Kingston Day Trip from Toronto
🇨🇦 Kingston Day Trip from Toronto: Lakeside Charm & Culinary Delights 🚗🍕 Just 3 hours from downtown Toronto, Kingston offers the perfect blend of historic charm, academic vibes, and foodie adventures—ideal for a rejuvenating escape from the city hustle. Here’s how to make the most of your day in this lakeside gem! 🌅 Morning: Scenic Drive & Campus Stroll 🚗 Route Tip: Take Highway 401 East → Exit at Division Street for a direct route into downtown Kingston. ⏰ Arrive by 10 AM to beat the lunch crowds! 📍 First Stop: Queen’s University • Why Visit? The stunning limestone campus feels like a Canadian Oxford. • Must-See: • Douglas Library’s Heritage Room (aka the "Harry Potter Room") • Summerhill Building (Kingston’s oldest residence, with ghost stories!) • Fun Fact: Elon Musk briefly studied computer engineering here before transferring to UPenn! ☕ Coffee Break: Northside Coffee & Tea (local favorite for maple lattes). 🍽️ Lunch: DIY Pizza or French Bistro? Option 1: Wooden Heads Gourmet Pizza 🍕 • Vibe: Casual, rustic, and fun—build your own pizza with unique toppings! • Must-Try: • Sweet Pumpkin Pizza (tastes like dessert!) • Spicy Honey & Sausage (perfect sweet-heat balance) • Pro Tip: Go early (11:30 AM) to snag a patio seat. Option 2: Chez Piggy 🦆 (French Bistro Vibes) • Vibe: Cozy courtyard dining in a historic limestone building. • Must-Try: • Duck Confit (crispy skin, tender meat—très français!) • Fresh Oysters (served with lemon & mignonette—no fishy taste!) • Skip: The steak (small portion & underwhelming, per locals). 🚶♀️ Afternoon: Waterfront Wanderings 📍 Kingston Waterfront • Walk Along: Confederation Basin (sailboats + city views) • Photo Op: Kingston Sign (perfect for cheesy tourist shots!) • Hidden Gem: Martello Alley (a tiny art-filled lane with local crafts). 📍 Kingston City Hall • Free Tours: Learn about Kingston’s brief stint as Canada’s capital (1841-1844). • Secret Spot: The clock tower offers great skyline views. 🍦 Sweet Treats & Coffee • Mio Gelato: Try the maple walnut or lavender honey flavors. • Crave Coffee House: Best iced caramel latte in town. 🌇 Evening: Sunset & Drive Back 📍 Wolfe Island Ferry (Free!) • Why Go? A 20-minute free ferry ride with stunning sunset views of Kingston’s skyline. • Bonus: Spot swans & herons along the way! 🚗 Drive Back to Toronto (~3 hrs) • Dinner Stop: Big Apple (Colborne) for fresh pie if you’re hungry! 💰 Budget Breakdown (Per Person) • Gas: ~$40 (round trip) • Food: $30-50 (depending on lunch choice) • Activities: Free (walking + ferry) • Total: ~$70-100 📸 Instagrammable Spots 1. Queen’s University Gates (fall foliage backdrop) 2. Kingston Waterfront at Golden Hour 3. Wooden Heads Pizza (colorful DIY creations) #KingstonDayTrip #EscapeToronto #LakesideVibes #FoodieAdventures