Things to do in Eastern Ontario
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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.
reviewed
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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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Luke’s
A master charcutier and child prodigy, young Luke was born in 1993 and is the genius behind the restaurant. While waiting for your meal, take a moment to read the resto manifesto, promising that each dish is lavished with a generous portion of TLC. The true essence of Luke’s is distilled in the club sandwich – a unique ensemble of homemade bread, crispy bacon cured in-house, and local organic produce.
reviewed
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Chez Piggy
Hidden in a flowery stone courtyard, the city’s best-known restaurant has earned its reputation with an innovative menu, charming ambience and memorable weekend brunches. Mains include confit of Muscovy duck leg and seared Togarashi sea scallops, and the bread is freshly baked down the street at Pan Chancho. Reservations are strongly recommended on weekends.
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Kingston 1000 Island Cruises
Has several cruises leaving from the Island Queen dock, on Ontario St at the foot of Brock St. A 1½-hour trip (adult/child $24/12) takes you along the Kingston shoreline with commentary on noteworthy sites. Throughout the summer there are two or three trips a day. The extended lunch and dinner cruises ($46.50 and $66 respectively) are popular.
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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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Royal Angkor
When looking up ‘hole in the wall’ in the dictionary, you just might find a picture of this Southeast Asian eatery. It doesn’t get simpler than this – a sparsely decorated sitting area and a couple of pots and pans. But who really cares about atmosphere when the homemade dishes burst with fresh ingredients and come at unbeatable prices?
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Kingston Brewing Company
Chow down on tasty tavern munchies amid flickering Christmas lights and kitschy beer-themed paraphernalia, or make a meal of it and grab a patio table outside. Whatever you do, be sure to try the homemade brew: the Dragon’s Breath Ale will put a fire in your belly and the White Tail Cream Ale is so popular, they’ve begun to bottle it.
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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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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.
reviewed
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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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Pan Chancho
Enter past the large peel-wielding pig to uncover this gourmand’s paradise. Light and savory lunches fuse unlikely ingredients into palate-pleasing dishes. Try the fennel and cream-cheese spread – perfect on any of the freshly baked breads. Students will get a handy 15% discount.
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Sleepless Goat
With a name that sounds like an Alanis Morissette lyric, it’s no surprise that this low-key joint attracts gaggles of artists and angsty intellectual types. A self-proclaimed co-op, the restaurant is run by a clan of savvy cooks who churn out the tastiest veggie options in town.
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Tango
Kingston’s attempt at downtown sophistication is a fresh combustion of DJ beats and tapas treats. Weekends are dominated by the loosened ties and popped collars of local financiers after a long week at the office. Quieter weekdays have discounted tapas and martini options.
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Chien Noir
Urbane, sleek and modern in design, this French-style bistro delivers the gastronomic goods. The menu, featuring a broad assortment of steaks and seafood, will surely leave customers plagued with indecision. The tantalizing brunch menu is a real nail-biter too.
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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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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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Toucan
Kingston’s oldest Irish pub is tucked away in an old stone alley near King St. Traditional British pub fare is served alongside sweet potato fries and poutine, and the $2.99 Sunday breakfast will help with the hangover.
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Grand Theatre
Once an opera house, then a movie theater, and now the city’s premier venue for theater, the symphony, concerts and comedy, the Grand has undergone extensive renovations since 1967, including a massive overhaul in 2008.
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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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Philthy McNasty's
A red-and-white pleasure-plex celebrating Canada's favorite sport after hockey - gettin' down. There's a giant bar with plasma TVs, a discotheque, and even outdoor beach volleyball in the warmer months.
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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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Ale House
This multileveled joint boasts the cheapest draughts in town, and if you're not into beer, its milkshake brings all the boys to the yard. Frequent live music draws in swarms of students too.
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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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Cooke’s Fine Foods
Take a look in this gourmet shop with old wooden counters and a century-old pressed-metal ceiling. There are lovely aromas and a curious assortment of goods (and shoppers).
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