You know those places that feel old in the best way? Like the walls have stories and the streets remember? That’s Kingston.

I wasn’t expecting to fall for this lakeside city the way I did — but one sunset stroll along the waterfront, a brush with Canadian history, and a spooky ghost tour later, and I was completely enchanted. Kingston has this perfect mix of elegance and grit — it’s refined without being stuffy, historic without being boring, and full of surprises that make you want to stay longer than planned.

Here’s how I spent my dreamy two days in the Limestone City — and why you should too.

First Stop: Old Stones and Big Stories

I kicked things off at Fort Henry, because if you’re in Kingston and don’t start with a little military drama, are you even doing it right? The fort sits on a bluff overlooking the city and Lake Ontario, and it’s beautifully preserved. You can walk the stone walls, check out the cannons, and catch a sunset that’ll leave you speechless.

Bonus: the views of the Royal Military College and the harbor from the top are unbeatable. It’s all very Game of Thrones meets Upper Canada.

Then I wandered through Kingston’s downtown, where every other building looks like it came from a Jane Austen novel. There’s this elegant, grey-stone vibe that runs through the whole city, and it makes everything — from bookshops to pubs — feel like part of a period piece.

I stopped into Novel Idea, an indie bookstore with shelves you can get lost in, then wandered over to Kingston City Hall. It’s gorgeous, domed, and dramatic in the best way — especially when lit up at night.

Brunch and Boutiques: Princess Street Does It All

Let’s talk Princess Street. It’s Kingston’s main strip and a whole experience. You’ve got everything from vintage shops and stylish boutiques to record stores and local cafés. It’s student-friendly (thanks, Queen’s University) but also has a grown-up, weekend-away energy.

I grabbed brunch at Toast & Jam, where the eggs benny was life-changing and the house-made jam made me briefly consider smuggling a jar in my purse. Then I strolled and shopped — because the only thing better than brunch is brunch followed by a new pair of earrings.

If you’re into hidden gems, duck into Mio Gelato for a mid-day treat or The Elm Café if you’re craving a latte and something gluten-free and delicious.

The Waterfront Walk That Changed My Whole Mood

One of the best things about Kingston? You’re never far from the water.

The Waterfront Trail winds all along the shoreline, and it’s the place to clear your head, snap some dreamy photos, and soak in that fresh lake air. I walked from Confederation Park past the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes, all the way to Breakwater Park, and it was nothing short of magic.

Sailboats rocked gently in the harbor, kids jumped off the dock, and I found a little bench under a willow tree where I could journal, snack, and people-watch in peace. The breeze smelled like sunshine and possibility.

If you’ve got a bit more time, book a cruise with Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises. You’ll see the city from the water, glide past charming islands, and maybe spot a heron or two living their best life.

Dinner, Drinks, and Ghosts (Yes, Ghosts)

Dinner that night was at Chez Piggy, an absolute institution in Kingston and one of the coziest restaurants I’ve ever set foot in. The patio’s all stone and ivy, the wine list is divine, and the food? Thoughtful, local, and so good. I ordered duck confit and didn’t speak for the first five minutes — that’s how you know.

After dinner, I joined one of Kingston’s ghost tours, because the city is legit haunted (it was once the capital of Canada and has a prison history longer than your arm). We wandered through back alleys, graveyards, and old courthouse steps while the guide told stories of lingering spirits and Victorian-era drama. It was spooky, fascinating, and totally fun.

Also, shoutout to Kingston Penitentiary Tours if you want even more goosebumps — they run daytime and nighttime experiences in one of the oldest and most infamous prisons in Canada.

Final Thoughts: Kingston, You’re a Whole Mood

I came to Kingston looking for a weekend escape. I found limestone buildings that whispered stories, a lakeside breeze that cleared my head, and a city that knows exactly who it is — rich in history, full of charm, and just a little bit haunted.

It’s perfect for solo travelers, history nerds, romantics, and anyone craving that small city, big character energy. So grab your camera, lace up your walking shoes, and let Kingston show you what happens when elegance and edge collide.

You’ll leave full of stories — and maybe just a little spooked (in a good way).