Kingston Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts

Common Tourist Mistakes

Avoidable Pitfalls

Not booking in advance Kingston Pen tours in advance:
These tours often sell out weeks or months ahead; book online early.
Underestimating winter cold:
Pack appropriate layers, a heavy winter coat, and warm, waterproof footwear for visits between November and April.
Missing the 1000 Islands:
A spectacular natural wonder at Kingston's doorstep; a short boat cruise offers scenic beauty.
Over-reliance regarding personal vehicle downtown:
Downtown is walkable; parking can be limited and costly.
Forgetting charging accessories:
Keep devices charged for navigation and pictures; carry a power bank.

Politeness:
Canadians are generally polite; form queues and use "please" and "thank you".
"Sorry" as a common interjection:
It is frequently used, even for minor issues or when not at fault.
Recycle properly:
Kingston prioritizes waste management; use designated bins.
Crosswalks:
Avoid excessive jaywalking, especially on busy streets.
Phrases locals appreciate:
A simple "Thank you, eh?" (use sparingly) or "Beautiful day for a walk along the waterfront!"

Tailored Travel

Solo Traveler Safety

Kingston has a safe environment for solo travelers. Consider B&Bs for personal experiences or hostels for meeting others.

Family-Friendly Adaptations

Many attractions, like Fort Henry and 1000 Islands Cruises, cater to children. Look for parks and kid-friendly menus.

Managing Group Logistics

Book group lodging and excursions well in advance for availability and potential group rates.

Accessibility & Interests

Accessibility Considerations

Refer to specific information for infrastructure plus transportation.
Contact individual attractions for up-to-date features.
Discuss specific needs directly having venues.
Some sites may have limited access due to historic nature.

Tailoring Activities

Explore diverse dining options.
Visit art galleries or local craft shops.
Check for musical performances events or performances.
Seek out unique photo opportunities.

Navigating Kingston

Getting Around

Walkable downtown core.
Kingston Transit for longer distances.
Trolley tours for city overview.
Bike rentals available for trails.

Local Dining Scene

Diverse culinary experiences.
Waterfront restaurants with views.
Cafes for quick bites.
Fine dining options for particular events.

Shopping Experiences

Boutiques and unique shops downtown.
Artisan crafts and local products.
Farmers' markets for fresh produce.
Shopping centres for larger retailers.

Digital Resources

Offline Aids

Guidebooks & Maps

General guidebooks for Ontario.
Local maps of downtown Kingston.
Maps available at Visitor Information Centre.
Some hotels provide local area maps.

Books on Kingston

Books on Sir John A. Macdonald.
Canadian political history texts.
History of Kingston Penitentiary narratives.
Local historical accounts.

Local Publications

Kingston Whig-Standard newspaper.
Community magazines for local events.
Free tourism brochures.
Event listings for current happenings.

Dives

Historical Context

Documentaries about Kingston Penitentiary.
Films featuring Kingston or Canadian history.
Visual content to enrich historical understanding.

Cultural Insights

Explore local venues demonstrating Canadian talent.
Online communities for local tips and discussions.
Travel-specific forums for current insights.

Practical Information

Currency & Spending

Withdraw Canadian Dollars from ATMs.
Purchase a local SIM card for mobile use.
Buy a Kingston Transit PlusPass for public transport.

Documentation

Keep passport and visa/eTA copies handy.
Have your International Driving Permit ready if driving.
Ensure copies are accessible digitally and physically.

Exploration & Discovery

Scenic Routes

Discover charming drives along Lake Ontario.
Enjoy walks along the waterfront paths.
Explore paths within Lemoine Point Conservation Area.
Consider bike paths around the city.
Scenic vistas for panoramic views.

Nature Escapes

Find tranquility in local parks.
Enjoy green spaces like Lake Ontario Park.
Birdwatching opportunities at various sites.
Picnic spots for outdoor meals.
Relaxation by the river's edge.

Photography Spots

Historic Landmarks

Capture the grandeur of Fort Henry and Kingston City Hall.

Waterfront & Islands

Scenic shots of Lake Ontario, the 1000 Islands, and boats.

Natural Landscapes

Lemoine Point and local parks offer picturesque nature scenes.

Critical Safety Advice

For immediate assistance, dial 911 using any phone (landline or mobile).

Emergency & Medical

Contacts

Emergency Services

Dial 911:
For Police, Fire, and Ambulance services.
Police:
For all law enforcement needs.
Fire And rescue:
For fire-related incidents.

Hospital Locations

Kingston General Hospital (KGH) Site:
76 Stuart Street, Kingston (main emergency department).
Hotel Dieu Hospital Site:
166 Brock Street, Kingston (specialty clinics, no emergency room).
Walk-in Clinics:
Search online for non-emergency medical needs.

Document & Official Support

Embassy/Consulate

Most foreign embassies for Canada are in Ottawa or Toronto. Locate your home country's information.

Embassy Information

Lost Document Procedures

Report lost or stolen documents to Kingston Police immediately. Obtain a police report for replacement.

Kingston Police Services

Natural Disaster Protocols

Stay informed via local news, weather alerts, and emergency broadcasts. Follow instructions from authorities.

Local Authorities

Health & Safety

General Safety Tips

Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Secure your valuables; use hotel safes when accessible.
Report any strange activity to local police.
Go for a walk in well-lit areas, notably at night.

Medical Facilities & Pharmacies

Locate pharmacies for prescription refills or minor ailments.
Carry a basic first-aid kit for minor injuries.
Keep a list of your medications and health conditions.
Carry sufficient amounts of prescribed medications.

Travel Preparedness

Insurance & Health Records

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance for medical needs.
Keep copies of important your medical records and contacts.
Carry emergency contact information.
Understand your insurance policy details.

Pre-Travel Health Checks

Consult your doctor about necessary vaccinations.
Ensure routine immunizations are current.
Pack prescription medications in original containers.
Obtain doctor's notes for controlled medications.

Important Reminder

For your safety, always prioritize your well-being and keep local emergency contacts readily available.

Kingston Travel Resources