Parks & Conservation Areas

Kingston has an abundance of parks, gardens and recreational areas where individuals and families can relax and participate in many different leisure activities all year round, including walking and cycling. Most residential neighbourhoods in Kingston were designed around parks and green spaces for use by children and families. Many parks are equipped with playground equipment for toddlers and older children.

Most elementary schools in Kingston also have outdoor playground equipment and green areas, such as soccer fields, which are often in use by children before, during and after school.

Four city parks — Rotary Park, MacLean Trail Park, Meadowbrook Park and Memorial Centre — are designated as permanent off-leash areas for dog owners to exercise their pets without leashes or other restraints. See also Pet Ownership in Kingston.

During the summer, the city operates wading pools and splash pads in a number of municipal parks where children can play and stay cool.

Swimming is permitted in a number of municipal parks during the summer months. Kingston has two parks with change rooms and beaches suitable for swimmers:

• Grass Creek Park on Highway 2, a 20-minute drive from downtown Kingston
• Richardson Beach in Macdonald Park, about a 10-minute walk from downtown Kingston

One of the largest and oldest parks in Kingston is City Park. Located a few blocks from the downtown, City Park has a large cricket field, baseball diamond, soccer field, children's playground, gardens, and a number of historical statues and war memorials. Paved walking and biking trails are located throughout the park.

Kingston's waterfront provides a wide variety of recreational opportunities both on and off the water. Confederation Park and Flora MacDonald Basin in front of City Hall are popular with boaters and visitors. Kingston is also home to two large conservation areas that offer different types of recreational opportunities, depending on the season.

• Lemoine Point Conservation Area, about 20 minutes from downtown Kingston
• Little Cataraqui Conservation Area, located two kilometers north of Highway 401 on the north side of Kingston

Kingston is less than an hour's drive from a number of provincial parks and recreational areas. Overnight camping, boating, swimming, and hiking are popular in the warm weather. Cross-country skiing, ice skating and winter camping are favourite cold-weather activities.

It's important to dress appropriately when planning an outdoor recreational activity during the winter. You should dress in layers, wear a warm hat and gloves, and bring extra food and water to prevent dehydration.

There is no charge to use city parks and recreation areas. Conservation areas and provincial parks charge modest fees for day and overnight use.