Best Places to Visit in Kingston
Kingston has a rich and long history. Initially, the city gained popularity for its importance as a trading post. The locals of Kingston call it a limestone city. The city has a lot to offer to international tourists. These are some of the best places to visit in Kingston. If you are confused and are unable to decide what to visit and what not to, this is the list that is going to help you solve your dilemma. Therefore, stay tuned till the end of this blog.
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List of Best Places to Visit in Kingston
The Visitor Information Centre
This is situated in the Old train station. The Visitor Information Centre is the best place to extort your trip if you are new to Kingston. Confederation Park, which is adjacent to Kingston City Hall in the heart of the city, is where you’ll find the information center. The Spirit of Sir John A., a vintage steam engine that was repaired and placed on display near the waterfront, is also here for your viewing pleasure.
It is important to note that many of the best trips depart from this area or a nearby location. You may catch boat tours and trolley tours here, among others. We shall go into more depth about them below.
Princess Street:
Confederation Park, which is adjacent to Kingston City Hall in the heart of the city, is where you’ll find the information center. The Spirit of Sir John A., a vintage steam engine that was repaired and placed on display near the waterfront, is also here for your viewing pleasure.
It is important to note that many of the best trips depart from this area or a nearby location. You may catch boat tours and trolley tours here, among others.
Classic Kingston Pub
Coming to Kingston during the summertime will remain incomplete if you do not have a drink. And to serve you some amazing cocktails and mocktails, the city has several bars and restaurants. One of the main ones is the Classic Kingston Pub. Some others are the Iron Duke, the Red House, and the Tir Nan Og. Well, these were some of the main bars and pubs that you can start within Kingston.
Fort Henry
Want to explore one of the most significant sites in Canada’s military history? So when you’re in Kingston, you should absolutely make a stop at Fort Henry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
The Kingston Fortifications National Historic Site is a bigger historical site. It includes Fort Henry. The Rideau Canal entry and the antiquated surrounding Kingston Harbour are both located here.
Apart from Fort Henry itself, other historic locations nearby Fort Henry include the Murney Tower and the Shoal Tower and the tower and walls of Fort Frederick, which are located outside of the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC).
Canada’s Penitentiary Museum
One of Kingston’s more recent attractions is the Kingston Penitentiary, which is one of the most infamous maximum security prisons in the nation. The Kingston Penitentiary, which opened in 1835, shut its doors in 2013 and only recently started giving public tours in 2016. The maximum security jail, which is now a recognized national historic site, offers a few possibilities for visitors. Visit some of the former inmate cells and gain more knowledge about prison life by taking the 90-minute basic tour or the 2.5-hour extended tour.
Be aware that both Kingston Penitentiary tours frequently sell out of tickets, so purchase yours online in advance. Combine your visit with other activities for a long day trip to Penitentiary Museum.
Bellevue House
Not all of Kingston’s historic sites have ominous origins or a military past. One example is Bellevue House, which caters to those with an interest in both history and architecture. In the 1840s, Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first prime minister, lived at Bellevue House. With its three levels, numerous balconies, and distinctive embellishments, it is a stunning example of early Italian architecture in Canada. Visitors to this fascinating national historical monument are led through the house and expansive gardens by guides dressed in 1840s-period attire.
St. George’s Anglican Cathedral
This is a very wonderful place to trail and spend time in peace. There are two bustling trailing paths beginning or ending at Kingston Harbour, including the Queen and Princess Streets. There are many wonderful places to stay in this area, many of which have water views and are conveniently close to popular activities.
Start your trip in the waterfront Confederation Park, which is adjacent to Kingston City Hall, maybe the most well-known (and most photographed) site in the area. This expansive public area, which looks out into historic Market Square and is evocative of the typical city squares in Europe, hosts several events all year long in addition to regular farmers’ markets. Free movies are shown here during the summer, and a skating rink offers lots of family entertainment during the winter.
Kingston City Hall
Earlier, this hall was built in the year 1844 when Kingston was the center of the province. But now, it is one of the most important and striking buildings in Ontario. It’s also one of the biggest. Filling an entire city block in the downtown core and just steps away from Lake Ontario, its most notable feature is its tall dome, designed like the rest of the building by renowned architect George Browne.
The building’s interior is equally compelling and can be visited as part of a guided tour, available on a first-come, first-served basis (self-guided tours are also available). Highlights include the Council Chambers and the Memorial Hall. Afterward, be sure to spend time exploring the city’s historic Market Square and nearby Centennial Park.
PumpHouse
The PumpHouse is a must-see when in Kingston for anyone who likes ancient machinery, especially old steam-powered machinery. It is notable as Canada’s oldest original waterworks. One of just six such structures to have endured in North America, the PumpHouse was constructed in 1851. It was built as a response to disastrous fires and cholera outbreaks.
The PumpHouse’s engines supplied fresh running water to Kingston for nearly a century before they were replaced by electric motors and played a significant part in the growth and development of the city. The museum, which debuted in 2006, provides an engaging look at the history of construction through kid-friendly interactive games and exhibits.
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