Historic Canadian city on Lake Ontario with 19th-century limestone buildings. Home to Queen's University and Fort Henry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kingston, Ontario, sits at the confluence of Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River, and the Rideau Canal. This city of 133,000 people is home to Queen's University and the Royal Military College of Canada. In Kingston, you can explore Fort Henry, a 19th-century fortification, sail on Lake Ontario, or stroll through the downtown area with its distinctive limestone buildings. Throughout the year, you can enjoy various festivals and sample the city's diverse culinary scene.
Location and Geography
Kingston is situated in southeastern Ontario, approximately 260 km southwest of Montreal and 260 km east of Toronto. The city's position at the meeting point of Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River, and the Rideau Canal has shaped its development and character. This strategic location made Kingston a key military and economic center in the past, and today it enhances the city's appeal for water-based activities and tourism.
Waterfront Activities
Kingston's location on Lake Ontario provides numerous opportunities for water-based activities. You can take a cruise through the Thousand Islands, an archipelago of 1,864 islands straddling the Canada-US border. Kingston has favorable conditions for freshwater sailing and hosted the sailing events for the 1976 Montreal Olympics. If you prefer land-based activities, you can walk or cycle along the Waterfront Trail, which provides views of the lake and access to several parks and beaches.
Cultural Attractions
Kingston has several museums and historic sites. At Fort Henry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can learn about 19th-century military life through guided tours and reenactments. The Penitentiary Museum, located in the former warden's residence of Kingston Penitentiary, gives insight into Canada's correctional history. For art enthusiasts, the Agnes Etherington Art Centre at Queen's University houses an impressive collection, including four Rembrandt paintings.
Culinary Scene
Kingston has a high concentration of restaurants, with options ranging from casual cafes to upscale dining establishments. Many restaurants focus on locally sourced ingredients. The city's oldest farmers' market, operating since 1801, is where you can find local produce and artisanal foods. Some restaurants are housed in historic buildings, such as the Frontenac Club, a former bank that has been converted into a boutique hotel and restaurant.
Historical Significance
Kingston has played an important role in Canadian history. Founded in 1673 as a French trading post, it later became a loyalist stronghold after the American Revolution. From 1841 to 1844, Kingston served as the first capital of the united provinces of Upper and Lower Canada. The city's historical importance is reflected in its architecture, with many 19th-century limestone buildings earning it the nickname "Limestone City". You can explore this history at sites like Bellevue House, the former home of Canada's first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald.
