Welcome

Tickets are Now on Sale!

Kingston Pen Tours offers a unique opportunity to explore Canada's oldest maximum-security prison. Closed in 2013 and designated as a National Historic Site, it is an amazing historical building, predating Canada's confederation in 1867. Tours include the Standard, Extended, Architectural and Film Tours. We look forward to seeing you this season!

Before You Visit

Tickets are available for purchase online and purchasing tickets prior to arrival is highly recommended.

Purchase Tickets

Located at 560 King St W, Kingston, Ontario

Parking is available at no charge onsite. Accessible parking spaces are also available closest to the entrance of the parking lot nearest King Street.

Yes, RVs are permitted, and it is recommended that guests park towards the far Southside of the parking lot towards the back end which should allow for ample space.

Residents with a valid Kingston postal code can save $5 from their tour ticket by inputting their postal code using format “ABC 123” into the “Enter a promo code” section once you have selected the preferred tour type. This will be verified upon entry.

Guests are required to submit a request 72 hours prior to their scheduled tour time. Please note that tickets are non-refundable.

Please notify our staff upon arrival. They will ensure that you join your applicable tour time.

Good news! They are opening back up this year and operate on a donation basis and are not affiliated with Kingston Pen Tours. For more information, visit https://www.penitentiarymuseum.ca/

No, there is no discount available for military or former staff.

For more information regarding tours offered, click here.

Yes, the Standard Tour is available in French at 1:40pm.

General

Washrooms are available at the start of the tour as well the end of the tour. Guests are advised to use a washroom before starting the tour.

Yes, our retail shop will be available at the end of the tour.

No guests are not permitted to spend the night at Kingston Penitentiary.

Personal cameras are welcome but no tripods or heavy equipment allowed on the tours.

No audio or video recording is permitted without prior written approval by the St. Lawrence Parks Commission.

Please note that only service animals are permitted.

Yes, strollers are permitted. Please note that some parts of the Extended tour are not accessible, however.

Yes, walkers and wheelchairs are allowed on the tours. We have 12 wheelchairs on site. Please note there may be some areas that may be difficult to access.

Yes, a bike rack is available on the northwest of the parking lot.

Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own or purchase a reusable bottle before their tour as water stations are available throughout the tour route.

Tours operate on a rain or shine basis. There is no heat or air conditioning onsite, as such it is recommended that guests dress for the weather.

No smoking or vaping is allowed on site.

Yes, there are chairs available in certain locations on the tour available for guests.

More information regarding accommodations can be found at https://www.visitkingston.ca/stay/

Health & Safety Measures 

Guests are encouraged to self-assess their health and encouraged to not visit our attractions if there is any possibility that they may have contracted or have come into contact with COVID-19.

  • Guests may bring their own personal protective equipment; gloves, masks and/or face coverings, hand sanitizer and disinfectant cleaning products if they wish.
  • Cleaning practices have been enhanced throughout the tour route and restrooms.
  • Signage will communicate best practices, so guests continue to adhere to best health and safety practices.

Kingston Pen Tours

Tickets are available for purchase online and purchasing tickets prior to arrival is highly recommended.
Purchase Tickets

Located at 560 King St W, Kingston, Ontario.

For more information regarding tours offered, click here.

Parking is available at no charge onsite. Accessible parking spaces are also available closest to the entrance of the parking lot nearest King Street.

Yes, RVs are permitted, and it is recommended that guests park towards the far Southside of the parking lot towards the back end which should allow for ample space.

Thank you for your service. We are pleased to offer discounted admission to Canadian Armed Forces members and their families, veterans and more. Please show a valid CF One card at admissions.

Residents with a valid Kingston postal code can save $5 from their tour ticket by inputting their postal code using format “ABC 123” into the “Enter a promo code” section once you have selected the preferred tour type. This will be verified upon entry.

Guests are required to submit a request 72 hours prior to their scheduled tour time. Please note that tickets are non-refundable.

Contact Us

Please notify our staff upon arrival. They will ensure that you join your applicable tour time.

Whether you’re a history buff or looking for a unique and educational experience, a visit to Canada’s Penitentiary Museum is a must when visiting Kingston Pen Tours. Open 7 days a week.

Admission is by donation, making it accessible for everyone to explore and learn.

For more information, visit https://www.penitentiarymuseum.ca/

Yes, the Standard Tour is available in French at 1:40pm.

Washrooms are available at the start of the tour as well the end of the tour. Guests are advised to use a washroom before starting the tour.

Yes, our retail shop will be available at the end of the tour.

No guests are not permitted to spend the night at Kingston Penitentiary.

Personal cameras are welcome but no tripods or heavy equipment are allowed on the tours.

No audio or video recording is permitted without prior written approval by the St. Lawrence Parks Commission.

Please note that only service animals are permitted.

Yes, strollers are permitted. Please note that some parts of the Extended tour are not accessible.

Yes, walkers and wheelchairs are allowed on the tours. We have 12 wheelchairs on site. Please note there may be some areas that may be difficult to access.

Yes, a bike rack is available on the northwest of the parking lot.

Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own or purchase a reusable bottle before their tour as water stations are available throughout the tour route.

No smoking or vaping is allowed on site.

Yes, there are chairs available in certain locations on the tour available for guests.

More information regarding accommodations and hotel packages can be found at www.visitkingston.ca/together/

Guests are encouraged to self-assess their health and encouraged to not visit our attractions if there is any possibility that they may have contracted or have come into contact with COVID-19.