Kingston: Where History Meets Hilarity (and Maybe Some Haunted Hostels)
Kingston, Ontario: a city steeped in history, boasting beautiful scenery, and possessing a surprising amount of quirkiness. Sure, you can visit historic forts and wander through charming limestone buildings, but Kingston also offers enough offbeat adventures to keep your inner weirdo happy.
What To Do In Kingston Ontario |
So you're thinking of visiting Kingston? Let's break it down:
History Buff? We Got You Covered:
- Fort Henry: Witness the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony, complete with musket fire and booming cannons (earplugs might be a good idea for this one).
- Kingston Penitentiary: North America's oldest prison turned museum! Learn about its fascinating (and sometimes disturbing) past, and maybe even take a spooky ghost tour (if you dare).
- Murney Tower: This 19th-century Martello Tower offers stunning views of the city and a chance to climb some very old (and slightly creepy) spiral staircases.
But Wait, There's More!
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- 1000 Islands Cruise: Explore the famous archipelago and its extravagant island mansions (seriously, some of these places look like they belong in a Bond villain's lair).
- Kingston Trolley Tours: Hop on this vintage trolley for a narrated tour of the city's highlights, all while dispensing bad jokes from your enthusiastic tour guide (hey, history can be funny...sometimes).
- Martello Alley: Get your artsy fix in this hidden gem. This alleyway is lined with studios, galleries, and funky shops, perfect for finding unique souvenirs or getting a new tattoo (because, why not?).
Feeling Peckish?
Kingston's culinary scene is no joke (unlike some of the puns in this post). From waterfront patios to cozy pubs, you'll find something to tantalize your taste buds. Don't miss out on trying some poutine (a Canadian classic – fries, cheese curds, gravy), or sampling the local craft beers.
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Exhausted From All That Excitement?
Kingston has a variety of accommodations to suit your style, from historic hotels to quirky B&Bs (just be sure to ask if the resident ghost is included in the room rate).
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Alright, Alright, You Get It. Kingston's Cool. But How Do I Actually Do Stuff There?
Here are some FAQs to get you started:
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- How to Get There: Kingston is easily accessible by car, train, or bus.
- How to Get Around: The downtown core is walkable, and there's also a public transit system for exploring further afield.
- How to Be a Polite Tourist: Brush up on some basic Canadian phrases (eh? sorry?) and remember, we apologize...a lot.
- How to Avoid the Crowds: If you're looking for a quieter experience, visit during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) or explore some of the lesser-known attractions.
- How to Embrace the Weird: Kingston has a quirky side. Be open to exploring unique shops, trying unusual foods, and maybe even attending a random festival (there's probably one happening this weekend).
So there you have it! Kingston: a city that will leave you saying "eh, that was pretty great!" (and maybe a few other things, depending on how many haunted ghost tours you take).
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