Part of the fun of coming to Kingston WritersFest is exploring beautiful downtown Kingston. While enjoying the festival, take advantage of the unique pleasures the city has to offer. Steps from the Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront, enjoy the classic breakfast they’ve been serving for over a century at Morrison’s Restaurant, and dinner at the legendary Chez Piggy. For fine dining, Le Chien Noir and Aquaterra offer elegant atmosphere and sumptuous fare, or if you’re looking for something simpler, there are many amazing choices: Kingston Brewing Company, The Toucan, or Tango Nuevo, all within easy walking distance.

In the mood for rustic Italian and Mediterranean food? Try Olivea, a contemporary Italian trattoria. If you’re just looking for coffee and a quick bite to eat, Pan Chancho offers delicious salada, coffes, and baked goods.  And of course, if you want to stay close to the festival action, there’s The Wharf and Feather on the main floor of the Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront.

Well-known for its shopping, downtown Kingston offers everything from interesting boutiques and antique stores to all the famous brands you recognize. Downtown Kingston retailers are vital supporters of Kingston WritersFest, and we welcome you to browse our list of Sponsors and Author Patrons for other great stops on your exploration of the city. You’ll recognize the names of many downtown businesses as supporters.

Staying in Kingston

Stay in the heart of the action at the Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront! Secure your special group rate of $174/night*:
*Last day to book your reservation is August 28th, 2022, after this date we cannot guarantee the group rate will be available.

For other great getaway packages and a range of comfortable lodgings from streamlined hotels with all amenities to historic and cozy bed and breakfasts, to family-friendly motels, head over to Visit Kingston.

Getting to Kingston

Travelling to Kingston is easy, no matter where you’re from. Kingston can be reached by rail, automobile, bus, air, 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 Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront offers parking to its overnight and other Festival guests. ($28 per night, per vehicle)

Several parking lots and garages within walking distance of the Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront offer reasonable rates. The Grand Theatre is a short stroll from the Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront, or you can use the Municipal Chown Memorial Parking Garage on Brock Street, which connects directly to the Grand Theatre Courtyard. Many Kingston streets, just a few minutes’ walk from the downtown core, offer free parking (with some time restrictions). See a map of municipal parking lots (PDF) »

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 Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront. 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 to our off-site Festival events on foot.

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 Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront.

More Information

For a full visitors’ guide to Kingston, please visit the City of Kingston website at www.cityofkingston.ca.