--- title: "Kingston: Waterway Adventure Guide" date: 2026-04-18T14:00:00-04:00 author: "South Eastern Ontario / Sud-Est de l'Ontario" canonical_url: "https://www.southeasternontario.ca/itineraries/kingston-waterway-adventure-guide/" section: Itineraries --- ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth2400px/10002110-medium.jpg) # 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. - [AquaTerra Restaurant (water views) AquaTerra offers picturesque waterfront views of Lake Ontario and Confederation Harbour. Explore ](https://aquaterrakingston.com/) - [The Helm Dockside Patio (restaurant) Relax on our dockside patio with drinks and snacks, taking in Kingston's lively harbor views. Explore ](https://www.thehelmpatio.ca/) - [Juniper Café (water views) The Juniper Cafe is located inside the Tett Centre off the back patio entrance facing the waterfront. Explore ](https://www.junipercafe.ca/) - [River Mill Restaurant (water views) Located on the shores of the Cataraqui River boasting some of the city's most spectacular dining room views Explore ](https://www.rivermill.ca/) - [Wharf & Feather Restaurant (waterfront patio) Kick back on our summer patio with great food, cold drinks, and unbeatable waterfront views at Wharf & Feather. Explore ](https://wharfandfeather.ca/) - [Cataraqui Centre Whatever you need, you’ll find it here at Cataraqui Centre, Kingston’s go-to for retail, services, and so much more. Explore ](https://www.cataraquicentre.ca/) - [Fort Henry Restored 19th-century British military fort/museum with guided tours, re-enactors & seasonal events. Explore ](https://www.forthenry.com/) - [Great Lakes Museum Modest museum featuring exhibits on local maritime history at the Portsmouth Olympic Harbour. Explore ](https://greatlakesmuseum.ca/) - [Great Lakes Waterfront Trail The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail spans much of the Ontario shores of the Great Lakes. Explore ](https://waterfronttrail.org/the-trail/lake-ontario/) - [Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts Sleek, contemporary theatre hosting orchestras, classical & jazz musicians, plus other performances. Explore ](https://www.queensu.ca/theisabel/) - [Kingston Grand Theatre Long-time venue featuring a huge number of yearly performances, including theatre, dance & comedy. Explore ](https://www.kingstongrand.ca/) - [Kingston Penitentiary Famed maximum-security prison, in operation from 1830–2013, with tours led by former guards. Explore ](https://www.kingstonpentour.com/) - [Lake Ontario Park Kingston's largest urban waterfront park offers a substantial natural landscape that attracts both visitors and residents for picnicking and scenic waterfront walks. Explore ](https://www.cityofkingston.ca/activities-and-recreation/parks-trails-and-sports-fields-and-courts/parks/#lakeontariopark) - [Murney Tower Museum 19th-century defense tower featuring a canon & military barracks, plus various exhibits. Explore ](https://www.murneytower.com/) - [PumpHouse Museum History, science & technology museum in a 19th-century pumping station with a discovery center. Explore ](https://www.kingstonpumphouse.ca/) - [Slush Puppie Place Slush Puppie Place is a 5,000-seat indoor arena in downtown Kingston, Ontario. Explore ](https://www.slushpuppieplace.com/) - [Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning The Tett Centre for Creativity & Learning is a charitable arts organization, operating in the beautiful J.K. Tett heritage building on Lake Ontario's waterfront. Explore ](https://www.tettcentre.org/) ## Places to Stop Skip section 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. WORTH CHECKING OUT - [ AquaTerra Restaurant (water views) ](https://aquaterrakingston.com/) - [ The Helm Dockside Patio (restaurant) ](https://www.thehelmpatio.ca/) - [ Juniper Café (water views) ](https://www.junipercafe.ca/) - [ The Patio at AquaTerra (waterfront patio) ](https://aquaterrakingston.com/the-patio) - [ River Mill Restaurant (water views) ](https://www.rivermill.ca/) - [ Wharf & Feather Restaurant (waterfront patio) ](https://wharfandfeather.ca/) - [ Cataraqui Centre ](https://www.cataraquicentre.ca/) - [ Fort Henry ](https://www.forthenry.com/) - [ Great Lakes Museum ](https://greatlakesmuseum.ca/) - [ Great Lakes Waterfront Trail ](https://waterfronttrail.org/the-trail/lake-ontario/) - [ Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts ](https://www.queensu.ca/theisabel/) - [ Kingston Grand Theatre ](https://www.kingstongrand.ca/) - [ Kingston Penitentiary ](https://www.kingstonpentour.com/) - [ Lake Ontario Park ](https://www.cityofkingston.ca/activities-and-recreation/parks-trails-and-sports-fields-and-courts/parks/#lakeontariopark) - [ Murney Tower Museum ](https://www.murneytower.com/) - [ PumpHouse Museum ](https://www.kingstonpumphouse.ca/) - [ Slush Puppie Place ](https://www.slushpuppieplace.com/) - [ Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning ](https://www.tettcentre.org/) ## **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. - [Breakwater Park and Gord Downie Pier A stunning addition to Kingston’s Breakwater Park, stretching into Lake Ontario renamed to honour Tragically Hip frontman Gord Downie and his father Edgar. Explore ](https://www.cityofkingston.ca/activities-and-recreation/parks-trails-and-sports-fields-and-courts/parks/) - [Grass Creek Park Riverfront park featuring a sandy beach with a swimming area, play equipment & picnic facilities. Explore ](https://www.cityofkingston.ca/activities-and-recreation/parks-trails-and-sports-fields-and-courts/parks/) - [Lake Ontario Park Kingston's largest urban waterfront park offers a substantial natural landscape that attracts both visitors and residents for picnicking and scenic waterfront walks. Explore ](https://www.cityofkingston.ca/activities-and-recreation/parks-trails-and-sports-fields-and-courts/parks/) - [Lemoine Point Conservation Area Made up of field, forest & marsh, this lakeside nature area offers trails & picnic spots. Explore ](https://cataraquiconservation.ca/pages/lemoine-point-conservation-area) - [Reddendale Beach (Crerar Park) This sandy beach is located in Kingston’s west end, near a residential community and the city airport. Explore ](https://archive.visitkingston.ca/kingston-members/reddendale-crerar-park-and-beach/) - [Richardson Beach Richardson Beach offers a serene and picturesque setting for visitors to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the lakefront. Explore ](https://www.visitkingston.ca/kingston-members/richardsons-beach/) ## Beaches Skip section Bring your sunscreen, shades and beach towels! Kingston has [lots of places](https://www.visitkingston.ca/5-must-visit-kingston-beaches/) where you can take a cooling dip, including the following. WORTH CHECKING OUT - [ Breakwater Park and Gord Downie Pier ](https://www.cityofkingston.ca/activities-and-recreation/parks-trails-and-sports-fields-and-courts/parks/) - [ Grass Creek Park ](https://www.cityofkingston.ca/activities-and-recreation/parks-trails-and-sports-fields-and-courts/parks/) - [ Lake Ontario Park ](https://www.cityofkingston.ca/activities-and-recreation/parks-trails-and-sports-fields-and-courts/parks/) - [ Lemoine Point Conservation Area ](https://cataraquiconservation.ca/pages/lemoine-point-conservation-area) - [ Reddendale Beach (Crerar Park ](https://www.visitkingston.ca/kingston-members/reddendale-crerar-park-and-beach/) - [ Richardson Beach ](https://www.visitkingston.ca/kingston-members/richardsons-beach/) - [Cataraqui Street Boat Launch, 1 Cataraqui Street (Emma Martin Park) Explore ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hMytySKETDM9AFBY9) - [Collins Bay Boat Launch, 4086 Bath Road Explore ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hQGa3LZpGuPWA8RW9) - [Grass Creek Park, 2991 Highway 2 Explore ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/RitrMY5nSk722vjx5) - [Lake Ontario Park Boat Ramp, 920 King Street West Explore ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/UJAisGXrdqzYR1ZeA) - [Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, 53 Yonge Street Explore ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KWbV83gAc2YpHYMd6) - [West Street Boat Ramp, 1 Ontario Street Explore ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nZTqMknE2RNnppji8) ## Boat Launches Skip section There are [boat ramps galore](https://www.cityofkingston.ca/activities-and-recreation/marinas-and-boat-launches/) in Kingston. Here’s where you can launch your motorized or paddle watercraft into Lake Ontario. WORTH CHECKING OUT - [ Cataraqui Street Boat Launch, 1 Cataraqui Street (Emma Martin Park) ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hMytySKETDM9AFBY9) - [ Collins Bay Boat Launch, 4086 Bath Road ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hQGa3LZpGuPWA8RW9) - [ Grass Creek Park, 2991 Highway 2 ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/RitrMY5nSk722vjx5) - [ Lake Ontario Park Boat Ramp, 920 King Street West ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/UJAisGXrdqzYR1ZeA) - [ Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, 53 Yonge Street ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KWbV83gAc2YpHYMd6) - [ West Street Boat Ramp, 1 Ontario Street ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nZTqMknE2RNnppji8) ## **Other Paddling Put-In** For a quieter place to paddle, head to the [Kingston Mill Locks](https://maps.app.goo.gl/6XbfKTxiVtnUHT9K6) 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. - [Ahoy Rentals](https://ahoyrentals.com/) - [Rideau Acres Campground](https://www.rideauacres.com/rates) - [Trailhead](https://trailheadkingston.ca/) ## **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. - [Explorer Diving](https://www.facebook.com/explorerdiving/) - [Neptune & Salacia Diving](https://www.neptunesalacia.com/) - [Pat’s Dive Charters](https://patsdivecharters.com/) ## 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](https://www.1000islandscruises.ca/) offers one- to three-hour day trips, while [St. Lawrence Cruise Lines](https://www.stlawrencecruiselines.com/) offers multi-day itineraries beginning in Kingston. ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth960px/100000932-medium.jpg) - [Blue Rock Charters Offering Boat and Ice Fishing Charters near Kingston and on the Bay of Quinte. Explore ](https://bluerockcharters.com/) - [Neptune & Salacia Diving Neptune & Salacia Diving is a PADI 5 Star Dive Centre and Dive Charter in Kingston, Ontario, one of the top dive destinations. Explore ](https://www.neptunesalacia.com/) - [Limestone City Fishing Charters Kingston Fishing Charter for Lake Ontario Trophy Walleye and Lake Trout. Explore ](https://limestonecityfishingcharters.com/) ## Fishing Charters & Guides Skip section 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](https://www.ontario.ca/page/fishing) from the Government of Ontario to cast a line in Kingston. - [Blue Rock Charters](https://bluerockcharters.com/) - [Kingston Sport Fishing](https://kingstonsportfishing.ca/) - [Limestone City Fishing Charters](https://limestonecityfishingcharters.com/) - [Confederation Basin Marina Confederation Basin Marina is located in downtown Kingston, in front of City Hall, behind the Shoal Tower, and across the water from Fort Henry. Explore ](https://www.cityofkingston.ca/activities-and-recreation/marinas-and-boat-launches/confederation-basin/) - [Portsmouth Olympic Harbour Portsmouth Olympic Harbour offers 250 slip finger docks for boats, both power and sail, up to 100 feet long. There are also dry sail berths for winter storage. Explore ](https://www.cityofkingston.ca/activities-and-recreation/marinas-and-boat-launches/portsmouth-olympic-harbour/) - [Treasure Island Marina Our exceptional location at the mouth of the Bateau channel provides an outstanding boating experience with easy access to Lake Ontario, the St Lawrence River, and the Rideau Canal. Explore ](https://treasureislandmarina.com/) ## Marinas Skip section 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.) - [Confederation Basin Marina](https://www.cityofkingston.ca/activities-and-recreation/marinas-and-boat-launches/confederation-basin/) - [Portsmouth Olympic Harbour](https://www.cityofkingston.ca/activities-and-recreation/marinas-and-boat-launches/portsmouth-olympic-harbour/) - [Treasure Island Marina](https://treasureislandmarina.com/) ## **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](https://www.visitkingston.ca/stay/) 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. - [All Suites Whitney Manor](https://www.allsuiteswhitneymanor.com/) - [Confederation Place Hotel](https://www.confederationplace.com/) - [Delta Hotels Kingston Waterfront](https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ygkdk-delta-hotels-kingston-waterfront/overview/) - [Frontenac Club](https://www.frontenacclub.com/) (rooftop patio) - [Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront](https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/kingston/ygkca/hoteldetail) - [Kingston Marriott](https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ygkmc-kingston-marriott/overview/) - [Residence Inn Kingston Water’s Edge](https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ygkri-residence-inn-kingston-waters-edge/overview/) - [Rideau Acres Campground](https://www.rideauacres.com/) ## Visitor Information You’ll find the [Kingston Visitor Information Centre](https://www.visitkingston.ca/plan/visitors-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](https://www.visitkingston.ca/) provides visitor information for the city. The [South Eastern Ontario](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/) regional tourism organization promotes the entire waterfront from the Bay of Quinte to the Ontario-Quebec border. [ Plan your visit ](https://www.visitkingston.ca/plan/visitors-information-centre/) ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth960px/Kingston_VIC2-1.jpg) ## Plan more fun! Check out Kingston’s [calendar of events](https://events.visitkingston.ca/) and the links below for more inspiration for your Kingston visit. - [Beaches in Kingston](https://www.visitkingston.ca/5-must-visit-kingston-beaches/) - [Bellevue House National Historic Site](https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/bellevue) - [Cannonball Crush](https://www.forthenry.com/event/cannonball-crush/) - [Creative Kingston Walking Tours](https://www.visitkingston.ca/walking-tours/) - [Great Lakes Waterfront Trail](https://waterfronttrail.org/places/communities/Kingston/) - [The Haunted Walk](https://hauntedwalk.com/kingston-tours/) - [Kick and Push Festival](https://www.thekickandpush.com/) - [Kingston Buskers Rendezvous](https://www.ygkevents.com/events/kingston-buskers-rendezvous/) - [Kingston Food Tours](https://www.kingstonfoodtours.ca/) - [Kingston Trolley Tours](https://www.kingstontrolley.ca/) - [Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market](https://www.memorialcentrefarmersmarket.ca/) - [Military Communications and Electronics Museum](https://www.kingstonmuseums.ca/site/military-communications-and-electronics-museum) - [Museum of Health Care at Kingston](https://www.museumofhealthcare.ca/) - [Skeleton Park Arts Festival](https://skeletonparkartsfest.ca/) - [YGK Craft Beer Fest](https://www.forthenry.com/event/beerfest/) READ ALSO - [ ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth250px/kingston-2x.jpg) Outdoor & Adventure Kingston: K&P Trail ](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/itineraries/kingston-k-p-trail/) - [ ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth250px/FINAL-ITINERARY-IMAGES-1080-x-685-px-1440-x-685-px-2-2.png) Food & Drink LGBTQ2S+ Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Days In Kingston ](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/itineraries/lgbtq2s-itinerary-how-to-spend-2-days-in-kingston/) This content was created in partnership with [Ottawa Road Trips](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/) and is current as of June 2025. Some of these locations are seasonal and vary in closure from Labour Day through to late fall. Please check the links before setting off on your adventure and plan accordingly.