Express Tour

This fully accessible 45 minute guided tour offers an introductory experience of Kingston Penitentiary. Guests will have the opportunity to visit many of the highlights of the institution, including the North Gate, a cell range, the canteen and social services area to hear about the 1971 riot, and more.

This tour contains subject matter designed for a mature audience - parental discretion is advised.

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Dissociation Unit at Kingston Penitentiary.

Standard Tour

Step inside the walls of Canada’s oldest penitentiary and explore the living and working areas, some dating back to the 1830s. Hear the personalized accounts from former staff and learn about the history and the daily routines, including stories of escapes, riots and everything in between on this 1.5-hour guided tour. Available in French as well.

This tour contains subject matter designed for a mature audience - parental discretion is advised.

English Tour: Purchase Tickets
French Tour: Purchase Tickets
Prison Cells in the Kingston Penitentiary

Extended Tour

This 2.5-hour tour covers the Standard Tour content as well as a more in-depth look behind the walls exploring the history of Kingston Penitentiary and Regional Treatment Centre. Discover more of the site and hear about the history of additional areas, such as the hospital, gymnasium, and school. With smaller group sizes the Extended Tour provides a greater opportunity to connect with retired corrections staff and tour guides.

This tour contains subject matter designed for a mature audience - parental discretion is advised.

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Kingston Penitentiary main entrance

Architectural Tour

Dive deep into the early history of the buildings, the architects and planners responsible for drafting and building the institution, and the design philosophy of Canada’s oldest Penitentiary. A balanced blend of the architectural integrity and stylistic inclusions will be shared throughout this 1.5-hour tour, with opportunities to photograph the magnificent exterior and interior constructions.

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Kingston Penitentiary - outside

Film Tour

The 1.5-hour Kingston Pen Film Tour explores the history of filmmaking in Kingston with a specific focus on films made at Kingston Penitentiary. Guests will visit various areas of the site and learn about how they were used in film, the different productions that filmed here, and about how these films were made.

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Font view of the Kingston Penitentiary

Tour Accessibility

Accessible tour options for persons with vision loss and mobility needs are integrated into all tours. Wheelchairs are available for guests to use as needed. Companions accompanying a visitor with a disability will receive complimentary admission when their assistance is required. If guests have any unique needs, require an accompanying companion or have any questions about accommodation, contact us using the button below 

Tours for People with Hearing Loss

A full tour script is available to visitors who have hearing loss. Please purchase tickets online and request the tour script upon arrival.

If you require a tour with ASL interpretation, please contact SLPC Guest Services using the button below prior to purchasing tickets.

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