EXPLORE KINGSTON

portsmouth village

A QUAINT NEIGHBOURHOOD BY LAKE ONTARIO

LOCATION & ACCESSIBILITY

Portsmouth Village is located just west of downtown Kingston along the Lake Ontario waterfront.

The neighbourhood is generally bordered by:

  • Lake Ontario to the south

  • Sir John A. Macdonald Boulevard to the east

  • King Street West to the north

  • Lake Ontario Park area to the west

This location provides residents with convenient access to several of Kingston’s major destinations. Downtown Kingston, Queen’s University, and Kingston General Hospital are all located within a short drive or bike ride.

The neighbourhood is also connected by waterfront pathways and cycling routes that allow residents to easily travel along Kingston’s scenic shoreline.

Public transit routes run along nearby streets including King Street and Sir John A. Macdonald Boulevard.

Community & Demographics

Portsmouth Village has a population of approximately 3,200 residents and features a diverse mix of households.

The neighbourhood attracts:

  • Young professionals

  • Families

  • Students

  • Retirees

Its proximity to the hospital and university makes it particularly popular with healthcare professionals, faculty members, and graduate students.

Residents enjoy a strong sense of community supported by local parks, waterfront trails, and neighbourhood events.

Housing and neighbourhood

Housing in Portsmouth Village includes a variety of property types such as:

  • Historic detached homes

  • Renovated character houses

  • Townhouses

  • Waterfront condominiums

  • Low-rise apartment buildings

Many homes feature charming architectural details and are located along quiet streets close to the waterfront.

The neighbourhood’s proximity to Queen’s University and downtown Kingston also contributes to a mix of homeowners and renters in the area.

SCHOOLS & EDUCATION

Several schools serve the Portsmouth Village area.

Public Schools

  • Winston Churchill Public School

  • Module de l’Acadie (French-language elementary)

  • Kingston Secondary School

Catholic Schools

  • St. Patrick Catholic School

  • Regiopolis-Notre Dame Catholic High School

The neighbourhood is also located very close to Queen’s University and St. Lawrence College, two of Kingston’s major post-secondary institutions.

WHY portsmouth village?

Homebuyers are often drawn to Portsmouth Village because of its:

  • Historic waterfront setting

  • Walkable neighbourhood atmosphere

  • Close proximity to downtown Kingston

  • Access to parks, trails, and the marina

  • Unique mix of heritage and modern homes

  • Nearby university and hospital

These features make Portsmouth Village one of Kingston’s most distinctive and desirable neighbourhoods.

SELLING IN the village?

If you’re considering selling a home in Portsmouth Village, understanding the local market is key. Home values can vary depending on property type, updates, and recent sales within the neighbourhood.

If you would like a personalized opinion of value you can request a free Kingston home evaluation to see what your home may be worth in today’s market.


portsmouth village at a glance

Population: ~3,200 residents
Median Age: ~39 years
Housing: Heritage homes, detached houses, townhouses, condominiums, and some low-rise apartment buildings
Ownership: ~55% homeowners / 45% renters
Median Household Income: ~$70,000
Population Density: ~2,500 people per km²
Lifestyle: Historic waterfront neighbourhood with walkable streets, parks, and close access to downtown Kingston

Frequently Asked Questions

Is portsmouth village a good neighbourhood in Kingston?

Yes, Portsmouth Village is often viewed as a desirable and unique neighbourhood because of its location along Lake Ontario, historic character, and proximity to downtown Kingston. It even scores 79 on livability indexes, ranking better than about 88% of areas measured in Ontario. 

How far is portsmouth village from downtown Kingston?

Portsmouth Village is very close to downtown Kingston. The distance and travel time depend slightly on the exact location within the neighbourhood, but generally:

Distance:

  • Approximately 2–3 km from downtown Kingston

Travel times:

  • 🚗 5–8 minutes by car

  • 🚲 8–12 minutes by bike

  • 🚶 25–35 minutes walking

  • 🚌 10–15 minutes by public transit

What types of homes are in portsmouth village?

The neighbourhood includes historic homes, renovated character houses, townhomes, condominiums, and some apartment buildings, many located close to the waterfront.

Is portsmouth village a walkable neighbourhood?

Yes — Portsmouth Village is generally considered a walkable neighbourhood, especially compared with many suburban areas in Kingston. However, the level of walkability can vary slightly depending on the exact street.

Overall walkability

  • Parts of Portsmouth Village have Walk Scores around 70–73, which is considered “Very Walkable”—meaning most errands can be accomplished on foot. 

  • Other sections closer to the edges score around 50 (“Somewhat Walkable”), meaning some errands can be done on foot but a car may still be needed for others. 

For context, Kingston’s overall Walk Score is only about 39, so Portsmouth Village performs better than the city average. 

portsmouth village on the map

Located by Portsmouth Olympic Harbour

This website may only be used by consumers that have a bona fide interest in the purchase, sale, or lease of real estate of the type being offered via the website. The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of the PropTx MLS®. The data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed to be accurate.