Wellness Walks: Simple Routes Around Campus and Kingston to Clear Your Head

Sometimes all it takes to reset your mind is a change of pace – literally. This summer, I’ve been turning to short, low-pressure walks around Kingston as a way to unplug, ground myself, and – let's be honest – escape my never-ending to-do list. 

No intense workout, no pressure to hit 10,000 steps, and no fancy gear required – just movement for the sake of mental clarity. If you’re staying in Kingston over the break or looking for small ways to feel better during the day, here are a few of my go-to walking routes that always seem to help: 

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1. The Waterfront Walk: (15-30 mins) 

Start at the bottom of University Avenue and follow the Waterfront Trail past Breakwater Park. It’s perfect for sitting on a bench, dipping your toes in the water, or watching the sunset after a long day of work. Calm, steady, and great for mornings or when you just need some quiet at the end of the day. 

2. Old Stone Stroll: (20-30 mins) 

If you’re craving calm, head into Sydenham Ward and meander through the limestone streets. Start on King Street East and wander down Clergy, Earl, or William. Between the old houses and big trees, it feels like you’ve walked into another era – one where no one is emailing you “as per my last email.” 

3. Campus Loop (10-20 mins) 

Feeling overwhelmed between commitments? Take a walk around main campus: from the Arts and Recreation Centre (ARC) to the Bio-Sciences Complex (Bio-sci), around Summerhill, and back again. It’s familiar, easy, and just far enough to convince yourself you’ve taken a break – without leaving campus. 

4. Gord Edgar Downie Pier + Tett Centre Loop (30-40 mins)  

If you want a bit more movement, walk down to the pier, then continue to the Tett Centre or Isabel Bader Centre. The quiet spaces and lake views add just enough creativity and calm to make you forget you even own a calendar. 

5. The Coffee Walk: (Variable) 

Pick a local cafe – CRAVE, Balzac’s, Juniper, anywhere that smells like caffeine and ambition – and walk there without checking your phone. Suddenly, you’ve turned self-care into an “errand,” which feels productive and earns you a latte. (Win-Win).  

Bonus Tip: Leave your headphones behind sometimes. You might actually hear birds, waves, or even your own thoughts (scary, but worth it). And if you want to finish your walk on an even calmer note, stop by Health Promotion at the JDUC and book a MUSE mindfulness appointment for the perfect reset. 

So next time you feel stuck, pick a route and go. You might not solve all your problems on the walk… but at least you’ll come back with clearer thoughts, a calmer brain, and maybe a really good coffee.