Welcome to Kingston
Modern-day Canada's first capital, albeit only for three years, Kingston was stripped of the title when Queen Victoria worried that it was too close to the American border and could not be properly defended. Today, the pretty city finds itself strategically placed as the perfect pit stop between Montréal or Ottawa and Toronto.Often called the 'Limestone City,' Kingston is stocked with clunky halls of hand-cut stone... Read More
Top experiences in Kingston
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Kingston activities
Heart of the 1000 Islands Sightseeing Cruise
The world-famous 1000 Islands begin in Kingston and span the St. Lawrence River for miles. The route on board the triple deck Island Queen departs from Downtown Kingston at 12:30pm daily or every weekend at 10:30am and 2pm in the summer season. You'll wind your way through the small cottage islands of the Admiralty group featuring Napoleon's Hat, Wanderer's Channel, the Bateau Channel, the new, opulent Mandalay Mansion and the historic sights of Kingston.The Admiralty Islands host the highest concentration of small cottage islands and channels in the 1000 Islands. The Heart of the Islands Cruise is the most in-depth cruise in the 1000 Islands - the perfect way to explore the remarkable scenery that has made the region famous throughout the world. On board you will enjoy live entertainment, multilingual commentary which describes the history and folklore as you pass by spectacular scenery and island homes, as well as a full service canteen and bar.
1000 Islands Sunset Dinner Cruise
Board your cruise at 6pm with a departure at 6:30pm from downtown Kingston and get ready to set sail. This 3-hour sunset dinner cruise is a feast for the senses, as the comfortable boat navigates around 1000 Islands and you sip beverages and graze on tasty food or stroll around the open-air deck. Indulge in a three-course meal (choose from five different entrees, including a vegetarian option), as music and commentary entertain your ears. With the sun falling below the horizon sit back and relax on the boat or take a stroll around the second-floor deck for better views.
Kingston Discovery Sightseeing Cruise
Your 90-minute Discovery cruise highlights the westerly 1000 Islands and Fort Henry, along with shipwrecks and classical architecture, as well as Canada's Royal Military College and the imposing Kingston Penitentiary. Ride aboard the Island Belle, a replica St. Lawrence Steamer. It is a regular sight in the harbour showcasing Kingston's unique setting, historic sites, and neighboring islands from the best vantage point possible - the water. Kingston is now a UNESCO World Heritage Destination for its remarkable and well-preserved 19th-century defense fortifications. The Discovery Cruise is the perfect way to begin an exploration of the region.
90-Minute 1000 Islands Sightseeing Cruise
No visit to Eastern Ontario would be complete without a cruise to the world famous Thousand Islands. Departing from Brockville's historic waterfront, the "Jewels of the St. Lawrence" Cruise offers frequent daily departures. Your safety and comfort are assured aboard this fleet of modern, twin-decked, Transport Canada certified vessels equipped with on-board restrooms and fully licensed beverage and snack service (at extra cost).Revel in your view of palatial waterfront mansions, quaint island cottages and the many natural wonders of the 1000 Islands as you pass in the shadows of ships plying the main shipping channel of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Relax with a beverage and snack from a licensed snack bar. Get close to nature as you glide through narrow, scenic channels not available to larger tour boats - all while your bi-lingual Captain’s commentary provides an accurate account of the Islands history, its legends and its people.Start or end your visit with a meal at the Crow's Nest Bistro, Brockville's only true licensed waterfront bistro or pick up a memento of your visit in the 1000 Islands at the Chandlery Gift Shop. Limited free parking is available on site.After your cruise, you can delve into the Islands a little deeper with a visit to the Aquatarium (not included), a new 32,000 sq. ft. interactive discovery centre devoted to the history, culture and ecology of the region. Ogle ships from around the world plying the St. Lawrence Seaway channel from one of five waterfront parks. Explore Brockville’s many historical treasures with a visit to the Brockville Museum, Fulford Place, Canada’s First Railway Tunnel, and Fort Wellington. Or take a stroll through the historic downtown where you’ll discover an abundance of architectural treasures of this one-time Millionaire’s capital of Canada.
Heart of the 1000 Islands Lunch Cruise
The world-famous 1000 Islands begin in Kingston and span the St. Lawrence River for miles. The route on board the triple deck Island Queen departs from Downtown Kingston at 12:30pm. You'll wind your way through the small cottage islands of the Admiralty group featuring Napoleon's Hat, Wanderer's Channel, the Bateau Channel, the new, opulent Mandalay Mansion and the historic sights of Kingston.The Admiralty Islands host the highest concentration of small cottage islands and channels in the 1000 Islands. The Heart of the Islands Cruise is the most in-depth cruise in the 1000 Islands - the perfect way to explore the remarkable scenery that has made the region famous throughout the world. On board you will enjoy live entertainment, multilingual commentary which describes the history and folklore as you pass by spectacular scenery and island homes, as well as a full service canteen and bar. Combining lunch with a 1000 Islands Cruise is not only relaxing, but also friendly and entertaining. On weekdays, enjoy a buffet lunch with audio commentary and live entertainment. Bask in the beautiful views of the Islands from the panoramic second deck of the Island Queen. On weekends in the summer season (June 25-September 5), savor a choice meal on the Island Star, a Bateau-Mouche styled glass covered Catamaran dining ship. Enjoy live entertainment as the entertainer gives commentary of the sites along the way.
Boldt Castle and Thousand Islands Helicopter Tour
For a different view of the Thousand Islands and Bold Castle, embark on a helicopter tours that offers the most spectacular views. Your incredible journey begins as you lift off you will be see the unspoiled beauty of the St. Lawrence River, Ivy Lea Bridge and the richness of the Thousand Islands. Then you will proceed to the US side (passports not required) to view the famous, beautiful and iconic Boldt Castle. This tour is approximately 20 minutes in duration. Upon your return, you have the option of taking home the memories by purchasing your personalized high-definition videos of your tour.