Written By: Erin Choi

With back-to-school events, Homecoming, and Halloween behind us, November can feel like a bit of an in-between month at Queen’s.

Assignments are piling up, exam season is getting closer, the days are getting shorter, and it can be easy to fall into the same routine: go to class, study, head home, repeat.

But November doesn’t have to be just a countdown to finals.

Whether you want to get away from campus for a few hours, try something new with friends, or simply slow down and reset, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Kingston before the semester wraps up.

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Explore Somewhere New

Take the Ferry to Wolfe Island

If most of your semester has been spent between campus, downtown, and home, a trip to Wolfe Island can be just the change of scenery you need.

The free ferry departs from downtown Kingston and takes about 20 minutes to reach the island. Once you arrive, you can explore Marysville, walk along the waterfront, or simply enjoy being somewhere that feels a little different from your usual routine.

November is a great time to visit before winter fully settles in, and you don’t need a car to enjoy a short outing around the village! Just be sure to check the ferry schedule and weather before heading out.

Getting there: Head to the ferry terminal at 295 Ontario Street. Be sure to check the ferry schedule and weather before leaving.

Go for a Nature Walk at Lemoine Point

If you need a break from screens, readings, and lecture halls, try getting outside for a while.

Lemoine Point Conservation Area offers wooded trails and waterfront views away from the busier parts of Kingston. While the fall colours may be fading by November, the quieter trails still provide an opportunity to enjoy some fresh air before winter fully settles in.

Whether you prefer walking with friends or taking some time to yourself, it’s an easy way to step away from screens for a while. It’s also one of the easier ways to do something without needing to spend money.

Getting there: Lemoine Point is located in Kingston’s west end, so check transit options or arrange a ride before heading out.

 

Make the Most of Fall Before It’s Gone

Spend a Sunday at the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market

If your weekends are starting to feel repetitive, switch things up with a Sunday morning at the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market.

As the weather gets colder, the market moves indoors to Bennett Barn, where you can browse seasonal produce, baked goods, handmade products, and other items from local vendors.

You don’t have to buy anything to enjoy browsing the stalls and experiencing a different side of Kingston that you might not normally visit.

Getting there: 303 York Street, accessible from campus by foot or transit. The market runs Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in November.

 

Watch Downtown Light Up for the Holidays

November might mark the end of fall, but it also brings the beginning of the holiday season!

On November 21, downtown Kingston will host its annual Nighttime Santa Parade, followed by the tree lighting in Springer Market Square.

It’s a chance to get together with friends, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and take a break from academic deadlines without needing to plan an expensive outing.

Getting there: Downtown Kingston is within walking distance of campus. The parade begins at 5 p.m., followed by the tree lighting around 7 p.m.

 

Try Something Different

Challenge Yourself with Indoor Climbing

With colder weather making outdoor activities less appealing, November is a good time to try something indoors.

The Boiler Room Climbing Gym offers climbing options for different experience levels, including beginners. Whether you’re looking for a physical challenge or just want to do something different with friends, climbing provides a change from sitting at a desk all day.

It might even be a new activity you want to continue throughout the winter!

Getting there: 993 Princess Street, accessible by transit or a longer walk from campus.

 

Put Your Problem-Solving Skills to the Test

If group projects have been taking up most of your time, why not try a different kind of teamwork?

Improbable Escapes HQ in downtown Kingston offers themed escape rooms where you and your group work together to solve puzzles before time runs out.

It’s a fun way to spend time with friends, especially when the weather makes outdoor plans less predictable.

Getting there: 303 Bagot Street, within walking distance of campus. Booking ahead is recommended.

 

Catch a Gaels Varsity Game

You do not have to be an athlete to enjoy the energy of a varsity game.

November is a busy month for Queen’s Athletics, with basketball, volleyball, and hockey games taking place throughout the month.

Cheering alongside other students is an easy way to reconnect with the campus community, and tickets are free for students!

Getting there: Check the Queen’s Gaels schedule for home games, locations, and ticket information.

 

Slow Down and Enjoy the Little Things

Watch a Movie at The Screening Room

The Screening Room in downtown Kingston offers an alternative to the usual movie theatre experience. With a selection of independent, international, and other films, it’s a chance to watch something you might not normally choose.

Go with friends, go alone (it’s not weird), it’s a simple and fun activity when you want a couple of hours away from school.

Getting there: 120 Princess Street, within walking distance of campus. Check showtimes and ticket prices before going.

 

Plan Your Own Café Crawl

If you enjoy cafés, November is a good excuse to branch out from your usual spots.

Instead of spending another afternoon studying at the same table, pick two or three spots you have never tried, try some seasonal drinks, and explore downtown. You could make a day of it with friends or simply bring a book and enjoy some time to yourself.

Even a small change in surroundings can make the week feel less repetitive, especially when your usual study space is starting to feel a little too familiar.

Getting there: Many cafés are clustered throughout downtown Kingston and are within walking distance of campus.

 

Take Care of Your Mind

As assignments pile up and exams get closer, November can be stressful. Between schoolwork, your social life, and everything else, it’s important to make time for your mental health and prioritize your well-being.

You can also take advantage of the mental health resources available through the AMS. The Peer Support Centre offers a confidential, non-judgmental space where you can talk about whatever is on your mind, whether you’re dealing with stress, feeling overwhelmed, or just need someone to listen.

Through Alumo, students can also access additional mental health and wellness services, including counselling, virtual health care, and the Student Assistance Program.

 

Make Some Time for Yourself 

November can be demanding, but taking a break does not mean ignoring your responsibilities.

Whether it’s attending a varsity game, spending a morning outside, or trying a new activity with friends, finding time for things you enjoy can help make the weeks leading up to exams feel more manageable.

So, before your calendar fills completely with final assignments and study sessions, consider making room for something different.

November doesn’t have to be a month spent waiting for the semester to end! It can be an opportunity to explore more of Kingston, reconnect with your community, and return to your routine feeling a little more refreshed.

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Helpful Resources

AMS Peer Support Centre
A confidential, non-judgmental space where you can talk to a trained peer about whatever is on your mind.

Alumo
Mental health and wellness support available to Queen’s students, including counselling, virtual health care, and the Student Assistance Program.

Queen’s Gaels
Check upcoming varsity games, schedules, locations, and ticket information.

Wolfe Island Ferry
Check ferry schedules and service information before planning your trip.

Kingston Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market
Find market hours, vendors, and seasonal updates.

The Screening Room
View current films, showtimes, and ticket information.

Improbable Escapes
Explore escape room options and book a session.

Boiler Room Climbing Gym
Find climbing options, hours, and pricing.