Ultimate Guide To Visiting The Kingston Penetentiary

If you’re planning a visit to Kingston, Ontario, one attraction that should be at the top of your list is the Kingston Penitentiary. As one of Canada’s oldest, most famous and historic maximum security prisons,visiting the Kingston Penetentiary offers a fascinating glimpse into nearly 180 years of Canadian history. What was once a maximum-security prison is now one of Kingston’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing visitors from across Canada and beyond.

Since I worked in the legal profession for 48 years, visiting the Kingston Pen (as it’s known as) has always been at the top of my bucket list. During my recent visit to Kingston, I finally did it!

Touring the Kingston Penitentiary quickly became one of the most memorable experiences of my trip to Kingston. Walking through the massive stone walls, learning the history, and seeing areas that were once off-limits to the public made for a truly unique experience. Listening to the stories and seeing first-hand the place the prisoners called home, I couldn’t help but feel chills as I imagined how life was for them.

I had no idea what to expect during the tour or how I would feel. In this post, I share everything you need to know before visiting the Kingston Penitentiary.

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A Brief History Of The Kingston Penitentiary

The Kingston Penitentiary first opened in 1835, making it the oldest federal prison in Canada. For nearly two centuries, it housed some of the country’s most notorious criminals, which include Paul Bernardo, Clifford Olson, and James Donnelly, to name a few. The Kingston Pen became a model for Canada’s federal correctional system.

Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, the prison operated until 2013. Following its closure, the site was transformed into a tourist attraction where visitors can now explore parts of the facility through guided tours.

Today, the prison stands as an important historical site that offers insight into Canada’s justice system and prison history.

Why Visit the Kingston Penitentiary?

While visiting a former prison may not sound like a typical tourist attraction, the Kingston Penitentiary offers a unique experience unlike anything else in Ontario.

When you visit the Pen, you’ll be able to walk through the cell blocks, learn about the lives of inmates and correctional officers, hear stories about the 1971 prison riot. You’ll experience one of Kingston’s most iconic landmarks, and gain insight into Canada’s correctional history.

The tours are educational, thought-provoking, and surprisingly engaging, even for visitors who may not normally be interested in history.

What to Expect on the Tour

The Kingston Penitentiary is only accessible through guided tours, which helps bring the site’s history to life.

As you make your way through the prison, you’ll see original inmate cells, administrative areas, exercise yards, and various sections of the facility that remained operational until the prison’s closure.

The guides do an excellent job sharing stories about prison life, escapes, riots, and the day-to-day operations of one of Canada’s most famous institutions.

One of the most striking aspects of the tour is seeing just how small the cells were. Standing inside them provides a powerful perspective on what life behind bars may have been like.

Throughout the experience, you’ll also notice the impressive limestone architecture that Kingston is known for. The prison itself is an architectural landmark and a fascinating example of 19th-century construction.

Tour Options

Several tour options are typically available depending on the season and your interests. The tour options you can choose from are:

• Express (45 minutes)
• Standard (1 hr. 45 minutes)
• Extended (2 hrs. 45 minutes)

The standard tour is perfect for first-time visitors and provides a comprehensive overview of the prison’s history and operations.

For those interested in a deeper experience, the extended tour focuses on specific aspects of prison life and provides access to additional areas of the facility.

It’s worth checking tour availability in advance, especially during the busy summer season when tours can sell out quickly.

BOOK A TOUR OF THE KINGSTON PENETENTIARY

Driver’s Tip: The tour that’s included in the Kingston K-Pass is the express 45 minute tour. If you want a more in-depth tour, you will have to book it separately.

Is Kingston Penitentiary Worth Visiting?

In my opinion, it’s absolutely worth visiting. My only regret is that I wasn’t able to do the longer, more in-depth tour. Next time!

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, true crime fan, architecture lover, or simply looking for something different to do in Kingston, the Kingston Penitentiary delivers a fascinating and memorable experience.

What makes the attraction so compelling is that it combines history, storytelling, architecture, and human experiences into a tour that leaves a lasting impression. It’s educational without feeling like a museum and engaging from beginning to end.

For me, it was one of the highlights of visiting Kingston and an attraction I would highly recommend adding to your itinerary.

Getting To The Kingston Pen

The Kingston Penetentiary is a short 8 to 10 minute drive from downtown Kingston. There is plenty of free parking right beside the Penetentiary.

If you don’t want to drive, I recommend purchasing a Kingston K-Pass so that you have use of the hop on hop off trolley. It will drop you off and pick you up at the Museum directly across the street from the Penetentiary. This is also a great way to learn about other areas of the city at the same time.

Nearby Attractions

The Canada’s Penetentiary Museum is located directly across the street from the Penetentiary. Admission is free, but they do request that a small donation be made. I recommend allowing 1 hour to browse the museum.

If you’re travelling by the trolley, this is where you will be dropped off and picked up.

Other Attractions

After visiting the Kingston Penetentiary, if you have some time, consider exploring some of Kingston’s other top attractions, most of which are located in downtown Kingston and are easily walkable.

Some of the downtown attractions are:

• Kingston Waterfront
• Confederation Basin
• Springer Market Square
• Kingston City Hall
• The Trolley Tours
• Downtown Kingston restaurants and shops

If you don’t mind driving, or have purchased the Kingston K-Pass, I highly recommend spending a few hours at Fort Henry.

Together, these attractions make Kingston an excellent destination for a weekend getaway or Ontario road trip.

SEARCH KINGSTON TOURS

Visiting The Kingston Penetentiary

Visiting the Kingston Penetentiary offers a rare opportunity to step inside one of Canada’s most historic institutions. The stories, history, and atmosphere make it one of the most unique attractions in Ontario.

If you’re planning a trip to Kingston, don’t miss the chance to explore behind the walls of this former maximum-security prison. It’s an unforgettable experience that provides a fascinating look into an important chapter of Canadian history.

SAVE TO VISIT THE KINGSTON PENETENTIARY