For orientation, Kingston is just off Highway 101 at Exit 17.
Things to do in Kingston: rail trail, water and golf
The old rail trail runs through Kingston and can be used for walking, cycling, and ATV and snowmobile rides. The options range from getting around on foot or by bike to rides on motorized recreational vehicles. When planning, consider which of these activities you want to focus on during your stay; the trail is a specific local highlight, but you don’t have to limit your trip to just one activity.
There is a launch site for canoes and kayaks on the Annapolis River at Bridge Street. If you’re mainly drawn to Kingston for water activities, you can include this spot as a separate point in your plans. Another option is Paragon Golf and Country Club in Kingston, which has an 18-hole course. Kingston therefore offers very different interests side by side—cycling or walking on the old rail trail, canoeing and kayaking on the river, or golf.
Market, July event and winter ice rink
Local farmers, artisans and food producers come together at the Kingston Farmers Market at the Aurora Inn. The market offers a different focus from the recreational activities: here, the people and groups involved in farming, crafts and food production take center stage. For your trip, it’s an opportunity to make this local gathering place part of your stay alongside outdoor activities and sports.
One specific event on the annual calendar is the Kingston Steer BBQ, held every year on the second weekend in July. If you’re planning to visit Kingston specifically for the BBQ, check the date for the year in question before finalizing your trip. Another seasonal feature is the tennis courts at 429 Elm Street, which are converted into an outdoor ice rink during the winter months. The July event and winter conversion therefore give you different seasonal focuses to choose from.
Hiking and recreational destinations in the wider Kings County destination
If you’re also considering the wider destination of Kings County, you’ll find there a range of hiking trails with different types and scales. Cape Split offers a moderately challenging backcountry hike of about 13.2 kilometers round trip. The Blomidon Hiking Trails, by contrast, are a 13.5-kilometer network of interconnected trails providing access to different habitats and viewpoints. The distances therefore refer to different things: a round-trip hike at Cape Split and a trail network at Blomidon.
The Jodrey Trail runs along 183-meter-high sea cliffs and offers several viewpoints overlooking the Minas Basin. The Reservoir Park Trail’s local features include panoramic views of Cape Blomidon and the Minas Basin, an unsupervised beach at a pond, and access to the Millennium Trail. The two trails therefore differ in the views and other features described.
Other options in Kings County range from a woodland nature trail to routes for a variety of activities. The Acadia Nature Trail passes through a wooded area north of Acadia University, with information along the route. The Stronach Park & Fitness Trail is an easy loop through the woods with several fitness stations. The Gorge offers opportunities for walking, hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on several trails. The range of activities means your choice there can also depend on the type of exercise you’re looking for.
The Waterville Recreation Club includes 17 acres of meadows and woodland open to the public, with walking trails and an off-leash dog park. Together with the trails and viewpoints in Kings County, these offer a different range of recreational options from the activities within Kingston itself. When looking for accommodation, you can first decide whether Kingston itself or another destination in the wider Kings County is the right focus for your trip.
Discover more destinations: Wolfville, Port Williams, Coldbrook, Canning, New Minas, Aylesford, Grand Pré, Berwick
For the wider travel overview: Kings County.
