Birthday Weekend Getaway in Kingston, Ontario

This year for my birthday, I was surprised with a weekend getaway. There is nothing better than having a best friend say "Pack your bag, we are going on an adventure!" This little escape was full of charm, history, and great food. I packed my bag and we hit the road and headed to Kingston, Ontario. With its beautiful waterfront, limestone architecture, and fascinating past, it’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, explore, and discover something new around every corner. Sometimes the best adventures are just a short drive away — and Kingston, Ontario, proved exactly that.

Exploring the Waterfront & Visiting the PumpHouse

When we arrived for our weekend getaway in Kingston, we had a few hours before we were able to check in to our accommodations so we grabbed a coffee at Kingston Coffee House made our way down to Kingston’s Waterfront, one of the city’s most scenic areas. The lake breeze was cool and refreshing, and we strolled past the marina, Confederation Basin, and the historic limestone buildings that give Kingston its nickname — the Limestone City.

And of course, no Kingston visit feels complete without a nod to The Tragically Hip. You can feel their presence everywhere — from murals downtown to music playing softly in cafés and pubs. Kingston is their hometown, and the city’s pride for Gord Downie and The Hip runs deep. Strolling along Ontario Street, it’s hard not to hear a familiar lyric echoing through your mind.

We stopped at the PumpHouse Museum, a hidden gem that offers a glimpse into Kingston’s industrial past. It’s one of Canada’s oldest surviving water pumping stations, dating back to the 1800s, and walking through it feels like stepping into a time capsule. Between the waterfront views and the fascinating local history, it was the perfect way to ease into the weekend. The PumpHouse had a great miniature train exhbit as well as dinosaur bones.

After strolling through the downtown, we decided it was time for lunch. If you are a foodie like I am, Kingston is the place to go! We stopped for lunch at Delightfully Different Tea Room, a charming little spot known for its fresh-baked scones, hearty soups, and, of course, perfectly brewed tea. Kingston’s café culture is strong, and it’s easy to see why — the city is overflowing with locally owned restaurants, bakeries, and pubs. In fact, Kingston has more restaurants per capita than almost anywhere else in Canada, making it a dream destination for food lovers. From casual cafés to fine dining, there’s truly something for every palate — and it’s all within walking distance downtown.

Staying at the Rosemount Inn

We checked into the Rosemount Inn, a beautifully restored Victorian mansion tucked away on a quiet street not far from downtown. From the moment we stepped inside, it felt special — high ceilings, vintage details, and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that made it the perfect spot for a birthday weekend.

It wasn’t until later that we learned the Rosemount Inn is actually one of Kingston’s haunted hotels. During our ghost walk later that night, our guide shared stories about its eerie past and the lingering spirits that some guests claim to have encountered. Knowing that made staying there all the more exciting (and just a little bit spooky!). Thankfully, our stay was peaceful — unless you count the creaky floors.

A Haunted Birthday Night

Saturday night brought the perfect mix of spooky fun and birthday adventure: a Haunted Walk Tour through downtown Kingston. Our guide led us through dimly lit alleyways and past centuries-old buildings, sharing stories of haunted inns, tragic tales, and lingering spirits.

When the Rosemount Inn came up on the list, we couldn’t help but exchange a look — we were staying there! Apparently, the inn has a few resident ghosts who enjoy making their presence known to guests. Luckily, we didn’t encounter any during our stay… or at least none that made themselves known.

Birthday Toasts & Dinner Downtown

After our ghostly adventure, we needed something to toast the occasion — and Bobbi Pecorino’s was the perfect spot. The vibe was chic but unpretentious, and the cocktails were creative and beautifully crafted. It felt like the ideal place to celebrate another trip around the sun.

Dinner followed at Kingston Brewing Company, Ontario’s oldest brewpub and a local institution. The atmosphere was lively and full of character, the walls lined with vintage signs and memorabilia. The craft beers were excellent and the food was hearty and satisfying. It was the kind of meal that makes you feel instantly at home. After a long day of exploring, good hardy dinner of Bangers n' Mash and Cottage pie really hit the spot.

Sunday: Prison Walls & “Tower 6”

The next morning, after an amazing home cooked breakfast from the Rosemount, we toured the Kingston Penitentiary, one of Canada’s most famous prisons and a true piece of the city’s history. The guided tour was fascinating, offering insight into what life was like behind those massive stone walls. Former guards and staff shared stories that were both chilling and deeply human — a powerful reminder of the complex history contained within those walls.

After the tour, we headed just a short walk away to the Portsmouth Tavern for lunch. Known locally as “The Port,” this classic pub has been serving the community since the 1860s. It holds a special place in Kingston’s history — prison guards used to refer to it as “Tower 6”, since the penitentiary had five guard towers and this tavern was where they’d go for a well-earned drink after their shift.

Stepping inside, you can feel that history. The wood-paneled walls, vintage photos, and friendly, down-to-earth vibe make it easy to imagine decades of stories being shared over pints. The food was simple, comforting, and exactly what we needed after a morning full of heavy history.

Wrapping Up

My birthday weekend in Kingston was the perfect mix of history, charm, great food, and a touch of the supernatural. From the haunted halls of the Rosemount Inn to the friendly energy at Tower 6, every part of the trip had a story to tell. Kingston is one of those cities that rewards curiosity — and whether you’re celebrating something special or just looking for a weekend escape, it’s the perfect place to explore, unwind, and maybe even meet a ghost or two.

Make sure to check out my TikTok and Instagram to see more highlights of our trip! Leave a comment below if you have been to Kingston and what your favourite part was.

Love,

LIz 💕