Day trippers: A Taste of Kingston & Frontenac County
One of the pleasures of visiting Kingston and Frontenac County is how quickly you can move between vibrant urban experiences and peaceful rural landscapes. Start your day in the heart of Kingston, where farmers' markets, cafés and culinary experiences celebrate the region's local ingredients, then venture into the countryside to meet producers, browse farm shops and enjoy the scenic roads that wind through Frontenac's villages and agricultural landscapes.
You don't have to travel far to experience the best of Kingston and Frontenac County. In a single day, you can browse bustling farmers' markets, sample dishes inspired by local ingredients, and venture into the countryside to meet producers and discover where your food comes from.
This suggested day trip combines country pleasures and city fun, giving you the chance to meet farmers, see where your food is grown and discover the region on your plate.
On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, begin your day by perusing the stalls at the Kingston Public Market in Springer Square. On Sundays, you can check out the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market. Next, discover some of the city’s restaurants and bakeries on a walk with Kingston Food Tours.
The tour will include lots of snacks, but if you’re still a bit hungry, the charcuterie board at Wharf and Feather features Eastern Ontario cheeses and cured meats, as well as condiments from Henderson Farms on Wolfe Island.
After lunch, it’s time to head into the countryside. Depending on the season and your inclination, you could pick strawberries at Fat Chance Farmstead near Murvale, or drive a little further up the road to take a tour and shop for dumplings at Long Road Ecological Farm. On Fridays, you could visit the Frontenac Farmers Market in Harrowsmith.
A bit to the east, Limestone Organic Creamery in Elginburg is the place to go for the farm’s milk and cream, as well as a wide range of other foods—including meat, cheese and produce—from other small producers. And if you need to work off some of the day’s indulgences, you can take a trail ride at Bur Creek Farm on the edge of Kingston.
Once you’ve returned to Kingston, you have lots of options for restaurants serving locally sourced fare, as well as a wide selection of accommodations where you can unwind after the day’s adventures.
Small Town Stops Along the Way
Have a little extra time? These communities offer even more opportunities to shop, dine and experience the local character of Kingston and Frontenac County. Consider adding one or two stops to round out your visit.
The city of Kingston is the largest community in this region, and it offers a wide range of visitor attractions. Catch a live performance at the Kingston Grand Theatre or the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts. See an exhibition or take an art class at the Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning. See the city with Kingston Trolley Tours, take one of the free self-guided walking tours developed by Visit Kingston, or explore the lake and islands beyond the city with Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises.
Fuel up for your adventures with hot drinks and fresh-baked goodies from one of the many, many coffee shops, bakeries and cafes, such as Crave Coffee House and Bakery, Pan Chancho Bakery, Bread and Butter Bakery, and Juniper Cafe. (If cookies are your jam, don’t miss the gigantic ones at 23 & Co.). Grains and Goods is a coffee shop branch owned by the bakery of the same name in nearby Sydenham. To get food and gadgets for your home cooking adventures, head to Cooke’s Fine Foods and Coffee. And don’t miss the Indigenous Food Sovereignty Garden, where you can take a self-guided tour of gardens planted with vegetables, medicinal plants, pollinator-friendly species, and native trees and shrubs.
- Battersea: Stop for a meal and some live music at Creekside Bar and Grill.
- Harrowsmith: Shop for quilting materials and sewing equipment at Wilton Creek Fabrics.
- Inverary: Pop into Mrs. Garrett’s Bake Shop for pies, tarts and more, or head to The Cookery for breakfast, lunch or dinner (including sandwiches, wraps, burgers and tacos).
- Sydenham: Drop by Grains and Goods for bread, cupcakes, pretzels, granola, cakes, cookies and scones, including items made with locally milled flour.
- Verona: Browse for home decor and other charming items at Nicole’s Gifts and be inspired by yarn and crafting supplies at Ewe Can Knit. Drop into Muddy Waters Restaurant for casual fare. Buy foods from local farms at Food Less Travelled.
Wolfe Island
A short ferry ride from downtown Kingston, Wolfe Island feels worlds away. Right beside the ferry dock, pop into Jean & Aggie’s General Store and Ice Cream Shop. At the Hotel Wolfe Island, you can have breakfast or an early lunch at the Stone’s Throw Café, or lunch or dinner at the Dawson Restaurant. The seasonal Wolfe Island Bakery whips up pies, breads, cinnamon rolls and more, and The Sparrow’s Hus serves coffee, tea and panini. Drop into Fishtale and Lured Baked Goods, a combined gift shop and cafe, for a bit of retail therapy with your coffee and treats. Grab a bite at the Back Road Bistro food truck, Spicer’s Dockside Grill or the Wolfe Island Pub and Pizzeria.
Take your time and enjoy the journey. Some of the best moments happen during unplanned stops, conversations with local producers and discoveries tucked along a country road. However you spend your day, you'll leave with a deeper connection to the people, places and flavours that make Kingston and Frontenac County so special.
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