Kingston, Ontario is one of the top 30 largest population centres in Canada. This Eastern Ontario town is positioned where the Saint Lawrence River meets Lake Ontario, and is home to more than 120,000 people. Midway between Toronto and Montreal, the “Limestone City” (or “the King’s Town” as it was known in the 1700s) is renowned for its rich history and for being a tourism gateway to the 1000 Islands.
Recreation, Arts and Culture in Kingston
With a vibrant arts community and more than 20 museums, there are many things to do in Kingston.
• Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL) – five branches of this museum are located in Kingston.
• Kingston Canadian Film Festival – this annual festival celebrates Canadian filmmakers.
• Limestone City Blues Festival – lively performances that make downtown Kingston come alive.
• ReelOut Queer Film + Video Festival – established by OPIRG in 1999, ReelOut is a queer film festival that celebrates diversity and diversity education.
• Febfest – an annual winter event that helps Kingston residents beat the winter blues.
• Annual Canadian Olympic Training Regatta (CORK) – an ultimate freshwater experience and multi-class sailing regatta, held off the shores of Kingston.
• Pump House and Steam Museum – history aficionados love seeing this museum’s steam-powered pumps, which provided the first running water to Kingston residents in 1850.
• Fort Henry – built at the top of Point Henry, this fort fortified the naval dockyard in Kingston during the 1800s. These days, guests can travel back to the 19th century through guided tours and precision military demonstrations by the Fort Henry Guard.
• Cataraqui Archaeological Research Foundation – a non-profit research foundation dedicated to researching and preserving archaeological resources within Ontario.
• Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston – one of Kingston’s leading tourism destinations, this museum is located at the only federally built dry dock on the Great Lakes.
• The1000 Islands – an archipelago of more than 1000 islands that stretch for 80 km downstream from Kingston.
• Parks and Trails
Universities and Colleges in Kingston
Students can find apartments for rent in Kingston, Ontario close to one of its three post-secondary institutions:
• Queen’s University at Kingston – founded in 1841, this public research university has consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the world.
• Royal Military College of Canada (RMC or RMCC) – the Canadian Forces’ military college was established in 1876 and has programs in arts, science and engineering.
• St. Lawrence College – Kingston has been home to the main campus of this applied arts and technology college since 1969.
Transportation in Kingston
If you’re living in one of Kingston’s rentals and need a way to get around, Kingston Transit offers a conventional bus service that links riders to work, school and play. Most routes operate daily, with the exception of some holidays (New Year’s Day, Family Day, Good Friday and Christmas Day).
Kingston’s transportation access also includes taxi services, inter-city buses, Kingston Access Bus (KAB), VIA Rail, and the Wolfe Island Ferry. Designated cycling lanes are also being added for those who prefer cycling as a mode of transportation.