Kingston Day Trip Guide | Historic Town + Food Exploration + Photo Sp

​​📍 Trip Highlights​​ ​​Historical Significance​​: Canada's first capital, nicknamed "Limestone City" for its iconic architecture ​​Easy Access​​: 1.5-2hr drive from Ottawa, 2.5hrs from Toronto ​​Experience Blend​​: Historic buildings, lakeside parks, hands-on workshops, and trendy eateries ​​📸 Must-Visit Attractions​​ 1️⃣ ​​Confederation Park​​ ​​Iconic Photos​​: Kingston sign & vintage Engine 1095 (CP Railway relic) with City Hall's Gothic spires ​​Lakeside Leisure​​: Perfect for watching ducks and Canada geese by Lake Ontario 2️⃣ ​​Kingston Glass Studio​​ ​​Hands-on Fun​​: $11+ glass souvenirs, glassblowing workshops (check summer heat advisories) ​​Location​​: 56 Queen St (walkable downtown) 3️⃣ ​​Fort Henry​​ (if time permits) ​​History Buffs​​: 1812 military fort with summer sentry shows and fireworks ​​🍽️ Foodie Recommendations​​ ​​1️⃣ Chez Piggy Restaurant & Bar​​ ​​Vibe​​: 30-year institution in a converted stable with flower-filled courtyard ​​Must-Try​​: Crispy duck leg, daily soups, fish cakes (~CA$50/person) ​​Tips​​: Book "Patio" or "Indoor" online - shaded courtyard ideal in summer Hidden entrance on Princess St alley ​​2️⃣ Mio Gelato​​ ​​Local Favorite​​: 20+ flavors including tiramisu & matcha (balanced sweetness) ​​Location​​: 178 Ontario St (post-lakewalk treat) ​​Alternatives​​: ​​Olivea​​: Handmade pastas (try crispy chicken breast version) ​​Kingston Brewing Co.​​: Ontario's oldest pub with lakeview beers ​​🚗 Practical Tips​​ ​​Parking​​: Paid lots near City Hall or free 2hr spots along waterfront ​​Best Season​​: May-Oct (summer sun protection recommended) ​​Itinerary​​: 9AM Depart → 11AM Glass Studio → 12:30PM Lunch → 2PM Photo Ops → 4PM Gelato → 6PM Return ​​📌 Next-Time List​​: ​​Kingston Penitentiary​​: Guided tours of 1834 maximum-security prison ​​1000 Islands Cruise​​: 1hr scenic route past Heart Island #KingstonTravel #OttawaDayTrips #HiddenCanada