We’re having a party! Ambush! Island Queen Party Cruise
We’re having a party! Ambush! Island Queen Party Cruise
Kingston is well known for its historic sites, limestone buildings and waterfront views. It is also home to popular attractions such as Kingston Penitentiary and Fort Henry, both of which are worth seeing on your first visit!
However, some of the best experiences are a little lesser known or found beyond the regular itinerary. These spots might be tucked behind storefronts, limited to certain seasons or simply not that well known. Luckily, we’ve gathered our top picks for Kingston’s hidden gems so that you can see the city like a local.
From waterfront dinner cruises to art-filled back alleys, independent music venues, peaceful nature trails and memorable eateries, we’ve got something to pique your interest. Most of these locations are near the downtown area, so you can fit plenty into a one- or two-day trip.
Martello Alley is a small alleyway, tucked between two buildings on Wellington Street. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you find a courtyard filled with signs, artwork and bits and bobs all over. It gives off its own little neighbourhood vibe.
Wander farther down and you’ll find an indoor gallery featuring a wide array of work from local artists. Inside, you’ll find original artwork, prints, photography and other handmade pieces. There is something for every price range, so don’t worry if you aren’t a serious collector but still want to bring something home.
Even if you have no intention of making a purchase, it’s absolutely worthwhile to explore and talk to the artists. You’ll learn plenty about Kingston and may even get some great insider knowledge.
Location: 203 B Wellington Street.
Best for: Art lovers, photographers and visitors looking for a locally made souvenir.
Getting there: Martello Alley is located just north of Princess Street. It is an easy walk from City Hall and the waterfront.
Good to know: Sally’s Roti Shop is right beside it, making these two stops easy to combine.
Next up is one of the most beautiful spots in the downtown area and a favourite among Kingston musicians. Musiikki is a café, music venue and whiskey bar with a great indoor bar, an upstairs lounge and its signature back courtyard.
The entrance on Brock Street is easy to miss if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Keep an eye out for the wooden sign with the Musiikki logo. Inside, they serve coffee, cocktails and a wide selection of whiskey. Walk through the building to the back and you’ll find a cozy courtyard hidden behind the surrounding downtown businesses. Just note that the courtyard is only open during the warmer months.
Music is what makes Musiikki stand out. It is in the name, after all. They host live performances every evening, featuring everyone from local singer-songwriters to jazz groups and touring musicians. Some shows take place upstairs under warm vintage lights, while others are played in the back courtyard next to the beautiful magnolia tree.
It’s the type of place where you stop for one drink but end up staying the whole night, chatting and enjoying the atmosphere.
Location: 73 Brock Street.
Best for: Live music, casual drinks, coffee and a relaxed evening downtown.
Getting there: Musiikki is a short walk from Springer Market Square and the Kingston waterfront.
Good to know: Live music generally runs from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Check their current schedule on social media to see who is performing.
For travelers coming from Toronto and the GTA, Kingston is the closest entry point to the 1000 Islands. It is also about a three-hour drive from Montreal and close to the U.S. border, making it an easy option for a weekend getaway. One of the best parts is that the Sunset Dinner Cruise departs right from downtown Kingston, meaning you can spend the day exploring the city’s historic sites, shops and waterfront, then walk down to Crawford Wharf when it’s time to board.
This three-hour cruise travels through the Admiralty Islands, passing small cottage islands, historic estates and plenty of changing scenery. Along the way, you’ll be served a freshly prepared three-course dinner with your choice of entree. The experience also includes live entertainment and hosted commentary about the area. You can enjoy the views from your private table, then head up to the open-air deck as the sun starts to set. That’s when you’ll get the most magical pics!
For couples, families or anyone celebrating something special, it can easily become the most memorable part of a visit to Kingston.
Location: Cruises depart from Crawford Wharf at 1 Brock Street.
Best for: Date nights, celebrations, families and first-time visitors.
Getting there: The dock is within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants. There is no parking directly at the wharf, so allow time to use one of the nearby public lots.
Good to know: Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Bringing a light jacket is also a good idea, even during the summer.
Supporting local always feels great, but that’s only one of the many reasons you should make a stop at The Screening Room.
The three-screen independent cinema shows a variety of films, including new releases, international movies, documentaries and special event screenings. The screening rooms are smaller and more intimate than those in a regular multiplex theatre, which gives the space a warm and cozy atmosphere.
It’s run by people who genuinely love movies, so you often get the chance to see films that would not otherwise play in Kingston.
Find their showtimes here and see if there’s something that piques your curiosity!
Location: 120 Princess Street.
Best for: Film lovers, rainy days, quiet evenings and independent cinema.
Getting there: The theatre is in the heart of downtown Kingston. It is within walking distance of Market Square, Ontario Street and most downtown restaurants.
Good to know: The schedule changes regularly, so check the current showtimes before planning your visit.
Kingston is well known for its limestone architecture and history, but you can’t forget about its natural beauty and peaceful spaces.
Lemoine Point Conservation Area is a great spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city without actually leaving Kingston. Its marked trails pass through forests, open fields, marshland and sections of the Lake Ontario shoreline.
Along the trails, you can expect to see wildlife such as deer, birds, squirrels and more. There are also some nice spots for picnics and great views of the water.
The area stays open year-round and is beautiful throughout every season. Summer brings out the greenery, autumn has all the colourful leaves and winter brings quiet trails covered in blankets of white snow.
Location: The north entrance is at approximately 1440 Coverdale Drive. A second entrance is located off Front Road, past Kingston Airport.
Best for: Walking, wildlife watching, picnics, photography and travelling with dogs.
Getting there: Lemoine Point is west of downtown Kingston and is easiest to reach by car, taxi or rideshare. Free parking is available on site.
Good to know: The conservation area is open during daylight hours. Dogs must remain on a leash, and visitors should stay on marked trails.
Juniper Café is tucked along the waterfront side of the Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning.
The location is a big part of what makes it special. Grab yourself a sandwich and a hot coffee while sitting beside a great view of Lake Ontario. During the warmer months, the outdoor patio is one of the best spots in Kingston to grab an afternoon bite.
While you’re in the area, stop in and check out the Tett Centre. It is home to local artists, creative organizations, studios, workshops and community events. This means a trip to Juniper often becomes more than just a café visit, with beautiful scenery and creative spaces all around you.
Location: 370 King Street West. Juniper is located on the lower waterfront level of the Tett Centre.
Best for: Coffee, lunch, waterfront views, local art and a relaxed afternoon.
Getting there: The Tett Centre is west of downtown near Queen’s University and Portsmouth Village. It can be reached by car, bicycle, transit or a longer walk along the waterfront.
Parking: Paid parking is available in the lower lot on weekdays. Parking is generally free during evenings and weekends, but visitors should check current signage.
Good to know: Check the Tett Centre’s event calendar before visiting. You may find an exhibition, workshop, market or live performance happening inside.
Brian’s Record Option is difficult to describe without using the word chaotic, but that’s exactly why it is so beloved.
The walls are stacked with everything from CDs and records to posters and all kinds of memorabilia. At first, it can feel a little overwhelming trying to find what you’re looking for. Not to worry, though, as Brian always seems to know exactly what you want and where it is.
The store opened back in 1980 and has become part of Kingston’s music history. It’s not meant to be polished or carefully organized. It’s like entering a vast private music archive that has been growing for decades.
Even if you aren’t looking for something specific, it is absolutely worth browsing to see what might turn up.
Location: 381 Princess Street.
Best for: Vinyl collectors, musicians, music fans and anyone who enjoys searching for unexpected finds.
Getting there: The store is farther west along Princess Street than the main downtown shopping blocks. It is still walkable from the city centre and is also accessible by Kingston Transit.
Good to know: The amount of inventory can feel overwhelming. Ask for help if you are searching for a particular artist or album.
The Broom Factory is one of the best spots in Kingston to experience independent artists and the local music community.
Your first question will likely be, why is it named The Broom Factory? Well, the answer is simple enough. The building was once used for the production of brooms.
After extensive renovations, it has become a popular venue for medium-sized touring acts and local artists. Whether it’s a concert, film screening, comedy show, workshop or community event, there is usually something to get excited about.
Take a look at their upcoming events here and see if anything catches your attention. Catching a local artist is a great way to feel like a real part of the Kingston community.
Location: 305 Rideau Street.
Best for: Concerts, comedy, independent film, community events and Kingston nightlife.
Getting there: The Broom Factory is north of the downtown core. It is walkable from downtown or only a quick drive away.
Good to know: The venue does not operate like a drop-in attraction. Plan your visit around a scheduled event.
Sally’s Roti Shop is a small, family-run restaurant that serves authentic Trinidadian and Caribbean food.
They’ve got options such as roti wraps, curry plates, doubles, phulorie and more. It’s known by locals as one of the best places to grab something different from the average downtown stop.
The doubles are often the most recommended item. They’re made with curried chickpeas served between two pieces of soft fried dough. The prices are affordable, and it’s easy to order multiple items if you want to try as much as possible.
Sally’s is the type of place you often hear about through word of mouth. It doesn’t have a large dining room or elaborate presentation, but it has real heart and passion. That’s what makes it so beloved.
Location: 203 Wellington Street.
Best for: A casual lunch, affordable food, takeout and Caribbean flavours.
Getting there: Sally’s is located downtown, just north of Princess Street. It is directly beside Martello Alley.
Good to know: Hours can change, so check before making a special trip.
Kingston’s hidden gems are not all closely guarded secrets. Some have been loved by locals for decades.
What makes them special is that they show a side of the city that can be missed when you rush between its largest attractions. Explore a few of them and you’ll get a better sense of Kingston’s musicians, artists, independent businesses, natural spaces and community traditions.
Leave a little unplanned time in your itinerary so you can wander into an alley, browse a crowded record shop, stay for a song you did not expect to hear or watch the islands pass by as the sun goes down.
Those are often the parts of a trip you remember most.
