To many people, including us, Kingston, Ontario, is the best place to live imaginable. Imagine a city, not as big or as crowded as Toronto, but every bit as exciting and convenient. Every time we journey up and down Princess Street, we just can’t help but feel a sense of pride in our home city. But we are getting ahead of ourselves.
Where exactly is Kingston, and what is all the fuss about? If you’re searching for a new place to put down roots, you undoubtedly have many questions. In this post, we’ll tell you everything you ever wanted to know about Kingston.
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How Far Is Kingston From Toronto?
When someone currently lives in or near the GTA, one of the first things they want to know is where we are in relation to Toronto. On a map, you’ll see Kingston located mostly to the east and slightly to the north of Toronto.
Getting to Kingston is simple. Just follow the 401 East for approximately 265 km, and you’ll be here in just under three hours. We promise it’s worth the trip. As soon as you see all of the incredible and historic limestone buildings, you’ll know you’ve entered a city like no other.
Towns near Kingston, Ontario include Gananoque, (also known as the “Gateway to the Thousand Islands,” thanks to its boat tours along the St. Lawrence River), Brockville, and Napanee. Last but absolutely not least, there’s Prince Edward County, one of Ontario’s premier summer getaway destinations. You could do worse than be located in Kingston, where all of this scenery and excitement is in close proximity.
Are you searching for houses for sale in Kingston? Take a look at a few of our featured listings.
What Is Kingston, Ontario Known For?
The history of Kingston, Ontario is a fascinating story, one that we never get tired of hearing. In 1788, British loyalists called the area “King’s Town,” which was later shortened to Kingston, a name that has stuck ever since. Today, several main streets still pay homage to British royalty, such as King Street (for King George III), Queen Street (for Queen Charlotte) and Princess Street (for Princess Charlotte). Just a fun tidbit for all of the history buffs out there!
Looking for even more cool and unusual facts about Kingston, Ontario? You may also be interested to know that it was actually the first capital city of Canada. Take that, Ottawa!
Today, our home city is known far and wide as the birthplace of legendary rock band, The Tragically Hip, who played their last show ever at Rogers K-Rock Centre, located at 1 The Tragically Hip Way. The street was renamed just for them in 2012. As we said, we Kingstonians are proud of our heritage.
Kingston is also a highly sought-after location for its stunning waterfront. Many boating enthusiasts consider it as one of the best places in the world for freshwater sailing. The city even hosted the sailing events during the 1976 Montreal Olympics! Currently, the population of Kingston has exceeded 132K, and there are absolutely no signs of slowing down.
We are just getting started on all of the benefits Kingston has to offer! Learn even more in the posts below:
Is Kingston, Ontario Worth Visiting?
That might be a funny question to ask a passionate, long-time resident. Our answer is obvious: Kingston is absolutely worth a visit. Once you do, you just might want to stay forever.
If you’re the artistic type, you’ll quickly fall head over heels in love with the local art scene. You can get lost for hours in a world of colour and imagery, whether browsing the eclectic galleries at Martello on Brock or viewing the iconic Bader Collection and Rembrandt paintings at Agnes Etherington Centre (located at Queen’s University). When events like Artfest, WritersFest, and the Kingston Canadian Film Festival come into town, it’s not uncommon for thousands of people to attend.
Anyone with an appreciation for local talent is in the right place in Kingston. So far, our musicians have scored 25 Juno awards and counting! Lively establishments like The Broom Factory and The Grad Club are fantastic for intimate performances from your favourite upcoming act. Or, check out some local country and folk music at The Buckle, located right on Princess St.
For major events, check out the calendar at venues like Slush Puppie Place and Kingston Grand Theatre. Alternatively, see who’s playing at The Isabel Bader Centre, which boasts some truly mesmerizing acoustics. The Busker Rendezvous takes place in July in downtown Kingston. As one of the top events in Canada, this is one you won’t want to miss!
For a mid-sized (or, as we call it, the “perfectly-sized city”), the area offers an out-of-this-world dining scene. In our opinion, Wooden Heads Gourmet Pizza, Casa Domenico, or Tango Nuevo are among the best restaurants in Kingston.
However, you have plenty to choose from in what is unofficially known as the “Food Capital of Canada.” That’s a nickname we’ve earned since there are more restaurants per capita here than nearly anywhere else in the country. According to a Globe and Mail article, we’re also the smartest workplace in Canada, with more Phd graduates here per capita than any other city. We’ll stop here, though, because we’re also the most humble.
Are you thinking about a move to Kingston? The posts below can help you plan:
- Buying Your First Home? Kingston Is Calling!
- The Hidden Costs of Buying a Home
- Buying a Home: Separating Myths from Facts
Welcome to the Kingston Neighbourhood
Kingston, Ontario is home to dozens of neighbourhoods, each with its individual personality, but with all of the stunning green spaces and easy access to the amenities we have just described. The city can be sectioned off into the downtown core, midtown, the east end, the west end, and Kingston north.
- Downtown, you’ll find popular neighbourhoods like Sunnyside and Calvin Park, where you can spend the afternoon at the lake, then be home just in time for a night of shopping, dining, or taking in your favourite music act. Or all of the above.
- In midtown, you can enjoy a slightly quieter way of life in picturesque Kingston neighbourhoods such as Balsam Grove or Hillendale.
- The east end is associated with historic Kingston, thanks in no small part to landmarks like Fort Henry and Old Barriefield, along with a collection 19th century homes (many in limestone). That said, there is also a touch of the modern here, including a mix of new housing subdivisions and convenient shops, restaurants, and services
- To the west, you’ll find the epitome of a family-friendly neighbourhood, complete with spacious, newer homes, great schools, and plenty of parks.
- Kingston north has a more rural feel, with vast open spaces, a few established residential areas, country homes, and farmhouses in original limestone. Another fun fact about Kingston: the abundance of limestone buildings has earned us the nickname, “The Limestone City!”
Whatever your lifestyle preferences, there is a Kingston neighbourhood to match. We are sure you will fit right into this picturesque and welcoming community!
Are you gearing up to buy or sell a house? 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.
Meet Your Market Guides
Caldwell & co. is your all-in-one resource for everything real estate related in Kingston, from community highlights to market-shifting trends and hands-on transaction guidance.
