3 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
2 hours from Ottawa, 3 hours from Montreal and 3 hours from Toronto by car
When to go
May through October
Minimum stay
1 to 2 days
Kingston (Canada)
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Andrew MacKinnon
Practical information about Kingston
Reviews of Kingston
Kingston, a town that has preserved its historic appearance, is a good place for a short but different visit in Ontario. The town is at the end of the Saint Laurent river, where it finally flows into Lake Ontario.
My suggestion:
During my trips to Ontario in Canada, my favourite thing to do in Kingston is eat dinner at Fort Henry. Soldiers serve you food that was typical of the era and the meal is followed by a military parade - what could be better!
Summary:
Kingston's geographic situation, only a few kilometres from the United States, was the reason for the construction of Fort Henry between 1832 and 1840. Then the Royal Military College was created partly because of the strong British military presence during the conflicts that led to the creation of Canada. Make sure you reserve in advance if you want to eat in the Fort Henry's old mess because it isn't open all year. The soldiers walking across the site, (guides in costumes), will make you feel like you are living in history.
From the park of the college there is a good view over Confederation Place in the old town. You should also visit the other four parks in the centre of town and Kingston's women's prison. Kingston is also home to Queen's University.
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J Max Tours
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Andrew MacKinnon
Home to many an intellectual, Kingston is known for its famous university, being home to Queen's University, the Canadian Military College and St. Lawrence College.
Welcome to Ontario and a verdoyant student and family friendly town!
My suggestion:
During market days on the town hall square, you'll find stalls selling fruit and vegetables, as well as delicious little cakes sold by cheerful students - enough to make you want to apply to Queen's!
Summary:
The historically rich Fort Henry is well worth a detour. As well as numerous events, you'll find guides dressed in period costumes who'll plunge you back in time to the day when this military base thrived - firearm demonstrations included.
The tour by trolley bus gives a good insight into the town - a touristy activity but a practical one. You can get off along the route and pick up the next trolley bus when you're ready. If you tour by foot, you'll have the time to admire the red brick buildings, art galleries and curiosity shops in what was Canada's first capital.
Don't miss out on taking a boat trip; the water town of Kingston was built where the St. Laurent River, Lake Ontario and the Rideau Canal meet. The Thousand Islands Archipelago merits its name!
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Philippine Lefas
164 travellers' photos
