Kingston!

Cataraqui is an Indian word for “The northern waters that meet the St. Lawrence at the ‘Great Waters.’” The area’s unique geographical location and its natural, safe harbour was chosen by LaSalle for a defence post against the Iroquois and the English.

Kingston has the largest number of plaques and historical buildings in all of Canada, and during the summer months the pageantry of the past is celebrated in many events and heralded throughout the city by our official “Town Crier.” Kingfest, “Music in the Park” at Confederation Park, the Triathlon, Chilifest, Tattoo, and countless other events draw people from around the world.

Recreation opportunities? One end of the Rideau Trail (Kingston to Ottawa) begins in Kingston. 76 parks with a total of 491 acres, 20 miles of waterfront with nature trails, and swimming abound. The Rideau Canal – one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century, remains the most scenic waterway in North America.

As the freshwater capital of North America, Kingston annually hosts CORK, the “Canadian Olympic Regatta Kingston.”

Established in 1801, Kingston’s Farmers’ Market boasts one of the oldest open-air markets in province. Rain or shine, be there early on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays for the best buys, and don’t be surprised to see people in period costume looking for bargains, too!

Fort Henry, completed in 1832, stands as Kingston’s number one tourist attraction, followed closely by the Communications and Electronics Museum.

"The revolt of the thirteen colonies created the city we know today. Thousands of Loyalists settled around the old Fort Frontenac and renamed it, "King's Town" after their King, George III."

Kingston!