by Glenn Rea
Your Next Adventure Might Be Closer Than You Think
Who says you need to update your passport or fill your tank a few times to have an unforgettable summer? One of the greatest gifts about living in the Kingston area is all the awesome things to do when the days are their longest.
Whether you’re looking to get out on the water, fly like an eagle above the islands, zip around the treetops, discover a hidden gaming gem, or simply try something new and delightful, there are plenty of ways to have a ton of fun during your very own Kingston staycation.
When was the last time you wandered around with the eyes of a visitor? You’ll be surprised at what you actually see, hear, and probably appreciate a little bit more. We did that recently, and as Dorothy says, “there’s no place like home.”
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On the Water: See Kingston from a Different Perspective
Kingston has always been known as a waterfront community, but most of us spend hardly any time really exploring Lake Ontario from the actual water. A great place to start is Ahoy Rentals, located downtown at the base of Ontario St, where you can rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, or even a Sunfish Sailboat.
And yes, they do offer lessons as well! Whether you’re paddling through the harbour or harnessing our world-famous wind for a while, seeing the city from the water offers an entirely new perspective.
Now, if you’re looking for something a little more relaxing with less exertion, you can book a sunset sail with Ahoy or another private boat charter for a guided pontoon cruise through the Thousand Islands. Whether it’s a sunset cruise, a family outing, or simply a peaceful afternoon soaking up the sun and a bunch of fresh air, it’s an experience that reminds you why our region is considered one of Canada’s most beautiful waterfront destinations.
Besides Ahoy Rentals, there are a few other captains in town offering this service, including Kingston Custom Cruises; they were very accommodating for some of our family members with mobility issues and sensory support needs.
FUN FACT:
Kingston is also known as the freshwater sailing capital of North America, which is why the Montreal Summer Olympics held all of their sailing events in the area in 1976. It was also the first time the Summer Olympics took place in Canada, and why we now have the fabulous Portsmouth Olympic Harbour.
If you end up getting the “sailing itch” long-term, The Kingston Yacht Club is always open to new members, whether you have your own boat or not. They offer plenty of opportunities to learn and socialize, while also organizing friendly races every Tuesday and Thursday evening all summer long.
DID YOU KNOW?
For those who get a little too seasick while floating for any significant length of time, Ahoy Rentals also offers Bike Rentals and Guided Bike Tours too!
How cool is that?!
They offer 1, 2, and 3 hour tours of the area, which also means you don’t have to miss “leg day” while still having fun taking in the sights and history of the Limestone City (aka Kingston).
What else is there to do in and around Kingston? We are so glad you asked! You’ll find just a few fun ways to spend your day in the posts below:
A Bird’s-Eye View of the Thousand Islands
Many of us have driven through Gananoque countless times, but we think only a small percentage of people have ever experienced the Thousand Islands from the air. In fact, we didn’t even know this was an option until recently when some of our family booked a helicopter ride with 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours.
A scenic helicopter tour provides breathtaking views of the islands, castles, boats, and reflective waterways that simply can’t be appreciated from the ground. With their large, bubble-shaped and spotless windows, you just might feel as if you’re seeing this beautiful region like one of the iconic Canadian Geese that call our area home (there are over 100,000 of them living in our neck of the woods after all). Now be forewarned, if you’ve never been in a helicopter before, you may immediately want to start taking lessons on how to fly one yourself.
They have basic rides from 10 minutes to 1 hour in duration, or you can book one of their very special packages that includes a stop somewhere special, depending on your interest. Want to fly to The County for some wine and beer tasting? No problem! Want to be treated like family at Wheeler’s Maple Syrup Shack for some sweet and filling comfort food? They’ll do that too! They even have a fishing tour, if largemouth bass, pike, and walleye is more your jam!
Zipping Through the Treetops
Now, if your spirit animal is more of a bear, raccoon, or flying squirrel, and hanging out in the tall trees sounds like an awesome adventure to you, then Treetop Trekking 1000 Islands may be just what the doctor ordered. This immersive park outside of Gananoque combines unforgettable aerial shenanigans in an incredibly peaceful forest environment.
Whether you want to try one of their treetop obstacle courses or just glide through the treetops on a secure zipline, you are guaranteed to leave with core memories that will last a lifetime.
Plus, there are even tree forts, curvy slides, and low-hanging swinging bridges for the little ones. Planning a party? They’ve got you covered! Want to pretend you’re a nocturnal creature for a couple of hours? They even have nighttime trekking under the moonlight!
The Bunker is the perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon – or any afternoon. Glow-in-the-dark mini golf, bowling, and sport simulators are just a few fun activities all under one roof!
Fun For Anyone Young at Heart
When people think of fun and games in Kingston, they may not realize there is a hidden gem tucked away in the city’s west end. The Bunker inside the BGC South East Complex has so much more than meets the eye when driving by the old Frontenac Mall. Sure, they took over from the established Putt N’ Blast business several years ago, but they also fully renovated and expanded the place…twice!!
With glow-in-the-dark mini golf, duckpin bowling, interactive multi-sport simulators, and family-friendly activities, it’s a fantastic option for rainy days, friendly competitions, date nights, or team building with a twist. It’s the kind of place many residents don’t even realize exists until someone recommends it…and then they wonder why they hadn’t gone sooner. Plus, you’ll be supporting the awesome Boys and Girls Club of South East Ontario, so it really is a win/win scenario!
Chillax On a Beach
If you’re more like Sheryl Crow and all you wanna do “is soak up the sun” …and maybe go for a dip to cool off too, you’re definitely in luck! Kingston has plenty of beautiful places to do both.
Whether you prefer stretching out on the grassy shoreline at Breakwater Park, relaxing on the sandy beach at Grass Creek Park, or finding a quieter spot along the waterfront at Richardson Beach or Lake Ontario Park, there’s no shortage of places to soak up the sunshine and cool off with a refreshing swim.
From gentle wading areas to deeper water for confident swimmers, you’ll find a spot that suits your perfect beach day. All you really need is a towel, your favourite book or playlist (or both), plenty of sunscreen, and a few hours to truly unwind.
PRO TIP :
Before heading out, check The Swim Guide, a free public website that regularly updates water quality at local beaches around the world, including Kingston.
It’s a quick way to make sure the only thing you bring home from the beach is some awesome memories, and not a stomachache!
Getting ready to buy your house in Kingston? The posts below are a good way to start your planning:
- Buying Your First Home? Kingston Is Calling!
- The Complete Home Buying Checklist
- Why Buy a House With Caldwell & Co.
Become a Tourist for a Day and Discover Local Flavours
Let’s be honest, sometimes the best part of a vacation is eating delicious food that someone else has cooked. Well, Downtown Kingston is widely recognized as one of Canada’s premier culinary destinations, with one of the highest concentrations of restaurants per capita in all of North America. From cozy cafés and waterfront patios to internationally inspired cuisine and locally owned pubs, there’s always somewhere new to discover.
A staycation is actually the perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy some of the incredible food and drink experiences the region has to offer. You can plan your own self-guided foodie tour featuring locally owned restaurants, bakeries, cafés, and ice cream shops. You may even discover a new favourite that becomes part of your regular routine long after the summer ends. As an added bonus, many of the patios and bars feature talented local musicians performing live for your listening pleasure.
FUN IDEA:
Imagine sleeping in, heading out for a delicious brunch, and then hopping aboard the Kingston Tour Trolley while someone else takes the wheel. There will be many fascinating stories told along the way that even longtime Kingstonians have forgotten or never heard. Follow this up by spending the afternoon enjoying a beverage or two on a sunny patio and exploring a few cool local shops before treating yourself to dinner at a restaurant you’ve always wanted to try. Then finish the day with a relaxing walk along the waterfront and an indulgent ice cream as the sun sets over Lake Ontario. Sounds pretty sweet to us!
Whether you’re floating or biking along the waterfront, soaring over the Thousand Islands, hanging in the treetops, challenging your loved ones to a friendly game at The Bunker, or simply rediscovering our city’s rich history and flavourful meals, every day offers the opportunity for a new adventure.
Sometimes the best vacation is the one that’s been waiting right outside your front door all along.
Is there a move around the corner in your life?
Our Kingston real estate agents are happy to help and guide you through each step.
Reach out to us at caldwellco@royallepage.ca or call 613.449.6588 today.
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