Breakwater Park provides incomparable access to the water within the City as well as a significant area of green space that can be used for both relaxation and physical activity. Breakwater Park has a unique meandering shoreline and wonderful beautiful unobtrusive views of Lake Ontario and Wolfe Island. The park includes the Gord Edgar Downie Pier.

Features

• Gord Edgar Downie Pier and pedestrian bridge
• Headlands and pebble beaches
• Upland sand beach
• Accessible beach at pier
• Time sculpture
• Picnic amenities (tables, benches and BBQs)
• Pathway lighting
• Washrooms - Open daily 8 a.m. to dusk - Victoria Day to Thanksgiving

Park safety and rules

Caution

• No lifeguard on duty - SWIM AT OWN RISK
• Waterfront and beach are unsupervised
• Children should be directly supervised by an adult
• Children should be within arm's reach when in water
• PFD's are strongly recommended for weak or non-swimmers
• Deep water, strong winds and high waves can cause dangerous conditions
• Swimming after sunset is not recommended
• No jumping from bridge
• Surfaces slippery when ice covered
• Water quality information - KFL&A Public Health 613-549-1232
• Non-emergency contact - Kingston Police 613-549-4660
• Pier, beach and footbridge are under video surveillance

Prohibited

• Use of drugs or alcoholic
• Smoking
• Excessive noise after 9 p.m.
• Off-leash dogs
• Abusive language
• Mooring of boats unless authorized

Breakwater Park renovations

Breakwater Park underwent extensive renovations, which were completed in 2018. The improvements to the park were developed through extensive public consultation over a 5 year period, with the park's design developed by Claude Cormier et Associes. The project was identified as the highest priority for improvements in the City's Waterfront Master Plan. The renovation improves connectivity and access to the lake along Kingston's waterfront.

The renovated park includes an upland sand beach, a renovated pier with shade structure and pedestrian bridge, a new promenade and shoreline works.

The project was supported by approximately $900,000 in funding through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). The renovations were also funded $500,000 by The W. Garfield Weston Foundation and Swim Drink Fish Canada.