Sights in Eastern Ontario
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A
Bellevue House
This national historic site was once home to Sir John A Macdonald, Canada’s first prime minister and a notorious alcoholic. It seems the architect was also a drunk, as the Italianate mansion is wholly asymmetrical, a pompous use of bright color abounds, and balconies twist off in various directions. There are also plenty of antiques and a sun-drenched garden, adding further charm and intrigue to the old manor.
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B
Fort Henry National Historic Site
This restored British fortification, dating from 1832, dominates the town from its hilltop perch. The postcard-perfect structure is brought to life by colorfully uniformed guards trained in military drills, artillery exercises and the fife-and-drum music of the 1860s. The soldiers put on displays throughout the day; don’t miss the 3pm Garrison Parade. Admission includes a guided tour of the fort’s campus.
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Kingston Archaeological Centre
If you’ve been traveling along the boring stretch of Hwy 401, you probably spotted the sedimentary rock outcrops – the only interesting thing on the road. Swing by the archaeological center to learn more about the craggy formations, and while you’re there check out the archaeological record detailing the 8000-year-old human history of the area.
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C
Royal Military College Museum
This museum, on the grounds of the military college off Hwy 2 E, is inside the Fort Frederick Martello Tower, the largest of the city’s historic towers. The exhibits detail the history of the century-old military school and there’s a donated collection of small arms from General Porfirio Diaz, president of Mexico from 1876 to 1911.
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D
City Hall
The grandiose City Hall is one of the country’s finest classical buildings, and a relic from the time when Kingston was the capital of the United Provinces of Canada. Friendly red-vested volunteers conduct free tours on request, revealing colorful stained glass, dozens of portraits, dusty jail cells and an ornate council chamber.
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E
Penitentiary Museum
The ‘correctional service’ is what Canadian bureaucrats call the nation’s jail system, and this museum is a good way to enter a prison system without stealing a car. The museum, across from the actual penitentiary, has a fascinating collection of weapons and tools confiscated from inmates during attempted escapes.
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F
Murney Tower Museum
Now a national historic site, this swollen Martello defense structure from 1846 was constructed to supplement the riverside fortifications at Fort Henry. The Bloomfield cannon and various carronades are on sight, as well as other military artifacts.
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G
Pump House Steam Museum
The one-of-a-kind, completely restored, steam-run pump house was first used in 1849. Today the warehouse features all things steam-related, including two full-model train sets as well as the recently restored steamboat Phoebe.
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Ronathahon:ni Cultural Centre
On Cornwall Island, the Akwesane Mohawk reservation has the Ronathahon:ni Cultural Centre, an interpretive space where visitors can learn about Mohawk culture through artifacts and hands-on activities.
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H
Military Communications & Electronics Museum
Despite the driest of names, this is a comprehensive and well-designed museum offering chronological displays on communications technology and sundry military gadgets. It’s on the military base.
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I
Marine Museum of the Great Lakes
Kingston was an important shipbuilding center, and this museum sits on the site of the old shipyard. Exhibits offer a detailed history of the fascinating vessels constructed at the yard.
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J
International Hockey Museum
The International Hockey Museum respectfully honors the history and stars of Canada's favorite pastime with displays of memorabilia, photos and equipment.
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