Visiting Kingston, Ontario

Welcome to Kingston, Ontario

Kingston is a Canadian city located in Eastern Ontario where the St. Lawrence River flows out of Lake Ontario. Growing European exploration in the 17th century and the desire for the Europeans to establish a presence close to local Native occupants to control trade led to the founding of a French trading post known as Fort Frontenac in 1673. The fort became a focus for settlement. Located midway between Toronto and Montreal, Kingston was named the first capital of the Province of Canada on February 15, 1841, by Governor Lord Sydenham. While its time as a political centre was short, Kingston has remained an important military installation.

Kingston was the county seat of Frontenac County until 1998. Kingston is a separated municipality from the County of Frontenac.

Kingston is nicknamed the”Limestone City” because of the many heritage buildings constructed using local limestone.

Bed and Breakfast

Sometimes you just need to get away from it all, and experience the casual atmosphere of a home away from home. Look to Kingston’s bed and breakfast establishments for a visit imbued with home-style care unsurpassed in Ontario.

Throughout the city you will find a variety of stays from historic homes to modern, featuring waterfront views, stylish neighborhoods or beautiful gardens. Whatever your preference for however long you need to stay, you’ll be treated as a special guest at Kingston’s many B&Bs.

Sightseeing

See the sites, sight the seaway… If you’re interesting in touring our fair Limestone City, you won’t be disappointed by the options. By land, air or water, there’s always plenty to see every day of the year.

During the summer months, tours are offered regularly – perfect for the do-it-your-selfer and those who like some company. Haunted walks, sailing cruises and tour trolleys await.

Plan some time to get to know Kingston.

Fort Henry

Fort Henry was built from 1832 to 1837 to replace an existing fortification from the War of 1812 era.

Situated atop Point Henry, the Fort protected the naval dockyard at Point Frederick, the entrance of the Rideau Canal and the town of Kingston, which was the major transshipment point along the supply route between Montreal or Ottawa and all points west.

The British Army garrisoned Fort Henry until 1870 when Queen Victoria’s troops were pulled out of Canada. Soon after, “A” Battery, School of Gunnery, followed by “B” Battery, took up residence in the Fort and remained there until 1891.

During World War I, Fort Henry was superficially repaired and used as an internment camp for political prisoners. Following the war, the Fort fell into complete disrepair.

Fort Henry’s Reconstruction Fort Henry was restored from 1936 to 1938 as a joint Federal / Provincial make work project costing over $1 million. The Fort was opened as a museum and historic site “in the name of all British soldiers who served there” by Prime Minister Mackenzie King in August 1938. During World War II, Fort Henry became Camp 31, a Prisoner of War camp for enemy merchant seamen, soldiers, sailors and airmen. Reopened in 1948, Fort Henry has seen millions of visitors pass through its gates to watch the internationally acclaimed Fort Henry Guard perform.