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DISCOVER KINGSTON

Whether you're looking for a day of sightseeing and shopping, outdoor adventures or exploring the cultural heritage of Canada's First Capital, Kingston has something for everyone. The following itineraries will give you a taste of what the Limestone City has to offer.

Itinerary 1: Sightseeing
A sample of some of Kingston's best - fall in love with our historic city while sightseeing, shopping and cruising through the 1000 Islands.

8:00 a.m.	Breakfast
9:00 a.m.	Shop and Stroll - take the opportunity to choose a truly unique and memorable gift or keepsake while strolling through the downtown core.  Kingston offers a variety of boutique style shopping for men's and ladies' wear, jewellery, crafts, souvenirs, and more. Take a stroll through Springer Market Square behind City Hall on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays to experience Ontario's longest-running outdoor farmer's market.  Featuring artisans, baked goods, fresh local produce, flowers and more.  On Sundays, the Market features antiques.
10:00 a.m.	Hop aboard the Confederation Tour Trolley for a 50-minutes voyage in to Kingston's historic past.  View the beautiful Lake Ontario waterfront and experience highlights of Kingston's limestone heritage  www.kingstonchamber.on.ca
11:30 a.m.	Lunch
1:30 p.m.	Take a scenic drive along Highway 15 to Kingston Mills Blockhouse, a historic canal, dating back to 1832.  Enjoy the display of fine watercraft being hand locked through the first steps of the Rideau Canal - a UNESCO designated world heritage site with the Kingston Fortifications.  Learn some of the history of the men who built and guarded this strategic waterway.  www.parkscanada.gc.ca
3:00 p.m.	Drive a little further to the MacLachlan Woodworking Museum along scenic Highway 2.  Explore nineteenth century life and technology through displays of woodworking tools and tools relating to other early Canadian trades.  (Travel time 15 minutes each way, therefore at 2:40 p.m.)  www.cityofkingston.ca
OR	Explore the fascinating history of Canada's correctional facilities at Canada's Penitentiary Museum. Macabre and mysterious - catch a glimpse "inside"!  http://www.penitentiarymuseum.ca/
OR	Enjoy an afternoon on one of Kingston's many famous outdoor patios and watch the world go by.
5:30 p.m.	Relax and enjoy dinner on a Sunset Cruise of the 1000 Islands.  Enjoy a four-course gourmet meal and music under the stars with Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises.  www.1000islandscruises.ca
OR	Take in some live music or theatre at the Grand Theatre or K-Rock Centre.  Please visit www.kingstongrand.ca and www.k-rockcentre.com for performance listings.
10:00	Enjoy a nightcap at a historic pub before retiring for the evening.

 

Itinerary 2: Cultural Retrospectives
Discover our uniquely Canadian Heritage - this tour will take you back to the building of a nation when Kingston was the first capital of the Upper Canadas.

8:00 a.m.	Breakfast
9:00 a.m.	Start your day with "In Sir John A's Footsteps" a walking tour through the streets of Kingston, home of Canada's first Prime Minster, Sir John A. Macdonald.  The audio version is narrated by Canada's 20th Prime Minster, the Rt. Hon. Jean Cretien, can be downloaded at www.cityofkingston.ca.
10:00 a.m.	Hop aboard the Confederation Tour Trolley for a 50-minutes voyage in to Kingston's historic past.  View the beautiful Lake Ontario waterfront and experience highlights of Kingston's limestone heritage  www.kingstonchamber.on.ca
OR	Visit the Museum of Health Care at Kingston. Learn about medical practices from the turn of the century and about the rich history of Kingston General Hospital - the first legislative seat of the United Province of Canada! www.museumofhealthcare.ca
11:50 a.m.	Tour Bellevue House, National Historic Site of Canada.  Built in the 1840s, it is a fine example of the Italianate villa style and commemorates the life of Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. www.parkscanada.gc.ca
1:00 p.m.	Lunch
2:00 p.m.	Agnes Etherington Art Centre at Queen's Univeristy - exciting in its variety and depth, the permanent collection of the AEAC is one of the most notable in Canada.  Numbering 13,000 works, it is the third largest among provincial galleries in the size of its holdings, ranking after the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario. www.aeac.ca
3:00 p.m.	Get connected and explore the fascinating Military Communications Museum.  An interesting look at the history and development of Canadian military communications from 1867 to the present.  www.c-and-emuseum.org
OR	Learn about the growth of ship building and shipping technologies, the history of boat building, the life of the sailor, as well as regional Kingston's maritime history and our place on the Great Lakes at the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes.  The recently opened Eco Gallery focuses on environmental issues/successes related to the Great Lakes. www.marmuseum.ca
3:50 p.m.	Step back in time and tour historic Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada (tour begins at 4:00 p.m.)  This majestic citadel is Eastern Ontario's largest and most vibrant heritage attraction.  Costumed interpreter will lead you through an illustrious history as displayed in the museum rooms filled with artifacts.  www.forthenry.com
7:00 p.m.	Dinner at Barrack's Banquet - savour history through food as soldiers serve 19th century delicacies, fit for offiercer of the Queen's Royal Military, to your group. www.foodandheritage.com
	On Wednesday evenings in July and August, experience Fort Henry's Sunset Ceremonies.  Withness the pomp and pageantry of the world famous Fort Henry Guard as they perform both military and musical manoeuvres topped off with a fireworks finale.  Add on a Haunted Walk through the Fort afterwards, if you dare! www.hauntedwalk.com
OR	Consider dining at any one of Kingston's fine restaurants - there's something for everyone: Italian, German, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Mediterranean, Irish, French, Vegetarian and traditional fare.

 

Itinerary 3: Outdoor Adventures
Where else can you go golfing, sailing and hiking all within city limits? Get ready to gear up as this action-packed day introduces you to our active lifestyle and historic backdrop.

8:00 a.m.	Breakfast - make it a hearty one for increased energy
9:00 a.m.	Enjoy a round at Westbrook Golf Club & Driving Range. This picturesque, naturalized setting only a few minutes away! The challenging 18 hole course and 9 hole Kingston Par 3 golf courses are waiting to entertain you. The casual, friendly atmosphere at Westbrook invites all ages and playing abilities.  www.westbrookgolfclub.com
OR	Head down to the waterfront to begin your adventures.  Ahoy Rentals can set you up for a day of sailing, canoeing, sea kayaking, wind surfing and cycling.  www.ahoyrentals.com
1:00 p.m.	Lunch
3:00 p.m.	If you're ready for a hike through the woods then - we're ready for you!  Cataraqui Creek Conservation Authority offers five superb local conservation areas to enjoy hiking, bird watching and nature, or take in an interpretive program.  Kingston also boasts 10 magnificent Ontario Parks, most within an hours drive of its border.
5:30 p.m.	Relax and enjoy dinner on a Sunset Cruise of the 1000 Islands.  Enjoy a four-course gourmet meal and music under the stars with Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises.  www.1000islandscruises.ca

 

Kingston is also home to excellent receptive tour operators who offer a myriad of tours and services and are available to help you customize your itinerary.
Canadian Discoveries: info@canadiandiscoveries.ca
Personally Guided Tours of Historic Kingston: bergray@kos.net

 

Connie Markle
Manager, Conferences & Travel Trade
markle@kingstoncanada.com
613-544-2725 ext. 7241