Top 10 cultural & heritage things to do in Kingston

1. Kingston shipwreck cruise with Great Lakes Museum

Two hours on the water — explore the stories of notable shipwrecks in Kingston's Maritime history.

2. Hidden Kingston Walking Tour of Local Legends and Oddities

Ninety-minute guided walk through Kingston's historic core, featuring strange tales and quirky anecdotes from local guides.

3. Kingston shipwreck cruise with Great Lakes Museum guide

Two-hour boat tour featuring notable shipwrecks in the 1000 Islands region, guided by an expert from the Great Lakes Museum.

4. Scenic bike tour of Kingston's waterfront

Two hours and 45 minutes cycling — a relaxed ride covering 12 kilometres through Kingston's historic landmarks along the waterfront.

“You gain a lot of knowledge about Kingston during the tour, along with many entertaining tales. Jeff is an excellent storyteller.”— Jan_D

5. Kingston Trolley Tour of historic downtown and waterfront

Two-hour trolley tour covering Kingston's key sights, including Fort Henry and Queen’s University, with an informative guide.

“The trolley access included in our K-Pass was fantastic. We had two knowledgeable drivers who were friendly and accommodating. The trolleys provided a convenient and relaxing way to explore the city and visit our desired stops, with minimal wait times. I highly recommend this experience.”— MJ6428

6. Queen's University ghost tour in Kingston

An hour-long evening walking tour, exploring the eerie legends and stories from Queen's University campus.

“The guide was knowledgeable about the stories connected to the buildings. It was a delightful outing and suitable for families with children.”— Elizabeth_H

7. Kingston Ghost Tour — a 75-minute walking tour

Seventy-five minutes on foot through Kingston — guided storytelling of local ghost stories by passionate historians and storytellers.

“We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Our guide was fantastic and shared numerous stories throughout the tour. We explored unfamiliar locations and heard a mix of amusing, eerie, and fascinating tales. Plus, it was a nice way to get some exercise after a satisfying meal. I would highly recommend it and would be interested in trying it at another location.”— 707sharin

8. Fort Henry ghost tour in Kingston

Two-hour guided walk through Kingston’s historic Fort Henry, hearing stories of its tragic past and ghostly encounters.

“The tour was both informative and enjoyable. Savannah, our guide, excelled at sharing stories in an engaging way. It wasn't like a typical haunted house with jump scares, which made it more appealing for those of us who prefer a lighter experience.”— Allyson D

9. Walking tour of Kingston with local historian

One hour on foot with Kingston’s storyteller-in-chief — local historian Arthur Milnes shares tales of political figures and literary legends.

“The walk led by Arthur Milnes, along with 20 other participants, was both engaging and educational. There were humorous anecdotes and insights into notable Canadians and their contributions to Kingston. I found the information about St. George's Cathedral particularly fascinating. Mr. Milnes spoke about his diverse career experiences, which added to the intrigue. The hour passed by so swiftly. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and learned about aspects of Kingston that were previously unfamiliar to me.”— Osbornjs

10. Kingston hop-on hop-off trolley tour

A flexible tour around Kingston's historic downtown and waterfront, with 8 stops to explore sites like Fort Henry and Queen’s University. Departures every 30-60 minutes.

“It felt like I was wasting my money. The driver had minimal knowledge and mostly spoke over a prerecorded tour, making her difficult to understand. The only positive was the nice breeze. This trolley company should be held accountable for their high prices.”— Lola B