Martello Alley
Martello Alley
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
Visit us at 203 B Wellington St., or online 24/7 on our new 360 interactive site. You can find it at menu “Virtual Shop” on our Website. A quirky and fun little art gallery located in an old alley in downtown Kingston Ontario. It is Ontario's only alley art gallery. The indoor gallery is located at the very end of the alley, beside the courtyard. The other "shops" you will see are not really shops at all - they are facades created to make up a little "village". Currently there is a "fleuriste" (flower shop) and a "poissonnerie" (fish shop). In reality these are the back walls of the restaurant next door. The door to the "fleuriste" is not a door at all, and the door to the "poissonnerie" is the back door/delivery to the restaurant. The "lighthouse" and the "buoy", complete with seagull and nest, are there to store and conceal the restaurant's garbage bins and kitchen oil drum. These themed "shops" serve as backdrops for the outdoor art that display in the corresponding themed area.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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  • Caela B
    2 contributions
    Local Artist Haven
    I had a wonderful time visiting Martello Alley today with my boyfriend. I loved the way they had done the renovations, it gave the space a unique feel that was both interesting and inviting. The staff were both knowledgeable and friendly and I'm very excited about my purchases! I would highly recommend this lovely hidden gem to anyone who has an appreciation for art and the amazing community that comes together to support local artists.
    Visited March 2021
    Travelled as a couple
    Written March 27, 2021
  • Sophie K
    5 contributions
    A jewel in the crown of art galleries in Kingston!
    This is a unique gallery, with top quality artists & an authentic, hometown & welcoming feel. I have a number of works from this gallery in my home and have had conversations about the pieces with most of the artists. When you build that connection and relationship with the artist, and find out what motivates them and inspires their work, you almost have a feeling when you look at their pieces in your home that you are surrounded by the warmth of friends because of that connection. The owner David Dossett clearly loves what he does, is proud of the work of his artists and where he lives. He will want to know something about you. He truly cares about tourism in Kingston and is a walking encyclopedia of things to do and places to go. David has created Martello Alley out of nothing... an alley that was not used and he has converted every square inch into the semblance of an old European courtyard. This is an art stop that is NOT to be missed - take some time and get lost exploring its treasures!
    Wow! Thanks for your wonderful review! At Martello Alley, we strive to make the experience one that is fun & insightful. We have artists on location to make a unique connection to our clients and visitors. It is really an enlightening experience when artists learn the needs of a client and a client learns the thoughts, muse and techniques behind the art. David has created a space so unique to the art gallery business. By incorporating art work inside & out, Martello Alley is the ultimate gallery experience; even if you’re not really into art galleries! Thank you for your support and patronage. It means so much to our community and our artists.
    Written February 20, 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2020
    Written February 16, 2020
  • Connie H
    Kingston, Canada133 contributions
    Wonderful - a MUST experience in Kingston
    Many places say they are ‘Local’ but Martello Alley really IS! Every stunning piece of art, every amazing handcrafted item, and of course the owner, is truly local. I wanted to take every piece home! There really is something for everyone in Martello Alley. This space is a touch of Canadiana in the heart of Kingston. I could have spent all day here. The care and work that has gone into the Alley is evident. THIS is Kingston.
    Wow! Thank you so much for your wonderful review! Martello Alley really is an incredible space. It makes us happy to have clients who are as excited about The Alley as we are!
    Written July 4, 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2020
    Travelled solo
    Written July 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
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Excellent
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Don C
Waterloo32 contributions
Jun. 2023 • Couples
The art is unique and an amazing variety of poetry, sculptures and original artwork. This is a must if you love local artists and one of a kind art pieces. They take the time to explain the art and its creator. A hidden gem.
Written June 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Janina F
4 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
I went to Martello Alley last night for the "Art After Dark" event. What an absolutely UNIQUE and charming discovery! I felt like I had been transported to a little hidden gem of French culture. The Martello Alley Gallery at the back is full of all types of beautiful art at a variety of price ranges. I can't wait to go back, and then have tea and scones next door at the Delightfully Different Tearoom. I recommend it highly!
Written May 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TopKlass GM
Playa del Carmen, Mexico33 contributions
Jan. 2022
Interesting place to visit. My wife is an artsy person and we chose to visit this place based on the good reviews. The location is a bit hidde, but looks really nice. The owner was very polite and engaging, so we enjoyed our time there.
Written January 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

emma g
2 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
c’est vraiment unique! David et Wendy sont des âmes gentilles et créatives qui ont créé un espace inspirant à visiter. Perfect for Europe enthusiasts, art lovers, and people of all sorts. Visited with my boyfriend on Thursday afternoon and quickly became the highlight of my week!
Written May 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Caela B
2 contributions
Mar. 2021 • Couples
I had a wonderful time visiting Martello Alley today with my boyfriend. I loved the way they had done the renovations, it gave the space a unique feel that was both interesting and inviting. The staff were both knowledgeable and friendly and I'm very excited about my purchases! I would highly recommend this lovely hidden gem to anyone who has an appreciation for art and the amazing community that comes together to support local artists.
Written March 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Anita D
Cornwall, Canada9 contributions
Mar. 2021
Had a lovely time today in Martello Alley and it’s sister shop nearby. The owners are friendly and welcoming, while the art and objects are lovely, quirky and fun. Was charmed! Definitely worth a visit.
Written March 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Anne
Kingston, Canada4 contributions
Mar. 2021
Beautiful variety of local art. Funky, curious, cool. There is an abundance of artistic talent in Kingston - just pop in and see.
Written March 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CHosein
Ottawa, Canada1 contribution
Feb. 2021 • Family
Came across this ‘Hidden Gem’ so named appropriately. A quaint little side alley off a the beaten path. Reminded me of Quebec City, and more locally, Merrickville, ON.

Full of artisan pieces, representing a variety of local artists, this is a must visit shop and a pleasant find.

With no true gallery sign, the environment maintains a relaxed ambience and comforting vibe, which would only be more welcoming during the warmer months, with a small cafe/bistro outside.

Owners were warm and informative, ensuring a return visit.

Written February 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Izzy
1 contribution
Feb. 2021
Excellent atmosphere and very kind owners! I loved browsing the art collections and the owners had so much insight to offer about the city and the artists. Highly recommend stopping by for a wholesome chat, some fantastic art, and a great Kingston experience.
Written February 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

M E
Kingston, Canada90 contributions
Dec. 2020
I visited here a couple of weeks ago. I was first at Martello on Brock. I bought an item from them and came here to buy a matching similar item. Many unique and beautiful displays of local artisans' work. I bought a print by Joanne Gervais that depicted children playing pond hockey with a barn in the background. It was a true Canadian picture and was perfect for my great-nephew who grew up in that type of environment! The woman running the store was very friendly and helpful
Written December 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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MARTELLO ALLEY - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Martello Alley

Martello Alley is open:
  • Sun - Sat 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.