Kingston Travel Guide

🇨🇦 Kingston Travel Guide | The Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary + Hidden Gems 🏰🍔🎨 ✨ Why Visit Kingston? • "The Limestone City": An open-air museum of perfectly preserved 19th-century architecture • University Town Vibes: Queen's University brings youthful energy with quirky shops and cafés • Gateway to 1000 Islands: Just a 3-hour cruise to explore 1,864 magical islands 📅 Detailed Itinerary + Secret Spots Day 1️⃣: Academic & Artsy 🌞 Morning • Douglas Library 📚: Queen's University's "Hogwarts Library" with wooden domes and stained glass—arrive before 9am for crowd-free mystic vibes • Ontario Hall 🏰: Oldest limestone building on campus, perfect for academic-style photos • St Mary’s Cathedral ⛪️: Gothic spires + rose windows (free entry). Best light in the afternoon 🌙 Evening • The Works 🍔: Ontario's famous burger chain—try the "Kingston Classic" with maple bacon • Brian's Record Option 💿: Underground vinyl shop with rare 70s records—owner shares epic local band stories 🎁 Hidden Gem: Queen's Bookstore sells limestone-patterned notebooks as unique souvenirs Day 2️⃣: Historic Downtown 🌞 Morning • Shoal Tower ⚓: Isolated lakeside tower—walk closer at low tide (watch for slippery rocks!) • Kingston City Hall 🕍: Free basement museum showcasing city history • Engine 1095 🚂: Canada's last steam locomotive—check the intricate wheel engravings 🌇 Sunset • Martello Alley 🎨: Art gallery at the alley's end—catch live painting sessions on Saturdays • Macdonald Park 🌄: Local-favorite sunset spot with golden lake reflections 🍜 Food Rec: • Gangnam Style 🍲: Off-menu "Army Stew + Cheese" combo (~$15 per person) Day 3️⃣: Nature & Islands 🚢 1000 Islands Cruise Tips • Route Choice: 3-hour classic cruise ($47.95) covers Boldt Castle & world’s shortest international bridge • Photo Hack: Top deck, right side for best views (castle on the way out, bridge returning) • Pro Move: Bring bread to feed swans 🦢 at stops 🏞️ Bonus Stop: • Confederation Park: Lakeside park with century-old oaks and swing seats 🚌 Budget Hacks • Megabus: Book 1 month ahead for $9.99 deals! Left-side seats face Lake Ontario • Airbnb: "Limestone Heritage Home" listings often include homemade maple cookies 📸 Must-Capture Spots 1. Spiral staircase at Douglas Library (top-down angle) 2. Shoal Tower mirrored in the lake 3. Vintage locomotive in front of City Hall 4. "Holding an island" illusion shot on cruise 🍽️ Locals' Food Picks • Coffee: Northside Espresso + croissant (10% student discount) • Late-night: Poutine at Tommy's Diner (open till 2am) #KingstonGuide #HiddenCanada #StudentTravel #TorontoGetaway