Kingston: Centre of History & Education

Research and Devlopment: Kingston's Knowledge-Based Industry

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°C (75°F), 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 Greyhound and Voyageur. 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

Museums and Historic Sites
The diversity of Kingston’s numerous attractions is great. For those interested in history, Kingston has 17 museums and several more historic locales. Of merit is Fort Henry, which offers military pageantry and precision at its finest. This designated National Historic Site was originally built to fend off the Americans in the War of 1812, but never saw military action. From 1837- 38 the fort was used as a prison for dissenters of the Rebellions. The fort served mainly as a garrison for British and then Canadian troops until 1890. Today visitors can witness 19^th Century military life, from where the officers dined to where a soldier would lay his head to rest. The ‘Sunset Ceremonies’ of the celebrated Fort Henry Guard are performed in July and August. Noise levels hit a high with the blasts of canons, gunshots and the music of fife and drum. To cap off the sound extravaganza, fireworks bang into the night sky to end the ritual.

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 the Kingston Dragon Boat Festival 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.

Events
Kingston also offers a plethora of summer festivals and events. A favorite of ‘Blues Brother’ Dan Aykroyd is the Limestone City Blues Festival in August. Some of the best blues and jazz music around can be heard at more than 15 venues in downtown Kingston. For die-hard jazz fans, or for those wishing to experience the doleful sound that has influenced countless musical genres, this three-day event is a must.

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.