, the market is a good place to stock up for a picnic on the lakeshore.
What to expect
The experience
An outdoor public market with farm produce, baked goods, preserves and crafts, open year round on three days a week.
Best time
Open all year on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; go earlier in the day for the best choice.
How long
About an hour for browsing and a snack.
Tips
Bring a reusable bag, carry small bills, dress for the weather in winter and come early in summer.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Food lovers and anyone who wants a local, year-round activity in the old town.
- Families
- An easy, free outing where children can taste and browse, with the square providing space.
- Couples
- Pick up bread, preserves and flowers for a lakeside picnic.
- Pair with
- Kingston City Hall, the waterfront and the cruise docks are beside the square.
- Time needed
- About an hour, plus time for a coffee and a walk by the water.
Good questions
When is the Kingston Public Market open?+
It runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. From 1 April to 31 October it is open 8:30 am to 5 pm, and from 1 November to 31 March it is open 9 am to 5 pm.
Is the market open in winter?+
Yes. The City publishes winter hours from 1 November to 31 March, 9 am to 5 pm on the same three days.
Where is it?+
At Springer Market Square, at King Street and Brock Street in downtown Kingston, beside City Hall.
What can I buy?+
Fresh local produce, cut flowers, plants, baked goods, preserves, local crafts and more. Vendor types include farms, artisans and rotating casual vendors.
How old is the market?+
The City says it has run continuously since 1801, so it has a long history on the same square.
