This romantic Ontario city is your perfect fall getaway

When we talk about travelling and romantic getaways, we often imagine traversing through cute European towns in the summer or relaxing by a fireplace at a ski lodge in Alberta or British Columbia. But what if we told you there’s another season and destination closer to home that could fulfill all of your romantic getaway dreams?

Imagine walking hand-in-hand with that special someone surrounded by stone architecture as the sound of water gently lapping against the shore tickles your ears. A chilly breeze sends a flurry of vibrant leaves swirling around your feet, and the smell of warm, savoury food wafts over to coat your senses.

Comfortable, rural aesthetics and hip, luxurious culture combine in the perfect setting; while the leaves may fall, romance blooms in autumn.

Kingston, Ont., is a short two-hour drive from either Ottawa or Toronto.

The perfect setting, of course, requires a place with historical character, rich art, and an acclaimed farm-to-table culinary scene.

Luckily for any couples looking for a romantic getaway, Kingston has it all.

Take a train into the city or make the short two-hour drive from either Ottawa or Toronto, and you’ll quickly see why Kingston is the romantic autumn destination you’ve been looking for.

Kingston’s fall colours and rustic architecture. (Credit: Garret Elliot)

Explore historical sites and museums

Nothing says “autumn date” like strolling through historical grounds and taking in a new setting. Luckily, Kingston is home to over 20 historical sites and museums, so there will be no problem finding your perfect date setting as the leaves fall around you.

Walk through time at the Military Communications and Electronics Museum where visitors learn about the revolutionary technology used in the World Wars and how that technology has helped shape our present day.

If war history isn’t your thing, no worries! Kingston is also home to Canada’s Penitentiary Museum, the perfect place to take that special true-crime fanatic in your life, or the Great Lakes Museum where you can walk through the S.S. Keewatin—a Titanic-era ship without any icebergs nearby to disrupt the romantic vibes.

Kingston is also home to several historic hotels for visitors to stay in, such as The Belvedere Hotel, which blends sophisticated modern aesthetics with a rich and storied past. Or, take a step back in time by staying at The Secret Garden Inn, which is located in a timeless 1888 Victorian home and is steeped in the era’s elegant charm.

An exciting arts scene for every type of creative mind

Picture yourself walking down the street with your partner or with your friends while holding a warm pumpkin-spiced latte in your hand when you hear the growing sounds of music from a nearby establishment. What a treat it would be to pop in and listen to the local music and discover how much new talent lives in this old city.

Luckily, many establishments provide just that every week throughout Kingston, such as the Musiikki Cafe, where you can listen to local musicians and songwriters perform every night while sipping on some delicious coffee or perhaps a smooth whiskey.

Mayla Concept restaurant. (Credit: Tourism Kingston)

Kingston doesn’t only cater to music lovers, however. There’s a little something for everyone, from fine arts to “nerd culture” in the forms of shops, exhibits, and festivals.

Show and concert lovers can enjoy a variety of performances at Kingston’s two performing arts venues: The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts and The Kingston Grand Theatre. From musical performances to comedies and thought-provoking presentations, there’s always something happening that will speak to you.

Creative minds looking for a hands-on experience may also visit the Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning, where exhibitions and workshops are often available and open to the public to inspire and help artists practice their craft.

Authentic farm-to-table dining on Lake Ontario

Hip, romantic fall dining is not hard to come by in Kingston. The city is home to several Feast On-certified restaurants, which means at least 25 per cent of their ingredients are either grown or produced right here in Ontario.

A proper romantic getaway starts first thing in the morning, and what better way to start than by going to Toast & Jam Café. This breakfast and lunch café specializes in making great food from scratch with locally sourced seasonal ingredients. An extension of Bread & Butter Bakery, you absolutely cannot go wrong with kicking off your day here.

Le Jardin restaurant. (Credit: Tim Forbes)

Enjoy acclaimed Lake Ontario waterfront dining at AquaTerra, which is partnered with over 40 Ontario suppliers to bring you a truly authentic farm-to-table experience from brunch to dinner.

Nearby, head a few blocks into downtown Kingston to try hip, new stone-baked artisanal pizza flavours at Atomica, or see what’s on the seasonal rotation at The Everly Restaurant & Lounge.

In between meals and sightseeing, why not check out some local craft breweries, such as Ontario’s oldest brew pub, Kingston Brewing Company, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary.

If you have food allergies or sensitivities, have no fear. VisitKingston.ca has compiled a list of restaurants throughout the city that use nut-free kitchens, as well as provide tasty gluten-free and dairy-free options on their menus.

Don’t let the season pass without experiencing all of what autumn in Kingston has to offer. Only a short drive or train ride from the big cities, this exciting and historic city on the lake will be sure to set your hearts aflutter like the falling leaves.