Planning a photo session is exciting—but choosing the right location can make all the difference. Whether you’re dreaming up a romantic engagement shoot, organizing a timeless family portrait, or looking for a stunning backdrop on your wedding day, Kingston offers no shortage of beautiful spots. As a photographer who's spent years capturing love stories and milestones around this charming city, I’ve come to know which locations shine (and which can be a bit tricky!).

In this guide, I’ll walk you through some of my favorite photo session locations in and around Kingston, complete with pros and cons, seasonal highlights, and the best times of day to shoot. Whether you're after limestone architecture, waterfront views, or lush greenery, this list will help you find the perfect setting to match your vision. While this is not a full list of locations, its a good place to start.

Lemoine Point Conservation Area

Lemoine Point Conservation Area is a stunning 136-hectare natural space located in Kingston’s west end. Framed by Collins Bay and Lake Ontario, it features a mix of wooded trails, open fields, and peaceful waterfront views. With the Norman Rogers Airport to the east, it’s easy to access yet still feels like a quiet retreat.

A long-time favourite for both couples and families, Lemoine Point offers a wide variety of scenic backdrops—making it a versatile location for everything from playful family photos to romantic engagement sessions.

Pros: Spacious with lots of variety—meadows, forest, and water. Ideal for families with active kids who need room to roam. Dog friendly location but remember to keep you pooch leashed.

Cons: It’s a popular spot, especially during evenings and weekends. Finding quiet areas free of foot traffic can take a bit of patience.

Best time to photograph:
Golden hour in the evening offers beautiful light by the lake. For families with little ones, a calm morning session is a great way to beat the crowds and work around nap time.

Season: Works well in all seasons. Tip: Bring bird food for critter feeding photos.

Fort Henry

Fort Henry in Kingston, Ontario is a local fav for wedding and engagement photos with its stunning lake views and diverse locations around the fort.

Pros: Beautiful views of Kingston and the thousand Islands.

Cons: It’s a popular spot, especially during peak tourist season. Can also be very windy. Photos may be limited to outside the fort if not part of a wedding taking place at the Great Hall.

Best time to photograph: Golden hour in the evening offers soft light and beautiful views of the water.

Season: Great location in fair weather, can be brutilly cold in the winter months.

Patterson Park

Patterson Park, also known as Wartman-Patterson Park, is a hidden gem in Kingston’s west end. Tucked away at the end of Sunny Acres Road along the Lake Ontario shoreline, it features beautiful water views, open green space, and the historic Wartman House—a limestone farmhouse dating back to the 1840s. It’s a lovely spot for a engagement or family photo session by the lake.

Pros: Beautiful views of the lake and beautiful greenery.

Cons: May not be ideal for high-heeled shoes or delicate wedding wear. Limited accessibility, some uneven terrain, may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. No amenities, no nearby washrooms or changing rooms.

Best time to photograph: Golden hour in the evening offers soft light and beautiful views of the water.

Season: Great location in fair weather, not recommended in the winter months.

Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area

Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area, just minutes from Kingston, is a top spot for engagement and family photo sessions. With 394 ha of marsh, forest, and creekside trails, it offers peaceful, varied scenery year-round—ideal for capturing relaxed, authentic moments in nature.

Pros: Forest trails, boardwalks, open fields, and marshes provide diverse scenery for unique photos without changing locations.

Cons: Can be buggy in the warmer months. A fee is required for entry, parking can be limited due seasonal activies.

Best time to photograph: Any time of day works.

Season: Great location all year round. Trails are maintained through out the year. Check the website for full details and fees.

Parrott’s Bay Conservation Area

Parrott’s Bay Conservation Area, just west of Kingston, is a beautiful spot for engagement and family photo sessions. With scenic trails, forested paths, wetlands, and stunning views of Lake Ontario, it offers a peaceful, natural backdrop year-round—just be mindful of limited facilities and bug season.

Pros: Wooded trails, wetlands, and open waterfront views give you a variety of backdrops in one location.

Cons: Can be buggy in the warmer months. Parking is free but can be limited. Limited accessibility, some uneven terrain, may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. No amenities, no nearby washrooms or changing rooms.

Best time to photograph: Any time of day works.

Season: Great location all year round however proper footwear and attire is recommended for the season.

Downtown Kingston

Downtown Kingston, Ontario offers a vibrant mix of historic charm and urban romance—ideal for engagement, wedding, portraits and family photo shoots. Iconic backdrops include limestone storefronts along Princess and Ontario streets, the majestic Neoclassical Kingston City Hall, and lively Springer Market Square with its seasonal events. When it comes to downtown Kingston, the possibilities are truly endless.

Pros: A walkable layout, mix of textures, and year-round activity (think skate rink in winter, markets in warmer months), downtown Kingston blends history, personality, and energy—everything you want in a portrait location that's both dynamic and authentic.

Cons: Can be busy with traffic and people depending on the day or season.

Best time to photograph: Any time of day works depending on the location, although sunset is very beautiful.

Season: Great location all year round.

Barriefield Rock Garden

Barriefield Rock Garden, in historic Barriefield Village, is a serene and charming option for engagement or family photo sessions. With its limestone features, varied plant life, and peaceful paths, it’s ideal for natural, intimate portraiture—especially in spring and early summer bloom. It is a peaceful, community-created garden dating back to 1990, designed by Bill Robb with local charm.

Pros: Peaceful community atmosphere, fewer crowds, more authentic moments.

Cons: Limited accessibility, some uneven terrain, may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. No amenities, no nearby washrooms or changing rooms.

Best time to photograph: Any time of day works depending on the spot, although sunset is very beautiful.

Season: Spring and early summer are best at this location to enjoy the beautiful flowers and greenery.

Lake Ontario Park

Lake Ontario Park, tucked along Cataraqui Bay in Kingston, is a stunning location for family, engagement, wedding and portrait photo sessions. With 37 acres of waterfront, rock-strewn shoreline, winding trails, and lush green spaces, it offers a rich variety of backdrops—perfect for candid, lakeside, and golden-hour portraits. Ideal for relaxed, joyful photo sessions with minimal crowds and easy access.

Pros: Waterfront Variety: Smooth lake views, rocky ledges, and sandy patches give you a blend of textures and moods. Tree-lined paths and open lawns provide beautiful framing and intimate moments. Just minutes from downtown Kingston with amenities like parking, restrooms, and playgrounds.

Cons: Look ahead for seasonal events that could bring large crowds.

Best time to photograph: Sunset by the water creates warm glows and gorgeous light reflections. Mornings also work well for families.

Season: Fall foliage, snowy winters, spring blossoms, and summer greens bring seasonal character. Can be chilly on a winter day with wind from the lake.

Great Photo Locations in Kingston, Ontario | Engagement, Wedding & Family Sessions