Kingston is located on the northeastern shores of Lake Ontario, and is approximately equidistant between Montreal and Toronto. Although Kingston's YGK airport has regular service to Toronto, we do not recommend taking that flight as it is often cancelled or delayed.
**Travellers to Canada without US or Canadian citizenship now require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). See the canada.ca website and Visa section below. **
**All travellers to Canada must currently download and fill out the ArriveCan app before passing customs, and upload proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Passengers must provide a self-declaration in the 72 hours preceding arrival. More information and links to download the app, or fill out the form online, can be found on the Canadian Government's website. Random PCR testing at the border has been reinstated as of August 1st. Testing is no longer done at the airport, but if selected, you will need to submit a test within 1 day as instructed by border officers. These tests are available at participating pharmacies.**
Flying
We recommend flying into either Toronto Pearson (YYZ) or Montreal Trudeau (YUL) airports, and taking the VIA rail train to Kingston. Both airports have been experiencing significant delays in recent weeks, so plan accordingly.
A quick taxi/uber ride will get you downtown from the Kingston VIA rail station (~ 20$)
Rail tickets should be booked in advance at https://www.viarail.ca/en. Allow plenty of time (> 1.5 hours) to clear customs and travel to the train station.
Flying into Toronto
Take the Union-Pearson (UP) express train from Pearson airport to Union Station, where VIA rail trains depart.
Megabus (https://ca.megabus.com) also offers regular bus service from Pearson Airport directly to Kingston. Some routes will include a stop on Queen's Campus, a short walk from downtown.
Flying into Montreal
A regular shuttle to the Dorval VIA Rail station (not Montreal!) departs from the departures level at Montreal Trudeau Airport.
Shuttle service (from the VIA Rail website): Due to the Covid pandemic, please contact ''Kéolis'' to arrange shuttle services from the station to the airport at 438 992-1695. This new service is available 24 hours 24, 7 days a week for an indefinite period. Please allow a maximum of 15 minutes between the call and the arrival of the shuttle.
Other airport options
Ottawa (YOW) and Syracuse, NY (SYR) airports are within driving distance (less than two hours) of Kingston. If you fly into Syracuse, you will be required to cross the land border between the US and Canada. There are regular trains from Ottawa to Kingston, but allow time for a taxi ride from the airport to the VIA Rail station.
Visas
Please consult this website to find out what visa requirements you fall under: https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp
If you require a letter of invitation, please get in touch with the organizing committee.
