While many visitors to Kingston are familiar with the downtown core and its shops, restaurants, and hotels, a neighbourhood just to the northwest also holds some gems you don’t want to miss.
The Williamsville district is marked by Division Street to the south and Sir John A. Macdonald Boulevard to the north. Much of the neighbourhood is residential, but it also includes a number of unique local shops and restaurants, plus a year-round farmers’ market.
455 Princess St.
If you’re craving authentic Cambodian food, Pat’s is the place to go. Try the phanaeng goong (red curry shrimp with lime leaves, basil, peanuts, coconut milk, and rice) or the spicy tofu (tofu with chili sauce, basil, green chili, saw leaves (Vietnamese coriander), and rice).
506 Princess St.
Just up the street, The Mansion is a bar, restaurant, and live music venue. A local favourite to catch both local and visiting musical acts, The Mansion also has karaoke and open mic nights. The Mansion has three levels where you can enjoy a cocktail, watch a sports game, have dinner, or take in a show. In warm weather, the venue’s spacious patio opens up.
303 York St.
From Princess Street, head north three blocks to the Memorial Centre. There, every Sunday, year-round, you’ll find the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market. Truly local, all the products for sale are made, grown, or produced within 100 kilometres of the market. The market also features live music and special programming.
652 Princess St.
Blossom offers a wide variety of African foods, including snacks, fresh produce, baking supplies, and canned goods. If you’re craving a Fanta Orange from Nigeria or need some plantain flour to make fufu, Blossom African Foods is the place to go.
724 Princess St.
This friendly neighbourhood comic book store gets new shipments of comics every week. It also has action figures, model kits, board games, and collectible cards.
728 Princess St.
Want a unique souvenir of your visit to Kingston? Stop in to Just Bead It and pick up the supplies for your own handmade jewelry. You can also choose from their selection of beaded bracelets and keepsakes. Just Bead It also has a wide selection of gemstones, crystals, candles, and essential oils.
732 Princess St.
What’ll I Wear offers vintage and contemporary recycled clothing for men and women, as well as vintage shoes, hats, magazines, and accessories. This is the place to go for stylish, one-of-a-kind items.
768 Princess St.
Daft offers a rotating selection of beers and pizzas, made on the premises. Known for its sours, Daft also offers pilsners and ales (and non-alcoholic beverages, too). Daft is a fun place to hang out for lunch or to enjoy an evening of euchre, karaoke, drag bingo, or live music.
793 Princess St.
Family-operated since 1962, Pam’s Flower Garden offers bouquets, holiday wreaths, plants, and gift baskets for a variety of occasions. One of its most popular items is the “Support Ontario Growers” selection of Ontario-grown flowers in a vase.
10 Bath Rd.
Splitsville offers 24 lanes of 10-pin bowling with state-of-the-art string pins and scoring system. It also has an arcade and full-service bar and lounge. Don’t love renting bowling shoes? At Splitsville, you can wear your own shoes (comfortable running shoes or casual sneakers are recommended).
28 Bath Rd.
Want delicious Indian food on the go? Stop by this unique food truck. Q-Bite offers traditional meals like chana masala and chicken tikka and street food like tandoori chaap and pav bhaji. It also puts it own spin on food truck staples: try the masala fries or the butter chicken poutine!
