The Great Ontario Communities Series (Kingston)

 

During the past few years Judi and I have visited almost 150 Ontario community festivals and events. The majority have been planned and managed by dedicated community volunteers. As a salute to these wonderful communities and their hard-working residents, I will be writing a series of blogs entitled “Great Ontario Communities”. These blogs describe the communities we have visited and will tell you about some of the interesting things we have experienced and the people we have met. The eighth article is about Kingston, one of Canada's most historic cities.

KINGSTON – If you have never visited the City of Kingston, you have missed enjoying one of Ontario’s and Canada's most historic and beautiful cities.  Not only are there many historic buildings, it is the home of the father of confederation, Sir John A. MacDonald.  Throughout the city there are landmarks honoring Sir John A.  To the east of the city, you will find the World Heritage Site, Fort Henry.  The Fort overlooks the St. Lawrence River and offers a glorious view of both the St. Lawrence and the City of Kingston.  Throughout the summer months the Fort offers visitors an authentic look into Canada’s past.  In October, it changes it’s look and transforms itself into “Fort Fright”.  My son-in-law, Eddy and I visited Fort Fright last year and had a wonderful “frightening” time!  If you are looking for great shopping, Kingston’s downtown shopping area offers lots of variety.  One of Judi’s favorite stores is located there, Wallack’s Art Supplies.  Judi tells me she could spend hours there, “just looking”!  Kingston is also the home of Queen’s University and Kingston General Hospital and Hotel Dieu Hospital.  Unfortunately, I have intimate knowledge of the hospital as this is where I had my triple By-Pass surgery.  I must say that Kingston is one of my favorite places to visit (not the hospital).  There is always lots to do.  From shopping to sightseeing and from attractions to festivals and events. Here's a list of some of the events and attractions:

·         Fort Henry

·         Portsmouth Village

·         Grand Theatre

·         Woodworking Museum

·         Pump House Steam Museum

·         Bellevue House National Historic Park

·         International Hockey Hall of Fame

·         Museum of Health Care

·         Royal Military College Museum

·         Music in the Gardens

·         Sheep Dog Trials

·         Kingston Fall Fair