Category: Canada

A- Overview:
Kingston, Ontario is a city of elegance and charm. Its 19th century limestone homes and its red brick Victorian style architecture lend appeal to vacationers and prospective residents alike. Kingston is ideally located at the point where Lake Ontario enters the St. Lawrence River. For over three hundred years, marine traffic has passed through Kingston enroute to the Great Lakes. For most of those years, Kingston was a major shipbuilding center. Schooners and steamers built in the area have traveled all over the world.

Beyond Kingston’s sedate, well-ordered existence lies a fascinating secret. Not every vessel that set out for the Great Lakes successfully navigated the difficult course. Shipwrecks of all shapes and sizes stretch out in every direction far below the surface of the clear blue waters, preserved by the consistently cold temperatures of their final resting place. Amateur and professional scuba divers find Kingston the perfect place for a holiday filled with adventure and the prospect of “finding the big one.”

The city of Kingston features the amenities of an urban centre with the allure of a small city. Kingston has two universities and a community college which is highly unusual for its size, giving it an intellectual strength that touches all aspects of the community. The city’s military and naval history are captured and celebrated in area museums, galleries and theatres. From its geological beginnings to the vibrant contemporary arts scene, there is an eclectic range of experiences offered by these historic sites and cultural venues.

As an orientation, visitors can enjoy an historic one-hour tour of the “Limestone City” aboard the Confederation Tour Trolley. The tour includes an overview of the celebrated campus of Queen’s University, one of Canada’s oldest and finest institutions of learning.

Fort Henry, a majestic 19th Century British Military Fortress, features performances by the famous Fort Henry Guard, complete with canon fire, guns, and the music of the fife and drum. It is one of Kingston’s greatest historical treasures. Bellevue House, deemed a National Historic Site, has guides in period costume who welcome visitors to the home of Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald.

In the summer months, Kingston hosts many festivals including the Annual Buskers Rendezvous, which is held in July and brings in over a 100 street performers from all over the world, including musicians, magicians, jugglers and mimes throughout the Downtown area. Every August the city is a hub of activity when hundreds of sailors converge for C.O.R.K., the annual Canadian Olympic Training Regatta.

Kingston is known as the fresh-water capital of North America, and is a major port from which to cruise the Thousand Islands. A pleasant jaunt to New York State can easily be arranged aboard the Wolfe Island Ferry, which connects with Watertown New York via the summer vacation paradise of the same name, the largest of the Thousand Islands. The ferry runs frequently each day year round. Kingston is also convenient Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal by car or by rail.

From professional services to specialty boutiques and shops, dining and cultural experiences, Kingston has been ranked along with Halifax and Victoria as having one of the top three most vibrant downtowns of Canada. Populated by historic neighbourhoods, the ivy-covered buildings of Queen’s University, and a spectacular stretch of waterfront parkland, Kingston is perfect anytime. It is the place for a family vacation, for the pursuit of higher education at a leading university, for diving for long buried treasure, and for just enjoying time away in a storybook setting.

B- City Information:
Population: 143,000

Elevation: 305 feet

Location: Kingston is located on NE corner of Lake Ontario, equidistant between Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto, the area’s three major cities.

Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (when it’s noon in Kingston, it’s noon in New York City, 11am in Chicago, and 9am in Los Angeles). Kingston observes Daylight Saving Time from April – October

Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (same time as New York City). Daylight saving April-October.

Emergencies: Call 911 for fire, police, or ambulance.

Average Monthly Temperatures:

Month
High
Low

January
30F
16F

February
30F
15F

March
37F
23F

April
50F
34F

May
63F
44F

June
73F
54F

July
59F
79F

August
77F
58F

September
69F
51F

October
56F
40F

November
43F
31F

December
33F
21F

Kingston has higher winter temperatures than Ontario’s capital city of Ottawa. Summers are quite warm with considerable amounts of sunshine, averaging eight to nine hours a day. Some snow usually covers the ground from mid-December until mid-March, but heavy snowfalls are rare. The precipitation averages between 2.4 and 2.9 inches per month year round.

Packing : In winter, pack sturdy, waterproof boots, warm clothes that can be layered and a warm coat, gloves and hat. In summer, pack light cottons, comfortable walking shoes, a sweater and lightweight jacket or windbreaker, sunglasses and a hat. Be prepared with sunscreen for trips to the beach and waterfront.

National Holidays:

New Year’s (January 1 and 2)

Good Friday

Easter Monday

Patriots’ Day (second-last Monday in May)

Québec National Holiday (June 24)

Canada Day (July 1)

Labour Day (first Monday in September)

Thanksgiving (second Monday in October)

Christmas (December 25 and 26)

Government: Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II is the Queen of Canada and Canada’s head of State. This means that the Queen is the formal head of Canada. The Governor General is the Queen’s representative in Canada. The Queen is also represented in each province by a Lieutenant Governor and by a Commissioner in the territories.

Useful Conversions of weights and measures

1 hectare 2.471 acres

1 inch 2.54 cm

1 ft. 30.48 cm

1 oz. 28.57 grams

1 lb. 0.454 kg

1 cm 0.39 inches

1 meter 3.28 feet / 1.09 yards

1 km 0.62 miles

1 liter 0.26 US gallons

1 inch 2.54 cm

1 foot 0.39 meters

1 yard 0.91 meters

1 mile 1.60 km

1kg 2.2lb

1 gallon 3.78 liters

Currency: The Canadian currency is in dollars. There are one dollar coins called “loonies” because of the loon depicted on the gold colored coin ; two dollar coins with a gold colored center and silver border called “toonies” because they are equal to 2 loonies ; dime; nickel and penny. The paper currency comes in denominations of $5; $10; $20; $50; $100. The present exchange rate is between $1.42 and $1.50 Canadian for every US dollar. Rates vary widely depending on where money is exchanged. Banks give the best rate. The easiest method of securing cash at the best exchange rate is to make withdrawals using a US credit card from the ATM machines found at the major banks and stores.

Business Hours: Banks are usually open Monday to Thursday 10am to 3pm, Friday 10am to 6pm. Most stores are open Monday to Wednesday 10am to 6pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm, with extended hours until 8 to 9:30pm on Thursday and usually Friday.

Electricity: It is the same as in the United States: 110 volts, 50 cycles, AC.

Email retrieval: Many hotels have dedicated telephone outlets in the rooms for internet access.

Visitors with disabilities: Canadian Paraplegic Association National Office provides information about accessibility in Canada. 613/ 723-1033.

Embassies/Consulates: All embassies are in Ottawa, the national capital. US Consulate in Toronto is at 360 University Ave. 416/595-1700 .

Taxes: The provincial retail sales tax is 8%; on accommodations it’s 5%. There is an additional 7% national goods-and-services tax GST .

In general, nonresidents may apply for a tax refund. They can recover the accommodations tax, the sales tax, and the GST for non-disposable merchandise that will be exported for use, provided it is removed from Canada within 60 days of purchase.

The quickest and easiest way to secure the refund is to stop at a duty-free shop at the border. You must have proper receipts with GST registration numbers, or you can apply through the mail. It will take about 4 weeks to receive your refund. Pick up a rebate form at the registration desk of your hotel.

How to Get There

By Air

Air Canada

Norman Rogers Airport

1114 Len Birchall Way

Kingston, ONT, K7M 4M1

613-389-6404

888-247-2262

Airlines Serving Airport: Air Canada (Daily passenger and cargo service between Kingston and Toronto’s Pearson International Airport with connections to Air Canada’s global network.)

By Car

Kingston is easily accessible from the south from Highway 81, from the east and west from highway 401, and from the north from Highways 15, 16 or 17

By Bus

Greyhound Canada

Kingston Terminal

175 Counter Street

Kingston, ON K7K 6C7

613-547-4916
Telephone for schedule.

Voyageur Bus Service

613-238-5900

Provides bus service from Montreal and Ottawa

Via Rail

888 VIA-RAIL

Trains come from Ottawa, Toronto and Montréal

Getting Around

Sited as being both thrifty and environmentally friendly, Kingston Transit is a good transportation choice. Many routes have been established, and service is available seven days a week. The ‘Visitor’s Day Pass’ allows unlimited bus travel for the day, as well as special deals at several of Kingston’s attractions.

Immigration and customs formalities

Visitors from any country except the United States must carry a valid passport. American citizens need only proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate and an identity card that includes a photo. Visas are required for visitors from certain countries. It is always advisable to check with the Canadian consulate or embassy before setting out for Kingston.

Telephone tourist information from the US or Canada at 800-668-2746 or contact Canada customs 905-254- 6043.

Side Trip to Wolfe Island (Thousand Islands)

Wolfe Island is the largest of the 1000 Islands in Eastern Ontario. It is a long, irregularly shaped island, having numerous small bays running into it. Wolfe Island is well settled, and contains some good farms. At the present there are over 1300 full-time residents, but that number doubles in summer. Wolfe Island is located at the entrance of the St. Lawrence River between Kingston, Ontario and Watertown, New York. On the east is the St. Lawrence River; on the west is Lake Ontario. It is accessible by ferry from both Canadian and American ports and is connected to Kingston, Ontario year round by a free 20 minute ferry ride.

The Wolfe Islander III is in operation all year. It holds approximately 55 cars and 330 passengers per trip.

Crossing Time = 20 minutes Rates = Free

For more information call Ministry of Transportation:
(613) 548 7227

The Wolfe Island Ferry operates from the Marysville Dock (summer) from ICE OUT to ICE IN at which time it moves to the Dawson Point Dock (winter). Low water conditions in the village can cause an earlier departure of the ferry to the winter dock.

Ferrying to the Island has a long history. In 1904, Wolfe Island bought the original Wolfe Islander; in 1946, the Ontario government bought the Wolfe Islander II and in 1964, the province assumed ferry control and initiated free highway access.

C- Attractions/Things To Do:
Ride Kingston city buses with a visitor’s day pass

Kingston Transit partners with participating museums to offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience Kingston’s history and culture. For a small fee, one adult and two children (12 years and under) can ride the bus for one full day. Visitors who show their Visitor’s Day Pass at Bellevue House, Frontenac County Schools Museum, Kingston Archaeological Centre, or the Miller Museum of Geology receive special perks for using public transit. Visitor’s Day Passes are available at City Hall and the Tourist Information Bureau.

Community Spirit Bingo

68 Elliott Ave

Kingston, ON K7P 2P9

613-546-9051

Hours: Open 7 days a week, bingo sessions occur at 10am, 1pm, 6:15pm, 7pm and 10pm

Call for additional information

Eastern Ontario’s Bingo fun center is full of excitement and features Ultimate Link Bingo.

Bellevue House National Historic Site of Canada

35 Centre Street

Kingston, ON K7L 4E5

613-545-8666 or 800-230-0016

Discover the story of Sir John A. Macdonald and of the exotic Italianate villa where he lived. Restored house and grounds, with costumed staff, full language service in French and English, A/V presentation in English, French, German, Japanese, and Cantonese.

Confederation Tour Trolley

209 Ontario Street
Kingston, ON K7L 2Z1

613-548-4453 or 888-855-4555

Call for additional information

Discover Kingston aboard the Confederation Tour Trolley. Guides take you on a 50-minute exploration of Kingston’s beautiful waterfront and charming limestone heritage with highlights including Fort Henry, the Royal Military College, Penitentiaries, Olympic Harbour, and Bellevue House.

Fort Henry National Historic Site

County Road 2

Kingston, ON K7L 4V8

613-542-7388 or 800-437-2233

Call for additional information

Fort Henry National Historic Site is a living 1860 citadel with daily interactive programming, museum and exhibit tours, children’s activities, three Gift Stores and licensed food and beverage services. Special military and music events are presented throughout the summer with a special focus on the World Famous Sunset Ceremonies presented each Wednesday evening in July and August.

International Ice Hockey Museum

445 Alfred Street

Kingston, ON K7L 4V6

613-544-2355

Call for additional information

The first Hockey Hall of Fame and Sport Hall of Fame in Canada, formed in 1943; operating since 1966. Contains exhibits on the International and North American aspects of the game. The Bobby Hull display is a feature item.

Kingston Archaeological Centre

370 King Street West
Kingston, ON K7L 2X4

613-542-3483

Call for additional information

Experience Kingston’s 8000-year history of human occupation through illustrations, models, interactive exhibits and artifacts excavated from local archaeological sites. Library, archives, including Land Registry Records and collections available for research.

Kingston City Hall Tours

216 Ontario Street

Kingston, ON K7L 2Z3

613-546-4291

Call for additional information

Built when Kingston was the Capital of Canada in 1841, City Hall is a magnificent museum and historic treasure chest.

Kingston Mills Block House

Kingston Mills Road, North of Hwy 401

Kingston, ON

613-283-5170

Call for hours of operation

The sights, sounds and history of Canada’s oldest continuously operating canal beckon you. Discover the military lifestyle of 1839 by visiting our restored Blockhouse, or bring a picnic lunch and watch boats pass through the locks.

MacLachlan Woodworking Museum

2993 Hwy 2 East at Grass Creek Park
Kingston, ON K7L 4X8

613-542-0543

A great collection of wood working tools animates the story of early homesteaders and local trades people. Watch for demonstration days in bread baking, blacksmithing, woodworking and more.

Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston

55 Ontario Street
Kingston, ON K7L 2Y2

613-542-2261

Call for additional information

Tall tales, high adventure, bold exploration and mighty enterprise.

Military Communications & Electronics Museum

95 Craftsman Blvd.
Kingston, ON K7K 7B4

613-541-4675

Call for additional information

One of the largest specialized military museums in North America, it traces the history and development of Canadian Military Communications from 1867 to the present. Visitors can explore themes including the development of communications in Canada’s remote north, both World Wars, and UN Peacekeeping.

Miller Museum of Geology and Mineralogy

36 Union Street Miller Hall, Queen’s University
Kingston, ON K7N 3N6

613-533-6767

Call for additional information

Explore geology, the study of the Earth, at this fascinating museum at Queen’s University. Here you will find a large gallery of rocks, minerals and fossils from around the world (including a duck-bill dinosaur), and the oldest known animal fossils.

Murney Tower National Historic Site

18 Barrie Street

Kingston, ON K7L 4V6

613-544-3715
Hours: Open daily 10am – 5pm mid May until Labour Day

Built in 1846 to protect Kingston from American attack. Its stout stone structure,
Bloomfield cannon, carronades and domestic artifacts have been maintained to tell the
story of soldiers and families who lived inside.

Museum of Health Care

22 George Street
Kingston, ON K7L 2V7

613-548-2419

Hours: Open year round

Call for additional information

Visitors to the on- and offsite exhibits learn about extraordinary developments and advances in health care.

The Penitentiary Museum

555 King Street West
Kingston, ON K7L 4V7

613-530-3122

Call for additional information

Explore the history of Canada’s federal penitentiaries. The museum is located in the former Warden’s residence of Kingston Penitentiary, built by inmate labour between 1870 and 1873.

Princess of Wales Own Regiment, Military Museum

The Armouries, 100 Montreal Street
Kingston, ON K7K 3E8

613-541-5010

Call for additional information

More recent military history can be seen at the Princess of Wales Own Regiment Museum.

Pump House Steam Museum

55 Ontario Street
Kingston, ON K7L 2Y2

613-542-2261

Call for additional information

Come and see what got the world fired up! Steam-fuel of the last century: powered engines, locomotives, and the pumps of the 1850’s waterworks.

Royal Military College of Canada Museum

Station Forces
Kingston, ON K7K 7B4

613-541-6000

Hours: 10am – 5pm daily from the last weekend in June to Labour Day.

Admission Free

Housed in the Fort Frederick Tower, which is the largest of Kingston’s Martello Towers, this museum records the story of Canada’s century-old seat of military education, the exploits of its graduates and the story of the Royal Dockyard, which once occupied Point Frederick.

Shipwreck Diving

Big Jims’ Dive Charters
4 Bishop St.
Kingston, ON K7M-3P4
613-389-4965

Limestone Dive Centre
61 Yonge Street
Kingston, Ontario Canada
Phone: 613-547-3483

Northern Tech Diver
4052 Bath Rd
Kingston, ON K7M 4Y4

888-895-4647

Kingston Charter Boat Information

Portsmouth Harbor

613-384-7074

For over three hundred years, marine traffic has passed through Kingston Ontario Canada on route to the Great Lakes. Kingston is located where Lake Ontario enters the Saint Lawrence river. For most of its history Kingston was a major shipbuilding center. Schooners and steamers built in the area have traveled all over the world. From the George A. Marsh, a three masted schooner to the Wolfe Islander II, a coastal freighter converted to a side entrance car ferry, Kingston has shipwrecks of all shapes and sizes. The cool waters have preserved wooden shipwrecks that elsewhere would have disappeared long ago.

Nearby Attractions

1000 Islands Skydeck

Hill Island
Lansdowne, ON K0E 1L0

613-659-2335

Open daily 9am to dusk, mid April – end of October

Admission Charged, children 5 and under are free

The Skydeck is a unique attraction. Running continuously, the elevator takes only 40 seconds to reach the first (glass enclosed) of three observation decks and provide visitors with a spectacular photographic opportunity as they enjoy the panoramic view of the 1000 Islands and St Lawrence River stretched out 130 metres or 400′ below.

D- Family Fun Attractions:
Fort Henry National Historic Site

County Road 2

Kingston, ON K7L 4V8

613-542-7388 or 800-437-2233

Call for additional information

Fort Henry National Historic Site is a living 1860 citadel with daily interactive programming, museum and exhibit tours, children’s activities, three Gift Stores and licensed food and beverage services. Special military and music events are presented throughout the summer with a special focus on the World Famous Sunset Ceremonies presented each Wednesday evening in July and August.

Kingston Expert Tees

1165 Collins Bay

Kingston, ON K7P 2X6

613-384-8337

Call for information

Admission Charged

Visit two of eastern Ontario’s hottest attractions. Swing away at Canada’s largest aquatic golf accuracy range or putt around the Quarry Links Championship Miniature Golf Course, one of Canada’s largest and most realistic, featuring scaled-down reproductions of famous PGA holes.

Kingston Haunted Walk
200 Ontario Street

Kingston, ON K7L 2Y9

613-549-6366

Call for additional information and to reserve tickets

Take an evening tour of Kingston’s ghost stories and darker past by lantern-light or try the Ghosts of the Fort haunted tour of Fort Henry.

Kingston Family Fun World
23 Limeridge Drive

Kingston ON K7L 4V4
613-530-2707

Movie hotline 613-530-2707

3 Screen drive in featuring the latest hit movies – 1/2 mile lit go kart track – 6 cages batting tent and 18 hole mini golf. Minutes from downtown.

MacLachlan Woodworking Museum

2993 Hwy 2 East at Grass Creek Park
Kingston, ON K7L 4X8

613-542-0543

A great collection of wood working tools animates the story of early homesteaders and local trades people. Watch for demonstration days in bread baking, blacksmithing, woodworking and more.

Miller Museum of Geology and Mineralogy

36 Union Street Miller Hall, Queen’s University
Kingston, ON K7N 3N6

613-533-6767

Call for additional information

Explore geology, the study of the Earth, at this fascinating museum at Queen’s University. Here you will find a large gallery of rocks, minerals and fossils from around the world (including a duck-bill dinosaur), and the oldest known animal fossils.

Pump House Steam Museum

55 Ontario Street
Kingston, ON K7L 2Y2

613-542-2261

Call for additional information

Come and see what got the world fired up! Steam-fuel of the last century: powered engines, locomotives, and the pumps of the 1850’s waterworks.

Nearby Attraction

1000 Islands Skydeck

Hill Island
Lansdowne, ON K0E 1L0

613-659-2335

Open daily 9am to dusk, mid April – end of October

Admission Charged, children 5 and under are free

The Skydeck is a unique attraction. Running continuously, the elevator takes only 40 seconds to reach the first (glass enclosed) of three observation decks and provide visitors with a spectacular photographic opportunity as they enjoy the panoramic view of the 1000 Islands and St Lawrence River stretched out 130 metres or 400′ below.

E- Events & Entertainment:
Events

January

Resolution Run

Held early January

Location: Royal Military College

613-541-6000

Kingston Road Runners annual 8 km New Year’s race. The race starts and finishes at the RMC Arch, and the course covers parts of the RMC campus, Fort Henry Hill and the Fort Henry heights residential area.

Winter Adapted Games

Held end of January

Location: Queen’s University
613 533-2000

The Winter Adapted Games (WAG) is a fun-filled day held at Queen’s University. Its primary goal is to provide children with identified special needs who are currently attending elementary school in Kingston and surrounding areas the opportunity to participate in a day of non-competitive games and activities. The purpose is to promote the importance of physical activity and having fun in a supported social environment. Each participant will have the opportunity to share this experience with a university buddy from Queen’s.

February

Valentine’s Lantern Snowshoe Hike & Evening Skate

Held on Valentine’s Day (February 14)

Location: Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area

613-546-4228
The Lantern Snowshoe Hike starts at the Outdoor Centre at 7:00 p.m. with an evening journey through marsh, field and forests and end with a warm drink by the fireside in the West Hall. Bring your sweetheart or bring the family for a lovely Valentine’s evening of either skating or snowshoeing or both.

Live at your Library Recital Series

Held mid February

Location: Central Branch Library

613-530-2050

Admission Charged

The Kingston Jazz Society presents Kingstonians with a chance to JAZZ up their winter! Expect a wide variety of jazz, including classic swing to warm ballads. Presented in an intimate setting in the Wilson room, audience members are given the opportunity to discuss jazz with the performers.

March

Kingston Canadian Film Festival

Held late February – early March

Location: various venues
613-547-0677
One of the world’s largest stand-alone showcase of feature films from across the country.

ReelOut Kingston’s Queer Film and Video Festival

Held mid March

613-533-3189

Call for specific information

Come and celebrate quality LGBT film in Kingston!

Maple Madness

Held mid March

Location Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area

613-546-4228
Throughout March Break, take a tractor-drawn wagon back to the sugar bush to see how maple syrup was made in the past and how it is made now.

French Canadian Heritage Day

Held mid March
Location: Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area

613- 546-4228

Join the education staff and special guests of different ages for presentations at the Outdoor Centre to learn French Canadian songs, dances, and vocabulary.

St. Patrick’s Day Guided Tours

Held March 17

Location: Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area

613-546-4228
Wear green and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Guided tours of the sugar bush are featured throughout the day.

Presqu’ile Waterfowl Festival

Held mid March

Location: Presqu’ile Provincial Park
613-475-4324
Come celebrate the return of spring at Presqu’ile Provincial Park. Volunteer naturalists will help you identify over 25 different species of ducks, geese and swans. View Poster Contest displays and waterfowl carving displays and participate in daily children’s programs.

April

Good Friday Concert

Held on Good Friday

Location: Chalmers United Church
613-533-2558

Performance of Bach’s Mass in B Minor at Chalmers United Church; with the Melos Choral Ensemble and the Choir of Chalmers United Church.

Sunday Flea Markets

Held every Sunday from 8am – 4pm during the last two weeks in April
Location: Frontenac Mall’s Parking Lot
Are you always listening to bargain hunting stories? Want to tell some of your own? Well, now you can when you visit Frontenac Mall’s Sunday Flea Market! You’ll find all kinds of bargains on books, videos, cd’s, furniture, fresh food and more!

Birds Returning

Held mid April

Location: Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area

613-546-4228
Kick off National Wildlife Week with the Kingston Field Naturalists leading a birding hike.

Greater Kingston Chocolate Cake Bake Off
Held late April

Location: St. George Cathedral Great Hall
613-548-4617

Admission Charged
In search of the best chocolate cake in Kingston. Contest categories: professional baker, non-professional baker, children aged 7-11, children aged 12-16. Includes cake social, coffee, tea milk, cake auction and wonderful entertainment. All proceeds benefiting the Children’s Fund of the Frontenac Children’s Aid Society.

Spring Arts & Crafts Show

Held late April – early May

Location: Frontenac Mall

613-544-9134

Spring Arts & Crafts Show featuring fine local and area crafters.

May

Ontario Senior Games

Held mid May

Various locations in Kingston

613-546-1359

For everyone 55+! Area Senior Games include euchre, cribbage, contract bridge, darts, floor shuffleboard, golf, horseshoes, carpet, lawn, 10-pin and 5-pin bowling, walking, swimming & tennis.

Haunted Walk of the Fort

Held late May

Location: Fort Henry

613-549-6366

Admission Charged

Reservations required

This tour takes place at Fort Henry National Historic Site, Kingston’s spooky 19th century fortress. Those who are brave enough to enter find that the Fort has become home to many active ghosts and some shocking darker history as well.

Queen Victoria Celebrations

Held May 24

Location: Fort Henry

613-549-6366

Join Fort Henry celebrate the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Victoria with a special 21 Gun Salute, Feu de Joie and the daily Garrison Parade. Guided tours of Fort Henry will be offered throughout the day along with activities for children of all ages.

Lennox & Addington Fringe Festival

Held late May

Location: Napanee Market Square next to Town Hall

613- 354-3042

An outdoor artisan festival being organized by the Napanee Artisan Guild. Includes artisans and craftspeople from L&A and the surrounding area selling their wares to the public. There will also be acoustic musicians throughout the weekend.

Don’t Rock the Boat

Held late May

Location: Collins Bay Marina

613-549-1232

Admission Free

Win a prize, test paddle a Canoe or kayak, join in the Great Kay-duck Race, try the windsurfing and sailing simulators, enjoy the Fashion Show, see many different rescue demonstrations and see CFB Trenton 424 Squadron perform an on water helicopter rescue. Fun for the whole family, with special activities just for children, face painting, colouring, knot tying and games.

June

Canadian Forces Day Celebration

Held early June

Location: MacNaughton Parade Square

613-541-5010

The Andy Fund of Kingston Golf Tournament and Pig Roast

Held mid June

Location: The Landings Golf Club next to Norman Rogers Airport

613-544-4441

July

Kingston Buskers Rendezvous
Held mid July

Location: various venues in Kingston

613-548-4415 or 888-855-4555
Street performers with talents ranging from fire eating, to sword swallowing, to comedy, perform for crowds of thousands.

Twin Otter Skydiving Boogie

Held early July

Location: 258 Airport Road

613-382-5114

Book your tandem jump to join groups of 22 skydivers jumping from 13,500 feet! That extra altitude gives you up to 50 seconds of freefall!

FanFayr

Held early July

Location: Confederation Park

613-549-7706

Admission Free

FanFayr is a juried arts and crafts show featuring exhibitors from across southern Ontario and southern Quebec.

August

Live Steam Festival

Held: Late August 29 to September 1.

Location: Pump House Steam Museum

613-542-2261

Call for additional information

2004 Sheep Dog Trials

Held early August

Location: Grass Creek Park

613- 546-7998

One-hundred border collies and their handlers descended on Grass Creek Park – a 52 acre ‘paradise’ located along the St. Lawrence River – for the annual Kingston Sheep Dog Trials. The trials offer a unique opportunity for spectators to learn about and to watch these hard working dogs. It’s fascinating to watch them as they try and outrun, fetch, drive and pen a herd of Waupoos sheep.

Kingston Women’s Art Festival

Held mid August

Location: Kingston City Park

613-544-2725

Limestone City Blues Festival

Held late August

Location: Downtown Kingston

888-855-4555

Every August Downtown Kingston gets the beat as chords of great blues music fills the air!

Silver Lake Traditional Powwow

Held end of August

Location: Silver Lake Provincial Park, Mayberly ON

613-268-2000

Admission Charged, children under 12 are free

Call for additional information

Canadian Olympic-training Regatta -CORK

Held for two weeks in August

Location: Portsmouth Olympic Harbour and additional venues
613-545-1322

In August of each year, sailors come from around the world to participate in one of international yacht racing’s premier events, which features over 20 classes and drawing more that 1,000 sailboats, more than 2,000 competitors and coaches from many countries as well as over 10,000 tourists and site-seers. The CORK venue spans the City of Kingston from its headquarters at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour (the site of the 1976 Olympic Sailing events). CORK’s Racing takes place on six courses which extend from the St. Lawrence River well out into Lake Ontario and cover a geographic area of over twenty square miles.

September

Kingston Fall Fair

Held mid September

Location: Downtown Kingston

613-542-6701

Dragon Boat Festival

Held end of September

Location: Kingston Rowing Club on Kingston’s inner harbour

613-542-2674

In addition to the racing itself, the Kingston Festival is a celebration of events on land; including Chinese cultural shows, a food fair and exciting events for the whole family.

November

Kingston United Music Festival

Held end of November

613-542-2674

Call for location and details

Dickens of a Festival – Festival of Trees 2002

Held end of Nov – the month of December

Location: Portsmouth Olympic Harbour

613-542-2674

Transport yourself back to the days of Charles Dickens. Stroll through the streets of a charming Victorian village, showcasing one-of-a-kind designer creations. A 10-day community event in support of Hotel Dieu Hospital, Kingston General Hospital, Providence Continuing Care Centre and the Kingston Regional Cancer Centre. You won’t want to miss the unique shopping opportunities, live entertainment and a variety of exciting children’s activities the festival has to offer.

Santa Parade

Held end of November

Location: Downtown Kingston

Hours: starts at 5pm

December

Jingle Bell Walk

Held early December

Location: City Hall to City Park

Join in a walk to witness the lighting of the trees in City Park

Craft Creation Christmas Craft Show

Held mid December

Location: Portsmouth Olympic Harbour

613-256-1414

Rockin’ at the Clock

Held December 31

Location: In front of City Hall

613-546-7998

Admission Free

Bundle up and celebrate the New Year with the whole family in front of city hall with hot chocolate, a host of local entertainers, and a spectacular fireworks finale.

Arts

Kingston Symphony Association
77 Brock Street

Kingston ON K7L 1B2
613-546-9729

Call for performance schedule

Over 25 concerts of Orchestral and choral music are presented each season.

Grand Theatre
218 Princess Street

Kingston, ON K7L 5C8

613-530-2050

Call for performance schedule

The Grand Theatre is an 820 seat performing Arts Facility located in downtown Kingston in an historical building. It is the home of The Kingston Symphony, which provides a variety of concerts and stage productions appealing to a wide audience.

Thousand Islands Playhouse

690 Charles St. South
Gananoque, ON K7G 2T8 (20 minutes from downtown Kingston)

613-382-7020

Live, professional theatre in a picture-perfect riverside location. Dock at our front door! Comedy music and drama from mid-May to early November.

Sports

Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

Ontario Hockey League
Kingston Memorial Centre

303 York Street

Kingston, ON
613-542-4042