Our Favourite Places in Kingston
Part of the fun of coming to Kingston WritersFest is exploring beautiful downtown Kingston. While enjoying the festival, take advantage of the unique pleasures the city has to offer.
Steps from the Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront, enjoy the classic breakfast they’ve been serving for over a century at Morrison’s Restaurant, and dinner at the legendary Chez Piggy. For fine dining, Le Chien Noir, Tango Nuevo and Aquaterra offer elegant atmosphere and sumptuous fare, or if you’re looking for something simpler, there are many amazing choices: Kingston Brewing Company, The Toucan, or Hey Darlin’ Diner, all within easy walking distance.
In the mood for rustic Italian and Mediterranean food? Try Olivea, a contemporary Italian trattoria, or Casa Domenico, which is just next door. If you’re just looking for coffee and a quick bite to eat, Pan Chancho offers delicious salads, coffees, and baked goods. If you’re in the mood for Asian, check out Miss Bao Restaurant, Gangnam Style, Apsara Angkor Cuisine or Northern Chinese BBQ. Other staff favourites include; Sally’s Roti Shop, Mio Gelato, Baja Craft Kitchen, Musiikki Cafe and Whiskey and Rose.
And of course, if you want to stay close to the festival action, there’s The Wharf and Feather on the main floor of the Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront.
Well-known for its shopping, downtown Kingston offers everything from interesting boutiques and antique stores to all the famous brands you recognize. Downtown Kingston retailers are vital supporters of Kingston WritersFest, and we welcome you to check out Visit Kingston or the VIC to learn more about our beautiful city.
Getting to Kingston
Travelling to Kingston is easy, no matter where you’re from.
Kingston can be reached by rail, automobile, bus, and even by ferry (for our American guests choosing to cross the border at Cape Vincent, New York). Kingston is located on the Trans-Canada highway with two nearby Canada-US border crossings. Please see the visitors’ guide links below for more information about travelling to Kingston. (see a Google map)
Parking in Kingston
The Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront offers parking to its overnight and other Festival guests.
Several parking lots and garages within walking distance of the Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront offer reasonable rates. The Grand Theatre is a short stroll from the Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront, or you can use the Municipal Town Memorial Parking Garage on Brock Street.
Many Kingston streets, just a few minutes’ walk from the downtown core, offer free parking (with some time restrictions).
Getting Around in Kingston
Kingston offers convenient, affordable public transportation, and taxis are available throughout the city. Both offer services for clients with special needs. Most of Kingston’s major attractions are within easy walking distance of the Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront. Visit the City of Kingston’s transportation page to find out about any construction work in the city.
Taking the bus? Residents and visitors can purchase a Visitor Day Pass at City Hall, Visitor Information Centre or the Cataraqui Centre. The pass permits 2 children (ages 18 and under) accompanied by an adult to travel on Kingston Transit all day, on any day of the week. Save your money. Save our planet. Ride Kingston Transit.
Walking the Festival, Walking the City
Walking is a healthy and enjoyable alternative to motorized transportation. We invite you to make your way to our off-site Festival events on foot.
Accessible Kingston
Onstage and Writers Studio Events are wheelchair accessible and every effort is made to accommodate festival-goers with special needs. If you require special assistance during the festival, please speak with one of our many onsite volunteers or staff members and we would be happy to address your requests. You may also contact us at info@kingstonwritersfest.ca with any questions, or special requests. Kingston offers accessible public transportation and taxis that provide service for clients who use wheelchairs or have other needs. Find more information here www.cityofkingston.ca/residents/accessibility. Most of Kingston’s city-owned parking facilities are wheelchair accessible. There are two top-notch teaching hospitals within blocks of the Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront.
More Information
For a full visitors’ guide to Kingston, please visit the City of Kingston website at www.cityofkingston.ca.
