All About Kingston
City of Kingston is located midway between Toronto and Montreal where the St. Lawrence River meets Lake Ontario Kingston is a historic city with a population of 123,363. Kingston was founded in 1673 by French explorers and is home to people of many different backgrounds. Kingston is home to two of Canada’s oldest universities – Queen’s University and Royal Military College.
The Kingston census metropolitan area has a population of 132,485 (2021 Census).
The Rideau Canal connects Kingston with Ottawa. The city is a waterfront city located right where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence River and the Thousand Islands.
Climate
Kingston has a moderate climate with cooler summers and colder winters than most of Southern Ontario. Breezes that come off of Lake Ontario make Kingston a consistently windy city. Kingston has four distinct seasons:
- Winter (Dec to March) – This is the coldest season of the year and the area is typically covered in snow and ice. Average daily temperatures in winter are between 2°C and -12° C.
- Spring (March to June)– The snow and ice begin to melt. Foliage begins to appear. Spring can bring rain. Daily temperatures average between -6°C and 22°C.
- Summer (June to September) – summer is the hottest season of the year with average temperatures between 13°C to 25°C.
- Fall/Autumn (September to December) – the cooler temperatures return and leaves start to change colour and fall from the trees. Temperatures can begin to drop below freezing at night. The temperature can average between -1°C to 20°C.
Transportation
Kingston Transit provides bus service within the urban are of the city. For details on their routes, and rates, please visit: Kingston Transit
Kingston is serviced by VIA Rail with daily connections to Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa. The Canadian National Railway (CNR) also runs through the city.
Kingston’s Norman Rogers Airport has regular service to Toronto Pearson
Emergency Services
Call 911 if you require fire, police, or an ambulance!
Health 811
Phone: 811 or visit: Website
Health 811 Ontario is a free, confidential telephone service you can call to get health advice or general health information from a Registered Nurse 24 hours a day 7 days per week. This is a qualified health professional, who can assess your symptoms and help you decide your best first step. They can help you decide whether to care for yourself, make an appointment with your doctor, go to a clinic, contact a community service or go to a hospital emergency room.
You can also chat with a health professional through their online chat option.
Things to See
and DO
City of
Kingston
Kingston Health Sciences Centre
Kingston
Transit
Utilities
Kingston
Shopping
Cataraqui Centre is the largest shopping mall in the greater Kingston area. Other area shopping locations are: Frontenac Mall, Downtown Kingston, along with several local Farmers’ Markets.
Arts & Culture
Some of the more population attractions are:
Leon's Centre
1 The Tragically Hip Way, Kingston, ON K7K0B4
Phone: 613-650-5000
Leon's Centre is Kingston’s premier sports and entertainment centre. Leon's Centre plays host the major concerts, family shows, ice shows and other world-class events. The Leon's Centre is also home to the NHL farm team the OHL Kingston Frontenacs.
Kingston Arts Council
Phone: 613-546-2787
Website: http://www.artskingston.ca
The Grand Theatre
218 Princess Street, Kingston, ON K7L1B2
Phone: 613-530-2050
Website
Downtown Kingston
Website: http://www.downtownkingston.ca/
Tett Centre for Creativity & Learning
370 King Street West, Kingston, ON
Website
Kingston Frontenac Public Library
Website: http://www.kfpl.ca
There are 16 libraries in the Kingston area.
Parks & Trails
For a detailed listing of the parks and trails in the City of Kingston, please visit: http://www.cityofkingston.ca/residents/recreation/parks-trails.
For information on Leash Free Zones and Dog Parks please visit: http://www.cityofkingston.ca/residents/recreation/parks-trails/offleash
City of Kingston Recreation
The City of Kingston offers a variety recreational programs and activities. Details on the City’s programs and facilities can be found in the Kingston Rec & Leisure Guide which is available to view online at http://www.cityofkingston.ca/residents/recreation. It is a great introduction to the City as it not only lists the facilities and programs but also lists special events, and local community groups.
Kingston YMCA
Website: http://www.kingston.ymca.ca/
Special EventsFor a listing of the City of Kingston calendar and special events, please visit: http://www.cityofkingston.ca/
