Day Trips from Kingston. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Gananoque, 1000 Islands Gateway

Is around 30 km (18 miles) east of Kingston, a HALF-HOUR-minute drive.

Access involves a simple drive via Highway 401. Public bus options are limited, making personal transport helpful.

Discover Gananoque

Wider array of 1000 Islands boat cruises. Book a Day Trip
Shorter cruise options and tours passing Boldt Castle.
Note: Boldt Castle access needs U.S. Entry and travel documents.
Charming town with access to waterfront and shops.

Nearby City Escapes

Explore cities and delightful towns just a short journey from Kingston.

Prince Edward County Charms

Situated approximately 80 km (50 miles) west of Kingston, a 1-hour drive.

PEC Discoveries

A well-liked wine area in Ontario, featuring over 40 wineries.
Craft breweries, cideries, farm-to-table dining, artisan studios.
Lovely sandy beaches, including Sandbanks Provincial Park with its dunes.

Ottawa, Canada's Capital

About 160 km (100 miles) north of Kingston, a 1.5-2 hour drive.

Ottawa Exploration

Visit Parliament Hill and national museums.
The National Gallery of Canada and Canadian Museum of History.
Skate on the Rideau Canal (winter).

Montreal, Quebec's Metropolis

Montreal Experiences

A gastronomic scene featuring diverse restaurants.
Rich artistic and the heritage landscape.
Immersion in French-Canadian culture.
Iconic landmarks and historic neighborhoods.

Travel Connections

Frequent VIA Rail train service.
Megabus/FlixBus options for comfortable journey.
Easy drive via Highway 401 and Autoroute 20.
Approx. 2.5-3 hours travel time.

Travel Connections Overview

Kingston to Ottawa:1.5 - 2 hrs
Kingston to PEC:1 hr
Train to Toronto:2.FIVE hours
Train to Montreal:2.5 - THREE hours

Bus to Ottawa:2 - 2.5 hrs
Bus to Toronto:3 - 3.5 hrs
Ferry to Wolfe Island:20 mins
Closest US Border:1 hr (Ivy Lea)

Day Trip Planning

Consider checking operating hours for attractions, especially seasonal ones, prior to your trip. Many places outside Kingston have varied schedules.

Nature Retreats

For those seeking nature and peaceful times, several provincial parks and natural areas are within reach.

Frontenac Park

Known for rugged Canadian Shield landscapes.

Charleston Lake

Clear waters for swimming and boating.

Wolfe Island

Ideal for cycling and birdwatching.

Frontenac Provincial Park Adventures

About 45 km (28 miles) north of Kingston.

Park Pursuits

Extensive backcountry walking paths.
Canoeing, kayaking, and fishing pursuits.
Primitive camping sites with reservation.

Charleston Lake Provincial Park Delights

Approximately 70 km (43 miles) east of Kingston.

Lake Activities

Excellent opportunities for swimming in its clear lake.
Boating and a network of scenic trails.
Serviced campsites available for overnight stays.

Wolfe Island: Island Getaway

Distance:Short, free ferry ride from downtown Kingston.

Main Activities:Leisurely cycling, birdwatching.

Unique Feature:Wolfe Island Wind Farm.

Views:Expansive Kingston skyline from the island.

Ferry Schedule:Review seasonal times for ferry travel.

Island Size:Largest of the 1000 Islands.

Park Entry Information

A day pass may apply for provincial parks.
Check the Ontario Parks website for current fees and reservation.
Adhere to park rules for resource protection.
Plan your visit in advance, especially for popular times.
Pack out all items brought in to maintain natural beauty.

Cultural Journeys

Step further back in period with these cultural excursions from Kingston.

Upper Canada Village

Approximately 120 km (75 miles) east of Kingston, a 1.5-hour drive.

Village Life

A living history museum depicting rural living in the 1860s.
Ancient buildings and costumed interpreters.
Demonstrations of daily life plus businesss.

Village Experience

The village operates seasonally, generally from May to October.

Planning Your Visit

Check specific operating dates and hours.
Purchase tickets in advance, especially for special events.
Best accessed by personal transport.

Historic Sites Nearby

Beyond Upper Canada Village, other historical sites dot the region.

Sites

Fort Wellington National Historic Site, Prescott.
Battle of Crysler's Farm Memorial.
Various historical markers along the St. Lawrence River.

Artisanal & Local Crafts

Discover unique products from the area and the accounts on the other side of them.

Regional Artisans

Local craft shops and galleries.
Farm-to-table markets and specialty food producers.
Unique souvenirs and handcrafted items.

Exploring Heritage

Each location has an unique perspective on the area's rich past.

Bygone Eras

Discover how daily life was lived in the 19th century.

Historical Narratives

Personal tales and significant events unfold at each site.

Architectural Splendor

Admire preserved buildings and original structures.

Seasonal Operating Hours

Many cultural attractions operate seasonally, often closing for the winter months. Always confirm their schedule before your planned visit to avoid disappointment.

Extended Journeys

Consider extending your trip to explore more of Eastern Ontario and Quebec, using Kingston as a launchpad.

Eastern Canada Loop Overview

1

Toronto Beginnings

Start your journey in Canada's largest city.

2

Kingston Core

Your historical and scenic anchor point.

3

Ottawa & Montreal

Conclude with capital city grandeur and French-Canadian flair.

Classic Eastern Canada Loop

This itinerary allows you to experience several major Canadian cities and their distinct cultures.
Excellent train (VIA Rail) and intercity bus (Megabus/FlixBus) connections.
Comfortable transport options without needing personal transport.
Car rental option for greater freedom, especially in rural areas.
Explore Prince Edward County with a car from Kingston.
Consider an open-jaw itinerary: Fly into Toronto Pearson (YYZ) and fly out of Montreal Trudeau (YUL).

Sample Itinerary Flow

Toronto to Kingston: 2.5-A 3-hour car journey, or VIA Rail.
Kingston to Ottawa: 1.5-2 hours drive, or BY means of Rail.
Ottawa to Montreal: 2 hours drive, or THROUGH Rail.
Travel Pace: Adaptable for more relaxed or brisk tours.
Exploration Depth: From city centers to charming rural settings.
Connectivity: Multiple travel choices link these locations.

Journey Highlights

Urban Exploration

Discover city life, museums, and attractions.

Historical Depth

The Rideau Corridor and St. Lawrence River region unveil Canadian history.

Scenic Views

Landscapes from cityscapes to charming rustic settings.

Travel Flexibility

Train or bus travel is convenient between major cities. A rental car offers flexibility for rural explorations like Prince Edward County.

Day Trips from Kingston