Kingston, Ontario, is a city that rewards exploration on foot. Its compact historic core, lively downtown, and intriguing stories make it an ideal place for walking tours. What sets Kingston apart are its rich mix of ghostly tales, historic landmarks, and quirky anecdotes — making each tour a different way to experience the city. We particularly like the Haunted Night Walking Tour for its spooky storytelling and atmosphere, and the Hidden Kingston City Walking Tours for exploring the city’s lesser-known, humorous side. Whether you’re into ghost stories or amusing local legends, Kingston offers a walking experience that suits your curiosity.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the best three walking tours in Kingston, each with its own flavor and focus. From chilling ghost stories at night to intimate history lessons and humorous discoveries, these options give you a well-rounded view of the city on foot. Let’s take a closer look at what each tour offers.
1. Kingston: Haunted Night Walking Tour
At number one on our list, the Kingston: Haunted Night Walking Tour is a perfect pick for those who enjoy an eerie atmosphere. For only $24 per person, this 75-minute walk explores Kingston’s darker side as night falls. Led by a cloaked guide, you’ll hear stories of hangings, buried secrets, and grave robbings that haunt the old streets and Sydenham Ward.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on ghostly mysteries, making it ideal for anyone interested in paranormal tales or local legends. The small group size creates an intimate setting, adding to the spooky vibe. Reviewers give it a solid 4.5 out of 5, praising the storyteller’s engaging style and the creepy atmosphere, especially after sunset. The tour’s brevity makes it a quick but memorable experience, especially suited for those with limited time or looking for a thrilling evening activity.
Bottom Line: If you’re intrigued by haunted stories and love a good scare, this tour offers a unique, atmospheric way to see Kingston after dark without breaking the bank.
2. Kingston: Historic Downtown Walking Tour
Second on our list is the Kingston: Historic Downtown Walking Tour. For $22 per person, this 1-hour tour features local legend Arthur Milnes guiding you through Kingston’s core. The experience covers highlights such as Market Square and City Hall, with stories spanning Canadian Prime Ministers, U.S. Presidents, Indigenous leaders, and even royalty.
What makes this tour appealing is its focus on Kingston’s notable figures and historic landmarks, with a personal touch from a seasoned local historian. The small group format ensures plenty of interaction and detailed storytelling. With a 4.5-star rating from 23 reviews, travelers appreciate the depth of stories and the lively narration. The tour provides a well-rounded introduction to Kingston’s history and contemporary cityscape, making it suitable for history buffs and curious visitors alike.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect if you want a concise but rich overview of Kingston’s key sites and enjoy hearing lesser-known anecdotes from a passionate local guide.
3. Hidden Kingston City Walking Tours
Finally, the Hidden Kingston City Walking Tours is a 1.5-hour adventure priced at $28 per person. With a perfect 5/5 rating from just four reviews, this tour is for those who want something different — exploring Kingston’s quirky, humorous side. The guide shares stories of tricky tenants, costly mistakes, and even musical mischief, revealing Kingston’s funnier moments.
This tour stands out because of its lighthearted approach and focus on lesser-known stories. It’s designed to entertain as well as inform, with plenty of photo opportunities of historic buildings and interesting sites along the way. The tour starts and ends at accessible locations, making it convenient for most travelers. Its longer duration allows for a more relaxed, detailed exploration of the city’s oddities and amusing local legends.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy stories that make you smile and want to uncover Kingston’s humorous side, this quirky walk offers a memorable, laugh-filled experience.
How to Choose the Best Kingston Walking Tour
When deciding between these options, consider what interests you most. The Haunted Night Walking Tour is ideal if you like ghost stories and spooky atmospheres, especially after sunset. The Historic Downtown Walking Tour suits travelers who want a compact, informative history lesson with engaging storytelling. For those who prefer a fun, lighthearted exploration filled with humor and quirky tales, the Hidden Kingston City Walking Tours is your best bet.
Practical tips include booking early during peak seasons, especially for the popular haunted tour, and choosing a time that suits your interests—nighttime for ghost stories, daytime for historical highlights, or a relaxed afternoon for humor and oddities. Consider your walking ability and whether you prefer a shorter or longer tour — all three tours are manageable but vary slightly in duration and focus.
Final Thoughts
Kingston offers a variety of engaging walking experiences that showcase its history, mysteries, and humor. The Haunted Night Walking Tour is perfect for thrill-seekers, while the Historic Downtown Tour appeals to history lovers. For those wanting a fun, offbeat look at the city, the Hidden Kingston City Walking Tours is a delightful choice.
No matter your preference, Kingston’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot. Book your favorite tour early, especially during busy months, and enjoy a memorable walk through one of Canada’s most charming cities.