48 hours in Kingston, Ontario: A Weekend Adventure

Uncover deep history, ghost tours, nature, and fairground adventures with this guide to 48 hours in Kingston, Ontario. Plan the perfect weekend adventure today.

There are weekends when you crave comfort and quiet, the kind that involves a blanket, a cup of tea, and a good book. Then, there are weekends where you feel the irresistible tug of a new place, something different enough to refresh you, yet familiar enough to welcome you with open arms.

For me, that second kind of weekend led me to Kingston, Ontario.

I went to visit my cousin, who was studying at Queen’s University in teachers' college; she had promised me that Kingston wasn’t just another student town. She said it was layered with history, brimming with culture, and intriguing enough to surprise me at every turn.

With two days carved out to explore, I discovered why spending 48 hours in Kingston, Ontario, is an experience every traveller should consider. From limestone buildings that hum with stories to chipmunks that nibble seeds from your palm, the city delivers a kind of weekend that feels both meaningful and playful. It’s a worthwhile roadtrip from Toronto that everyone should make at least once.

48 hours in Kingston, Ontario: Knowing the History of the City

The first thing that stood out to me was how unapologetically historic Kingston is. It’s a city where the past isn’t tucked away in dusty museums, but instead, is woven into the streets, buildings, and waterfront. 

Kingston was once the capital of the Province of Canada (though Ottawa eventually stole the spotlight), and you can sense its former prominence as you wander through the core.

The most obvious reminder of this history is the limestone architecture. Nicknamed the ‘Limestone City,’ Kingston practically glows when the sun hits its pale stone walls. You can’t help but stop mid-stride to admire how sturdy and elegant these buildings remain, a living showcase of craftsmanship from another era.

In particular, Fort Henry is a key chapter in Kingston’s story. Standing on its ramparts, you can almost hear the echo of marching boots and clashing swords from centuries past. The fort, part of the Rideau Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site, gives visitors an immersive glimpse into 19th-century military life.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious, it’s the kind of stop that sets the tone for a weekend in Kingston, Ontario itinerary.

Kingston’s connection to the water has also shaped its story. The Marine Museum of the Great Lakes offers a detailed look at how shipping, trade, and defence all converged in this port city. As I stood on the waterfront, watching sailboats drift lazily by, I couldn’t help but imagine the harbour centuries ago, bustling with vessels carrying goods, soldiers, and hopeful newcomers.

Even a simple walk downtown places you in the footsteps of political figures, soldiers, and students who have passed through before. Kingston is the kind of city where history doesn’t feel like homework. Instead, it feels like a companion, guiding you toward a deeper appreciation of where you are. For anyone putting together a Kingston, Ontario weekend guide, the city’s layered past deserves pride of place.

Wandering the Historic Centre

Exploring Kingston’s historic centre feels like stepping into a living postcard. My cousin and I decided to ditch any rigid schedule and simply wander, letting the city reveal itself block by block. It’s the kind of place where you can follow your curiosity down cobblestoned lanes and stumble upon hidden gems that feel both timeless and welcoming.

Our first stop was Springer Market Square, which buzzes with energy during the day. Vendors set up stalls filled with local produce, handmade crafts, and baked goods that tempt you with their sugary aromas. The square itself has been a gathering place for centuries, and standing there, you get a sense of continuity; the feeling that you’re part of a much longer story.

Towering above it all is Kingston City Hall, with its stately dome and neoclassical façade. Even if municipal politics aren’t your thing, you can’t help but admire the architecture, which radiates both power and elegance. I mean, at least I personally can’t.

From there, we wandered down Princess Street, Kingston’s main artery of life. What struck me most was the blend of modern vibrancy housed within historic limestone walls. Cafés spilled out onto the sidewalks, filling the air with the comforting smell of roasted coffee beans. Independent boutiques invited browsing with quirky displays in their windows.

Then, of course, there were the restaurants, ranging from casual diners where students grab late-night eats to elegant spots perfect for a celebratory dinner. If you’re crafting a weekend in Kingston, Ontario itinerary, this street is a must-see, because it reflects the city’s pulse better than anywhere else.

Every so often, we would slip off the main drag and into quieter side streets, where ivy crept up stone façades and churches with tall spires anchored the skyline. It felt like a slower pace, a softer side of the city that contrasted beautifully with the lively hum of Princess Street.

These detours often led us back to the waterfront, where Battery Park offered sweeping views of Lake Ontario. There’s something magical about pausing here, ice cream in hand, and watching the light shift across the water as boats glide in and out of the marina.

By the time the sun began to sink lower in the sky, we had walked several kilometres without even realizing it. That’s the charm of Kingston’s core; you don’t need a map or a plan. The city rewards simple exploration, offering up historical buildings, public art, and bustling corners at every turn.

For travellers wondering what to do in Kingston, ON, for the weekend, wandering the historic centre is both the easiest and most rewarding way to connect with the city’s spirit.

Spooky Stories on Wheels: The Kingston Ghost Tour Bus

When the sun dipped below the horizon and the city lights flickered to life, my cousin and I decided that it was time to see Kingston in a different light (or rather, in the shadows). We boarded a ghostly evening tour aboard a bus that initially appears innocent, but quickly transforms into a rolling theatre of eerie stories and spine-tingling history.

If you’ve ever wondered what to do in Kingston, ON, for the weekend that goes beyond the typical sightseeing bit, this is the answer.

The tour rolled us straight into Kingston’s darker past, beginning with a slow drive past the towering walls of Kingston Penitentiary. Once a maximum-security prison, its reputation looms as large as its stone façade.

Our guide, equal parts historian and performer, told chilling tales of notorious inmates who once lived (and sometimes died) behind those walls. I found myself shivering, and not from the night air. Even from the safety of the bus, it was impossible not to imagine the lives that had been shaped, tormented, and lost inside.

From there, we wound through quiet neighbourhoods where Victorian homes glowed under lamplight. According to our guide, many of these houses are said to be haunted, and as he spun stories of restless spirits, I caught myself glancing up at darkened windows, half expecting (or at least, half hoping) to see a shadowy figure looking back at me.

The combination of dramatic pauses, whispered tones, and a perfectly timed creak in the bus’ seats as we rolled over the bumpy side streets had the entire group laughing nervously and clinging to the windows, desperate to see something utterly supernatural.

The most memorable part for me was hearing about Fort Henry after dark. I had admired its military might earlier that day, but the ghostly stories layered on top of its history gave it an entirely different aura. Soldiers who once marched its ramparts are said to linger still, and hearing about footsteps echoing in empty corridors made me think twice about visiting after nightfall.

What makes this tour so unforgettable is that it blends Kingston’s rich history with theatrical storytelling, creating an experience that’s both educational and entertaining. It’s the perfect addition to any Kingston, Ontario weekend guide because it gives you a deeper appreciation of the city, not only for its limestone beauty in daylight, but also for the shadows that stretch long into its past.

By the time we stepped off the bus, I was grinning, goosebumps and all, feeling like I had uncovered a secret side of the city that most visitors never have the opportunity to see for themselves.

Nature’s Embrace at Lemoine Point Conservation Area

After an evening filled with ghost stories and whispered tales of haunted houses, my cousin promised me a very different kind of Kingston experience. She drove us out to Lemoine Point Conservation Area, a sprawling green space on the edge of the city where nature takes centre stage.

The air felt fresher here, with a crispness that made you take a deep breath and immediately feel lighter. It was the perfect way to begin our second day in Kingston.

The first thing I noticed was the wildlife. This isn’t the kind of park where you have to squint to spot a bird in the distance or wait patiently for a squirrel to dart across your path. At Lemoine Point, the animals seem to be waiting for you.

Chipmunks scurried up with their cheeks puffed full of seeds, eyeing me expectantly as if I had arrived solely to provide them with breakfast. Squirrels hopped closer and closer until I was laughing at how bold they were, their tiny paws tapping at my shoes as they reached up for more.

Then came the birds. My cousin handed me a small bag of sunflower seeds and encouraged me to hold out my hand. At first, I felt ridiculous standing there with my palm outstretched like a statue.

Then, with a flutter of wings, a chickadee swooped down and perched gently on my fingers. The weight was so light it was almost unreal, but the rush of joy was immediate. Soon, more birds followed, each one trusting enough to land, grab a seed, and flit away. I couldn’t stop smiling, half in awe of the moment and half in disbelief that I was feeding wild birds straight from my hand…even the wild turkeys and geese!

Beyond the wildlife encounters, Lemoine Point is filled with winding trails that take you through forests, meadows, and along the shoreline of Lake Ontario.

We walked for a while, passing families out for a morning stroll and joggers greeting us with quick nods as they ran by. Every so often, the trees opened up to reveal glimpses of the lake, sparkling in the sun and reminding me that Kingston is as much a waterfront city as it is a historical one.

The peace of this place is what stayed with me the most. After a night of thrilling ghost stories, the calm of Lemoine Point provided the perfect balance. It felt like the city was showing me another side of itself, one that was gentle, nurturing, and unhurried.

For anyone planning a weekend in Kingston, Ontario itinerary, this conservation area is a must. Whether you go for the trails, the fresh air, or the chance to make friends with chipmunks, it offers a kind of magic that lingers long after you leave.

September Magic at the Kingston Fall Fair

One of the biggest perks of visiting my cousin in September was the timing. I arrived right as the Kingston Fall Fair was in full swing, and there was no way we were going to miss it. After a day of wandering through historic streets and soaking up the calm of Lemoine Point, we were ready for something more playful.

The fair was the perfect choice, and it felt like the city had rolled out a giant welcome mat made of neon lights, cotton candy, and the hum of excitement.

The moment we stepped onto the grounds, the air was alive with the unmistakable smell of fried dough, popcorn, and sweet candy apples. It hit me instantly, the nostalgic fairground scent that makes you feel like a kid again, even if you are holding your cousin’s arm and trying to look cool.

Everywhere I turned, the midway flashed with lights. Rides whirred, laughter carried over the crowd, and the sound of a carnival barker calling for players at a game stall added to the chaos in the best way possible.

We decided to start with the rides, and I have to admit, the Ferris wheel was my favourite. There’s something about seeing the city from above, especially in the evening, that makes it feel brand new. As the wheel creaked higher, the fair spread out beneath us like a patchwork of colours and sounds, while Kingston’s skyline stretched out in the distance.

For a moment, it was peaceful; the kind of quiet you only get when you’re suspended above everything, the lake shimmering on one side and the lights of the midway twinkling below. Then, of course, I remembered how high we were and squealed like a child until we touched down again.

Then, there was the food. I couldn’t resist funnel cake dusted with powdered sugar, eaten messily on a picnic bench while the rides whirred around us. It was sticky, sweet, and absolutely perfect. Families were gathered with their kids, couples shared oversized bags of popcorn, and teenagers zipped past with slushies in hand.

The sense of community was undeniable, as if the entire city had come together to celebrate.

If you are wondering about things to do in Kingston, Ontario over a weekend during autumn, the Fall Fair is one of the best options. It blends local tradition with all the carefree joy of a carnival, giving visitors a chance to let loose and feel part of Kingston’s community spirit.

By the time we left that night, my cheeks hurt from smiling, and my hands were still dusted with sugar. It was the kind of memory that sticks, glowing as brightly as the Ferris wheel lights, and it was all the more special having gotten to act like a kid with someone I grew up with.

All in All

Looking back on my weekend in Kingston, those 48 hours felt like more than enough to fall in love with the city, yet not nearly enough to see it all.

From limestone landmarks that tell stories of the past, to bustling streets alive with energy, to wildlife encounters that make you feel like Snow White for a morning, Kingston is a city that layers its experiences in surprising ways. It’s a place where every turn reveals another story, another laugh, or another memory to tuck away.

The history is what grounds Kingston, giving it a sense of permanence and depth. Walking through its historic centre reveals a community that embraces its roots while remaining vibrant and modern. The ghost tour adds an edge of intrigue, showing that even the city’s shadows can be entertaining and educational.

Then there’s the conservation area, a space that calms you and reminds you of the beauty of simple encounters with nature. Add in the energy of the Fall Fair, and you have a weekend that balances culture, playfulness, and relaxation all in one.

For anyone planning a Kingston, Ontario weekend guide, this city delivers an itinerary that is both easy to follow and endlessly rewarding. Whether you’re wondering what to do in Kingston, ON for the weekend or searching for things to do near Toronto that will offer you history, nature, and entertainment, this city checks every box.

The best part is that it doesn’t overwhelm you. You don’t need to cram or rush; Kingston invites you to stroll, listen, taste, and linger, all within a manageable scale that makes two days feel complete.

As I said goodbye to my cousin and packed my bag to head home, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the chance to see the city through her eyes. Kingston may not have the size of Toronto or the modern political significance of Ottawa, but it doesn’t need those comparisons. It shines on its own terms, confident in what it offers and generous in how it shares it.

So, here’s my suggestion to you: make room on your calendar and plan your own weekend in Kingston, Ontario itinerary. Let the limestone buildings greet you, let the squirrels and birds climb into your hands, let the ghost stories make you grin nervously, and let the fairground lights remind you how good it feels to play like a child.

This city has a way of surprising you, and once you’ve spent 48 hours in Kingston, Ontario, you’ll wonder why you didn’t visit sooner.

#NorthAmerica #Canada #Ontario #Kingston #weekendgetaway #architecture #history #UNESCOWorldHeritageSite