--- title: "Your Guide to Markets, Makers & Local Flavours in Kingston and Frontenac County" date: 2026-06-20T13:26:00-04:00 author: "South Eastern Ontario / Sud-Est de l'Ontario" canonical_url: "https://www.southeasternontario.ca/itineraries/your-guide-to-markets-makers-local-flavours-in-kingston-and-frontenac-county/" section: Itineraries --- ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth2400px/IMG_0209-2.jpg) # Your Guide to Markets, Makers & Local Flavours in Kingston and Frontenac County South Eastern Ontario / Sud-Est de l'Ontario ## **Welcome to Kingston and Frontenac County!** The historic community of [Kingston](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/kingston/), on the eastern tip of Lake Ontario, is the hub of this region. The city has a thriving local culinary culture, with food tours, two vibrant farmers’ markets and a large number of chefs who make the most of local produce. North and south of the city, [Frontenac County](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/frontenac-county/) stretches into the rugged landscape of the Canadian Shield. Dairy farms, beef farms, market gardens and other agricultural businesses keep [Kingston](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/kingston/) and the wider region supplied with delicious meat and produce. Beyond the farms, countless lakes beckon visitors to play outdoors. ## **Meet the Farmers & Producers** [Kingston](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/kingston/)'s celebrated food scene begins long before ingredients reach the plate. Across [Frontenac County](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/frontenac-county/) and the surrounding countryside, farmers, growers and producers work hard to supply local markets, restaurants and specialty food shops. Behind every basket of fresh produce, jar of honey, and locally sourced menu item is a story worth discovering. By visiting these businesses, you'll gain a deeper connection to the region's culinary culture while supporting the people who help make it thrive. Read their stories. ## Farm-to-Table Experiences Throughout [Kingston](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/kingston/) and [Frontenac County](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/frontenac-county/), you'll find restaurants, cafés and culinary experiences that celebrate local flavours in creative and delicious ways. [ Find your delicious! ](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/articles/farm-to-table-experiences-in-kingston-frontenac/) ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth960px/Copy-of-toast-jam-11.jpg) ## **Culinary Events** - [Frontenac Farmers Market culinary events](https://frontenacfarmersmarket.com/events) - [Kingston Ribfest and Craft Beer Show](https://www.kingstonribandbeerfest.com/) - [Judgement of Kingston](https://judgementofkingston.ca/) - [Kingstonlicious](https://www.visitkingston.ca/kingstonlicious/) - [Sour Fest](https://daftbrewing.com/pages/sour-fest?) - [Summer Chef Demos](https://downtownkingston.ca/blogs/upcoming-events/chef-demos) - [YGK Craft Beer Fest](https://www.forthenry.com/event/beerfest/) ## **Maple Syrup Season** Is there anything more quintessentially Canadian than maple syrup? You can learn how this sweet treat is made at [Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area](https://www.visitkingston.ca/stories/maple-madness-a-kingston-tradition-celebrates-maple-syrup/) in Glenburnie. During Maple Madness in March, visitors can take a wagon ride to a sugar bush, follow an interpretive trail, enjoy face painting and other family fun, and eat pancakes with maple syrup. ## Markets, Roadside Stands & Local Food Finds A stop at a farm stand or market offers the chance to fill your basket with seasonal produce, fresh flowers, local honey or artisanal foods while supporting the farmers and small businesses that help keep the countryside vibrant. [ Shop local! ](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/articles/markets-roadside-stands-local-food-finds/) ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth960px/IMG_0724-2cropped.jpg) ## **Pick-Your-Own & Seasonal Harvests** Berries, apples and flowers are yours for the picking at these farms in [Kingston](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/kingston/) and [Frontenac County](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/frontenac-county/). - [Fat Chance Farmstead](https://fatchancefarmstead.com/): Pick your own strawberries at this farm near Murvale. - [Fruition Berry Farm](https://www.fruition.ca/): You can pick strawberries, raspberries and blueberries at this [Kingston](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/kingston/) farm. Rhubarb (spring) and pumpkins (fall) are also available. - [Loughborough Heritage Orchard](https://www.heritage-orchard.com/): Pick your own apples from heritage trees—some over 70 years old—at this Inverary farm, which also offers farm tours and a farm shop. - [Sun Harvest Greenhouses](https://sunharvest.ca/pages/cutting-garden): Cut your own bouquet from fields planted with some 8,000 flowers at this farm in Glenburnie. ## **Craft Beer Producers** Keep your eye out in local restaurants and shops for beers from [Harrowsmith Brewing](https://www.harrowsmithbrewing.com/). And the region is home to lots of brew pubs, many of which make their beers from locally grown hops. Here are a few to check out. - [Daft Brewing](https://daftbrewing.com/): Sour beers are among this spot’s most popular products, but it brews beers in all styles—and makes some pretty inventive pizzas, too. - [Fine Balance Brewing Company](https://finebalancebrewing.ca/): The goal of these brewmasters is to strike a balance between making modern, New World beers (such as hazy IPAs) and Old World Classics (such as pilsners). - [Kingston Brewing Company](https://www.kingstonbrewing.ca/): Established in 1986, this is one of Ontario’s oldest craft breweries. Choose from some two dozen Ontario beers on tap, along with an extensive menu of pub fare. - [Riverhead Brewing Company](https://www.riverheadbrewing.com/): Along with beers that include a tropical IPA and fruited sours, Riverhead makes a gluten-free seltzer. The brewery hosts lots of events, including trivia nights, cornhole tournaments and live music. - [Something in the Water Brewing](https://somethingbrewing.ca/): This Toronto-based brewery won an award as Canada’s Best New Brewery and then expanded to [Kingston](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/kingston/). Enjoy cleverly unusual beers with the brew pub’s tacos. - [Spearhead Inc](https://spearheadbeer.com/).: Formed from the fusion of three local craft breweries, Spearhead makes a wide range of ales and lagers. ## **Animal Encounters & Family-Friendly Farms** Sometimes the most memorable travel experiences involve slowing down and spending time with animals. In [Kingston](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/kingston/) and [Frontenac County](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/frontenac-county/), you can step away from the city and enjoy hands-on experiences that connect you with rural life. If you’d like to hang out with horses during your visit to [Kingston](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/kingston/) and [Frontenac County](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/frontenac-county/), you could sign up for a trail ride at [Bur Creek Farm](https://www.facebook.com/p/Bur-Creek-Farm-100067459964801/) on [Kingston](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/kingston/)’s rural northern edge. At [Maple Ridge Farm](https://mapleridge-farm.com/) in Sydenham, you can suit up for a hands-on beekeeping experience, use a smoker and get an up-close look at the remarkable inner workings of a hive. Gain a new appreciation for the bees that help our farms and gardens thrive. There are other workshops and farm experiences available throughout the year. ## **Festivals & Country Fairs** Beyond [Kingston](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/kingston/)'s vibrant food scene, rural communities throughout [Frontenac County](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/frontenac-county/) come together each year to celebrate local agriculture and community traditions. Fairs, festivals and seasonal events offer a great way to experience the region's rural character and hospitality. - [Concerts in the Barn](https://www.leopardfrogfarm.com/events), Leopard Frog Farm, Battersea - [Frontenac County Plowing Match](https://www.plowingmatch.org/plowing/branch-matches/) - [Lakes and Trails Festival](https://www.southfrontenac.net/recreation-and-leisure/festivals-and-events/lakes-and-trails-festival/), Verona - [Kingston Art Tour](https://kingstonarttour.com/) - [Kingston Fall Fair](https://www.kingstonfair.com/) - [Mondo Banjo Festival](https://www.mondobanjofestival.ca/), Wolfe Island - [Off-Season Dance Festival](https://www.offseason.live/), Wolfe Island - [Skylla Festival](https://www.skyllafestival.com/), Wolfe Island - [Summer Kickoff Music Festival](https://www.southfrontenac.net/recreation-and-leisure/festivals-and-events/summer-kickoff-music-festival/), Harrowsmith - [Verona Lions Garlic Festival](https://veronalions.ca/garlic-festival/) - [Wolfe Island Music Festival](https://www.wolfeislandmusicfestival.com/) - [Wolfe Island Plowing Match](https://www.plowingmatch.org/plowing/branch-matches/) - [Women's Art Festival](https://www.womensartfestival.ca/) ## The Great Outdoors You can experience two very different sides of Eastern Ontario in one trip. In [Kingston](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/kingston/), the landscape rolls gently toward the Lake Ontario shore. North of the city, the rocky Canadian Shield in [Frontenac County](https://www.frontenaccounty.ca/visit/), is home to wooded hiking trails, some overlooking pretty lakes where you can swim, fish and paddle. [ Go wild! ](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/articles/explore-the-great-outdoors-in-frontenac-county-kingston/) ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth960px/10248_RTO9-Kingston_LittleCataraquiCreekConservationPark_OCt2025_Retouched_IMG_DJI_20251008075055_0001_D.jpg) ## **Guided and Self-Guided Tours** Whether you’re exploring on foot or by car, there are lots of ways to discover the region’s country byways and tasty foods. - [Kingston Food Tours](https://www.kingstonfoodtours.ca/): On a walking tour of downtown [Kingston](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/kingston/), meet bakers, restaurateurs and other food professionals and taste their products. - [Rideau Heritage Route](https://www.rideau-info.com/canal/driving/heritage-route-directions.html): The southern part of this driving route winds through [Frontenac County](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/frontenac-county/) and [Kingston](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/kingston/). - [South Frontenac fall drives](https://www.southfrontenac.net/recreation-and-leisure/festivals-and-events/25-things-to-do/fall-colour-tours/): These five itineraries are designed to help you enjoy the fall colours in the Township of South Frontenac. - [Visit Kingston’s self-guided walking tours](https://walkingtours.visitkingston.ca/): On these free music, film and literary walking tours, you can learn more about Kingston's creative scene while exploring multiple areas of the city on foot. ## Suggested Day Trip: A Taste of Kingston & Frontenac County 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. [ Urban to rural adventures ](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/itineraries/a-taste-of-kingston-frontenac-county-suggested-day-trip/) ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth960px/IMG_0383-1.jpg) ## **Farm Stays** [Wintergreen Studios](https://www.wintergreenstudios.com/) offers a truly unique off-grid escape where rustic cabins, forest trails and peaceful lake views invite you to slow down and reconnect with nature. Just north of Kingston, it's an ideal retreat for travellers seeking sustainability, creativity and a memorable stay surrounded by the beauty of South Frontenac. READ ALSO - [ ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth250px/wintergreen-main-lodge.jpg) Where to Stay Trading screen time for green time at Wintergreen Studios in South Frontenac ](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/articles/trading-screen-time-for-green-time-at-wintergreen-studios-in-south-frontenac/) To find farms, wineries and other rural locations where you can park your RV overnight, try searching the [Harvest Hosts](https://www.harvesthosts.com/discover) and [Terego](https://www.terego.ca/en) websites (memberships required). ## **Other Ways to Stay** The city of [Kingston](https://www.visitkingston.ca/places-to-stay/) offers a full range of accommodation options, including hotels, inns, bed & breakfasts, motels and vacation rentals. In [Frontenac County](https://www.frontenaccounty.ca/visit/where-to-stay/), you’ll find lots of bed and breakfasts, cabins, cottages, campgrounds, and vacation rentals, as well as the Hotel Wolfe Island. For more information, visit our partner websites: [Frontenac County](https://www.frontenaccounty.ca/visit/) & [Visit Kingston](https://www.visitkingston.ca/)