Visitor Guide

Where to Stay

The Kingston Marriott, KWF’s hospitality partner, is offering an exclusive discount of 20% for festival goers.

Kingston Marriott - 285 King Street East

Stay in comfort, right at the festival!

Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Kingston, the Kingston Marriott offers a gateway to the city’s rich heritage and vibrant culture. Immerse yourself in the captivating history of the area, with renowned landmarks and the historic waterfront just moments away. Explore charming boutiques, enjoy gourmet dining, or stroll through picturesque streets filled with architectural splendor.

Visit the hotel website »

Make a reservation with our special KWF rate!

You must reserve before September 1, 2026 to take advantage of this deal.

Where to Eat

There’s Plenty to Explore in the Limestone City

Coffee shops with space for writing

Musiikki Whiskey and Coffee Bar (Bring your own food encouraged!)
2pm-2am
73 Brock Street

Sens Cafe (specialty coffees, pastries, sandwiches)
8 am-4pm
136 Ontario Street

Crave Coffee House & Bakery (specialty coffees, pastries, sandwiches)
7:30am-8pm
166 Princess Street

DeMello Coffee
7am-7pm Thurs-Friday, 8am-7pm Saturday-Sunday
33 Brock Street

Coffee and Co. (specialty coffees, pastries, sandwiches)
7am-7pm
53 Princess Street

International Flavours

Sally’s Roti Shop (Caribbean food, Vegan options)
203 Wellington Street

Delightfully Different Tea Room (British style, Vegan options)
Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch (closes 4:30)
197 Wellington Street

Baja Craft Kitchen (Mexican inspired, Vegan options)
11:30 am to midnight
253 Ontario Street, Suite A

Dianne’s Fish Bar (Mexican married with East Coast)
11/11:30 to 10 pm
195 Ontario Street

Sophie’s Noodle House (Chinese food, Vegan options)
11:30 am – 8:30 pm
160 Princess Street
161

Atomica Kitchen and Cocktails (Modern Italian food, Vegan and Gluten free options)
11:30 am – 10 pm
71 Brock Street

Amadeus Café (German food, back patio, Vegan options)
4 pm – 9 pm
170 Princess Street

Miss Bao (Asian Fusion, Vegan and gluten-free options)
5-11 pm
286 Princess Street

Pub/Comfort Food

Academy Food & Drink
Kingston Marriott Hotel lobby
7 am – 11 pm
285 Kings Street East

Copper Penny
11:30 am-10 pm
240 Princess Street

The Kingston Brewing Company
11:30 am to midnight
34 Clarence Street

Harper Burgers
11:30 am-9 pm
93 Princess

Black Dog Tavern (upscale eclectic “Pub Grub”, patio)
11:30 am -10 pm
69 Brock Street

Pan Chancho Bakery & Café (back patio, bakery take-out + table service)
8 am-5 pm
44 Princess Street

Wooden Heads Pizza
11:30 am-11 pm
192 Ontario Street

Fine Dining

(reservations recommended)
Chez Piggy (food with grace & gusto, patio)
11:30 am-9:00 pm
68 Princess Street

Olivea Restaurant (Contemporary Italian)
11:30 am-10:00 pm
39 Brock Street (corner of King & Brock)

Tango Nuevo (global tapas)
11:30 am – midnight
331 King Street E

Mayla Concept (tapas lounge bar & Le Jardin upstairs)
11:30 am – 1 am
343 King Street E

Getting to Kingston

Travelling to Kingston is easy, no matter where you’re from. Kingston can be reached by rail, automobile, bus, and even by ferry (for our American guests choosing to cross the border at Cape Vincent, New York). Kingston is located on the Trans-Canada highway with two nearby Canada-US border crossings. Please see the visitors’ guide links below for more information about travelling to Kingston. (see a Google map)

Parking in Kingston

The Kingston Marriott offers parking to its overnight and other Festival guests. Several parking lots and garages within walking distance of the Kingston Marriott offer reasonable rates, or you can use the Municipal Town Memorial Parking Garage on Brock Street. Many Kingston streets, just a few minutes’ walk from the downtown core, offer free parking (with some time restrictions).

Parking lots in downtown Kingston - Google map

Getting Around in Kingston

Kingston offers convenient, affordable public transportation, and taxis are available throughout the city. Both offer services for clients with special needs. Most of Kingston’s major attractions are within easy walking distance of the Kingston Marriott. Visit the City of Kingston’s transportation page to find out about any construction work in the city. Taking the bus? Residents and visitors can purchase a Visitor Day Pass at City Hall, Visitor Information Centre or the Cataraqui Centre. The pass permits 2 children (ages 18 and under) accompanied by an adult to travel on Kingston Transit all day, on any day of the week. Save your money. Save our planet. Ride Kingston Transit.

Walking the Festival, Walking the City

Walking is a healthy and enjoyable alternative to motorized transportation. We invite you to make your way on foot to the Kingston Marriott Hotel, to Literary Trivia at Something in the Water, and to Authors Al Fresco in the South Courtyard of Market Square behind City Hall.

Accessible Kingston

Onstage and Writers Studio Events are wheelchair accessible and every effort is made to accommodate festival-goers with special needs. If you require special assistance during the festival, please speak with one of our many onsite volunteers or staff members and we would be happy to address your requests. You may also contact us at info@kingstonwritersfest.ca with any questions, or special requests. Kingston offers accessible public transportation and taxis that provide service for clients who use wheelchairs or have other needs. Find more information here www.cityofkingston.ca/residents/accessibility. Most of Kingston’s city-owned parking facilities are wheelchair accessible. There are two top-notch teaching hospitals within blocks of the Kingston Marriott.

More Information

For a full visitors’ guide to Kingston see Visit Kingston, or visit the City of Kingston website for information about the city.