The Ultimate Guide to Buying Waterfront Homes in Kingston, ON

Nestled on the eastern end of Lake Ontario, Kingston is southeastern Ontario’s largest municipality and one of the most sought-after places to live in the region. The city is currently home to over 132,000 residents who all enjoy an exceptional quality of life in a prime location with access to a wealth of amenities, attractions, and destinations.

One of the main highlights of living in Kingston is the incredible waterfront lifestyle it offers. Bordered to the south by Lake Ontario, the city provides serene waterfront views from its many parks, walking trails, and restaurant patios. A vast array of activities including windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and boating can be enjoyed in Kingston throughout the milder seasons, making it an ideal place to live for outdoor lovers.

Why a waterfront home in Kingston, Ontario is a great investment

If you’re looking forward to laidback living by the water, Kingston is a perfect choice. You’ll be able to find an impressive selection of waterfront homes in Kingston, Ontario, allowing you to enjoy the city’s top-quality offerings while having a relaxing place to call home.

On this page, we’ll give you an insider’s look at the unparalleled waterfront lifestyle waiting for you in the “Limestone City.” You’ll also find several tips and other relevant information that will help you as you navigate this exciting market.

Kingston’s Waterfront Master Plan

One of the many excellent reasons why Kingston is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to live by the water is the outstanding level of care and effort from the local government to preserve and protect the city’s shoreline. The city established the Waterfront Master Plan, which was officially approved by Council in 2016. The master plan is a guiding document that aims to organize and prioritize the renewal of public spaces along the shore, in addition to enhancing and increasing public access and connectivity to the waterfront.

The Waterfront Master Plan consists of 138 projects along Kingston’s 280-kilometre shoreline and will be implemented over a 30-year period. To create a cohesive, connected system, the plan included Kingston’s west boundaries from Collins Bay to St. Lawrence River and north along the Great Cataraqui River towards Kingston Mills Lock station.

Kingston’s Waterfront Master Plan was awarded the National Award of Excellence under large-scale planning and analysis from the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects.

For updates on completed projects and planned works, visit this page.

Waterfront activities and destinations to enjoy in Kingston

Whether you’re looking forward to enjoying exciting activities on the lake, indulging in an unforgettable waterfront dining experience, or simply taking in picture-perfect scenery, Kingston’s myriad of waterfront attractions is sure to delight.

Downtown Kingston’s location at the confluence of three bodies of water (Lake Ontario, the Cataraqui River, and St. Lawrence River) makes it an ideal spot to enjoy a leisurely stroll by the water. Be sure to check out the Waterfront Trail, a beautiful trail winding over 500 acres of fields, wetlands, and forests.

If you’re looking to enjoy the breathtaking views of the city and Lake Ontario’s tranquil waters, some of the best vantage points are right on the water. Hop aboard a kayak and get ready for a scenic journey! Head to Douglas Fluhrer Park or Kingston Marina and start paddling away. From here, you can make your way up the Rideau Canal towards Ottawa, or paddle underneath the causeway to reach Point Frederick, the peninsula that’s home to the Royal Military College (RMC). You can also paddle up St. Lawrence River to explore the waters surrounding Cedar Island. For kayak rentals, you can find hourly and daily rentals from venues like Trailhead and Ahoy Rentals.

Looking to satisfy your cravings? Kingston is home to an enticing array of excellent waterfront restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy mouthwatering cuisine while admiring the gorgeous scenery. Be sure to check out these top restaurants located along the shore:

• AquaTerra – 1 Johnson Street Kingston, ON Phone: 613.549.6243
• Wharf & Feather – 2 Princess St., Kingston, ON Phone: 613.549.8400
• Juniper Cafe – 370 King St W, Kingston, ON Phone: 613.344.1736
• River Mill – 2 Cataraqui Street, Kingston, ON Phone: 613.549.5759
• Baja Craft Kitchen – 253 Ontario St. Suite A, Kingston, ON Phone: 613.766.1694

Great nearby destinations to visit

In addition to all of the top-tier amenities and attractions you can enjoy in Kingston, the city also provides quick access to several nearby destinations perfect for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation.

Kingston is about 20 minutes east of Loyalist Township, ON, home to a wealth of fascinating historical sites, world-class golf courses, and beautiful beaches, parks, and conservation areas. Amherst Island, a popular tourist attraction, is a 20-minute ferry ride away from Loyalist. The island attracts countless tourists each year with its historic cemeteries, dry stone walls, fun music festivals, and picturesque Sand Beach Wetlands Conservation Area. Loyalist Township also hosts numerous special events throughout the year, including some of the best sailing in the region.

Another incredible destination that’s easily accessible from Kingston is the 1000 Islands, a breathtaking region with a rich history, unique culture, and endless picture-perfect shorelines. For more than 150 years, the 1000 Islands have drawn countless vacationers looking forward to an unparalleled experience in a place surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Its enchanting waters were once patrolled by pirates, and are now enjoyed by cottagers relaxing in tranquil bays and visitors aboard guided trips narrating the incredible stories behind the archipelago.

Proximity to several picturesque lakes

Located just north of Kingston are several serene lakes offering an array of fun family-friendly activities including boating, fishing, camping, wildlife viewing, and more. These lakes are highly desirable destinations for those searching for residential and recreational waterfront properties, giving buyers more real estate options to choose from.

• • Loughborough Lake – Loughborough Lake lies mostly within the South Frontenac municipality, except for its southern section which is on the northern border of Kingston.

 

• • Sydenham Lake – Located north of Kingston, Sydenham Lake is a natural, deep lake that’s home to a diverse variety of warm and cool water aquatic species, making it a highly popular fishing destination. The lake features a scenic beach area with relatively calm and shallow waters, perfect for visitors of all ages.

 

• • Dog Lake – The beautiful Dog Lake draws countless visitors each summer with its exceptional fishing and boating opportunities. At the western end of the lake is a public dock area known as the “Shipyards” – a reminder of the lake’s vibrant shipbuilding history.

 

• • Rideau Lakes – Rideau Lakes is a township home to a wealth of attractions, including the Rideau Waterway, several historic trails, the Jones Falls stone arch dam, and more than 500 km of picturesque shoreline. The town features a great selection of waterfront cottages that offer easy access to fishing and a variety of watersports on the Rideau Canal.

 

Starting your search for waterfront homes in Kingston, Ontario

For many, owning a home right by the water is the ultimate dream. The appeal of waterfront living is undeniable. Endless sunrises and sunsets casting their glow on the lake’s glassy surface. Enjoying a refreshing afternoon dip in the summer, and capping the day off with a lakefront bonfire.

If you’re planning to purchase a waterfront home in Kingston, Ontario, however, there’s a lot more to consider to ensure a smooth and seamless transaction. Here are some tips to help you start your search.

Key attributes of a waterfront home

Before you browse available waterfront homes in Kingston, Ontario, familiarizing yourself with the common terms associated with this type of property will be very helpful. For example, you may come across some homes listed as “waterfront,” but only offer access to the water.

Having a clear idea of the home you’d like to purchase and knowing how to identify differences between various waterfront properties will help you find an ideal home that matches your needs and requirements.

Here are the three main types of homes that are categorized under waterfront listings:

• • Waterfront – The term “waterfront” applies to homes that back directly onto the shore. Waterfront homes are typically the most expensive option out of all the categories, as they offer a combination of all of the benefits available to the other types of homes.Waterfront homes typically come with features like a boathouse, dock, and even access to a private beach.

 

• • Waterview – Waterview homes are highlighted by views of the water, but do not provide direct access. Waterview homes are a very popular choice for many buyers who simply want to soak in the majestic views but are unwilling to pay a premium price to live right on the shore.

 

• • Water Access – Properties listed as water access homes are located close to a body of water, which can be accessed through a beach, pier, or communal pathway. Water access homes are an affordable option for buyers who simply want to enjoy recreational activities like boating or fishing.

 

Examining your needs

One of the most crucial parts of searching for a waterfront property is determining your needs. You need to think thoroughly about how you want to use your waterfront home.

This hinges on your passions, priorities, and what you are looking forward to enjoying when it comes to waterfront living. From there, you can narrow down a specific area, and focus on particular properties that match your goals.

Ask yourself key questions such as:

• • What activities am I looking forward to the most? – The activities you plan to enjoy are huge factors in choosing the right property. If fishing is your favorite pastime, for example, you want to have easy access to a deep body of water that supports a wide variety of fish. For avid boaters, the size of the watercraft will be an important factor, as you want a property that will be able to accommodate it. If you want to enjoy canoeing or kayaking, a more secluded location on the waterfront will be ideal compared to the busier parts of the lake.

 

• • What other lifestyle requirements do I have? Apart from providing access to the recreational activities you love, your waterfront home should be able to fulfill other needs as well. If you’re a frequent traveler, limiting your search to homes that are at least within an hour away from the nearest airport will be a smart move. If you have medical considerations, your home should offer convenient access to a hospital.

 

Waterfront homes for sale in Kingston, Ontario

Kingston features a wide selection of stunning homes that provide an unparalleled lifestyle along the shores of beautiful Lake Ontario. Waterfront homes in Kingston, Ontario are available in a diverse assortment of elegant architectural styles including Queen Anne, Georgian, Gothic Revival, and Maritime Vernacular.

Whether you’re in the market for permanent residence, a stunning vacation home, or an ideal investment property, the selection of waterfront homes in Kingston, Ontario will be able to fulfill your unique needs and preferences.

Some examples of typical features you can find in waterfront homes in Kingston include:

• Sprawling wooded lots with meticulously maintained landscaping
• Spacious, well-designed floor plans filled with natural light
• Gleaming hardwood floors throughout
• Oversized windows framing incredible views of Lake Ontario
• Large primary suites with walk-in closets and breathtaking water views
• Gourmet kitchens with granite counters and top-quality stainless steel appliances
• Outdoor features like expansive stone patios and sundecks perfect for entertaining

Helpful tips to keep in mind when buying a waterfront home in Kingston, Ontario

Gathering information on the steps involved in purchasing a waterfront home will allow you to make well-informed decisions throughout the process. Compared to purchasing a conventional, land-locked home, there are some differences you need to be aware of when you’re in the market for a waterfront property.

Here’s a look at some of the key steps involved in purchasing a waterfront home.

Hiring a realtor

Professional real estate agents have different experience levels, backgrounds, and specialties. To find an ideal property that will fulfill your unique goals, you want to work with an agent who has years of experience in buying and selling waterfront homes.

Realtors who specialize in waterfront properties are more familiar with most of the common problems that plague waterfront homes and are more experienced when it comes to suggesting which properties are worth looking into, and which ones to steer clear of.

Additionally, a realtor who specializes in waterfront properties in a specific area will be able to provide extensive information on the body of water. This is essential, as factors like the neighborhood’s demographic, the current state of the shoreline, and the rules and regulations on the water will shape your lifestyle and overall satisfaction once you purchase.

Researching the shoreline’s history

Compared to a typical home, a waterfront home requires additional upkeep and maintenance, due to its proximity to the water and exposure to the elements.

Request information on the history of the shoreline, as this tends to shift over time. If patterns suggest receding of the water, for example, your waterfront home could be situated further from the water within the next several years. On the other hand, if the water is creeping closer to the shoreline, then the property you’re eying could be at risk.

Inspecting the property

When inspecting the home, make sure you look for signs of potential damage and degradation that may have been caused by neglect. Ask about the home’s foundation and its structure, and find out if there are any issues caused by heavy rains or floods.

Keep in mind that excessive amounts of moisture from large bodies of water like Lake Ontario can cause significant damage to even the most structurally sound waterfront homes. Be sure to take into account the maintenance and groundwork your new home will require, and try to talk to your potential neighborhoods about what to expect when it comes to the effects of the annual weather and moisture levels on your home.

Gathering information on shoreline development

If part of your plan is to add a new dock, expand the home’s existing one, or construct a boathouse or bulkhead, the process can be challenging. Waterfront properties in Ontario are subject to bylines, regulations, and codes established by local, state, and federal agencies with regard to shoreline development.

Most of the policies are issued by Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF). If you’re planning to renovate or construct additions to your home following purchase, get in touch with the local MNRF to avoid running into any issues once you begin the process.

You’ll also want to look into zoning bylaws (which vary by municipality) for regulations concerning dock size and coverage. In some situations, you may only be allowed to maintain an existing structure instead of constructing a new one.

Work With the Top Real Estate Team in Kingston, ON Today!

Choose from the finest waterfront homes in Kingston, Ontario today! To help you get started, The Krishan Nathan Group is here to help you on your search for the ideal waterfront property in this exciting market.

By working with the team of experts from The Krishan Nathan Group, you’ll be able to enjoy a smooth, stress-free experience towards your real estate goals. As one of the top real estate teams in Kingston, The Krishan Nathan Group is known for their exceptional level of service and propensity for success, which has helped countless clients navigate the home buying and selling process with ease.

Get in touch with The Krishan Nathan Group today by calling 613.507.3711 or sending an email to info.ngroup.ca