Winter in Kingston is festival season. The city hosts Kingstonlicious, the Kingston Canadian Film Festival (KCFF), and Spirit of Winter: Enchanted, offering a delicious mix of food, film, and seasonal experiences right in the downtown core. With everything nearby, it’s easy to explore at your own pace and soak up Kingston’s creative, youthful energy over a winter weekend.
Friday evening: check in and start the weekend at the Bathhouse
Arrive in Kingston and settle into one of the KCFF partner hotels, including Residence Inn by Marriott Kingston Water’s Edge, Kingston Marriott Downtown, and Delta Hotels Kingston Waterfront. These properties offer perks for festival‑goers such as discounted rates and easy access to screenings, industry events, and downtown venues.
For a more intimate stay, The Frontenac Club, The Belvedere Hotel, The Secret Garden Inn, and The Rosemount Inn each offer a boutique experience within Kingston’s historic core.
Begin the weekend with a visit to the Belvedere Bathhouse. Spend up to four hours moving through hot and cold baths, a dry sauna, and quiet areas designed to support rest and restoration. Between cycles, refresh under invigorating showers with exfoliating salts.
Friday evening dinner: Kingstonlicious
After the Bathhouse, continue your evening with Kingstonlicious dining. If you’re staying at a partner hotel, excellent meals are close at hand.
Academy Food + Drink at Kingston Marriott Downtown offers vegetarian options and globally inspired flavours for an elevated yet cozy experience.
AquaTerra at Delta Hotels Kingston Waterfront serves a refined three-course menu, blending seasonal ingredients with thoughtful touches—from a burrata starter to grilled mahi mahi and a decadent dessert.
The Secret Garden Inn offers a three-course fondue-style experience, complete with cheese fondue, a seasonal salad, and dessert fondue.
The Bank at The Frontenac Club features a winter-inspired Enzoni cocktail paired with a caramelized onion parm dip, served with kettle chips and olives.
If you’d like to venture out, other elevated Kingstonlicious options include Le Jardin, The Everly, and Black Dog Tavern, perfect for exploring Kingston’s vibrant downtown dining scene.
Saturday morning: Kingston Canadian Film Festival
Saturday is the perfect day to enjoy the Kingston Canadian Film Festival (KCFF). With films screening from morning through evening and 25 titles available, you can plan a full day of Canadian cinema that matches your interests. View the full KCFF 2026 schedule to see times and locations for each film.
Saturday afternoon: High Tea on the waterfront
Between screenings, enjoy High Tea at Juniper Café King St. Freshly baked scones, sandwiches, and sweets are prepared in‑house. Located along the waterfront, it’s the perfect mid-day break before heading back to the films.
Saturday evening: winter lights and dinner downtown
As night falls, explore Spirit of Winter: Enchanted, where lighting installations brighten Springer Market Square and add a glimmer to your evening walk. End the night with bubbles & brûlée at Tango Nuevo, a Kingstonlicious pairing of house‑made crème brûlée with a sparkling or non‑alcoholic sip.
Sunday morning: farmers’ market finds
Before heading home, visit the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market, open Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm. Kingstonlicious offerings include hot coffee and El Salvador beans from Haymakers Coffee Co. and a potato, leek, and caramelized onion sourdough focaccia from House of Bread Bakery. It’s a nice way to bring home a few local flavours from the weekend.
A weekend shaped by food, film, and winter events
With Kingstonlicious dining, KCFF screenings, Spirit of Winter: Enchanted lights downtown, and local producers at the farmers’ market, Kingston offers a vibrant mix of winter experiences. The city’s walkable layout and creative spirit make it a thoughtful destination for a weekend built around festival season.
