If you're coming to Kingston, Ontario as a student, for business, or just on vacation, make sure you don't just sit on the couch and use the hotel WiFi on your laptop the whole time. Get out there and see what Kingston has to offer. For a smallish city, it's practically brimming over with interesting ways to spend an afternoon. We've outlined four of our favorites for you here. They represent the best and most interesting attractions, so if you're going to go anywhere - go to these places.
Fort Henry
Fort Henry began as a fortification against American incursions on the Saint Lawrence River during the War of 1812. It was expanded about fifteen years later to protect the Rideau Canal. Though the fort was never attacked, it became a detention center during the two world wars, and today can be found in the background of many pictures taken by Mississauga wedding photographers because of its historic battlements and costumed re-enactors. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
International Hockey Hall of Fame
As the birthplace of ice hockey and the home of the longest running rivalry in the sport (RMC versus Queens), Kingston was the logical place for such a museum. So if you're a sports fan and your significant other is off getting a microdermabrasion treatment, treat yourself to a trip through the history of ice hockey. Demonstration games are regularly held here and you can visit relics belonging to some of your favorite international ice hockey players.
Saint Lawrence Islands National Park
Made up of multiple islands in the Thousand Island region of the Saint Lawrence, much of the park can only be reached by water. It's not a great place for Blackberry roaming but if you want to hike, have a picnic, or go wreck diving, this is the place. Though not actually in Kingston, it's easily accessible and has overnight camping facilities.
Royal Military College
The RMC is the training ground for Canadian Forces Officers, and as such is steeped in tradition. Visitors can take a break from their cottage weddings and stroll the grounds to see uniformed students marching and drilling. You can learn about the history and role of the school at the attached RMC museum. Numerous important schools that may be of interest to academics are located here, including the center for space research, institute for the environment, and defense and security research institute.
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