Kingston: Waterway Adventure Guide

South Eastern Ontario / Sud-est de l'Ontario

Located at the point where Lake Ontario flows into the St. Lawrence River—and where the Rideau Canal Waterway meets Lake Ontario—Kingston is very much a waterfront city. Sailboats, kayaks, canoes, motorboats, dive boats and sightseeing boats ply its waters whenever the weather allows. Beaches and marinas dot its long lakefront. From spring through fall, waterfront patios are thronged with diners enjoying the view along with great food; Kingston has lots of independent restaurants showcasing locally produced food and beverages. A free, 20-minute ferry ride takes you from downtown Kingston to laid-back Wolfe Island, where more water views and sun-dappled restaurant patios await you.

When you’re not actually out on the water, you can learn more about Lake Ontario at the Great Lakes Museum. One of the museum’s highlights is the S.S. Keewatin, a meticulously restored 1907 passenger liner that you can tour. A few blocks away, you can discover how Victorians pumped water from the lake into homes at the PumpHouse Museum. 

But there’s much more to Kingston than history. You can learn about the city’s restaurant food scene with Kingston Food Tours or about its ghosts with the Haunted Walk of Kingston. The vibrant downtown is packed with independent shops and restaurants. Catch a concert, see a play—you’ll run out of time before you run out of things to do.

Places to Stop

Kingston’s waterfront is studded with restaurants where you can enjoy both a fine meal and a sweeping view of Lake Ontario. A stone’s throw from the shore, you’ll find theatres, historic sites, a multi-use recreational trail and fascinating museums. Looking for a bit of retail therapy? In the north end of town is Cataraqui Centre, the largest mall in South Eastern Ontario.

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Logistics

From all over downtown Kingston, you’ll glimpse Lake Ontario sparkling in the sun, beckoning visitors and locals alike. Here’s where you can swim, launch a motorboat or slip your paddle watercraft into the water.

Bring your sunscreen, shades and beach towels! Kingston has lots of places where you can take a cooling dip, including the following.

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There are boat ramps galore in Kingston. Here’s where you can launch your motorized or paddle watercraft into Lake Ontario. 

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Other Paddling Put-In

For a quieter place to paddle, head to the Kingston Mill Locks on the northern edge of the city. This gives you access to the Cataraqui River and the larger Rideau Canal Waterway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plus, you may see the heritage locks in action!

Cautions and Notes

Lake Ontario can be quite choppy and is a busy boating area, with powerboats, ferries and paddlers all sharing the space, so use caution when boating here.

Water Services

Check this section if you’d like to find a marina, rent a boat, go on a scenic cruise or book a scuba dive in Kingston.

Boat Rentals

You don’t have to bring your own boat to enjoy life on the water in Kingston. These companies will be happy to rent you one! Paddle craft, motorized boats and sailboats are all available.

Dive Shops 

Scuba enthusiasts diving into the Lake Ontario waters just off Kingston’s shore will find countless 19th- and 20th-century shipwrecks to explore. That has long made the city a popular diving destination.

Boat Cruises

Kingston’s location at the point where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence River was a strategic advantage in the city’s early days. Now, it makes Kingston a wonderful port for sightseeing cruises. Step aboard one of these vessels and you’ll get two types of views for the price of one—the stunning expanse of Lake Ontario and picturesque islands in the mighty St. Lawrence River. Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises offers one- to three-hour day trips, while St. Lawrence Cruise Lines offers multi-day itineraries beginning in Kingston.

For many people, there’s no better way to enjoy a day on the water than to have a fishing rod in hand. These companies can take you to spots known for walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, lake trout and perch. Note that most fishers will need an outdoors card and/or a fishing licence from the Government of Ontario to cast a line in Kingston.

Boaters can slip into one of Kingston’s marinas for boating supplies, fuel, repairs or a berth for the night. (Note that not all services are available at all listed marinas.)

Other Services

With its university, colleges, other major employers and thriving arts scene, Kingston attracts residents from near and far. As a result, the city is home to restaurants serving diverse world cuisines for a wide range of budgets. You’ll also find lots of grocery stores, gas stations and banks/ATMs. Cool, unique shops pack downtown streets such as Princess, King and Brock streets, while national chain retailers line major arterials outside the downtown core. 

Accommodations

Kingston offers accommodations for just about every taste, from budget-friendly campgrounds and cozy bed-and-breakfasts to full-service national brand hotels and elegant boutique inns. The properties below all offer water views.

Visitor Information

You’ll find the Kingston Visitor Information Centre (209 Ontario Street) on the downtown Lake Ontario waterfront in Confederation Park. You can’t miss it, as it’s located in a former train station, next to a vintage locomotive! Pop by year-round to pick up brochures, maps, guides and other Kingston information. Check the website for current hours. Tourism Kingston provides visitor information for the city. The South Eastern Ontario regional tourism organization promotes the entire waterfront from the Bay of Quinte to the Ontario-Quebec border.

Plan your visit

Plan more fun!

Check out Kingston’s calendar of events and the links below for more inspiration for your Kingston visit.

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This content was created in partnership with Ottawa Road Trips and is current as of June 2025.