Kingston and Thousand Islands

The historic city of Kingston has a rich history, fantastic market and makes a great base for exploring the stunning archipelago of Thousand Islands.

East of Kingston, the landscapes, castles and communities of Thousand Islands await. There are 1,800 islands in the archipelago, best explored on either a cruise or from the skies on a helicopter tour. On Hills Island, the 130-metre Observation Tower has fantastic views, while the 240-metre Thousand Islands International Bridge is one of the world’s most dramatic border crossings between Ontario and New York State.

Where Lake Ontario meets the St Lawrence River, Kingston is nicknamed the “Limestone City” for its distinctive buildings and was briefly the capital of Canada in the 1840s. Historical highlights include Fort Henry, a 19th century fort and now a museum, and Kingston Penitentiary, formerly one of the world’s oldest prisons.

Foodies will love the public market – the oldest in Ontario in front of City Hall with a wide range of food and drink, while beer lovers can enjoy touring the city’s nine breweries.