Kingston

Kingston offers several reasons to visit: an old rail trail, a canoe and kayak launch on the Annapolis River, golf, and seasonal and community offerings.

Getting around and activities in Kingston

Kingston is located just off Highway 101 at Exit 17. The exit is a clear reference point for finding your way there. The old rail trail also runs through Kingston. It can be used for walking and cycling, as well as ATV and snowmobile rides. These options range from getting around on foot to motorized recreational rides, with cycling adding another non-motorized activity.

Golf is available at Paragon Golf and Country Club, which has 18 holes. Another activity takes you to the water: there is a canoe and kayak launch on the Annapolis River at Bridge Street. If you plan your trip around the recreation you want to enjoy, you can take these three distinct focuses—the rail trail, golf, and paddling—into account when deciding on Kingston.

Market, event, and seasonal change

Local farmers, artisans, and food producers gather at the Kingston Farmers Market at the Aurora Inn. This sets the market apart from the sporting activities: it focuses on various local producer and vendor groups.

The Kingston Steer BBQ takes place annually on the second weekend in July. If you want to plan your trip around this date, check the event dates before booking. Another seasonal feature can be found at 429 Elm Street: during the winter months, the tennis courts there are turned into an outdoor ice rink. The contrast between the BBQ’s July date and the winter conversion is a useful reference point if you want to choose your travel dates around a particular offering.

When looking for a hotel in Kingston, you can make practical use of these differences: first set your travel dates, then choose your destination based on the focus of your stay. A trip timed for the annual BBQ has a different seasonal focus than one planned around the winter conversion of the tennis courts. The rail trail, golf, and river launch also offer different recreational activities that you can consider when deciding on the destination.

Trails and scenery in Kings County

The wider destination of Kings County offers additional trails with different ways to experience the landscape and hiking. Cape Split offers a moderate hike inland; the round trip is about 13.2 kilometres long. The Blomidon Hiking Trails form a 13.5-kilometre network of interconnected trails with access to different habitats and viewpoints. The Jodrey Trail runs along 183-metre-high sea cliffs and offers several viewpoints overlooking the Minas Basin. These options differ in the features described: Cape Split is noted for its difficulty level and approximate round-trip distance; Blomidon for its trail network, habitats, and viewpoints; and the Jodrey Trail for its cliff scenery and views of the Minas Basin.

Other trails in Kings County offer their own highlights. The Acadia Nature Trail passes through a wooded area north of Acadia University and provides information along the way. The Reservoir Park Trail offers panoramic views of Cape Blomidon and the Minas Basin, as well as an unsupervised beach at a pond and access to the Millennium Trail. The Stronach Park & Fitness Trail is an easy loop through the woods with several fitness stations.

For a variety of activities, there are several trails at The Gorge in Kings County, where you can walk, hike, mountain bike, cross-country ski, and snowshoe. The Waterville Recreation Club provides the public with 17 acres of meadow and woodland, with walking trails and an off-leash dog park. Together, these regional options offer different possibilities—from walking paths and fitness stations to trails for a range of summer and winter activities. They are part of the wider destination of Kings County and are distinct regional features alongside the offerings in Kingston.

Discover more destinations: Canning, Coldbrook, Greenwood, Centreville, Port Williams, Kentville, Berwick, Grand Pré.

Return to the wider travel guide: Kings County.