Kingston sits where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence River and the Cataraqui River. Nicknamed the “Limestone City,” one of Canada’s oldest cities founded in 1673. More than 14.5 million Canadians—about one-third of the country’s population—live within a three-hour drive from the city. No other CMA in Canada has such a large population base. Proximity to the U.S. with Shipping, Rail and Air Services. High quality of life and reasonable cost of living. Safe, clean and walkable city draws many young families and retirees.

Kingston attracts people from Canada and abroad. Below are the reasons that make Kingston a great place to live, work and invest in.

Given its strategic location between Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal as well as New York (U.S.) being right across Lake Ontario from Kingston, the City of Kingston has become a gravity center for entrepreneurs looking to maximize their productivity and proximity to the above-mentioned start-ups’ strategic hubs. Being home to Queen’s University, The Royal Military College and Saint Lawrence College, entrepreneurs and other business owners have access to the most talented youth and experienced professionals in the region. It is more affordable than many cities while offering great infrastructure, and support services a great community.

Highlights

Kingston is often billed as the freshwater sailing capital of the world; it’s home to Frontenac Park with amazing trails for bikers and hikers and has an active arts and culture scene. Notable recognitions include Best Place to be a Woman in Canada (2019) by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, a top showing in Maclean’s “Best Communities” 2019 (Kingston #14), and identification among the “Healthy Downtowns of Small Metropolitan Regions” (Journal of the American Planning Association, 2004).

Quality of Life

Kingston is the largest city outside of Ottawa in Eastern Ontario. Boasting one of the most entrepreneurial workforces in Canada, we are continually encouraged to innovate and grow thanks to the City’s progressive initiatives. The City Council’s focus on sustainability, innovation, and climate change also demands this community growth.

In addition to the many economic and developmental opportunities available in Kingston, we also provide a world-class quality of life. Kingston is known as one of the best places to live in Canada. Kingston has a thriving downtown district, with a vibrant art and theatre scene, and a high-class, yet eclectic, restaurant and bar district. A peer-reviewed planning study has identified Kingston among small metros with healthy downtowns.

A city brimming with culture, Kingston has the most museums per capita and plenty of lively summer festivals. Its waterfront bike trail and the Gord Downie Memorial Pier offer residents and visitors plenty of spots to unwind. Kingston also runs a local summer farmer’s market (and a year-round indoor market), with summertime events along bustling Ontario Street.

Traffic is minimal, which means that getting anywhere in the city usually takes about 15 minutes. Green spaces, like regional conservation areas, Ontario Parks, and National Parks are also a short drive from the city.

Geography

Kingston is close to major urban cities while offering affordable land and accessibility to international markets and skilled workforces. Centrally located between Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal, Kingston provides access to these large markets. Kingston is right along Highway 401 and is only 50 km from the Thousand Island border crossing with access to I-81.

The area within an eight-hour drive of Kingston represents the third-largest GDP concentration in North America, with 25 million people within an 8-hour drive and 130 million people within a day’s drive. Tap into major global markets in New York, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Boston, Pittsburgh, and Albany. Access to large national and international consumer bases positions your company in a competitive market.

Digital infrastructure

Broadband and fiber internet throughout the city provides high-speed connectivity. Utilities Kingston is a specialized provider of broadband networking services to organizations and businesses in Kingston. The network spans over 1,000 route kilometres of fiber optic cable and provides coverage connecting hundreds of institutional and commercial buildings throughout the region. Utilities Kingston operates with a vision of the future that involves the use of information and communication technologies in new and innovative ways to empower its residents, institutions and region as a whole.

Recreation

Living in Kingston provides one the right balance of vibrant city life and recluse into the lap of nature. In addition to it, the region features the Thousand Islands (1,864 islands) and access to nearby lake country. Named the freshwater sailing capital of the world, Kingston is renowned for nautical adventures. Kingston is also home to state-of-the-art sports facilities, including over 100 venues. From Aquafit and Public Skating to Hockey and Group Cycling, the city offers plenty of options for an active lifestyle.

Infrastructure

VIA Rail, Canada’s main rail corporation, stops at Kingston on the Toronto–Ottawa/Montreal corridor (CN’s Kingston Subdivision), so commuting to Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal is easy. Kingston Airport (YGK) handles general aviation; scheduled service availability changes over time, with current connections to Toronto Pearson provided via integrated ground service rather than regular flights.

Kingston is also located on the coast of Lake Ontario along the St. Lawrence Seaway. This makes Kingston a part of Highway H2O, which stretches from Duluth, Minnesota all the way to the Atlantic. In 2022, Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Seaway maritime commerce generated about US$36 billion in economic activity.

In Kingston, your company can access multiple consumer bases in Canada’s largest cities and the American market. Kingston is a lower-cost jurisdiction that offers access to multiple markets.

Culture

Deemed the First Capital of Canada, Kingston is one of the most historically rich cities in Ontario with 24 museums, galleries, and national historic sites. The city is home to many restaurants and pubs featuring cuisine from around the globe, as well as a famous outdoor market that has offered local delights for centuries.