Picture this: It鈥檚 the summer of 2020, you鈥檝e been quarantining with your family for 2 months, while you count down the days until you鈥檙e back at school in September. As an undergraduate student at Queen鈥檚, I was lucky enough to have a summer home in Kingston, which I used as my last-minute escape from the COVID-19 madness. I packed up my bags, said goodbye to my family, and made the two-and-a-half-hour trip to Kingston. I was greeted by my roommate, who was already staying in our student home, and we began creating our 鈥淜ingston summer bucket list.鈥 This became our tradition for the next two summers, up until we graduated.
If I could offer any advice to incoming graduate students, it would be this: Don鈥檛 take Kingston summers for granted. To do so, I will be sharing some tips and tricks about how to make the most out of your summers in Kingston (without the use of a car!)
As an individual who didn鈥檛 grow up living by the water, I have come to love the downtown waterfront. One of my favourite activities in the summertime is going to read or meditate by the water. I would recommend packing a towel or picnic blanket, a new book, some sunscreen, a few of your favourite snacks, and your earphones. If you鈥檙e hoping to avoid the busy crowds at the pier, you can find a sunny spot at Breakwater Park. After some time, I would typically take a break and walk the path along the water, to the downtown area. This is your chance to grab a coffee or gelato, and pop into the local shops. If it鈥檚 a Saturday morning, there will likely be a farmer鈥檚 market, with a plethora of vendors occupying Market Square. Treat yourself to some fresh produce and bright-coloured flowers for your walk home.
If you鈥檙e more of the adventurous type, I have the perfect recommendation for you. On a warmer afternoon, walk downtown to the ferry that takes you to Wolfe Island. If you have access to a car, this may be an easier trip. Nonetheless, Ubers will still be available on the island. Once you鈥檝e arrived, make your way to Big Sandy Bay Conservation Area, one of the best beaches on Lake Ontario. Make sure that you are wearing comfortable shoes, since the path that leads to the beach is a long one. However, I can promise that the walk is worth the wait once you arrive at your destination. This day trip provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy a picnic in the sun. If the weather is hot enough, remember to pack a bathing suit and spend some time in the water. When your beach day comes to an end, save some time to explore the rest of the island. A great attraction is the Wolfe Island Wind Farm, which can be seen from across the island.
These suggestions are some of many since Kingston has plenty more areas to explore. Although I won鈥檛 be living in Kingston this summer, I will definitely be back to visit.