Introduction to Kingston
Our tour starts at the Tourist Information Office 209 Ontario St and proceeds to the front of City Hall (across the street) where we discuss the fur trade, the coming of the Loyalists and the military installations. It may be the ‘longest undefended border' in the world now, but it wasn't the case in Kingston in the 19th century as we can still see from our vantage point several military outposts. We proceed around City Hall to the historic market square where we are introduced to the Kingston of today - where to eat and where to shop are indicated.
Introduction to Kingston
Our walk is 1.2 km long from the Visitor Information Centre at 209 Ontario St, to the waterfront and then west along King Street to the statue of Sir John A. Macdonald. We will discuss the early fur trade and view the buildings of the early Loyalist families who provided Kingston with its 19 Century feel. Kingston is fortunate to have remaining and in good shape a marvelous collection of limestone buildings that have been preserved under the City of Kingston Act which predated and prompted the Ontario Heritage Act. More buildings are listed annually and the area through which we will walk in is the process of being designated a Heritage Conservation District. This is the second such district in Kingston and visitors are urged to visit Barriefield Village (the first Heritage district). We are very proud of the conservation activities in the city and urge others to be inspired by the work.
Towers and Turbines
This tour is available only during July and August. The tour takes the Wolfe Island Ferry at 10:30 am to peaceful Wolfe Island. (10 am, from 209 Ontario St) On the east side of the ferry we have the best view of Kingston's fortifications - the towers and the forts. In sheltered surroundings we will discuss the evolution of the ‘longest undefended border in the world'. The border wasn't always undefended as our fortifications attest. A peaceful undefended border evolved only in the 20th century.
Once on the island we will discuss green energy as we view one of the largest wind farms in Canada. Participants may wish to spend more time on the island, on their own, while the guides take the next ferry to Kingston. Wolfe Island offers much to see and do and we encourage participants to take advantage of the island. For more information on Wolfe Island:
www.wolfeisland.com.
Our walks are flat and, baring horrid weather (of which we have a bit!) will not tire anyone. Please dress for the weather. Tours will be cancelled for inclement weather.
