Did you know Kingston is home to a quaint and historic east-end village? Barriefield Village was established in 1814 by the Honourable Richard Cartwright, just across the water from downtown Kingston. Named after Commodore Sir Robert Barrie, the commissioner of the Kingston Naval Dockyard in 1820, the village was built up to accommodate the growing demand for housing during a period of heightened military activity, fueled by the War of 1812 and the rebuilding of Fort Henry in the 1830s.
Fast forward to today, and Barriefield Village has managed to stand the test of time. The village earned the designation of Ontario’s inaugural Heritage Conservation District in 1980. Let’s discover the captivating stores, architectural wonders, and timeless allure of Barriefield Village.
Barriefield Rock Garden
Everyone is welcome to enjoy the scenery of the Bill Robb Barriefield Rock Garden. The garden was designed in 1990 by Bill Robb, a retired Bell Canada lineman and engineering technician, to be a place for the community to enjoy the outdoors. As you meander through the garden’s trails you will find Canadian Shield rocks, trees and greenery, and benches for admiring your surroundings. You might even get inspiration for your next art project!
Wander down Main Street
Main Street is the historic transportation route of Barriefield Village. As one of the only streets in the village, the houses along the street were once inns, hotels, and shops to serve residents and travellers in the nineteenth century. The architecture of Main Street reflects rural character, as many of the buildings are one-and-a-half storey homes made of wood or stone.
One of the many notable homes is 202 Main Street, called Barriefield House. It is thought to be the oldest limestone house in Barriefield, built between 1814 and 1815 by William Baker. The Barriefield Village Association offers a self-guided walking tour of the village, which includes information about Main Street properties and their history.
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Frontenac County Schools Museum
Open: Mon – Fri (10 am – 4 pm)
Go back in time to the earliest school days at the Frontenac County Schools Museum. The museum is home to a replica of an early 1900s one-room school and a display gallery of artifacts and archival material from schools that once dotted the countryside of Frontenac County. While you visit, you can partake in a guided gallery tour and an old-time pen and ink lesson. The museum is free of charge, but donations are welcome.
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Barriefield Antiques
Open: Fri – Sun (11 am – 4 pm)
Looking for a new piece of funky furniture? Or perhaps you are searching for a new collectable? Get lost in the stacks of Canadiana and vintage antiques at Barriefield Antiques. The owner, Karen, is happy to share fun facts and history tidbits about each of the antiques on sale. Check out the Barriefield Antiques Facebook page to see the store’s variety of antique offerings.
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Barriefield Market
Open: Mon – Sat (9 am – 6 pm), Sun (11 am – 5 pm)
Exploring the village is bound to work up your appetite. Drive along Main Street towards Highway 15, and you’ll come across the charming Barriefield Market. This delightful deli shop is just outside the village and offers a selection of top-quality Ontario meats and prepared foods at their butcher counter. Additionally, you can savour their freshly crafted sandwiches, crisp salads, and savoury soups. Indulge in their Montreal smoked meat sandwich, paired with a delectable side of potato salad.
Green Bay
For a quiet spot to enjoy the views of Kingston’s shoreline, visit Green Bay on the Great Cataraqui River. The area is of great historical significance to Barriefield Village, as it was a location for a large steam-powered sawmill and boating building businesses in the nineteenth century. Today it is a great spot to see views of the river and Kingston.
Close by: Fort Henry National Historic Site
Open Sept 6 – Oct 1: Wed – Sun (10 am – 4:30 pm)
After exploring Barriefield Village, you can learn more about Kingston’s military heritage close by at Fort Henry. The fort was built from 1832 to 1837 and is a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site. Experience the fort’s fall programming, consisting of English and French guided tours and rifle firing demonstrations. Starting September 29, the fort is transformed into a haunted experience, Fort Fright.
To learn more and plan your visit to the historic Barriefield Village, visit the Barriefield Village Association website.
