Kingston, Ontario as an inclusive destination where Pride is more than just a moment in June. The city’s welcoming spirit is reflected year-round through its 23 Rainbow Registered businesses, one of the highest numbers in Ontario outside of Toronto, according to the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC). As well as its historic charm, it has a vibrant arts scene, diverse culinary offerings, and strong sense of community.

While Kingston comes alive with Pride programming and queer-focused events throughout June, its inclusive energy extends well beyond Pride Month. From community events and locally loved businesses, to walkable neighbourhoods and a lively waterfront, Kingston offers 2SLGBTQ+ travellers a destination where they will feel welcome in every season.

Just a short train or car ride from Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, the city makes for an easy Pride Month getaway and a compelling year-round escape for travellers seeking a 2SLGBTQ+ friendly city with plenty to see and do.

See below for more details on Pride programming, local businesses, and experiences that travellers can look forward to in Kingston.

Kingston Pride

This year’s Pride week (June 6-14), themed ‘Resilience & Liberation in Action’, places a special emphasis on uplifting the trans community. Event highlights include:

  • Two Spirit Celebration – June 7, from 1-5pm
  • Drag in the Park – June 9 from 7-9pm
  • Queer-oke – June 12 at 8pm
  • Pride Parade – June 13 from12-1pm

Drag Bingo

Kingston drag queen, Rowena Whey, hosts her signature drag bingo event on the second Thursday of every month. Drag Bingo includes a drag show, comedy and Bingo with prizes provided by Daft Brewing. Drag Bingo during Pride Week will take place on June 11 from 7-10pm.

Kingston Pride Fundraising Boat Cruise

An annual boat cruise along the St. Lawrence River that closes out Kingston Pride. Guests can enjoy burlesque and drag performances, dancing and raffle prizes. This 19+ event will be held on June 13 from 7-10pm (boarding begins at 6:40pm at 1 Brock Street (Crawford Wharf). Tickets are available here.

Matt’s Hockey Homecoming & Community Pride Skate

On June 13, Matt Kenny, former Kingston hockey player, marathon runner, 2SLGBTQ+ and disability advocate, returns to the ice with former teammates for the first time in over 20 years as part of Matt’s Hockey Homecoming & Community Pride Skate, taking place at the INVISTA Centre in partnership with Tourism Kingston. This free community initiative runs from 8:45am-12:00pm, featuring Matt’s Hockey Homecoming game, a Youth Skills Workshop, an Inclusive Coaching Seminar led by You Can Play and a Community Pride Skate.

ReelOut Queer Film Festival

Founded in 1999, ReelOut is the city’s annual queer film festival, showcasing national and international 2SLGBTQ+ stories. Beyond the festival, ReelOut hosts year-round programs and events that spark dialogue, foster inclusion and center queer voices.

Rainbow Registered Businesses  work to create a welcoming and comfortable experience for all visitors year-round. In June, these businesses kick things up a notch with Pride programming, including the below:

  • The Smith Hotel: To celebrate Pride, The Smith donates $5 per room night to Kingston Pride and matches the total donation.
  • Kingston Penitentiary: Through staff training and inclusive policies, Kingston Pen Tours remains committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive experience for all.
  • Cher-Mere: The spa includes gender-neutral booking forms, extensive inclusive language training for the team and educational staff talks with members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. For Pride Month, the spa donates a portion of their earnings to TransFamily Kingston. Every month, the spa selects a local charity to donate to, demonstrating their commitment to inclusivity and community care in Kingston.
  • Kingston Gaming Nexus: Hosts monthly 2SLGBTQ+ board game nights. The next event is June 26 from 6 to 9 pm, they will also be hosting a Pride-themed trading card event on June 20, 5–9 pm and June 27, 6–9 pm.
  • Black Dog Hospitality Restaurants: During June, all Black Dog restaurants are offering Pride-themed drinks, with a percentage of the proceeds going to Trellis HIV & Community Care. Specialty drinks include:
    • Atomica: Peach Please (vanilla vodka, peach schnapps, cream, orange, and simple syrup)
    • Black Dog: Watermelon Kiki (watermelon Absolut vodka, Galliano, watermelon puree, lime, prosecco sidecar)
    • Dianne’s: Pink Pony Club (Malibu, pineapple, cranberry, lime, 7Up)
    • Harper’s: Glitter & Gold (pink lemonade vodka, raspberry vodka, lemon, mango, simple syrup, soda, edible glitter)

So plan your getaway to Kingston during Pride Month, or any other month of the year. Visit Kingston has everything you need to start planning.

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist based in Toronto with a focus on tourism, lifestyle, entertainment and community issues. He has written several travel articles and has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He’s willing to take on any assignments of interest, attend parties with free booze, listen to rants, and travel the world in search of the great unknown. He’s eager to discover the new, remember the past, and look into the future.