Categories > Guides and Tips
9 Chill and Thrilling Things to Do in Kingston for a Memorable Winter
- Glide elegantly at the Springer Market Square Ice Rink
- Warm your souls at Stoked Sauna Co.
- Enjoy a cozy movie at The Screening Room
- Explore snow trails at Lemoine Point Conservation Area
- Relax and cozy up at Glow Spa
- Watch exciting shows at The Grand Theatre
- Grab your favourite warm drink from SENS CAFE
- Shop ‘til you drop at the Cataraqui Centre
- Crack open some cold ones at the Kingston Brewing Company
Winter in Kingston is enough reason why I think it’s a good city to live in, as it transforms into a snowy wonderland as early as November. Cafes become cozier, festive lights and blankets of snow decorate the streets, and most importantly, fun winter activities become available!
I’ve spent my fair share of winters here to know all the best things you can do during the frosty season, both fun and laid-back. So, whether you prefer to bundle up with a hot cocoa inside your home or want to fuel your need for adrenaline, you’ve come to the right place!
Continue reading to help you and your loved ones enjoy a much more memorable winter in Kingston!
Glide elegantly at the Springer Market Square Ice Rink
Media credit: city.of.kingston
Address: 1 Market St.
Operating hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: Free
It wouldn’t be a complete winter experience in Kingston without ice skating, and Springer Market Square offers one of the best rinks. Come wintertime, a naturally formed rink is opened to the public for free from morning until nighttime—plus, you can rent skates on the site!
Even with its all-day opening, however, we recommend skating here at night, as the surroundings will be beautifully lit. This setting, paired with the sight of the majestic dome-shaped clock tower, is a combination worth experiencing at least once every year.
Pro tip:
After shredding the ice rink with your sick moves, stop by the BeaverTails right across the street to enjoy some freshly fried pastries. They also offer hot coffee and cocoa if you want to regain feelings in your fingertips!
Warm your souls at Stoked Sauna Co.
Media credit: downtownkingston
Address: 225 King St E.
Operating hours:
- Thursday and Friday: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Cost:
- 3 Stoked & Chill Visit Punch Pass: CAD189
- Stoked & Chill 1-Month Membership: CAD289
- Individual Stoked & Chill Sessions: CAD95
There’s no better way to warm your body during the overwhelming Kingston winter than by spending time at Stoked Sauna Co. This place is a godsend to the people of the city, as it offers various ways to both escape the cold and promote wellness.
One of our favourite spots here is the outdoor bonfire, where families and groups of friends can gather around and enjoy the combination of both cold and warm temperatures. Of course, there’s also the traditional barrel-shaped saunas, where you can wind down and sweat it out!
They also offer a cold plunge and, funnily enough, it’s not as crazy an idea as you think! We’ve plunged here more than a couple of times, and although the initial shock never gets easy, the mind-body connection is a worthwhile experience.
Pro tip:
Make sure to drink plenty of water before and after your time at the saunas, as it will enhance the overall experience. Also, it prevents dehydration.
Enjoy a cozy movie at The Screening Room
Media credit: screening_room_
Address: 120 Princess St.
Contact details: +1 613-542-6080
Operating hours:
- Monday: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday: 2:30 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday: 3:15 PM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:30 PM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Cost: CAD8 to CAD14
Website
If you’re one to consider winter as the best time to snuggle up and watch your favourite movies, consider doing so at The Screening Room. It’s Kingston’s independent cinema that shows both new and classic flicks, and best of all, it features cozy theatres!
As previously mentioned, this cinema still shows classic flicks, so whether you want to relive James Dean’s A Rebel Without A Cause or catch the latest blockbuster, this is your place! In winter, however, we consider it a MUST to see the best Holiday rom-com, Love, Actually.
Moreover, you can find indie films here that aren’t shown in your typical movie theatres! Just check their official Instagram account or website before visiting to see their schedule for the week.
Pro tip:
If you’re a massive cinephile who plans on visiting this cinema frequently, you can avail of the annual membership! This will let you enjoy movies at CAD3 off with an annual fee of CAD11.25 to CAD17.50!
Explore snow trails at Lemoine Point Conservation Area
Media credit: city.of.kingston
Address: 1440 Coverdale Dr.
Operating hours: Daily from 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Cost: Free
Website
The Lemoine Point Conservation Area is the perfect winter destination in Kingston for those who seek adventure during the holidays. The 136-hectare area is already beautiful in its own right, but there’s something about snow-covered trees and near-frozen lakes that hits us on our feels.
Granted, it makes hiking that much more challenging due to the random patches of ice hidden beneath the snow, but it’s also ultra rewarding because of the stunning views. Plus, the serenity here is a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Lastly, make sure to keep an eye out for some of the resident wildlife in this conservatory. While you’re at it, make sure to bring some birdseed to get cute photos with the chickadees you’ll encounter along the way.
Pro tip:
Stick to the marked trails to make sure you don’t get lost, and to avoid ice and challenging terrains along the trails. Furthermore, be sure to wear proper footwear with good traction to prevent slippage.
Relax and cozy up at Glow Spa
Media credit: jastaehli
Address: 234 Princess St.
Contact details: +1 613-531-4569
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Wednesday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Cost:
- The Experience Admission: CAD49 to CAD59
- Unlimited Monthly Passes: CAD399 to CAD999
- Spa Escape Passes: CAD199 to CAD309
Glow Spa is another spot in Kingston where you can warm your toes and relieve all the pent-up stress from your body at the same time. The best part about this place is that you can book an entire day here and choose what you want to try!
For instance, if you want the ultimate de-stress experience, then the sauna should be your first stop. Afterwards, you can shock your body with extremely low temperatures in their cold plunge tubs, which are believed to help in blood circulation.
Meanwhile, if you just want a simple, laid-back experience, then the hydrotherapy hot tub will be your jam. This won’t only treat you to a warm oasis from the harsh winter, but it’s also equipped with bubble machines that will massage your body to experience nirvana.
Pro tip:
Check out their official Instagram page before purchasing a pass! This is where they post their giveaways, promos, and discounts.
Watch exciting shows at The Grand Theatre
Media credit: kingstongrandtheatre
Address: 218 Princess St.
Contact details: +1 613-530-2050
Cost: $$-$$$
Website
There’s just something about watching a theatrical performance inside a warm theatre while sheltering from the harsh snowfall during winter that’s equally poetic and entertaining. Also, with a spectacle like the Kingston Grand Theatre, it would be a shame not to try it!
It’s also the best combination when the theatre features a holiday or snow-themed show during this season. For instance, the theatre was once a destination of the Frozen world tour, which left families singing Let It Go and Do You Wanna Build A Snowman for days on end.
Other notable musicals that have graced the stage include another Disney classic, Newsies, as well as live performances from well-known international orchestras and bands.
Pro tip:
After watching a spectacular show, explore the rest of Princess Street to discover some of Kingston’s best restaurants and cafes!
Grab your favourite warm drink from SENS CAFE
Media credit: sens_canada
Address: 136 Ontario St.
Contact details: +1 613-766-2466
Operating hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Cost: $
Website
Menu
A nice way to warm up during the winter is to get a cup of joe at one of Kingston’s best cafes, SENS CAFE. We say it’s among the greatest simply because you can’t beat its price-to-value ratio.
Whether you’re going for hot, cold, coffee or non-coffee drinks, you can expect not to spend more than CAD10 in this place. As someone who loves creamy coffee, I’m a sucker for their simple hot latte, as it’s the perfect balance between richness and strength.
Kids can also enjoy this place, as it offers hot chocolate, juices, and sodas! Meanwhile, non-coffee adults can enjoy a matcha latte or the crowd favourite, London Fog, which is a concoction of Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and vanilla.
Pro tip:
You can also grab your coffee to go and cross the street to the waterfront to enjoy unobstructed views of the Kingston Harbour! You can also take some snaps of the snow-covered Engine 1095 train while you’re there.
Shop ‘til you drop at the Cataraqui Centre
Media credit: themommarket_kingston
Address: 945 Gardiners Rd.
Contact details: +1 613-389-7900
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: $-$$$
Website
During the holidays, shopping is extra fun and essential, as it’s one of the rare seasons when you’ll be able to gift your loved ones something special! In Kingston, you can choose from various malls and boutiques, but shopping is always a great idea at the Cataraqui Centre!
With over a hundred stores that span across multiple floors, this place gives literal meaning to the saying shop until you drop! Whether you’re looking for sports goods, clothes, shoes, gadgets, or anything in between, you’ll find them here.
Furthermore, the mall will be dazzled with grand holiday decorations that will keep you jolly as you walk for countless hours—plus, it makes for great photos! Lastly, tons of stores will also hold special promotions and discounts in the mall during the winter season.
Pro tip:
We recommend visiting during the weekdays if you’re planning on holiday shopping to avoid the hectic rush.
Crack open some cold ones at the Kingston Brewing Company
Media credit: kingston_brew_pub
Address: 34 Clarence St.
Contact details: +1 613-542-4978
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 11:30 AM to 12:00 AM
- Friday and Saturday: 11:30 AM to 1:00 AM
Whether it’s winter or not, it’s a must to check out Kingston’s brewery scene, and there’s no better place to start than the Kingston Brewing Company. It’s one of the most famous pubs because of its liveliness, especially during winter when it’s decorated with Christmas decor.
During winter, they’ll feature a summer lineup in cans or on tap, and all of them feature a sense of coziness to fit the season aptly. They also change it up every time to keep the selection fresh for regulars and newcomers alike.
The food here is fantastic as well, as they’re great for filling your tummies before heading into the winter—you know, just like what animals do before hibernation. We’re not kidding either, and you won’t have to look further than their KBC House Wings and Fries to believe this!
Pro tip:
Don’t leave without trying their decadent layered chocolate cake!
