Situated on the northeastern shores of Lake Ontario, Kingston is the oldest city in the province. Its rich history encompasses First Nations communities including the Iroquois and Ojibwe and later settlement by the British. Setting out after breakfast, our expertly guided tour will show us Kingston’s most significant landmarks including the fine Georgian architecture of Bellevue House and the campus of Queen’s University, founded in 1841 by Royal Charter from Queen Victoria. We’ll see Market Square, the lively heart of Kingston, and drive past the Gothic-styled St. Mary’s Cathedral, built in 1826 from limestone quarried on the spot. Our last stop of the morning will be the Kingston Mill Locks on the Rideau Canal c, the oldest continuously operated canal in North America. Built in the first half of the 19th century and stretching 125 miles from Kingston all the way to Ottawa, its original structures are still intact and most of its locks are still operated by hand.
At the Fort Henry National Historic Site, set high above Kingston harbor, we’ll learn about the strategic role that this British fortress played in the War of 1812. Then we’ll sit down to a very unique dining experience. With attentive service from wait-staff dressed in authentic period garb, we’ll enjoy a 3-course lunch of historically-accurate dishes that would have been served to the Fort’s garrisoned officers in the 19th century. After lunch, you’ll have free time to explore and shop on your own or to visit the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes. Founded in 1975 and offering complimentary admission, the Museum’s exhibits explore the maritime history of Kingston and the Great Lakes. Meals B+L+D