The former capital of Canada – Kingston, and the 1000 islands – a beautiful archipelago on Lake Ontario, are both places to see the best of fall in Ontario. These stunning waterside locations offer down-to-earth fall experiences like apple picking, corn mazes, sightseeing, hiking, and more.
What’s New
Fort Fright
Kingston’s chilling haunted attraction, Fort Fright, is making its spine-tingling return for the 2023 Halloween season at the historic Fort Henry after a two-year hiatus. This immersive scare attraction transforms the 18th-century garrison and National Historic Site into a nightmarish haunted house, making it one of the most chilling experiences in North America.
Attend Art After Dark Exhibit
Experience Kingston WritersFest at Art After Dark, featuring Oliver McPartlin’s stunning artwork and contemporary book jacket designs on September 29th, 2023. Take a stroll downtown to enjoy art, browse unique artisan wares at markets, listen to live music and meet fellow art lovers as you visit all the galleries. Details
Where: Curate.Social, 340 King St E, Kingston
See the season’s theatre production
Prepare for an enthralling experience as you unravel the suspense in “Dial M for Murder” by Frederick Knott, a mid-century psychological thriller that was a hit on Broadway and a classic Alfred Hitchcock film. Join the intrigue as an ex-tennis star hatches a plot to murder his wealthy wife in this timeless tale. October 19 to November 7, 2023. Details
Where: Domino Theatre, 52 Church Street, Kingston
I’m not your Daddy!
Don’t miss the unfiltered and uncensored stand-up show “I’m Not Your Daddy” by Netflix’s favorite father, Ryan Belleville, as he shares hilarious insights on Canadian upbringing, life in America, sex, death, and fatherhood, giving you a peek into his award-winning comedic mind. October 11, 2023. Details
Where: Kingston Grand Theatre, 218 Princess St. Kingston
See Tri-colour Classic
Participate in the Tri-Colour Classic event happening on October 19, 2023, where students unite to combat childhood cancer in collaboration with the Canadian Cancer Society. Be part of the exciting Commerce vs. Engineering basketball game held at Kingston’s Leon’s Centre, supporting their mission to raise funds for this important cause and fostering a vibrant atmosphere for students. Details
Where: Leon’s Centre, 1 The Tragically Hip Way, Kingston
Attend an Art Exhibition
From November 22 to 26, the Tett Centre Gallery will feature and exhibition with artwork by Landscape Artist, Michelle Reid. Details
Where: Tett Gallery at the Tett Centre for Creativity & Learning, 370 King St. West, Kingston
Become an Ace Detective
Get ‘Behing Closed Doors’ and solve your case at this detective-themed escape room. Details
Where: Sherlock’s Escapes, 298 Bagot St, Kingston
Get tickets to these events
Frankenstein: A Living Comic Book
Experience “Frankenstein: A Living Comic Book,” a thrilling stage production that reimagines the classic sci-fi tale using immersive comic book design. Follow Mary, a young graphic novelist, as she unravels Dr. Victor Frankenstein’s story of secret experiments and the need to confront our own fears in the face of modern challenges like climate change and artificial intelligence. October 29, 2023. Details
Where: Kingston Grand Theatre, Rosen Auditorium, 218 Princess St. Kingston
Cheer on the Kingston Frontenacs
Catch a home game in person at the Leon’s Centre. The season starts on September 29th Details
Where: Leon’s Centre, 1 The Tragically Hip Way, Kingston
Ghost and Mystery Cruise
An Evening with Matthew GoodSet sail from Kingston harbour after dark on a 90-minute ghost-cruise experience that showcases downtown Kingston in a different light. On this cruise you will examine the mysterious tales that surround our historic city. Details
Where: Island Star, Kingston
See The Wiggles
Popular children’s entertainment group, The Wiggles will be at the Leon’s Centre on October 5, 2023 to entertain and have fun. Details
Where: Leon’s Centre, 1 The Tragically Hip Way, Kingston
Valdy
Canadian folk and country icon VALDY will perform at The Spire on October 27, 2023 with special guest Mia Kelly. Details
Where: The Spire, 82 Sydenham Street, Kingston
Oh What a Night
Don’t miss “OH WHAT A NIGHT!” – a spectacular musical revue directed by the award-winning Broadway producer/director Michael Chapman. Enjoy hit songs like “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” and many more from the iconic Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, along with entertaining banter, making it an unforgettable and high-energy experience that will leave you begging for more. October 27, 2023. Details
Where: Grand Theatre, 218 Princess Street, Kingston
Requiem for the Living
In the 2023/24 season, KCS celebrates its 70th anniversary by revisiting its roots, presenting masterpieces by renowned composers from around the world and contemporary pieces inspired by these classics. The season kicks off on Sunday, November 26, with the grandeur of Dan Forrest’s acclaimed Requiem for the Living. Details
Where: The Spire, 82 Sydenham Street, Kingston
The Nutcracker
Witness the enchanting Kingston holiday tradition with the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine’s mesmerizing performance of “The Nutcracker.” This world-renowned ballet company brings Clara’s magical journey to life with breathtaking choreography, stunning sets, and graceful dancers, all set to Tchaikovsky’s enchanting music, making it an unforgettable holiday experience for all ages. December 7 & 8, 2023. Details
Where: Grand Theatre, 218 Princess Street, Kingston
Not to miss
Step into Kingston’s cultural attractions for Free
Fascinating places and spaces are opening their doors to you as part of Doors Open Kingston on September 23.
Kingston Poutine Feast 2023
Poutine Feast is coming to Kingston on September 21 to 24, 2023. Poutine Feast is a collection of award-winning food professionals specializing in the poutine. With over 100 variations and generous portions there is a poutine for everyone from vegans to meat lovers. Details
Where: Kingston Memorial Centre, 330 York Street, Kingston
Katarokwi Indigenous Art and Food Market
Don’t miss the Katarokwi Indigenous Art and Food Market on Sunday, September 24, from 10 am to 3 pm at Springer Market Square. Discover a diverse selection of handcrafted art, jewelry, clothing, and more from over 15 local Indigenous artists and artisans, while also enjoying live music by Shimmering Waters and traditional dancer Kathryn Allen from 12 to 1 pm. This unique event is the only one of its kind in South Eastern Ontario. Details
Where: Springer Market Square, 301-325 King Street E, Kingston
1000 Islands Waterfront Festival
Join us in Gananoque for the 3rd Annual 1000 Islands Waterfront Festival from September 22 to 24, 2023. Enjoy a weekend of free family fun featuring an exciting lineup of live music, a vibrant marketplace, delicious food from the Lion’s Club, and entertainment for kids of all ages. Details
Where: Joel Stone Park, 125 Water Street, Gananoque
Kingston WritersFest 2023
Kingston WritersFest returns September 27 through October 1 to Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront! This event is a celebration of excellent writing and there will be numerous award-winning authors with exciting new works of fiction, poetry and nonfiction. Details
Where: Holiday Inn Kingston-Waterfront, 2 Princess Street, Kingston
Open Farms Harvest
Experience the ultimate autumn celebration on October 14, 29! Indulge in a curated harvest food extravaganza featuring local chefs, area beverage companies, and regional farmers, offering delectable tastings prepared with locally sourced ingredients, all while enjoying Ontario wines, craft beers, coffee, and more. Don’t miss live demonstrations, including a charcuterie board and wine pairing session with Chef Brad Long and Closson Chase Wines, and a Daft Brewing and cheese pairing demo by Adam Rondeau, sponsored by Stone City Woodworks, as well as the chance to hear firsthand stories from local farmers about the food they produce. Details
Where: Kingston City Hall and Springer Market Square
Dean Brody
Experience an exclusive acoustic journey through Dean Brody’s music and story as this beloved Canadian country artist, known for his soulful lyrics and electrifying performances, takes you on a chronological musical adventure. Dean Brody’s live performance is a must-see event that has consistently sold out arenas, headlined major music festivals, and made him one of the most popular Canadian country artist. November 3, 2023. Details
Where: Kingston Grand Theatre, 218 Princess St. Kingston
Head to BUSL Cider
BUSL Cider is a family-owned craft cidery that is loved for their unique ciders and stunning 280 acre property. Their BUSL boutique offers the chance to try their premium ciders first-hand. Details
Where: 75 Quabbin Road, Mallorytown
See City Hall Illuminated on Remembrance Day
On November 11th, the City Hall and Springer Market Square will be illuminated red and white to commemorate the armistice agreement that ended the First World War on Monday, November 11, 1918. This is the time for Canadians to pause in a moment of silence to honour and remember the men and women who have served, and continue to serve Canada during times of war, conflict and peace. Details
Where: City Hall and Springer Market Square.
Gem Storm 2023
Kingston Lapidary and Mineral Club’s Annual Gem & Mineral Show takes place on Ocotber 13 – 15, 2023. Find unique jewelery, exotic fossils, decorative items, rocks and minerals, gemstone carvings and more. Details
Where: Event Centre, St. Lawrence College, 100 Portsmouth Avenue, Kingston
Fall Festival
This family-friendly festival taking place on October 21, 2023 will include pumpkin carving, rock painting, a scavenger hunt, and outdoor BBQ. Details
Where: Mac Johnson Wildlife Area
Enjoy a Day of Rest and Relaxation
Pack your bags for a day of relaxation! You can take advantage of the many stay packages for an ideal weekend getaway. Details
Judgement of Kingston
Judgement of Kingston is a blind tasting of some of the finest wines made in The County and Niagara. Celebrate the 31st anniversary of this premier wine event on November 4, 2023. Details
Where: The Residence Inn by Marriott, 7 Earl St, Kingston
Kingston Potters’ Guild 2023 Holiday Sale
Head to the The Malting Tower from November 23 to 26, to shop unique handmade ceramics. The sale will feature unique items from over 20 local artists. Details
Where: The Malting Tower at the Tett Centre for Creativity & Learning, 370 King St. West, Kingston
It’s Haunt Time
Go on a Spooky Stroll
The Haunted Walk is a great way to explore Kingston’s most haunted spots on a guided tour that tells you stories on the way. It features haunted hotels, burial grounds, the old Sydenham Ward, and more. Details
Pumpkinferno
Pumpkinferno has a new home this year, the Kingston Penitentiary. The limestone walls of the historic setting will provide a backdrop for this family-friendly event, offering guests a chance to explore the mesmerizing display of glowing pumpkins while enjoying the rich architecture of the site under the night sky! Details
Where: Kingston Penitentiary, 560 King St W, Kingston
Pumpkinferno: Places to See Enchanting Pumpkin Displays This October in Ontario
Go on an Original Haunted Walk of Kingston
Discover Kingston’s spooky side on this ghost stories walking tour. This evening tour takes you past some of Kingston’s key historical landmarks. Hear stories from Kingston’s mysterious past from your tour guide, including some dating back 200 years. Details
Where: 200 Ontario St, Kingston
Get Outdoors
Go on a fall hike
Fall is one of the best times to enjoy a hike when the weather is not too hot nor too cold and the splendor of the season fills your sight. Pick your favourite trail and see the fall colours.
25 Outdoor Adventures in and around Kingston
History on a Tour
Explore historic rooms/exhibits at Fort Henry with a self-guided tour. Fall programming runs Wednesday to Sunday until October 1, 2023. Details
Where: 1 Fort Henry Dr, Kingston
Take a cruise/boat trip
The Kingston-1000 Island Cruises are all about food, entertainment, and enjoyment while enjoying great views of the region. Choose between wonderful sightseeing cruises to see the natural and historical sights or dining cruises for a scenic meal. Details
Visit an Apple Farm
An orchard and farm store serving the Kingston community and surrounding cities, this wonderful heritage orchard offers apple picking and fresh store products like cider, honey, and baking kits and supplies. Details
Where: 1345 Washburn Road, Kingston
Enjoy an Arts Walk
Enjoy a self-guided public art tour across the city and view City-owned public artworks – permanent and temporary, as well as existing public artworks. The Arts Walk will features public artworks along Kingston’s waterfront from Lake Ontario Park to Douglas Fluhrer Park, in the downtown core and Williamsville up to Victoria Park, and in suburban and rural areas including at the INVISTA Centre and YGK Airport. Details
Where: Various locations, Kingston
Tour the Kingston Penitentiary
This famous penitentiary has visitors flocking from all over the country, and the world. You can opt for a standard tour or an extended tour and see part of the pen such as a cell range, the programs wing, segregation, a metal shop, and the recreational yard. Details
Where: 560 King Street West, Kingston
Hike Rock Dunder
This wilderness area includes three hike-able trails, including the Cabin Trail, the Morton Bay Loop, and the Summit Loop. At the end of the loop trails, you can find panoramic views and peninsular outlooks over the Bay. Details
Where: Rideau Lakes
Explore the Fruition Berry Farm Corn Maze
For 2023, the Fruition Berry Farm Corn Maze theme is “Amazon River Adventure.” Head over to the farm and make your way through the maze and enjoy the cool fall weather. After your corn maze tour, hop on the wagon to the pumpkin patch and pick a pumpkin or two! Details
Where: 3208 Hughes Rd, Kingston
Venture through Lemoine Point Conservation Area
Lemoine Point Conservation Area is a stunning 136 hectares of natural land surrounded by the waters of Lake Ontario and Collins Bay. Visitors can enjoy cycling, hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing in the area. Details
Where: 1440 Coverdale Dr, Kingston
Visit the Rideau Canal’s Jones Falls
Part of the group of prettiest lock stations on the Rideau Canal, this location near Kingston boasts the “Great Stone Arch Dam” and incredible scenery. Details
Where: Kenneys Rd, Elgin
Explore the Thousand Islands National Park
The Thousand Islands National Park is a picturesque place home to rare species of birdlife and other animals, incredible hiking trails, an unmatchable wilderness, and unique waterfront oTENTik accommodations. Details
Where: 1088 Thousand Islands Pkwy, Mallorytown
Hike through the Landon Bay Centre
The Landon Bay contains 5 trails, including the grassy and accessible Garden Loop Trail and the Lookout Trail which boasts views of the St. Lawrence River and Landon Bay. Details
Where: 302 Thousand Island Pkwy, Lansdowne
Kayak around the 1000 Islands
Head on a kayaking tour in the 1000 islands before the weather gets too cold, and experience the best of the islands up close. Opt for either a self-guided or guided tour that offers a getaway from the land. Details
Where: 110 Kate St, Gananoque
Explore Marble Rock Conservation Area
Offering both challenging yet beautiful trails on part of the Canadian Shield, its rich flora and fauna as well as unmatched views are what draw visitors to the conservation area each fall season. Details
Where: Marble Rock Rd, Gananoque
Go on an unforgettable helicopter tour
A helicopter tour is a must-do in the 1000 Islands region, offering a beautiful birds-eye view with five different tours to choose from – the 1000 Islands tour, the Boldt Castle Tour, the Aerial Views and Seaway Hues, the Kingston Tour, and The Works. Details
Where: 88 County Road 32, Leeds & Thousand Islands
Plan a trip to Wynn Farms
Embark on a royal corn maze quest at Wynn Farms. As your dive deep into the maze, solve the puzzle, collect all 10 Enchanted images and find activities for you to have a royal experience!
Wynn Farms’s apple orchard has over 10 different varieties of apples and is usually harvested from mid-August to the end of October. Details
Where: 8191 Highway 33, Greater Napanee
Compete in a golf game
Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course is your chance to play an authentic 18-hole golf game surrounded by beautiful gardens and island view scenery. Complement your experience with a gourmet dining experience at the resort. Details
Where: 418 Thousand Islands Pkwy, Lansdowne
Go camping at the Brown’s Bay Camping Site
The oldest park in St. Lawrence is Brown’s Bay Park, located in the Brown’s Bay Campground. This campground is right next to the Skywood Eco Adventure Park and the beach and has enticing views of the water. Details
Where: 1259 – 1000 Islands Parkway, Mallorytown
Ride horses at the DreamCatcher Farm
Get an enriching experience this fall connecting and riding horses at the DreamCatcher Farm. With friendly and knowledgeable staff and a beautiful facility, the farm provides lessons in indoor and outdoor facilities. Details
Where: 3185 McGarvey Rd, Inverary
Join for Frontenac Challenge
What better way to spend the crisp fall days than to get outside and take a hike? Participate in Frontenac Challenge which challenges you to hike all trails between Sept 1 and Oct 31. Details
Go fishing
Fishing charters like 1000 Islands Fishing Charters can take you through the region’s waters, filled with a large fish variety like northern pike, walleye, large and smallmouth bass, and muskellunge. Details
Head up the 1000 Islands Tower
The 1000 Islands Tower is another way to see the breathtaking views of the 1000 islands from new perspectives. The elevator takes visitors to three platforms that provide photo ops of the islands and St. Lawrence River. Details
Where: 1000 Islands Tower, 716 Highway 137, Lansdowne
Scheuermann Vineyard and Winery
This elegant winery offers acres of vineyards, and boasts the Westport Sculpture Garden and beautiful sunsets by Sand Lake They offer wines by the glass and wood grill meals. Details
Where: 82 Bedford St, Westport
Go skating at an outdoor rink
The outdoor ice rink at Springer Market Square usually reopens in late November/early December. Details