Euro-summer may be closer than Kingstonians think.
The last few summers have seen a resurgence of the “Euro-Summer” aesthetic. ABBA’s Chiquitita plays over TikTok videos of glittery ocean scenery in Greece or the South of France. The clear blue waters and brightly painted buildings are the perfect destination for a dream summer.
Across the Atlantic, however, people are struggling to achieve this.
They post on Instagram from a patio, and after showing their cappuccino or Aperol Spritz, they pan to the side to comparatively bleak scenery: a sea of parking lots and four-lane highways. As the comment sections lament, it’s difficult to even replicate the feeling of a Euro-summer outside of Europe.
Canada’s cities are either too urban or too midwestern. With a landscape that isn’t super walkable and unpredictable weather, patio seating isn’t feasible. This reality is especially challenging for people who have already been to Europe, when they realize that summer experience feels unique to the continent.
While most Canadians struggle to recreate the vibe of a Euro-summer in North America, it’s easier than ever in Kingston.
Kingston is a historic city with preserved older charm. Downtown’s limestone buildings aren’t much compared to the marble structures in Italy, but they’re easier on the eyes than a grey, brutalist high-rise.
Due to its role in Canadian history, Kingston has a number of sites for tourists and locals alike to enjoy. From Portsmouth Olympic Harbour to Fort Henry, visitors get to see some truly remarkable historical locations that are almost as breathtaking as the Colosseum.
Although the nearest ocean is hundreds of kilometers away, Lake Ontario carries its weight. The waterfront is ideal for walks, swims, and bike rides. Average temperatures hover around a chilly 20 degrees Celsius, but just like the Mediterranean, it’s the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day. Students flock to the Pier on Canada Day, making it as packed as any European beach and filled with just as much music, food, and laughter.
The Kingston Public Market in Springer Market Square has a similar effect. Fresh produce, trinkets, and jewellery are available for purchase, providing a much-needed respite from chain grocery stores.
While a superstore might be familiar, it isn’t what makes these European towns so charming. Kingston has the standard stores and restaurants, but many shops are unique to the city and help cultivate that small-town allure.
This summer, restaurants saw an influx of outdoor seating options. Food and drinks can be consumed under the sun, as live music from another establishment trickles into the street. Many patios are clustered next to each other on busy sidewalks, but it’s nothing as obstructive and abrasive on the eyes as parking lots.
The neighbourhoods around the Queen’s Campus and Downtown are very walkable, making it ideal for a pseudo-Euro-summer. People are in the centre of the action in a few short minutes, so there is no need for a car.
International travel isn’t necessary when the perfect Euro-summer style photo dump can be created in the city of Kingston. The lack of beaches and mountain ranges is nothing to worry about. If you close your eyes, you can pretend you’re in Southern Italy instead of Southern Ontario.
Tags
Euro-Summer, Kingston Public Market, Lake Ontario
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