Arriving in Canada & Kingston

Whether you are a new student or returning to Queen’s, we are excited to welcome you to Canada and to our campus community! Here are some resources to help with your journey to Canada and how to get to Queen's from major cities.

Canadian Point of Entry Checklist

Be prepared to produce the following documents upon arrival to Canada: 

  • Passport (with Temporary Resident Visa, if required) 
  • Port of Entry Introduction Letter from the Canadian visa office  (if you have one – only applicable to international students applying for a study permit for the first time from outside of Canada)
  • A copy of your letter of acceptance can be obtained by contacting Undergraduate Admission and Recruitment
  • Proof of financial support 
  • A list of any items which you are sending separately, or which are not cleared personally at the time of your arrival (have the list stamped by immigration, if possible) 
  • Any other documents that were recommended by the Canadian visa office (if applicable) 

Carry these items and all other valuable papers, cash, and/or traveller’s cheques  on your person rather than in carry-on or checked baggage.

 

Before you Leave Canadian Point of Entry

  • Everyone should check their permits for errors before leaving the border services officer. It is much easier to have the officer fix them immediately, than to try to get them fixed later
  • If you are a student that expects to work during your time in Canada, it is very important to check that your study permit conditions include the words “may work” or “may accept employment”
    • If your study permit does not include those words, please tell the border services officer that issued your permit, as all post-secondary students' study permits should include such conditions
    • If you can't tell the border services officer, see the International Student Advisors at the QUIC as soon as possible after arrival in Kingston

 

This information might change without us knowing. It is a good idea to visit each website and get the latest info.  

By Air  

  • You can fly directly to Kingston from Toronto. Flight carriers change all the time, so it is advised that you Google "Toronto to Kingston flight” to get the latest info. This option is often less expensive when booked as part of your original flight to Canada
  • Travel from the Kingston Airport to Queen’s will require a taxi. Taxis are generally available at the airport after all flight arrivals. You can also use Uber

By Bus (direct from airport)  

  • Buses are operated by Megabus and FlixBus, and run from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Kingston. Tickets can be purchased online or upon arrival in Toronto
  • Buses have a stated limit of 1 large bag and 1 small carry-on bag. Though they will try to take extra bags when there’s space, you should be aware of this when you are planning your transportation between Toronto and Kingston

By Bus or Train (from downtown Toronto)  

  • The Union Pearson (UP) Express train travels regularly from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport to downtown Toronto (where you can board a train or bus to Kingston). The train is much less expensive than a taxi
  • The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and GO Transit public transit services also offer very inexpensive service to downtown
  • From downtown Toronto, you can take a MegabusFlixBus or train to Kingston
  • Upon arrival in Kingston, local buses and taxis are available from the train and bus stations

This information might change without us knowing. It is a good idea to visit each website and get the latest info. 

By Air  

  • You can fly directly to Kingston from Montreal. Flight carriers change all the time, so it is advised that you Google “Montreal to Kingston flight” to get the latest info. This option is often less expensive when booked as part of your original flight to Canada
  • Travel from the Kingston Airport to Queen’s will require a taxi. Taxis are generally available at the airport after all flight arrivals. You can also use Uber 

By Bus or Train  

  • The Montreal public transit service (STM) operates the “Express Bus 747“ shuttle service from Montreal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport to the Montreal Central Bus Station. You can purchase tickets at the currency exchange on the international arrivals level. This service is much less expensive than a taxi
  • From downtown Montreal, you can take a bus or train to Kingston
  • Upon arrival in Kingston, local buses and taxis are available from the train and bus stations  

This information might change without us knowing. It is a good idea to visit each website and get the latest info. 

By Bus or Train  

  • You can find information about all transportation options from the Ottawa airport to downtown Ottawa on the MacDonald-Cartier Airport website
  • Train service is available through Via Rail and bus service through FlixBus
  • Upon arrival in Kingston, local buses and taxis are available from the train and bus stations

Once in Kingston, there are many ways you can travel within and outside the city

Come to QUIC to receive a welcome package (while supplies last), and get your questions answered, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Please come to the centre the next business day to receive a welcome package (while supplies last), and get your questions answered. 

The student-run Walkhome program operates from sunset until 2 or 3 am and is available to walk students anywhere within downtown Kingston.  Use this service or call a taxi if you have any concerns about getting to your destination on your own.