Top 14 Tours & Things To Do In Kingston Ontario

Kingston, Ontario, stands out as a top destination for those who want a mix of history, scenery, and fun experiences. Its location on the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River makes it a natural hub for boat cruises and waterfront adventures.

But what makes Kingston truly special are its diverse ways to explore — whether you’re into spooky stories, historic walking tours, or relaxing river cruises.

We especially enjoy the Kingston: Heart of the Thousand Islands Riverboat Cruise for its stunning scenery and lively onboard entertainment, and the Ghosts and Mysteries Trolley Tour for a spooky peek into Kingston’s darker past.

If you’re planning your trip, you’ll find a variety of options, from quick city tours to full-day excursions on the water. The list below covers the best tours in Kingston, helping you make the most of your visit with insider info on what makes each one stand out.

1. Kingston: Heart of the Thousand Islands Riverboat Cruise

At number 1 we have the Kingston: Heart of the Thousand Islands Riverboat Cruise, which offers an unforgettable 3-hour journey into one of the most scenic parts of Ontario. Departing from Kingston, this cruise takes you on a paddlewheeler reminiscent of the Mississippi, complete with lively live music onboard.

The stunning scenery of over 1,000 islands, along with the stories of the region once called “The Millionaire’s Playground,” makes this a top choice for travelers who love water-based adventures.

Guests consistently praise the trip’s relaxed atmosphere and engaging commentary. The triple-deck boat provides ample space to enjoy the views and the lively onboard entertainment. For around $47, you get a well-paced cruise that balances scenery, history, and fun. This tour is ideal for families, couples, or anyone wanting to see the best of the Thousand Islands from the water.

Bottom line: This cruise is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty and stories of the region with good value for money and a lively, friendly vibe.

2. Kingston: Sunset Dinner Cruise

Number 2 on our list is the Kingston: Sunset Dinner Cruise, which elevates a relaxing boat trip with a delicious meal. During this 3-hour voyage, you’ll enjoy a three-course a-la-carte dinner served at your table, with options of four entrees.

The highlight is watching the stunning sunset as you cruise through the Admiralty Islands, with views that are especially beautiful when the sky turns orange and pink.

This cruise combines scenic views, good food, and live music, making it perfect for a romantic evening or a special celebration. Reviews note that the quality of the meal and the spectacular sunset views make it worth the price of $97 per person. The calm, intimate setting is ideal for couples or anyone wanting a more refined experience on the water.

Bottom line: A memorable, scenic dinner cruise with exceptional views and quality food—great for special occasions or a romantic night out.

3. Kingston: Ghosts and Mysteries Trolley Tour

Number 3 is the Kingston: Ghosts and Mysteries Trolley Tour, a fun and slightly spooky way to explore Kingston’s darker stories. This 1.5-hour guided trolley tour takes you through notable sites and neighborhoods associated with ghostly legends and mysterious events, including Kingston’s Rockwood Asylum, one of the city’s most haunted buildings.

Led by an engaging guide, you’ll hear tales of creepy happenings, grave robbings, and historic hauntings. The tour’s lively narration and well-chosen stops make it a favorite among those who enjoy a mix of history and supernatural stories. With a modest price of $39, it offers good value and an entertaining, eerie look into Kingston’s past.

Bottom line: Perfect for fans of ghost stories and history, this tour offers a fun, spooky glimpse into Kingston’s haunted side.

4. Kingston: Haunted Night Walking Tour

At number 4, the Kingston: Haunted Night Walking Tour offers a chilling 75-minute walk through Kingston’s historic downtown and Sydenham Ward at night. Your guide, cloaked in mystery, shares tales of hangings, hidden burial grounds, and mysterious happenings that add an eerie flavor to the city’s streets.

The tour is well-rated for its storytelling and atmospheric setting. It’s a short but intense experience, ideal for night owls and those interested in Kingston’s ghostly legends. The stories are vivid, and walking at night adds to the thrill. The $24 ticket price makes it an affordable way to see Kingston in a whole new light—spooky and intriguing.

Bottom line: A short, spooky adventure that gives a different perspective on Kingston’s past, perfect for fans of ghost stories and history.

5. Kingston: Trolley City Tour

Number 5 is the Kingston: Trolley City Tour, a 1-hour ride on a classic red trolley that covers Kingston’s historic core. This tour is an excellent way to get your bearings and learn about over 300 years of Kingston’s history through engaging stories. You’ll see Queen’s University, Kingston Penitentiary, and enjoy views of Fort Henry from Point Henry.

The trolley runs every 30 minutes, with options for 24, 48, or 72-hour passes, making it flexible for your schedule. The relaxed pace and knowledgeable guide help visitors appreciate Kingston’s architecture and landmarks without rushing. It’s especially good for first-time visitors or those with limited time.

Bottom line: A convenient, fun way to familiarize yourself with Kingston’s key sights and history, with the flexibility of unlimited rides over several days.

6. Kingston: Lunch Cruise of Thousand Islands

Number 6 offers the Kingston: Lunch Cruise of Thousand Islands, combining sightseeing with a delicious onboard meal. Over 3 hours, you’ll enjoy a relaxed cruise through the scenic Thousand Islands while savoring a freshly prepared lunch, with live descriptions of the scenery and island history. The scenic cruise is perfect for a leisurely midday escape.

The cruise’s value lies in the combination of good food, scenic views, and light entertainment. It suits travelers who want a mix of sightseeing and dining, especially those on a tight schedule but still seeking a memorable experience.

Bottom line: This lunch cruise offers good value and a nice way to explore and enjoy a tasty meal on the water.

7. Kingston: Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour

The Kingston: Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour is a flexible way to explore Kingston over 3 days. With 10 stops at key sites like Fort Henry, the Penitentiary Museum, and Queen’s University, you can explore at your own pace. Trolleys arrive every 30 minutes, making it easy to hop on and off as you please.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want to see a lot without rushing. The 75-minute route covers downtown, waterfront, and historic sites, making it ideal for first-timers or those with limited time. The multiple-day pass offers great value for those looking to maximize their sightseeing.

Bottom line: An easy, flexible way to explore Kingston’s top attractions at your own pace, especially with the extended pass options.

8. Kingston: Brunch Cruise of Thousand Islands

Number 8 is the Kingston: Brunch Cruise of Thousand Islands. This relaxed 3-hour trip offers a delightful brunch on the water, with views of the river and islands. It’s perfect for late risers wanting to combine scenic cruising with good food.

Guests enjoy freshly-prepared meals while soaking in the sights, making this a leisurely way to start a day or enjoy a mid-morning treat. The cruise offers a peaceful alternative to the more lively tours, suited for those who prefer a calm, scenic experience with good food.

Bottom line: A relaxed, tasty way to enjoy Kingston’s waterfront while having a hearty brunch.

9. Kingston: Waterfront Discovery Cruise

Number 9 is the Kingston: Waterfront Discovery Cruise, a quick 1-hour tour passing key sites like Fort Henry and the Royal Military College. It features lively narration that brings Kingston’s waterfront history and natural beauty to life.

This cruise is great for those who want a quick overview of Kingston’s waterfront and landmarks without a full day commitment. Whether you prefer the covered lower deck or the open upper deck, this tour offers flexibility. It’s an affordable way to get a feel for the city’s maritime side.

Bottom line: A short, engaging cruise ideal for a first taste of Kingston’s waterside sights.

10. Kingston: Historic Downtown Walking Tour

The Kingston: Historic Downtown Walking Tour offers a 1-hour stroll through the city’s core, led by local legend Arthur Milnes. This tour highlights highlights like Market Square and City Hall and shares engaging stories about Kingston’s notable figures, including Prime Ministers and Indigenous leaders.

This small group experience makes it easy to ask questions and enjoy personalized storytelling. It’s a great choice for history enthusiasts or anyone wanting an in-depth look at Kingston’s heritage in a short amount of time.

Bottom line: Compact, informative, and personally engaging — a perfect way to connect with Kingston’s history on foot.

11. Hidden Kingston City Walking Tours

Number 11, Hidden Kingston City Walking Tours, uncovers the quirky side of the city. This 1.5-hour tour features humorous stories about duels, sea serpents, and other lesser-known tales. The tour starts and ends conveniently and offers a lighthearted take on Kingston’s past.

Rated 5/5 from a few reviews, this tour is perfect for those who like their history with a side of humor. It’s a relaxed walk that reveals fun facts and secret stories behind Kingston’s well-known sites.

Bottom line: A charming, humorous walk that uncovers Kingston’s lesser-known stories, ideal for curious travelers with a sense of humor.

12. From Montreal: Kingston City Day Trip & 1000 Island Cruise

Number 12 combines a full day in Kingston with a scenic 1000 Islands cruise. Starting from Montreal, this guided day trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off and visits to Kingston’s City Hall, Royal Military College, and Queen’s University. After exploring downtown, you cruise the St. Lawrence River, enjoying views of historic mansions and islands.

This trip is great for travelers coming from Montreal wanting an all-in-one experience. It balances sightseeing, cruising, and free time, all with the convenience of transportation included. At $122 per person, it offers excellent value for a full-day adventure.

Bottom line: Ideal for Montreal visitors wanting a guided day trip with a mix of history, scenery, and easy logistics.

13. Kingston: Waterfront Shipwreck Cruise with Guide

Number 13 features a Waterfront Shipwreck Cruise, exploring Kingston’s maritime past through stories of shipwrecks. Led by a guide from the Great Lakes Museum on a 1.5-hour boat, this cruise uncovers tales of wrecks and the natural forces that caused them.

While the cruise is shorter at 90 minutes, it offers a fascinating look at Kingston’s shipwreck history. It’s a good pick for maritime enthusiasts or those interested in the area’s nautical stories. The reviews are more modest, but the storytelling makes it worthwhile.

Bottom line: A focused, engaging tour for lovers of maritime history, with a personal guide bringing shipwreck stories to life.

14. Kingston City Tour

Lastly, the Kingston City Tour offers an aerial perspective of the city’s highlights, including Fort Henry, Kingston Penitentiary, and the shipwrecks around Garden Island. This 30-minute flight provides a unique way to see Kingston’s landmarks from above.

This short tour appeals to those who want a quick, unique view of the city’s key sites. It’s particularly suited for travelers with limited time or those interested in panoramic views and photos.

Bottom line: A quick, scenic overview of Kingston’s top sights from the sky, perfect as a final highlight or for photo opportunities.

How to Choose the Right Tour

Choosing among Kingston’s diverse tours depends on your interests, budget, and time. For a full-day adventure, the From Montreal: Kingston City Day Trip & 1000 Island Cruise offers a comprehensive experience with transportation included (see details here).

If you want a relaxing time on the water, the Sunset Dinner Cruise or the Lunch Cruise combine scenery with great food (see Sunset Dinner Cruise, Lunch Cruise).

For history lovers with a sense of humor, the Hidden Kingston City Walking Tours or the Historic Downtown Walking Tour are excellent options.

Budget travelers might prefer the Waterfront Discovery Cruise or the Ghosts and Mysteries Trolley Tour, which offer affordable, engaging experiences. For those with limited time, the Trolley City Tour and Waterfront Shipwreck Cruise provide quick but rich insights. Remember to book early for popular options, especially in peak season, and consider combining tours for a full Kingston experience.

Final Thoughts

Kingston offers a wide range of tours that cater to different interests — from scenic boat cruises and lively trolley rides to spooky ghost walks. Whether you’re after a relaxing water journey, a historical deep dive, or a spooky night out, Kingston’s tour roster has something for you.

For first-time visitors, the Trolley City Tour or the Heart of the Thousand Islands Riverboat Cruise are solid starting points. For those wanting a special evening, the Sunset Dinner Cruise makes for a memorable night.

Whatever your style, booking your tours early ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable experiences. Kingston’s friendly, accessible atmosphere makes it easy to enjoy these activities and take home lasting memories of your visit.