Historic Sites

Naturally, as the first Capital of Canada, Kingston has some pretty strong historic ties that date back hundreds of years. There are many historic sites, galleries, and museums in Kingston to explore.

Go inside Kingston Pen

Tours through Kingston Penitentiary offer a rare and unique opportunity to go behind the walls of Canada’s oldest and most notorious maximum security prison.

Tour Kingston City Hall

A prominent landmark on the Kingston waterfront since 1844, City Hall is the symbolic centre of the community’s civic government and administration. Originally designed by architect George Browne when Kingston was the capital of the United Province of Canada, City Hall is one of finest 19th century buildings in Canada and a nationally designated heritage site.

Experience the Kingston Public Market

The Kingston Public Market is the oldest market in Ontario and has been providing food and a sense of community to residents since 1801. Open April through November, right behind City Hall, the Public Market is full of fresh local produce, prepared foods, garden plants, flowers and handmade crafts.

Go back in time at Bellevue House

View Bellevue House the same way as the 19th century architect who built it, as a scenic landscape painting inspired by the ideals of the Picturesque movement. Built in the 1840s in the style of an Italianate villa, Bellevue House was once the lake-front retreat of Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald and his wife Isabella.

Discover Fort Henry

Fort Henry was built from 1832 to 1837 to replace an existing fortification from the War of 1812 era. Years later, visitors enter the realm of 19th-century military life, experience guided tours, scenic views, heart-pounding musical performances and precision military demonstrations by the Fort Henry Guard.

Listing

HISTORIC LISTINGS