Gord Downie Memorial Pier

Really nice memorial / park. One of the most well maintained as well, it’s wheelchair accessible and has public bathrooms as well (although closed in the cold weather). A bit lacking in some landscaping and gardening imo but it has nice sand and is a really peaceful place to visit

I was so happy when they Completed this back in 2017. Great place for recreational swimming. It has a mini sandy beach to sunbathe and chill. Also fun to jump off the pier.

Fantastic "take back the waterfront" free swimming area. It's been landscaped with a sandy area, a shallow pebble beach, public restrooms, and tons of grassy areas in addition to a bridge built to reach the huge jump-off platform. A mermaid's dream!

Lovely spot on the water, great place to sit and watch the sunset or contemplate life. The water is cold but there were still people jumping in even in early October! Lots of people jogging, sitting, eating, just hanging out in a place that honours a great Canadian artist! Gord would like this spot I think.

Beach is good except rocky at shallow end to deep end. Need special shoes to go in there! Should have been made sand or concrete like the deeper ends of the beach at Gord Downie Pier!

The Gord Downie Memorial Pier in Kingston is a poignant and beautiful tribute to an iconic Canadian musician. As a fan of Gord Downie and his incredible contributions to music and culture, visiting this memorial was a truly moving experience. The pier itself is a striking structure that stretches out into Lake Ontario, offering breathtaking views of the water and the surrounding landscape. It serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, providing a serene and contemplative space to reflect on the life and legacy of Gord Downie. The design of the memorial pier is thoughtful and evocative. The sculpture of Gord Downie, with his characteristic hat and microphone, stands as a symbol of his artistry and his passion for storytelling. It's a powerful representation of his enduring impact on Canadian music and his dedication to raising awareness about Indigenous issues. One of the highlights of my visit was watching the sunset from the Gord Downie Memorial Pier. The colors painted across the sky mirrored the emotions stirred by his music, creating a sense of tranquility and connection to something larger than oneself. The pier also serves as a venue for various cultural events and performances, honoring Gord Downie's commitment to the arts and community. It's a space where musicians can share their talents, where poetry readings can inspire, and where the power of music and storytelling can be celebrated. The Gord Downie Memorial Pier is not only a tribute to an exceptional artist but also a testament to the profound impact that music and art can have on our lives. It is a place of reflection, remembrance, and inspiration. I encourage everyone to visit this remarkable memorial and pay homage to Gord Downie's enduring legacy.

A perfectly designed public space. There are washrooms (which were unfortunately closed during 2022), change rooms, sandy areas, and picnic tables and benches on the pier. Recently a food truck has been parked here and sells all sorts of poutine, hotdogs, and other items. You can even check the water quality results on Swim Guide during the summer or the city webcam all year long. Great place for people of all ages.

Great spot to swim and pay tribute to the Late great Gord Dowie. Was a hot day and it was totally refreshing to dive in! Good for all ages. There is a separate spot for younger swimmers to avoid the deep water and waves. Sandy spots and grassy spots to sun tan