Fool-Proof Father's Day Gift Guide in Downtown Kingston

By Aimee Latendresse

Published: June 16th, 2026

With Father’s Day right around the corner, don’t forget to send some love to the father figure in your life! I know shopping for Dad can be an intimidating task, but it’s made easy in Downtown Kingston, with everything from a nice dinner out to a page-turning book, you’re sure to find something for your dad!  

Cater To His Hobby

If your dad is bee-keeping age, there is nothing that says ‘I love you’ more than something to support their favourite hobby.  

Comics and Board Games

My dad is a huge comic enthusiast, and Nexus (270 Bagot St) is perfect for all things board games and comics. After bringing my dad around to take a picture of their Stormtrooper statue, I’m going to pick him up a new comic and Catan for the family.  

Vinyls, Cds, and Posters

For those who grew up on Dad rock in car rides, check out Brian’s Record Option (381 Princess St) to pick up a vinyl, poster, or CD of your dad’s favourite album. If he’s gearing up for The Tragically Hip’s concert screening this August, now would be the perfect time to pick up a copy of Trouble at the Henhouse.  

Outdoors and Camping Gear

For the outdoorsy dad, check out Trailhead (262 Princess St) for all-weather clothing and his new favourite water bottle. Or, get a head start on prep for the camping season and grab him a cozy new sleeping bag.

Collectable Books

If nothing tops a good Sunday read for your dad, stop by Berry and Peterson's (348 King St W) for a collectible or previously loved copy of his next read. Don’t forget to check out upstairs!


Grab Him a Drink

Does your dad turn his head at the sound of a beer cracking open? For any preference from pale ales to ciders, you can find it brewed downtown. And if your dad prefers a wine complementary to his meal, don’t worry, we have that too.  

Ontario Brewed Beer, Cider, and Pop

Next door to the oldest brew pub in Ontario (since 1986!) is its very own Kingston Brewing Company Bottle shop (40 Clarence St), which not only has a grand selection of beer, cider, and soda pop brewed on the site or across Ontario, but they also have memorabilia that is sure to please any Kingston Dad.  

Tacos and Beer

Whether you want to buy a 6-pack (which gives you one free in-house pour!) or take your dad to play a board game over Ghost Tacos, Something in the Water (275 Princess St)  is a perfect stop for local variety. I’m not much of a beer drinker, but my dad and I share a love for the Peach Crisp brew, it’s a must-try light and fruity brew.  

Specialty Wine

If you’re looking for unique bottles, check out Everly Wine and Provisions Shop (171 Wellington St)  for low intervention wines made by small producers, and pick up a pack of their fresh made pasta to seal the deal.  

Or, if you’re looking for imported wine, Bobbi Pecorino’s Wine Bar (326 King St E) has staff ready to walk you through personalized wine packages and tutored tasting.

Stack of canned beverages in a brewery setting with brewing equipment in background.

Update His Wardrobe

If your dad is anything like mine, his closet has practically been the same since he had kids. Why not zhuzh it up with a unique piece you know he’ll treasure?

Fun Socks and Accessories

If your dad has a funky sock collection or gets serious about his shaving self-care, Undr for Men (68 Princess St) has a wide selection of intimate products for men. My dad still wears his comic book socks I bought for Father’s Day last year!

Staple Pieces

From formal to casual, Chris James (253 Ontario St #200) has a great selection of clothes to up your dad’s wardrobe. Did someone say new quarter zip?

Vintage Clothes

If your dad lives for the good old days of fashion, pick out a piece or bring him to Reid’s (72 Princess St) for vintage finds you won’t get anywhere else.  

Kingston and Tragically Hip Merch

Let your dad show his Kingston Pride with unique merch at the Visitor Information Centre (209 Ontario St), or take him around town using the K-Pass. And, with the 10th anniversary of the final Tragically Hip Kingston concert, the shelves are full of pins, shirts, patches, and even chocolate guitars to help you prepare.


Take Him Out For Dinner

What better way to celebrate your dad than spending time together over delicious food? If you really want to treat your dad, here are some meals he will dream about until next Father’s Day.  

Warm, French Food

With a menu centered around local and Ontario produce, proteins, and drinks, Black Dog Tavern (69 Brock St) brings a modern spin to French Brasserie Staples. My Dad loved the French onion soup and fresh bread.  

Casual Fine Dining

For casual fine dining that your dad will talk about for weeks, check out Aquaterra’s (1 Johnson St) waterfront patio. Using locally sourced ingredients and having been recognized as OpenTable Diner’s choice year after year, they are a great place to let your Dad wind down.  

Fine Dining

Le Jardin (345 King St E) is located on the second floor of Mayla Concept, who was recently named one of the top 100 restaurants in Canada by OpenTable. From curated wine to naturally smoky grill flavours, it is a guaranteed unforgettable dining experience.  


Spend the Day with Him

When my dad is left at home with nothing to do but relax, he will start doing chores. So, to keep him from spending his day doing yard work, take him around the town!

Yoga in the Park

Start Father’s Day off right and unwind with free yoga in Battery Park. Bring a book and soak in the beautiful waterfront view on the benches after with a sandwich, soup, or salad from Pan Chancho (44 Princess st).  

Have a Sushi Picnic  

Confederation park is still in full bloom, with benches, ardonic chairs, and grassy patches that would make the perfect lunch spot with dad. Every time my dad is in town, we try something new from Sima Sushi (66 Princess St), with our favourites being Shrimp and Veggie Tempura with an Unagi maki roll.  

Bike or Kayak together

Explore the beautiful waterfront with guided bike tours, or dive right in and glide on the beautiful water in a kayak or canoe. If you don’t have the equipment sitting around in the garage, Ahoy rentals (21 Ontario st) is open daily with full-day or hour-long rental options. Afterwards, take a well-earned break with Mio Gelato (320A King st E and 178 Ontario st).

Take a Cruise

If you’ve never taken the 1000 Island Cruise before, now would be the perfect time to treat your dad. Depending on your taste, they have sightseeing, dining, and special event cruises for you to choose from.  

Catch a Movie

The Screening Room (120 Princess st) is an independent cinema that goes beyond showing new releases; they bring back classics so you and your dad can experience what its like to watch them in the theatre.

Try An Escape Room

Improbable Escapes (LaSalle Mews, 303 Bagot St) is perfect for putting your team work to a test! Pick from horror to adventure for an experience you won't soon forget.


In the end, the perfect Father's Day gift is something specific to your dad's liking, whether that be a handmade card and a brew he's never heard of before, or a sunset bike ride together. For anything your dad is into, Downtown Kingston has it. Happy Father’s Day, and happy celebrating!


Aimee Latendresse

Hi! I’m Aimee, one of the Marketing and Event summer students at Downtown Kingston. I currently study Education at Queen’s, and have always had a passion for people. My choice of Queen’s was largely influenced by my exploration of and falling in love with the downtown core during a campus tour, and that love has only grown deeper the more time I spend in this beautiful city. I’m proud to call Kingston my second home, and can’t wait to keep discovering more about its local beauty and charm

 
 

Explore more

Subscribe to the Downtown Dish.

Stay up to date on what's happening in your downtown and discover something new about the city you love!