Kingston Penitentiary is one of those places that instantly makes kids perk up when you tell them where you are going. A real prison, with heavy stone walls and tall guard towers, right by the water in Kingston. For parents it is a mix of Canadian history and a unique peek into a world most of us only see in movies. The prison only closed in 2013 after almost 180 years in operation, which makes it feel surprisingly recent and a little bit eerie. It is the kind of family outing that is both educational and a little thrilling at the same time.
A Short History of Canada’s Oldest Prison
Kingston Penitentiary first opened its doors in 1835, making it the oldest prison in Canada. For generations it was where the country sent some of its most notorious inmates. Over the years the prison became known not just for its thick limestone walls but also for some tough moments in Canadian history. One of the most dramatic was the 1971 riot, when hundreds of inmates took over parts of the prison and held guards hostage for four days.
The penitentiary finally closed in 2013 after nearly 180 years of operation. By then the buildings were old and no longer met modern standards. Since then, the site has been carefully preserved and opened up to visitors through guided tours, letting families walk through cell blocks, exercise yards, and common areas that were once off-limits to the public.
Tour Options and How to Book Tickets
The only way to see Kingston Penitentiary is on a guided tour. You can’t just wander around on your own, which actually makes sense because the history here is better when it is explained by the guides. Tours run through the official Kingston Penitentiary website and tickets must be booked in advance, especially in summer and long weekends when spots fill quickly.
| Tour Type | Length | Price (2025) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Tour | 45 minutes | General admission: $24.01, Kids under 5 free | Families with younger kids or short attention spans |
| Standard Tour | 1.5 hours | General admission: $37.28, Kids under 5 free | Families with older kids who can handle a longer walk |
| Extended Tour | 2.5 hours | General admission: $71.80, Kids under 5 free | History buffs or families with teens who want all the details |
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Booking is simple online and you’ll get an email confirmation to show at the entrance. Tickets include access to the guided tour only, so plan snacks and meals before or after your visit. Book your tickets here.
What to Expect During the Visit (With Kids in Tow)
The tours are fully guided, so from the moment you step inside the tall limestone gates you’re led through different parts of the prison while your guide explains the history and daily life of inmates. Families walk through the main cell blocks, the exercise yards, and even the segregation wing, all while hearing real stories about what happened inside these walls.
One of the most striking moments the guides talk about is the 1971 riot, when inmates took over sections of the prison for several days. The stories can be intense, but guides usually keep the explanations balanced so kids aren’t overwhelmed.
The pace of the tour is steady and involves a fair bit of walking, but there are frequent stops to listen and ask questions. Younger kids may get restless during the longer tours, which is why the express tour often works best for families.
Cameras are welcome for photos, which is a nice bonus because there are plenty of dramatic backdrops for family pictures. Videos, though, are not allowed.
Is the Kingston Penitentiary Tour Worth It for Families?
For our family, the answer is yes. Kingston Penitentiary is one of those rare places where history feels very real, and kids can actually picture what life might have been like inside the prison walls. The guides keep things engaging, the stories are memorable, and the site itself is impressive to walk through.
With young kids, we definitely recommend the express tour. At 45 minutes it covers the main highlights, keeps their attention, and still gives parents the chance to soak in the atmosphere. Older kids or history lovers in the family may enjoy the longer tours, but for most families the shorter option hits the sweet spot.
It’s not your typical family outing, but that’s exactly what makes it so worthwhile. You’ll leave with a mix of curiosity, a few goosebumps, and plenty to talk about on the drive home.
Beaver Curious
If there’s a quirky museum, a hidden alley, or a local legend, you’ll find me nose-deep in the details. Every destination is a treasure map, and I’m here to discover every secret, snack, and story. Curiosity isn’t just a trait, it’s my travel compass!
