Getting to Kingston this summer couldn’t be easier. Located between Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal, Kingston is an ideal Ontario getaway to explore by train with VIA Rail Canada and the new Canada Strong Pass.
Running from June 19 to September 7, the Canada Strong Pass helps Canadians explore more of the country for less, including free VIA Rail travel for children 17 and under when accompanied by an adult, plus 25% off fares for young adults ages 18 to 24.
With direct rail service arriving right in Kingston, visitors can step off the train and quickly reach the city’s walkable downtown core filled with waterfront patios, live music, festivals, sporting events, restaurants, and historic streets - all without needing a car.
Enjoy free admission to Kingston’s Bellevue House National Historic Site with the Canada Strong Pass. Engage and reflect with a guided tour of the newly re-opened Bellevue House. Guided tours of the grounds and house will explore the complex story of Sir John A Macdonald from various viewpoints. Tours vary in length from 30 minutes to immersive experiences upwards of two hours.
From Tragically Hip celebrations and FIFA World Cup™ fan experiences to historic Fort Henry performances and waterfront summer events, Kingston is packed with unforgettable ways to experience summer in Ontario.
Can’t miss Kingston summer events:
Canada Celebrates FIFA World Cup™ Fan Zone
Fort Henry Tattoo
Fort Henry Sunset Ceremony
Forever Hip celebrations
Live music, waterfront festivals, patios, and more
June 27 at Springer Market Square
On Saturday, June 27, 2026, Springer Market Square in downtown Kingston will transform into a vibrant FIFA World Cup™ Fan Zone as part of the Canada Celebrates FIFA World Cup™ Tour — a unique national initiative making 38 stops across the country, including Kingston. This free, family-friendly event will feature a live FIFA World Cup™ match screening, an interactive pop-up football pitch, cultural performances, live entertainment, and a variety of food and beverage experiences throughout the day.
July 25 at Fort Henry
Experience an unforgettable evening of music and pageantry as top-ranked bands from across Ontario join the acclaimed Fort Henry Guard Drums for the annual Fort Henry Tattoo. Audiences will enjoy performances featuring fife, brass, pipe, and drum bands set against the backdrop of Fort Henry’s historic Parade Square. The night concludes with a spectacular massed bands finale and fireworks display. Tickets are available through Fort Henry’s website.
July 29-September 2 at Fort Henry
Witness the precision, tradition, and ceremony of the Fort Henry Guard during the Fort Henry Sunset Ceremony. Held every Wednesday evening from July 29 through September 2, the event showcases military drills, marching demonstrations, live drumming, and ceremonial performances on the Parade Square in a powerful celebration of heritage and honour. Tickets are available through Fort Henry’s website.
August 20-22 at Springer Market Square
Kingston will celebrate the enduring legacy of The Tragically Hip with three days of music, memories, and community events at Springer Market Square, marking 10 years since the band’s iconic final hometown concert.
Festivities begin August 20 with Rockin’ in the Square, featuring Choir! Choir! Choir! alongside performances by Kingston artists including Miss Emily, The Abrams, and members of Kasador in a citywide singalong celebration.
On Friday, visitors can enjoy archival footage, Music Walking Tours, and a local Merch Market celebrating Kingston musicians and creators. The evening concludes with a free outdoor screening of Long Time Running (2017), the acclaimed documentary chronicling The Tragically Hip’s emotional final tour across Canada.
The celebration culminates Saturday night with a special community viewing event of The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration, CBC’s commercial-free rebroadcast of the band’s historic 2016 farewell concert. The event also commemorates the release of the new live album Live July-August 20, 2016.
