Gord Downie Memorial Pier

I have really mixed feelings about this pier. It's the first time I've seen anything like this and it's the main reason why we went. The website says it's an urban deep swimming pier. And that intrigued me. First off, we had a lot of difficulty finding parking close to the pier. It was a Monday afternoon which was a bit surprising. But it's in the middle of the downtown area by a major hospital and other public services. There's no dedicated parking lot. Only street parking and waterfront lot. That's at least half a mile away. Having physical limitations I wasn't able to park and walk that far in the heat. Much of the street parking is illegal between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. during the week. Of course that was the time that we were there. We did eventually find parking on the street that didn't have that restriction. We still had to walk quite a way and it was difficult for me. When we arrived I was amazed by the setup. There's sand area, a rocky zero entry area, and quite a bit of pier for people to jump from and ladders for them to climb back up. There were buoys marking the swimming area. I don't know how deep the water is there but people were diving. There are life rings available if needed. But the pier is not guarded. It is swim at your own risk. There's a nice shaded area at the end of the pier with seats. The view is gorgeous. The pier is frequented a lot of young people in their teens and twenties. Many people had bad language so keep that in mind if It bothers your group. Now the reason I say I have mixed feelings about this is about the safety of it all. Having grown up on the Great Lakes, I know how dangerous the water can be. I know how the waves can overwhelm swimmers and how there can be current undertoes, etc. around structures. I would be very cautious swimming around the pier in any kind of weather situation. Even if it's just wind. There's no instructions of any kind about when to swim and when not to swim. Many Great lakes beaches have flags indicating weather and water conditions. But there's nothing like that here. No one was wearing a life jacket. Everyone was having a great time though. As long as you use caution it is probably fine.

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.

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.

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!

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!

Great paved trail along waterfront

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.