Walking through Kingston, I felt an energy that was part historic city charm, part thriving artisan scene. The limestone buildings along the waterfront gave the city a timeless feel, but what really captured me were the small shops tucked into alleyways or lining Princess Street, brimming with locally made treasures. I had planned my trip around exploring not just the sights, but also the city’s unique handmade crafts and souvenirs.
Booking my stay through Hotels.ca allowed me to place myself at the heart of downtown, making it easy to wander from historic streets to artisan shops without the stress of long commutes. For friends joining me from other cities, flights booked via AirCanada.com and Expedia.ca made coordination simple, and we often used OpenTable to secure reservations at local cafés between shopping excursions.
1. Kingston Clayworks
Address: 87 Princess Street, Kingston, ON
My first stop was Kingston Clayworks, a boutique pottery studio that felt like stepping into an artist’s personal gallery. The walls were lined with handcrafted mugs, bowls, and vases, each piece carrying a story. I picked up a hand-thrown coffee mug, its glaze shimmering in earthy tones. Holding it, I could almost feel the potter’s hands shaping the clay.
Tips for Buyers
- Speak to the artisans; many will share the inspiration behind their designs.
- Smaller, everyday items like coasters or mini bowls often come at lower prices and make great gifts.
- Check the studio’s website for workshops, which sometimes offer discounted pieces as part of the class.
I left with my new mug tucked safely in my bag, feeling like I had a piece of Kingston to take home.
2. The Artful Moose
Address: 50 Brock Street, Kingston, ON
Next, I wandered into The Artful Moose, a bright, lively shop offering handmade jewelry, scarves, and prints by local artists. The shop had a playful energy, and every corner revealed a new treasure. I gravitated toward a set of sterling silver earrings crafted with tiny maple leaf motifs—quintessentially Canadian, yet elegant.
Insider Tips
- Ask about artist collaborations; sometimes pieces are exclusive to the store.
- Mid-week visits are ideal for browsing without crowds and for personal assistance from the staff.
- Sign up for the shop’s newsletter; I discovered they occasionally offer 10–15% off new collections.
Wearing the earrings the next day, I felt connected to the local artisan culture in a tangible way.
3. Pan Chancho Bakery & Gifts
Address: 49 Princess Street, Kingston, ON
While known for its incredible breads and pastries, Pan Chancho also has a small selection of artisanal gift items, from handcrafted cutting boards to jars of specialty preserves. I picked up a small maple syrup sampler and a hand-etched wooden spoon that now sits in my kitchen as both a tool and a reminder of Kingston.
Shopping Tips
- Early morning visits help you secure both popular baked goods and gift items.
- Pair purchases with a coffee and enjoy them on-site—it enhances the experience.
- Visit their website to check for seasonal gift boxes that often include a discount if purchased online.
Walking out with a fragrant loaf and a little keepsake, I realized that souvenirs in Kingston could be both functional and beautiful.
4. Kingston Artisan Market
Address: 1 Market Street, Kingston, ON
The Kingston Artisan Market was one of the highlights of my trip. Open on weekends, it showcases local painters, sculptors, jewelry makers, and woodworkers. The atmosphere was festive, with musicians playing nearby and children laughing as they explored handmade toys.
Recommendations
- Bring cash; some vendors only accept it for small items.
- Browse first, then decide—sometimes you discover pieces you hadn’t noticed at first glance.
- Ask artisans for customization; many are happy to engrave or modify items on the spot.
I found a carved wooden box that now holds my jewelry and a small watercolor painting that reminds me of the lakefront. Experiences like these made me feel like I wasn’t just shopping—I was participating in Kingston’s living craft culture.
5. Three Sisters Gallery
Address: 233 Princess Street, Kingston, ON
I was drawn to Three Sisters Gallery by its colorful display of glasswork and pottery. The gallery’s layout encouraged lingering, with each piece lit to highlight its texture and brilliance. I couldn’t resist a blown-glass ornament shaped like a maple leaf; it caught the sunlight beautifully and now hangs in my window at home.
Tips
- Ask about seasonal sales, especially around Canadian holidays—they often offer unique pieces at lower prices.
- Take your time; the gallery encourages exploration, and many hidden gems are tucked into corners.
6. Kingston Public Market – Craft Section
Address: 188 Brock Street, Kingston, ON
The Kingston Public Market is a perfect combination of fresh produce, local foods, and handcrafted items. On Saturdays, the craft section comes alive with artisans selling jewelry, soaps, textiles, and woodwork. I spent hours here, sampling small-batch jams while browsing hand-knit scarves and painted ceramic mugs.
Shopping Tips
- Arrive early for the best selection, particularly in summer.
- Bring a tote bag for multiple purchases—you’ll want to take home more than you expect.
- Strike up conversations; many vendors share stories that make their items even more meaningful.
7. Book Court – Unique Literary Gifts
Address: 85 Princess Street, Kingston, ON
As someone who loves books, Book Court was a gem. Beyond rare books, they carry locally printed journals, art prints, and literary-themed souvenirs. I found a hand-bound notebook made by a Kingston artist, which now serves as my travel journal.
Insider Tips
- Ask the staff about local authors and limited-edition prints.
- Check the website before visiting for in-store events or signings, which occasionally include discounts on featured items.
8. Paper Peony Studio
Address: 72 Ontario Street, Kingston, ON
At Paper Peony, I discovered handmade cards, prints, and decorative stationery. The tactile quality of the paper and the care in printing made each item feel special. I purchased a set of cards featuring Kingston landmarks to send to friends back home.
Tips
- Seasonal collections often sell out quickly; visit early or order online.
- Staff can help you choose complementary gift sets for a polished presentation.
9. Kingston Leatherworks
Address: 3 Princess Street, Kingston, ON
For quality leather goods, Kingston Leatherworks is unmatched. I explored wallets, belts, and hand-stitched handbags. I picked up a slim leather journal cover, engraved with my initials, which added a personal touch.
Tips
- Personalized engraving is a small extra cost but makes the gift memorable.
- Ask about care instructions for leather to ensure longevity.
10. Sweet Tooth Handmade Chocolates
Address: 100 Princess Street, Kingston, ON
No trip is complete without indulging the sweet tooth. Sweet Tooth offers artisanal chocolates, fudge, and seasonal treats. I selected a box of handcrafted truffles, each infused with local flavors like maple, bourbon, and sea salt caramel.
Insider Tips
- Order online in advance for guaranteed selection, especially during holidays.
- Consider pairing chocolates with locally roasted coffee from nearby cafés.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
While exploring Kingston’s souvenirs and artisan shops, a few strategies made my experience seamless and more rewarding:
- Booking Platforms: Use Hotels.ca for accommodations, AirCanada.com or WestJet.com for flights, and OpenTable for restaurant reservations during shopping days.
- Timing: Weekday mornings or early afternoons are quieter and allow more personal interaction with artisans.
- Budgeting: Bring cash for small vendors, but credit cards are widely accepted at galleries and boutiques.
- Local Recommendations: Talk to shopkeepers—they often point to hidden studios and seasonal markets.
Visiting Kingston through its artisan and souvenir culture gave me a sense of the city that went beyond postcards or mass-produced gifts. Every item I brought home—be it a hand-thrown mug, a carved wooden box, or a set of local chocolates—carries a story of Kingston’s creativity, warmth, and charm. Experiencing these shops firsthand made me feel like I had taken a piece of the city with me, each memory as vivid as the items themselves.
