 | Kingston Things To Do | Tips 1 - 10 of 74 |  |
On our return drive from Toronto to New Brunswick, we decided to get off the busy 401 superhighway near Trenton to see what the pace of life was like in Ontario on some of its less travelled roads. Our route very quickly took us out onto the large isthmus of Prince Edward County, which juts out into Lake Ontario and is joined to mainland by a narrow sliver of land. As we crossed this strip of land we were very surprised to suddenly find the Murray Canal, shown here, and even more surprised when the road gates came down just after we had crossed over!
This canal was built between 1882-89 to connect Presqu’ile Bay in the west with the Bay of Quinte in the east, allowing shipping traffic to cross the approximately 8-km (5-mile) land barrier here, saving them a much longer trip of 200-km (120-mi) if they had to try to navigate the shores of the isthmus.
We hopped out of the car for a better look as the road bed (supported by a steel bridge built in 1935) swung open in the 2nd photo and then started to close again (3rd photo). The gates and bridge were controlled by a man in the control building shown in the 4th photo, beside a sign saying that this canal is part of the 386-km Trent-Severn Waterway linking Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay (part of Lake Huron). Pleasure boats such as the ones we saw are the main users of the Murray Canal today because the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway changed the traffic patterns of the larger freighters. Leave a Comment Address: 'Loyalist Parkway' Highway 33 south of TrentonDirections: At Brighton Bridge, close to Carrying Place, where Highway 33 crosses onto the Prince Edward isthmus
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The Loyalist Parkway passes through many small communities along its route, going straight through on the main streets of places such as Wellington, Rosehall, Bloomfield, Picton, Glenora, Adolphustown, Sandhurst and Bath. As we drove along, we were impressed by the number of historic old buildings dating from the late 1700s and first half of the 1800s, as well as the numerous huge old oak, beech and elm trees lining the streets. The towns take obvious pride in their heritage and looked like they would be fun to explore if we had been able to make more time available. Leave a Comment Directions: Along Loyalist Parkway (provincial Highway 33)
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We made a long approach to Kingston on the 100-km (62-mile) Loyalist Parkway, which starts near Trenton and takes a scenic route along the Lake Ontario coast via the isthmus of Prince Edward. It was a relaxing way to go, with speed limits varying between 60-80 kph for the most part and dropping down to 50 kph in the series of small communities dotted along its length. Many sections go through very rural areas with no signs of human intrustion while others provide great views over the water. From the Loyalist Parkway website:
"The Loyalist Parkway follows the course of Loyalist settlement which commenced in 1784 following the American Revolution. As a living monument to the Loyalist settlers it presents a rich source of information for those with interests in Heritage Tourism, Genealogy, Canadian History and Early Canadian Architecture... It also offers a wide choice of accommodation, sightseeing and recreation for the whole family. A 1-meter wide paved shoulder has been provided for cyclists along its length. There are over 40 listed Archeaologic sites and at least 125 notable heritage buildings adjacent to the Parkway.
Following the American Revolution of 1776, individuals who had supported Britain or had wished to remain neutral on religious and ethical grounds were persecuted, deprived of property and often their lives. Survivors fled to areas of British protection around the globe. Those who had fought with the British joined the exodus. The first legal British settlement in Canada other than military establishments took place in western Quebec and what is now eastern Ontario. The settlers were made up of soldiers from volunteer regiments , European mercenaries and civilians. Many were from lower New York State and the Mohawk Valley and included many Mohawk Indians. They suffered terribly from cold, starvation and disease but persevered to become major participants in the formation of Ontario and ultimately Canada. The Loyalist Parkway is a commemoration of their loyalty and determination." Leave a Comment Directions: Ontario Highway 33 between Trenton and Kingston along the northern shore of Lake Ontario at its eastern endWebsite: www.loyalistparkway.org
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One of the most impressive sights of the whole trip was suddenly confronting Collins Bay Institution, a 485-cell medium security prison located on 800 acres of federal land beside Highway 33 as we crested a hill on our drive into the city from the west. This is often mistaken for Canada's oldest prison, Kingston Penitentiary built in 1835, and it is no wonder, since the area is home to nine correctional facilities of one kind or another! This one was built in 1929, makig it the second oldest federal institution for male offenders in the Ontario Region. The sudden view of the vivid roof and walls of its ornate entrance building, lit up before us by the west setting sun as they jutted up from the large treed estate, really caught our attention! At first I thought it must be some sort of cathedral or monastery and was amazed to find out this was, in fact, a federal prison! Leave a Comment Directions: Between King St. West and Lake Ontario where Highway 33 enters Kingston. I almost got an inside look too, as a guard rushed over to me in a pickup truck and told me I was not allowed to be on the grounds!
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Boldt Castle is located on Heart Island and was built by the manager of the famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. He wanted to create a fairy tale castle for his beloved wife Louise.
The 120 room castle was modeled after 16th century European buildings and no expense was spared in its design or construction. 300 skilled artisans, craftsmen and builders were working on the site when a telegram arrived in January 1904 advising that Louise had died and that all work was to stop immediately. The castle was left, unfinished to deteriorate until The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority from the State of NY assumed ownership and began a rehabilitation program in 1977.
Today you can tour the grounds, and the finished first floor, but the remaining 5 floors are left as they were, in a state of semi completion. It is a sad story and you will have to imagine the luxury and happiness that might have been.
Admission $5.25 US. see the website for hours of operation. Leave a Comment Directions: Boldt Castle is located in the St. Lawrence River, on the American side. You can see it aboard a cruise of the 1000 Islands.Website: www.boldtcastle.com
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The Royal Military College (RMC) opened its doors in 1876 to its first class of 18 young Canadians to be trained in all branches of military tactics. One of its most famous graduates, is the Canadian Astronaut, Chris Hadfield.
As a visitor, you are welcome to walk the grounds, with nice views of downtown Kingston and the St. Lawrence River. You can also tour a free museum which is open during the summer months, located in the fortified Martello Tower.
RMC is situated on Point Frederick just east of downtown Kingston. It is a historically significant as well as a beautiful location, overlooking the city, and the entrance of the St. Lawrence River to Lake Ontario. Leave a Comment Directions: from Highway 401, take County Road 15 and drive south until it ends at the T-junction with County Road 2. Turn right, then left at the next set of lights. Turn right onto Precision Drive.Website: http://www.rmc.ca/admission/global/visitrmc_e.html
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Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir John A. MacDonald immigrated to Kingston from Glasgow, Scotland with his family at the age of five. He grew up in Kingston, and began training in the legal profession at the age 15. He set up practice here in 1835 and entered political life in 1843 and became Canada's first Prime Minister in 1867.
He died in Ottawa in 1891 following a stroke at the age of 76, but was returned to Kingston to rest in the family plot at the beautiful Cataraqui Cemetary. His grave is marked with a simple stone cross as he requested. Leave a Comment
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The Pump House and steam Museum is very close to the Marine museum, close to the west end marina. It's worth a visit. Interesting machinery is displayed to the public showing how local people handled water with primitive, yet motorized engines.
The Pump House Steam Museum was abandoned for a long time before it was restored in 1973 by the City of Kingston. Leave a Comment Address: 55 Ontario Street, Kingston, Ontario. K7L 2Y2Phone: 1 613 542 2261Directions: Just walk or drive to the end of the main street and it is at your left hand side, by the marina.Website: http://www.marmus.ca/marmus/pumphouse.html
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Due to a a renewed threat of war with the United States in the early 1840's, it was decided to increase Kingston's defences and four stand alone redoubts (or Martello Towers) were built between 1846 and 1848. These Towers provided arcs of fire covering the entrance to Kingston harbour.
In 1890, the towers were deemed obsolete and were left to deteriorate. In 1920, the Murney Tower was saved by the Kingston Historical Society and was opened as a museum in 1925. Inside you can see the cannon that was designed to fire from the upper openings in the tower, as well as other artifacts.
Today you can visit the museum from mid May to Labour Day between the hours of 10am and 5pm. Admission is $3. Leave a Comment
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Just east of Kingston in the St. Lawrence River, you can cruise amongst The Thousand Islands. There are actually over 1800 islands, most of which are privately owned.
I chose to travel with Heritage Islands Cruise which departs from Rockport, 30 kms east of Kingston. Heritage was the only Canadian boat in September that was stopping at the beautiful Boldt Castle mid week. Many other tour boats depart from Kingston, Rockport and Ganonoque but only cruise around the island without stopping.
Apart from Boldt Castle, you will see the Millionaire's Row of stately summer homes each on their own private island. Some of these belong to the inventor of the Bobby Pin and the owner of Wrigley Field, amongst others. Leave a Comment
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on September 5, 2007
on October 7, 2004
on July 11, 2003
