Concerts, museums and gourmet meals are all fine and good, but if you’re looking to do something a little more active and immersive in Kingston, keep reading. From escape rooms to an astronomical observatory, here are 11 places to kickstart your mind and body.
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Improbable Escapes
303 Bagot Street, Suite 16B
Since 2015, the folks at Improbable Escapes have been “locking” visitors into themed rooms and challenging them to escape before a buzzer goes off after 60 minutes. The only way out is to work with one’s team to find clues and solve puzzles. There are a variety of escape rooms here and in pop-up locations around the city, that rotate throughout the year. A few are family-friendly, others not, but all are done privately with just the group you bring (typically 2 – 6 people).
$7 – $22.50 + tax/person
Sherlock’s Escapes
298 Bagot Street
This decadently designed escape room experience challenges you and your team to find clues that will lead to the missing Sherlock Holmes. Be quick, though. You only have 60 minutes. The three locked rooms here are connected to a larger storyline, and though they can be done independently, it’s more fun if you do them in sequence starting with A Culinary Pursuit. Private appointments only.
$22.50 + tax/person.
Minotaur Games and Crafts
78 Princess Street
Though Minotaur is best known as a unique spot to buy games, crafts, cards and art, those in the know can’t quit its free weekly drop-in events. On Games Night, pick from the store’s massive selection and then sit down to challenge your friends, old or new (Thursday and Sunday, 5 pm – 9 pm). On Craft Night, bring your own project and get some inspiration. Although all projects are welcome, each night has a theme with an expert in that area in attendance (Wednesday and Friday, 6 pm – 9 pm). Minotaur also has free games tournaments and free craft workshops.
Free
Wonderland Kingston Escape Rooms and Board Game Lounge
500 Gardiners Road, Unit 12A
Created by the same folks who run Improbable Escapes, Wonderland Kingston features over 450 board games for you to choose from – perfect for spending a day with friends and family. With colour-changing drinks, unique escape rooms, and out-of-this-world decor, you’ll be falling down the rabbit hole with this Alice in Wonderland themed cafe.
$5/person cover fee for board games, $25 for escape rooms
The Queen’s Observatory
58 University Avenue, Ellis Hall, Room 432
Did you know that Queen’s University has its own astronomical observatory? Did you know you can peer through its 14-inch telescope to some of the farthest reaches of space during monthly open houses? They happen on the second Saturday of every month and include a half-hour presentation on a specific topic related to space, followed by an hour-long tour of the observatory dome and telescope.
Free
The Tett Centre
370 King Street West
If you’re looking to scratch that creative itch, consider signing up for a workshop at the gorgeous Tett Centre, home to several arts groups and individual artists and makers. Those artists lead a variety of ever-changing workshops that have ranged from still-life drawing to weaving to improv classes to make-your-own charcuterie board to lantern making. Some are free, many are for beginners, and most include all necessary supplies.
Prices vary
Kingston Food Tours
221 Queen Street
The quickest way to understanding the heart of Kingston is through its food. And what better way to experience the best cuisine the city has to offer than a comprehensive, authentic tour by passionate local guides who know good food. Walk through the city experiencing exclusive tastings at various downtown restaurants and learn a few fun facts about Kingston’s illustrious, and delicious past. From Classic Food Tours to a Beer and Bites tour of local microbreweries, it’s a tasty time for all.
Various times. Adults $69.00 — Children (6-12) $59.00
The Boiler Room Climbing Gym
4 Cataraqui Street, Suite 103
What was once the boiler room for a 19th-century woollen mill is now a state-of-the-art climbing gym with Canada’s highest indoor ascent. If the 100-foot chimney climb sounds like too much, though, find your wall in one of two rooms, where there are 40 ropes and over 80 climbs to choose from whatever your skill level. There is also a bouldering structure. Beginner and advanced lessons and programs are available, as are change rooms, showers, lockers, equipment, and snacks and drinks. Open seven days a week.
$15 – $17.50 plus shoe and harness rental ($5 each)
Kingston School of Dance
The Tett Centre. 370 King Street West, Suite 303
Polish up on those dance moves at this not-for-profit’s drop-in classes during the evenings. You can choose from ballet, Afro-Cuban, Latin jazz, contemporary, swing, ballroom and other styles. Some classes include performance options, others do not. Couples and solo dancers are welcome.
Prices vary.
Modo Yoga’s Karma Classes
27 Princess Street, Unit 103
Bored with the same old yoga class? Then consider dropping into Modo Yoga’s Friday evening classes. These donation-based classes raise funds for local and international charities while offering great yoga at a reduced rate.
Donations
