Wildflowers in Kingston's Parks

This seemingly innocuous urban district of approximately 120,000 people surprises many with its momentous yesterday, vivacious today and progressive tomorrow. Kingston is situated on the southern terminus of the Rideau Canal, the oldest continuously established canal in North America. It is also on the watery intersection of Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River and the Cataraqui River. This advantageous geographical point has been pivotal to the city’s development, bringing trade, governing importance, immigrants and eventually much tourism to the area. Geography is also responsible for Kingston’s knowledge centric reputation and today’s popular outdoor pursuits, making it much more than a small, sleepy city.

HISTORY, CULTURE AND ECONOMY

Kingston has the distinction of being the oldest community in Canada. Originally an aboriginal settlement known as Cataraqui (translated as ‘rocks standing in water’), the site was recognized by the governor of New France, Louis de Buade as an exceptional location for a fort and fur trading post. Thus in 1673, Fort Frontenac came into fruition. Under French control for 85 years, the fort was defeated and occupied by the British during the Seven Year’s War (the fight for domination of America between the British and the French). British Loyalist settlement followed. The community was given the name King’s Town after George III, which soon shortened to Kingston.

In 1838, Kingston became an official town, with Thomas Kirkpatrick as mayor, and John A. MacDonald as alderman, the latter who subsequently became the prime minister of Canada. The town later became the pride of the nation when it was declared the capital city of the United Provinces of Canada (what was then Upper and Lower Canada) in 1841. It held this title for three years.

Research and Devlopment: Kingston's Knowledge-Based Industry

It was at this time that limestone from local quarries was used as the main building component for businesses and homes. Much of this distinguished architecture remains today, including the graceful City Hall in the downtown core. Hence Kingston has taken on the alias of ‘the Limestone City’.

It was also during the mid 1800s that the Church of Scotland selected Kingston as the Canadian location for a school. Its purpose was to prepare clergy members for service, as well as enlighten others in the subjects of science and literature. What started as a simple facility with one professor and a few students has evolved into the world-renowned Queen’s University. Thus began the surge of knowledge in Kingston, and brought about the arrival of other institutions such as the Royal Military College of Canada, St. Lawrence College, and the Canadian Armed Forces School of Communications and Electronics. Naturally this has promoted Kingston as a centre for knowledge-based industry. Several predominant names in health sciences, environmental services and products as well as information technology and telecommunications have research and development facilities in Kingston.

	Children Enjoying Kingston's Summer Weather

CLIMATE

Because of its proximity to Lake Ontario, Kingston enjoys a moderate climate throughout the year. Summer temperatures average around 24 Celsius (75 Fahrenheit), with winters normally –8 C (17 F). Visitors may prefer the more seasonable seasons of late spring, summer and early fall, as water activities are accessible at that time.

TRANSPORTATION

Situated midway of two major Canadian metropolises (Toronto and Montreal), Kingston is accessible by most modes of transportation. Kingston’s airport, Norman Rogers has daily scheduled flights from Kingston to Toronto. Twenty VIA Rail trains make a stop in Kingston per day, and one can ride the rails to various destinations in Ontario, Western Canada and the Maritimes. Motorcoach transportation is offered by Coach Canada (to Toronto and Montreal) and Voyageur (to Ottawa). For those choosing automobile transportation, the roads are maneuverable and parking is available in most areas.

Once in Kingston, Kingston Transit offers an easy-to-use public bus system. Visitors can take advantage of a special pass that allows all day travel as well as entrance to several of the city’s museums.

Of course, boat travel is also an option. Private craft are permitted down the Rideau Canal and can start or end at one of Kingston’s marinas. Many tour operators provide boat services, which visit the Thousand Islands area. The canal is usually open from late May until mid October. The scenic splendor of this mode of transportation makes it a good choice for those visiting Kingston via Ottawa or Quebec. A ferry to Wolfe Island, an inhabited island in the centre of the Thousand Islands, runs regularly throughout the year, and during May until mid October, guests can proceed from there to Cape Vincent, New York by Horne’s Ferry.

FEATURED ATTRACTIONS

Another historical stop in Kingston is Bellevue House. Aside from the noticeably different architecture of the period, this home was the short time residence of John A. MacDonald.

If time is a factor, an efficient yet enjoyable way to see the city is by a historic one-hour tour aboard the Confederation Tour Trolley. The tour takes visitors to various points of interest including Queen’s University and several of the solid limestone structures as Bellevue House. Several trip times are available from mid May until early October.

Perhaps a more grim attraction yet of much curiosity is the teeth-gritting Corrections Canada Museum, also known as the Kingston Penitentiary Museum. Kingston is home to the first penitentiary in Canada, established in 1835 and continues to run a maximum-security prison. The museum chronicles early prison life, when punishment was often brutish and rehabilitation non-existent. The small museum is located in the former warden’s home, which was built with convict sweat from 1870 to 1873. Some of the displays include rather horrific devises used for punishment, items used by the prisoners for smuggling, and models of cells used in 1906 as compared to a cell today. Visitors of both brave and timid hearts will discover the realities of everyday prison life at this location.

Outdoor Pursuits
Kingston is quickly becoming known as the fresh water sailing capital of the world. Those who wish to ripple the waters of the famed Rideau Canal with its array of scenery will not be disappointed. Whether it is by private craft, or by renting a houseboat, cruiser, kayak or canoe, the exploration of these waterways will bring out the sailor in the most adamant landlubber. Or one may join the many each season that cruise to the Thousand Islands, the over 1800 small islands that lay between the Canadian and US border, in a glass-topped catamaran, cruise boat, or paddle-wheel riverboat.

Observers of water sports may revel in the excitement of such regattas as the Canadian Olympic Training Regatta (C.O.R.K.), held each August. Hundreds of sailors invade the area for these famed races each August. The rather young but enjoyable Kingston Dragon Boat Festival happens in September.

	Scuba Diving for Kingston's Shipwrecks

An activity that is beginning to become popular in the Kingston area is shipwreck diving. Because of the coolness of the waters, several wrecks dating as far back as the mid 1800’s can be visited in waters reaching approximately 22 - 110 ft. in depth. Also among the deep water goods are machinery, bottles, anchors and what is presumed to be cannonballs from the War of 1812. Several of Kingston’s dive operators can assist to make the dives an interesting success.

Another fun-filled event in the month of July is the Kingston Buskers Rendezvous. One of the top street performers festivals in Canada, this festival is visited by entertainers from around the globe. A variety of novel performances can be viewed in downtown Kingston, with a sampling staged as the grand finale at Confederation Park.