Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kingston is a city located on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario, serving as a regional hub between Toronto and Montreal. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 130,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 50 Mbps, suitable for remote work. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | CAD - 1 CAD ≈ 0.74 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe to consume. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Rogers, Bell, and Telus offering good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | TD Canada Trust, Royal Bank of Canada, and CIBC are popular among expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and university accommodations available for short and long stays. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit and debit cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo provide various short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like HI Kingston offer affordable lodging. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Downtown Kingston, near historic sites and waterfront views. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Near Queen's University and the downtown core for access to cafes and co-working spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Workary offers a vibrant co-working space with meeting rooms and high-speed internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Kingston Coffee House provides a cozy atmosphere and great coffee, ideal for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups are hosted regularly through local groups on platforms like Meetup.com. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Kingston Expats Facebook group organizes regular events for newcomers. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Lyft operate in Kingston, providing convenient transport options. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | City has bike rental services like Kingston Bike Share. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Macdonald Park Beach is 15 minutes away, ideal for relaxing and outdoor activities. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Canada Express provides regional services to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | WestJet and Air Canada for international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to Highway 401 makes travel to Toronto and Ottawa easy. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kingston railway station connects to Toronto and Montreal via VIA Rail. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Kingston Transit offers monthly passes for local transport. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train and bus services connect Kingston to nearby towns and cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kingston General Hospital offers comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga at the Crossroads is a popular yoga studio for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | YMCA Kingston provides a range of fitness facilities and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Kingston Laundry offers convenient wash and fold services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | SkipTheDishes and UberEats provide excellent food delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Poutine is a must-try local dish, available at various eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Vegan Feast offers a wide range of plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Leslie's Cookies is known for its delicious baked goods and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Kingston Public Market features local produce and affordable goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon.ca and local food delivery websites service Kingston. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local grocery stores like Loblaws offer delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Princess Street is known for nightlife, with several bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Kingston Brewing Company offers local craft beers and brewery tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Screaming Avocado is a popular spot for wine and tapas. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food trucks are commonly found during summer months in public squares. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Osteria La Bottega serves exceptional Italian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Fort Henry National Historic Site offers stunning views and historical insights. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Marine Museum of the Great Lakes features local maritime history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Kingston Penitentiary offers guided tours of the historic prison. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. George's Cathedral is an iconic Anglican church in Kingston. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Kingston Buskers Rendezvous showcases street performers every summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The downtown area hosts numerous galleries and street art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Grand Theatre is the primary venue for performing arts in Kingston. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Kingston Farmers Market is held weekly with local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues like The Ale House host live music events regularly. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found in downtown Kingston, showcasing local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Urban Pantry offers cooking classes featuring local ingredients. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Baker Cultural Centre exhibits contemporary art and hosts events. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | City Hall is an architectural landmark housing local government. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city is known for its rich military and maritime heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lemoine Point Conservation Area offers trails and scenic views of the waterfront. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | 1000 Islands National Park is easily accessible for outdoor adventures. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The K&P Trail provides extensive cycling and walking routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The lookout at Fort Henry offers panoramic views of the city and Lake Ontario. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands at Kingston East offer excellent birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at parks like Breakwater Park allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Canada Post and FedEx offer reliable parcel delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | TechWorx provides computer and mobile device repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Kingston Table Tennis Club hosts regular games and meetups. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | ESL schools like the Kingston Language Institute offer language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Kingston Frontenac Public Library system offers quiet spaces for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Kingston Community House offers various activities and programs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Select locations like the Gaming Lounge offer console gaming experiences. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Shorelines Casino Kingston features gaming and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 4,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = CAD 200,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 3,200 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = CAD 160,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 3,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CAD 228,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CAD 174,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 3,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CAD 280,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CAD 192,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% federal corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 25% tax on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Individuals are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 53.53% maximum personal income tax rate in Ontario. |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) applied. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Canada has rules governing foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual municipal property tax based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1.5% provincial land transfer tax on real estate purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax benefits, but non-resident status can minimize tax obligations. |