Island View Retreat
Big Gull Lake / Things to Do / Kingston

The Limestone City

Ontario's first capital, at the junction of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River — Fort Henry, 1000 Islands cruises, waterfront dining, and craft breweries, all 90 minutes from the cottage.

1.5 hrs
Drive Time
1673
Founded
1000+
Islands
3
Must-See Attractions
What to See

Major Attractions

The essential Kingston experiences — a 19th-century fort, a cruise through the Thousand Islands, and the waterfront that ties it all together.

Fort Henry National Historic Site

Must-See
1 hr 30 min from the cottage
1 Fort Henry Drive, Kingston

Imposing 19th-century British military fortification overlooking Kingston harbour. Live military demonstrations, period reenactments, and events.

National Historic SiteFamily FriendlyMilitary HistoryUNESCO

1000 Islands Boat Cruise — Heart of the Islands

Must-See
1 hr 30 min from the cottage
Crawford Wharf, 1 Brock St, Kingston

3-hour cruise through the Admiralty Islands — Napoleon’s Hat, Wanderer’s Channel, and Mandalay Mansion. Live narration, indoor and open-air decks, licensed bar, dining options.

Boat TourFamily Friendly1000 IslandsScenic

1000 Islands Discovery Cruise

1 hr 30 min from the cottage
Crawford Wharf, Kingston

1-hour harbour tour past Fort Henry, Cedar Island, Royal Military College, and Kingston Penitentiary. Great for a shorter excursion.

Boat TourFamily Friendly1000 IslandsQuick Tour
Planned for You

The Perfect Kingston Day

A full day in Ontario’s first capital — historic Fort Henry, the waterfront, a 1000 Islands cruise, and a farm brewery stop on the way home.

Best for: Families, history buffs, first-time visitors to Ontario

The Perfect Kingston Day

A full day in Ontario’s first capital — historic Fort Henry, the waterfront, a 1000 Islands cruise, and a farm brewery stop on the way home.

1.5 hours each wayBest for: Families, history buffs, first-time visitors to Ontario
8:30 AMLeave the cottage. Coffee and pastries for the road.
10:00 AMFort Henry National Historic Site — guided tour, military demonstrations, panoramic harbour views.
12:00 PMKingston waterfront lunch — walk Princess Street, Confederation Park.
2:00 PM1000 Islands Heart of the Islands cruise (3 hrs) — or Discovery Cruise (1 hr) for a shorter option.
5:00 PMMacKinnon Brothers Brewing in Bath — farm brewery with live music and pizzas.
7:00 PMHead home. Back at the cottage by 8:30 PM for a lakeside sunset.
Craft Beer

Craft Breweries

Stop at a farm brewery on the way home from Kingston — grains grown on-site, live music on the weekend, and pizza from a wood-fired oven.

MacKinnon Brothers Brewing

Must-See
1 hr 30 min from the cottage
1915 County Rd 22, Bath

Farm brewery on an 8th-generation family farm (settled 1784). Grains grown on-site. Taproom in a restored century-old barn with farm-field patio. Beers: Red Fox Ale, Crosscut Canadian Ale, Philly Light, and more.

Farm BreweryLive MusicPizza8th Generation Farm
Open 11am–5pm (Thu–Fri to 7pm)
Local Finds

Markets & Local Finds

Saturday farmers markets with fresh produce, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, and handcrafted items — on the route between the cottage and Kingston.

Market Saturdays — Napanee

1 hr from the cottage
Old Town Hall Parking Area, Napanee

Large Saturday farmers market (May 16 – Oct 3, 2026). Fresh produce, fruits, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, handcrafted items, and home décor.

Farmers MarketArtisanLocal Produce
Saturdays 9am–1pm (May–October)
Explore Further

More Day Trips & Guides

Around the Lake

Essential supplies, local dining, provincial parks, and everything within 45 minutes of the cottage.

View Guide →

Ottawa — Canada’s Capital

Parliament Hill, world-class museums, the ByWard Market, and Rideau Canal cruises.

View Guide →

Heritage Towns

Perth, Westport, Almonte, and Merrickville — charming villages with craft food and artisan shops.

View Guide →

Breweries & Distilleries

15+ craft breweries and distilleries from lakeside microbreweries to award-winning farm operations.

View Guide →
Start Planning

Plan Your Kingston Day Trip

Fort Henry, the 1000 Islands, a farm brewery on the way home — Kingston is one of the best day trips from the cottage. Book your stay and we'll help you plan the rest.