What if Fall in Kingston was turned into a movie? We mapped out four different movie genres—and the ultimate itineraries to make you feel like the main character.
Which one are you picking:
Flirty Fall Rom-Com
Blending the 19th-century limestone architecture, a scenic waterfront on Lake Ontario, and of course a vibrant walkable downtown lined with many local gems - what more does a rom-com need?
If your love life needs a dose of Gilmore Girls warmth, a dash of When Harry Met Sally banter, and just a hint of Edward Scissorhands cinematic moodiness, this is your guide.
Here is your official guide to a romantic, charming, and intimate fall rom-come date night.
- Crave Coffee Shop Visit
- A Fall Walk Downtown
- Waterfront Fall Picnic
- Catch a show
- Dinner date at Tango Nuevo, The Everly or Harvest Dinner: Belvedere Hotel x The Everly September 23rd
Every good rom-com starts with two people in a cozy coffee shop. Begin your date at Crave Coffee House & Bakery. Channel all the fall vibes in their bustling, energetic atmosphere while sipping your way through their fall drink menu. Grab a seat, share a pastry, and let the conversations flow.
A Fall Walk Downtown
Take a romantic walk through Downtown Kingston. The local shops, limestone and historic buildings make for a day of wandering. Pop into the local boutiques, window-shop together, and experience the fall vibes as you explore the town’s charming local gems.
Waterfront Fall Picnic
Pack a blanket and head down toward the waterfront for an autumn picnic lunch. The contrast of the cool breeze off the water against the warm colors of the changing leaves creates an effortlessly cinematic setting to share a meal, talk, and watch the water and sailboats pass by.
Catch a show
Spend an evening with a bit of culture and excitement by catching a live performance. Kingston’s vibrant arts scene offers incredible stages to choose from depending on your mood and your interests. The Grand Theatre, Isabel Bader Centre and The Broom Factory all have great events taking place this fall. One you definitely won't want to miss is the Thousand Islands Playhouse production of It’s a Good Life If You Don't Weaken happening at The Grand Theatre October 22 - November 8.
Dinner Date
What's more romantic than a night with an unforgettable meal at one of Kingston's standout dining spots like Tango Nuevo or The Everly?
Also, if you plan to have dinner on September 23rd, why not join the Belvedere Hotel and The Everly at their Harvest Dinner. This one night only experience is a cozy, seasonal collaboration that brings elevated local flavors straight to a historic, atmospheric setting.
Wednesday September 23rd 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Cozy Adventure Time
Kingston comes alive in a completely different way during the "ber" months. The air gets crisp, the leaves turn, and the city becomes a place to explore. The perfect way to discover, and cozy up with your favorite group of friends.
If your dream autumn aesthetic sits somewhere between the whimsical warmth of Practical Magic, the earthy charm of Fantastic Mr. Fox, and the heartwarming sisterhood of Little Women, this guide is made for you.
Here is your official guide to a cozy, adventurous, and friend filled fall.
- Fall Colours Trolley Tour
- Watch a Fall movie at The Screening Room
- Unwind at the Refinery Eucalyptus Steam Room or Enjoy the Belvedere Bathhouse
- Art after Dark Event: September 25
- Browse bookstores in Kingston - Novel Idea/ Berry & Peterson Booksellers
Enjoy a beautiful, scenic and cozy ride on the fall colours trolley. This 2-hour tour starts Downtown and sets off toward Fort Henry for spectacular views of the city. Then, head up Highway 15 to Kingston Mills, where you’ll disembark to experience the beautiful scenery surrounding the historic locks.
It wouldn't be a fall movie without cozying up to discover (or rediscover) a fall favorite film at The Screening Room. This local movie theatre is not only unique due to its intimate atmosphere but also because it screens movies you won’t see everywhere in the region. Some of the screenings available this fall: Practical Magic, Scream, Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Unwind at the Refinery Eucalyptus Steam Room or Enjoy the Belvedere Bathhouse
After an afternoon out in the crisp autumn air, treat your group to the ultimate cozy self-care reset. Unwind together in the eucalyptus steam room at The Refinery, or escape to The Belvedere Bathhouse, an outdoor oasis tucked right inside the hotel. Cycle between hot and cold plunge baths, unwinding in the dry sauna, and chatting around the outdoor fire pit.
If you're visiting on September 25th, spend your evening exploring Downtown galleries and art-loving shops as they stay open late for Art After Dark. It's a single night where the neighborhood transforms into a walkable showcase of local talent, complete with late-night shopping, special surprises, and a warm, bustling community energy along the way.
Friday September 25th 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Browse bookstores in Kingston - Novel Idea/ Berry & Peterson Booksellers
Is there anything more quintessential to autumn than losing track of time in an independent bookstore? Wandering through Novel Idea or Berry & Peterson Booksellers is the ultimate way to romanticize the season. Chat with your friends, recommend your favourite stories, and pick up a new read to take home.
Spooky Family Fun
If Kingston were a movie, a family-friendly adventure would be a must! Kingston is a never ending place for learning, play, and exploring with the whole family. But fall is no expectation - this movie would include adventuring through pumpkin patch, yummy treat tasting, so many fun costumes and some halloween music!
If your family’s fall style sits somewhere between the whimsical magic of Halloweentown, the spooky tunes of The Nightmare Before Christmas and the playful witchiness of Hocus Pocus, here is the perfect guide for you and the fam.
Here is your official guide to a fun, nostalgic, and festive fall:
- Lemoine Point Fall Colours Walk
- Fruition Berry Farm - Fall Fun Weekends
- Kingston Witches Walk
All fall long, take in the beautiful fall colours and views at Lemoine Point when you take a walk around with your family. The flat, wide paths are perfect for strollers, young children, and beginner walkers. The views truly make it feel like a movie set – be sure to bring your birdseed for hand-feeding chickadees!
Fall Fun Weekends at Fruition Berry Farm are a must! It's the perfect way to make lots of memories and do all the fall traditions in one spot. This family-friendly spot has all sorts of fall activities. Pumpkins, wagon rides, corn maze, and more!
Late September through October (while pumpkins last)
Saturdays & Sundays 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Last admission: 3:00 p.m.
What’s a family fall movie without a little magic? The Kingston Witches Walk is a great way to incorporate some family friendly magic fun into your day. The Kingston Witches Walk is a joyful celebration and perfect way to be with the community, wear a costume, get into the spooky spirit and that raises funds for local charities.
Friday October 9th 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Thriller on the Town
If there is one thing to know about Kingston, it’s that it is widely known as one of the most haunted cities in Canada. While local legends are shared year-round, autumn is when things truly ramp up. From chilling dark-history tours to nights packed with heart-pounding jump scares, Kingston is the ultimate backdrop for a high-thrill, scary night out with your crew.
If your ideal Halloween mood sits somewhere between the masked suspense of Scream, the eerie slasher energy of Halloween, and the classicness of Psycho, here is your guide to a thrilling night on the town.
- Fort Fright
- Ghost and Mystery Cruise
- The Haunted Walk
- Escape Rooms
Explore the historic stone walls of Fort Henry with a twist. Transforming into one of Ontario’s premier haunted attractions, Fort Fright drops you right into an experience filled with dark mazes, movie-quality animatronics, immersive sets, and scare actors waiting around every corner. It is the ultimate way to step inside your very own scary movie.
Sail on Kingston's iconic waterfront after dark. This live guided ghost cruise showcases downtown Kingston in a different light, examining the mysterious tales that surround our historic city. The most unique experience and spooky after dark.
Whether you want to explore the haunted grounds of Queen’s University, uncover secrets surrounding historic ships, or wander through dark limestone alleyways, The Haunted Walk provides an unforgettable night of storytelling. Cloaked guides lead you by lantern light through the city's most legendary haunted spots.
Fully immerse yourself into a thriller with an immersive storytelling escape room at Improbable Escapes. Packed with secrets, hidden codes, and dark storylines - you will feel like you are a main character in a movie. Whether you are working together to stop an outbreak in The Cure for the Common Zombie or uncovering secrets in The Coroner's Report it will be a time to remember.
