{"id":832656,"date":"2026-07-29T01:52:13","date_gmt":"2026-07-29T01:52:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/832656\/"},"modified":"2026-07-29T01:52:13","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T01:52:13","slug":"this-train-from-ottawa-takes-you-to-a-beautiful-lakeside-gem-that-feels-like-a-slice-of-europe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/832656\/","title":{"rendered":"This train from Ottawa takes you to a beautiful lakeside gem that feels like a slice of Europe"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you’re craving a European getaway<\/a> this summer but don’t want to deal with flights, passports<\/a> or airport lineups, there’s a charming destination right here in Ontario that needs to be on your radar. <\/p>\n

The best part is, you don’t need your car to get there. This summer, you can visit a beautiful lakeside city<\/a> with historic limestone buildings, cobblestone-like streets and waterfront views \u2014 no driving required. <\/p>\n

From Ottawa, you can take the VIA Rail to Kingston, a beautiful city set on Lake Ontario at the mouth of the St. Lawrence River.<\/p>\n

Nicknamed the “Limestone City,” Kingston is known for its grand 19th-century buildings, hidden alleyways with antique markets and restaurant patios, unique shopping and dining experiences, and museums and historic sites.<\/p>\n

Home to old-world architecture, quaint cafes, cobblestone streets and even red trolley buses, it’d be easy to forget you’re still in Canada, and not somewhere in Europe while visiting. <\/p>\n

Taking the train makes for an easy way to see the city without a long drive. Downtown Kingston is less than 15 minutes by taxi from the train station. <\/p>\n

Kingston Transit also services the VIA Rail station, with Route 16<\/a> providing bus service from the station to the downtown area.<\/p>\n

Once you arrive, you’ll find a walkable city core with shops, hotels, restaurants and attractions, all within steps.<\/p>\n

Head to Princess Street, Kingston\u2019s main road, to find many clothing, wellness, and food shops, including Lazy Daisies<\/a>, where you can shop a variety of home goods and accessories, and Montreal Street Collective<\/a>, a store selling curated vintage fashion and second-hand jewelry from local vendors.<\/p>\n

Once you work up an appetite, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs around downtown Kingston where you can grab a bite. <\/p>\n

Visitors can take advantage of the Canada Strong Pass, which provides discounts and free admission to some of Kingston’s top historical attractions, including the Bellevue House National Historic Site<\/a> and the Fort Henry National Historic Site<\/a>.<\/p>\n

While you’re here, don’t miss a visit to the Kingston Penitentiary, which you could call the city’s most infamous attraction. Opened in 1835, the Kingston Penitentiary is Canada’s oldest reformatory prison. <\/p>\n

Book a tour to discover the real-life stories of some of the country’s most well-known prisoners, and even step into the cells, workshops, and exercise yards of the former prison. <\/p>\n

A great way to get around the city is by trolley. The Kingston trolley covers some of the city’s most historic neighbourhoods, with a summer hop-on, hop-off schedule that includes stops at Kingston\u2019s most popular destinations. <\/p>\n

Visitors can also purchase a K-Pass<\/a>, an all-inclusive activity pass that bundles Kingston attractions and experiences.<\/p>\n

Kingston is also a great base for exploring the Thousand Islands, the St. Lawrence River, and its national park.<\/p>\n

Take a cruise from downtown Kingston to explore the world-famous Thousand Islands archipelago and take in the spectacular views.<\/p>\n

The Wolfe Islander IV<\/a>, an electric ferry, provides free service between downtown Kingston and Wolfe Island, the largest island of the Thousand Islands.<\/p>\n

Getting to Kingston from Ottawa on board VIA Rail is convenient and easy. It doesn’t have to cost a lot either. Depending on when you’re travelling, the trip can cost as little as $41 one-way.<\/p>\n

You can also take advantage of VIA Rail’s Discount Tuesday offerings, as well as the Canada Strong Pass, which provides discounts for young adults and free travel for children. <\/p>\n

The trip from Ottawa to Kingston by VIA Rail takes about 2 hours and 5 minutes. Snacks and meals are available for purchase on board, and riders can also access free Wi-Fi.<\/p>\n

VIA Rail Ottawa to Kingston<\/p>\n

Price: $41+ one way<\/p>\n

Why You Need To Go: Leave the car at home — this summer, you can take a scenic train ride to a charming lakeside city that feels like a little slice of Europe, right here in Ontario. <\/p>\n

VIA Rail website<\/a><\/p>\n

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide<\/a> so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.<\/p>\n