A Fall Getaway to Kingston Made Easier with New Flight

Known as the gateway to the 1000 Islands, Kingston is situated where the St. Lawrence River meets Lake Ontario. (Jim Bamboulis photo for Vacay.ca)

For decades, the usual route to get from Toronto to Kingston has been to drive three hours on Highway 401, often amid heavy traffic and with little in the way of inspiring scenery to enjoy. Now, travellers have another option — one that’s more pleasant and novel.

In 45 minutes, Torontonians can be on a getaway to Kingston, thanks to a new flight option from FlyGTA.

For many travellers who make the road trip between Toronto and Eastern Ontario, Kingston is often considered to be only a brief pit stop to fill up on gas and food en route to Ottawa or the Kawarthas lake country. But for those who have taken time to explore Canada’s first pre-Confederation capital, Kingston becomes more than just a stopover. Instead, it transforms into a place where history thrives, and where locals are eager to showcase the best cultural and culinary experiences of their region.

The FlyGTA crew is masked up to depart from Toronto’s City Centre Airport. (Jim Bamboulis photo for Vacay.ca)

Along with flights to Niagara-on-the-Lake and Muskoka, FlyGTA, an airline based at Toronto’s Billy Bishop Island Toronto City Airport, has adde Kingston to its destinations list. Perfect for business travellers who prefer a smoother commute and leisure travellers yearning for a weekend getaway, FlyGTA takes the hassle out of travel, features a private jet charter experience at very affordable prices and without the pretence.

First thing’s first: health and safety. Based on my experience, FlyGTA exceeds essential safety protocols. Prior to boarding the comfortable eight-seater Beechcraft King Air 100, everyone on board, including crew, must undergo a temperature check and complete a health questionnaire. In accordance with Transport Canada guidelines, masks are mandatory throughout the flight and everything is disinfected, including seats, armrests, and seatbelts. Once inside and seated, it’s easy to let your mind drift, body recline, and eyes gaze out the window. But don’t get too comfortable because before you know it, you’ve reached your destination. YTZ to YGK, gate-to-gate, takes 45 minutes!

Discover More: How to Fly to Cottage Country

In an effort to stimulate tourism, and spark interest in one of Ontario’s most picturesque and historic cities, FlyGTA, the City of Kingston and Kingston Tourism have collaborated to create an unbeatable promotional weekend staycation package, giving visitors a chance to explore the best of the Limestone City during the fall. Starting at $298 per person, taxes included, travellers can fly round-trip to Kingston, enjoy a two-night stay at the Delta Waterfront Hotel (or similar properties), a one-hour trolley tour of the city, a one-hour sightseeing cruise of the 1000 Islands, and a tour of the infamous Kingston Penitentiary. Breakfast is included for both days and shuttle service between the airport and downtown are complimentary upon arrival and departure.

The 1000 Islands decorate the St. Lawrence River with colours and sublime beauty, especially during autumn. (Jim Bamboulis photo for Vacay.ca)

As a home base, the Delta Waterfront Hotel is an ideal launching pad for your weekend. It’s within walking distance to excellent restaurants, boutique shops, city parks, and historic sites, not to mention steps from the water with spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River. Around the corner from the hotel, your iconic red trolley awaits.

The one-hour Kingston City Trolley Tour gives visitors a glimpse into both old and new Kingston. Led by engaging, entertaining, and informative tour guides, the comfortable trip around the city showcases the architecture and significance of several key points of interest, including the Frontenac County Courthouse and Fort Henry National Historic Site.

Explore the 1000 Islands in Comfort

Who doesn’t love a waterfront cruise that meanders the beautiful 1000 Islands on the charming Island Queen during the fall? Embark on a relaxing one-hour boat ride and experience the city from the outside looking in. Autumn is arguably the best time to enjoy the experience as the beautiful, vibrant colours of the season contrast perfectly with the stunning limestone buildings that grace the coastline of the city.

If you’re from Ontario, you’ve likely heard about it, and read stories about its past and those who occupied its walls. Now, it’s time to experience the Kingston Penitentiary for yourself. Established in 1835, Canada’s oldest reformatory prison is a stunning example of craftsmanship and intimidation. Daunting and imposing, the entire complex feels like a moment stuck in time and is a perfect example of “If these walls could talk.”

The Kingston Penitentiary is a historic former prison that housed some of Canada’s most notorious inmates. It’s now a focal point of a city tour in Kingston. (Jim Bamboulis photo for Vacay.ca)

Walking tours are led by guides who share inside information and personal stories about select inmates, the history of the buildings, escape attempts, the evolution of the prison as a present-day living museum, and finally what happened to the prisoners when the Pen closed its doors permanently in 2013 — 180 years after it opened.

Kingston awaits, eager to welcome you. FlyGTA makes it affordable, convenient, and tempting.

MORE ABOUT FLYGTA

Website: flygta.com
Airfare to Kingston: Based on a search of the airline’s booking engine, round-trip fare from Toronto costs $158 per person for flights in October.
Kingston Fall Getaway Package: The promotion includes:

• Round-trip flights from Toronto for 1 person
• 1- night hotel stay
• Hotel shuttle transfers to and from Kingston’s Norman Rogers Airport
• Sightseeing cruise

For a mid-week visit in October, the cost for the package starts at $298 per person and $358 for a Saturday night stay. Multiple hotels are available to choose from, and the price adjusts depending on the property you choose.