Kingston, Ontario, often celebrated as the “Limestone City,” is a destination where Canadian history isn’t just remembered—it is actively relived. Positioned at the meeting point of the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, and the Rideau Canal, this vibrant city offers a dense concentration of heritage sites that rival much larger metropolitan areas. For travelers driving up from the United States or planning a cultural itinerary through the Northeast, Kingston provides an accessible and deeply rewarding historical experience. The city’s compact downtown makes it possible to explore centuries of military, medical, and maritime history entirely on foot.
While Kingston is widely recognized for its waterfront dining and Victorian architecture, its true cultural wealth lies behind the doors of its many museums. These institutions range from sprawling national historic sites with live reenactments to intimate, specialized galleries that preserve niche aspects of Canadian life. Whether you are a military buff fascinated by 19th-century fortifications, a parent looking for interactive science exhibits, or an art lover seeking contemporary Canadian works, the city has a venue tailored to your interests. The diversity of these spaces ensures that a rainy afternoon or a chilly autumn day never dampens the quality of your trip.
Understanding the historical context of Kingston is key to appreciating its museums. As the first capital of the united Province of Canada and a critical naval base during the War of 1812, the city was engineered to be a defensive stronghold. The legacy of British military engineering, combined with the later establishment of Queen’s University and the Royal Military College, created a unique ecosystem where academia and history intersect. Consequently, many of the museums here are not just static displays of artifacts; they are active research centers that offer guided tours led by experts in their fields.
For US visitors, the experience of exploring Kingston’s museums offers a fascinating counterpoint to American history. The narratives of the War of 1812, the Underground Railroad, and the development of modern medicine are told from a distinctly British-Canadian perspective. It provides a rare opportunity to see the "other side" of shared continental history, fostering a broader understanding of North American heritage. The proximity to the border makes it an ideal add-on for those visiting the Thousand Islands region or traveling between Upstate New York and Ontario.
To help you navigate the best cultural experiences this city has to offer, we have curated a list of the top destinations that stand out for their historical significance, curation quality, and visitor engagement. These are not just places to pass the time; they are immersive environments where you can smell the gunpowder of a bygone era, stand in the cells of a 19th-century penitentiary, or marvel at the intricate mechanics of vintage medical equipment. Each entry offers a distinct flavor of what makes Kingston a UNESCO-listed and historically significant city.
Without further delay, here are the must-visit museums to add to your Kingston itinerary.
Great Lakes Museum
| Address | 55 Ontario St, Kingston, ON K7L 2L1, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (613) 542-2261 |
Allison was an excellent hostess! This ship is incredibly beautiful and the stories told were really interesting. That all of the clocks are set to 9:15 AM at the time the ship was forever docked, was a touching moment. That the chairs in the dining room are the original from 1907, that 70% of all of the original items from the ship were donated back, that the SS Keewatin is one of only three ships remaining from that time period and that she is the only passenger ship remaining standing is almost sad. The other two ships, I believe are in New Zealand and Ireland.
This is a great tour for those in Kingston and while not spooky - this was a haunted walk event - the history imparted, was so worth the visit!
Allison even helped me obtain a credit towards another haunted event as two of our party were not able to attend.
Allison - I also agree that yes, after you living in Kingston for 10 years, you can say that you are from Kingston! 😊 Hammond is a lovely small place though too! 😉 Your knowledge after four seasons of doing this tour, shows and your love of this ship shines bright! Thank you for a wonderful event!
I had a great time visiting the Great Lakes Museum. I'd toured the museum many years ago, but this time I wanted to see the S.S. Keewatin after hearing how excellent the tour was.
It definitely didn't disappoint.
The tour was informative from start to finish. I've been on many museum tours around the world, and Emily A was honestly one of the best guides I've ever had. She was funny, engaging, witty, and incredibly knowledgeable. When she didn't know the answer to a question, she made a point of finding out and following up at the end of the tour—a level of dedication that was much appreciated.
The ship itself is remarkable. Calling it a time capsule is almost an understatement. Because the S.S. Keewatin operated from 1907 until the mid-1960s, the exhibits representing the different eras of its service help tell the full story of the ship and its evolution over time.
While not every part of the ship is currently open to visitors, the restoration is progressing beautifully. It's actually fascinating to see the work in progress, especially knowing the museum is restoring the ship using period-appropriate tools and techniques whenever possible.
Beyond Emily A, I'd also like to thank the friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable museum staff. They were a treasure trove of information and made the entire visit even more enjoyable.
I highly recommend both the Great Lakes Museum and the S.S. Keewatin tour to anyone with an interest in history, ships, or simply a well-run museum experience.
Wonderful Ship Museum Tour!
We had a wonderful experience today visiting the Great Lakes Museum and touring the historic ship. Walking through the ship truly took me back in time. It was fascinating to see the different levels, cabins, special rooms, dining areas, kitchen, decks, and many other parts of the ship. Everything was so well preserved that it gave us a real sense of what life on board was like in the old days.
Our tour guide, Maisha, did a wonderful job. She explained everything clearly and in great detail, taking the time to show us the different areas of the ship and share interesting information about each one. Her explanations made the tour even more enjoyable and meaningful.
What an amazing experience touring the SS Keewatin boat and museum! We had such a fantastic time exploring this beautiful piece of history. From the massive engine rooms to the stunning cabins and all the little details in between, there was so much to see and learn. Seeing the old time pieces and walking through the ship truly felt like stepping back into another time.
A special thank you to our guide Emma, who was so informative, charismatic, and fun. Her passion and knowledge made the tour even more memorable.
If you're looking for something different to do, I would absolutely suggest adding this to your list. History, beauty, and a little time travel all wrapped into one experience! ⚓✨
We went on the Haunted Tour for the Historic SS Keewatin this evening (June 19th, 2026) and it was absolutely amazing!!!
Emily, our tour guide, is an excellent story teller and shares many tales while the tour goes through.
A really well-put together tour!
Thank you 😃
Canada's Penitentiary Museum (Correctional Service of Canada Museum)
| Address | 555 King St W, Kingston, ON K7L 2X9, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | (613) 530-3122 |
Canada's Penitentiary Museum was an awesome addition to our Kingston Pen visit. It runs on donations, and even though it's not huge, it's full of cool exhibits, artifacts, and stories that really help you get a better grasp of Canada's correctional history.
Awesome museum. Per donation only.a must visit while your in Kingston Ontario
Stopped by hear earlier in the day to learn about some of the history before my KP tour later in the day.
The staff were all really friendly and easy to talk to. Spent about an hour here and had a great time. Admission is donation based and they also have a small gift shop. We gave $20 for 2 people and also got a pin at the shop which I hope was acceptable.
A really interesting and worthwhile museum to visit, especially after touring Kingston Penitentiary. There are so many fascinating artifacts and exhibits that give you a deeper understanding of the history of Canada’s correctional system.
What really made the visit stand out, though, were the staff and former Correctional Officers. They were incredibly welcoming, knowledgeable, and engaging, and their firsthand stories and experiences brought the exhibits and history to life in a way that displays alone simply can't.
A big thank you to the staff and former COs for taking the time to speak with visitors, share their experiences, and answer questions. Their knowledge and personal insight made an already interesting museum even more memorable. Definitely worth a visit!
As a museum is very interesting. Free access. As a human I had a very strange feeling about pain and horror people went through being locked in that environment.
The museum itself is very impressive. Many documents, artifacts, all the history of the part of the reality we normally do not see. Thank you, people for this collections and stories.
Kingston Pen Tours
| Address | 560 King St W, Kingston, ON L8P 1C2, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | (800) 437-2233 |
Did the standard tour and it was a fascinating 1.5 hours into the daily life of Canada's worst criminals.
The volunteers were excellent especially the retired veterans that served there before it closed. Nothing like real-life stories to bring the reality of the place closer to home.
If there was one criticism is that you can't really longer in one area as the schedule is quite packed. If there was an option to explore certain areas more, it would elevate it.
In any event it was very entertaining and if not , it's at least even more motivation to behave and not go to prison !
Pretty outstanding. Extended tour is really the only way to experience it! This is my 2nd time coming back for the extended and it's just as great as it was years ago. The building is an architectural gem jam packed with stories, history and emotion. It is really really worth the trip to speak to retired COs with vast stories to tell. Thank you Kingston Pen ❤️
Enjoyable experience! Took our 4 year old with ASD along. Would not recommend taking hyper-verbal children as it echoes a lot throughout the facility (indoors and out!) and I felt like we were disrupting others. Had a great time though and learned a lot about the history on the guided tour. I enjoyed that there were different former employees along the way who shared firsthand experiences and answered questions.
Lots to see and learn about the history here if you are interested in corrections!
This old prison has many histories to tell, we reserved the one hour tour and was a great experience with our group of family and kids we got to visit the old and new cells. The vibe is quite hard but the guide did everything to add some humor into the tour and made this guided visit a cool experience. As you can assume not all the jail is available but the section that we visited were good enough to enjoy this experience.
Great tour of a prison that incarcerated Canada’s worst criminals. I was surprised by how big some of the cells were and how humanely they appeared to be kept consider what horrible things they did to others.
The tour was fantastic with having different guides throughout the penitentiary who actually worked at the prison when it was in operation.
I highly recommend go to see the Pen and then the museum across the road.
Fort Henry National Historic Site
| Address | 1 Fort Henry Dr, Kingston, ON K7K 5G8, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 7:15 – 11:00 PM Friday: 6:45 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 6:45 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 7:15 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (800) 437-2233 |
Loved it, loved it, loved it! ❤️
I visited in the summer, and the experience was absolutely amazing. It’s easily one of my favorite places I’ve been to in Canada.
There was a whole group of people dressed and acting as if they were from that period, along with different activities and guided tours. It made the experience feel so immersive and brought the whole place to life. Truly such a unique atmosphere!
This was an amazing place to visit if you're a history nerd! The fort is extremely well-kept and the tour guides (particularly Gunner Vu!) were very knowledgable and engaging.
The exhibits inside were very well-done and informative.
Definitely highly recommend visiting if you're visiting Kingston!
If you’re looking for a spine-tingling adventure, the Ghost Tour at Fort Henry National Historical Site is an absolute must! The experience is brilliantly crafted, combining rich history with chilling tales that truly bring the fort's past to life— or perhaps, to unlife!
Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, weaving fascinating historical facts with ghost stories that left us both intrigued and a little spooked. The atmosphere, especially as the sun set over the fort, was perfect for an evening filled with eerie excitement.
The tour was well-paced, allowing for ample time to explore the haunted areas while also soaking in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. I appreciated the attention to detail, from the storytelling to the historical accuracy, making it not just a ghost tour but also an educational experience.
I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a unique outing! Whether you're a history buff, a ghost enthusiast, or just looking for a fun evening, Fort Henry's Ghost Tour delivers an unforgettable experience. Can’t wait to come back for another visit! 🌟👻
Super cool and interesting site for history lovers. The fort is well maintained and has lots to do, with very detailed exhibits containing wonderfully preserved artefacts from British and Canadian military history. We did the guided tour which was great, our guide was super friendly and fun (as were all the reenactors) and answered all our questions. The canon and rifle firings were fun and the parade was cool to see. I recommend one of the fresh biscuits from the fort bakery for the full experience. Definitely worth the trip if you’re in the Kingston area.
Coming for a tour of Fort Henry was such a fun experience! We had previously done the regular tour and this time decided to try the haunted night tour — and we loved it just as much. There is so much history and fascinating information to take in, and every visit offers something new to appreciate. We enjoyed every aspect of the experience.
A special thank you to Isabel, who did a fantastic job keeping us engaged while sharing so much interesting information along the way. Her enthusiasm and storytelling made the tour even more memorable. We would highly recommend visiting!
The Miller Museum Of Geology
| Address | Queen's University, Miller Hall, 36 Union St, Kingston, ON K7L 2N8, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (613) 533-6767 |
Came here last year with my girlfriend and we both absolutely loved it. The collection of minerals and casts of Ancient Dino’s and other organisms are so cool. Highly recommend checking out Miller Museum of Geology if you’re a geology or dino lover.
Took the kids here last Saturday afternoon and honestly it was the perfect low-key outing for a couple of hours. My seven-year-old was completely fascinated by the fluorescent mineral display, kept dragging us back to look at it under the UV light. The staff were so patient and happy to answer all his questions, which made a real difference. Small enough that it never felt overwhelming, and we were in and out in under two hours which is exactly what our family needs on a weekend.
Kids and Adults had a blast checking out varies rocks/material. There are some nice interactive displays as well. We also enjoyed buying some samples available on site. 10/10
Free admission because March of Museum. Miller Museum of Geology is located inside of Queen’s University. The museum of Geology is informative and educational. Many play and learn games. Kids will love it. If you have more time, you can walk around Queen’s University too.
Have a great collection of unique stones and crystals. Pretty nice as a small campus museum. The air conditioner could be cooler.
If you're into geology, stones and crystals I'll definitely recommend it.
PumpHouse
| Address | 23 Ontario St, Kingston, ON K7L 2Y2, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (613) 544-7867 |
Pump house is a great museum that can be fit into a tight schedule! Really interesting seeing the turn of the century machines in such great condition in such a scenic location, and the bee exhibit was fantastic, really neat addition to the museum!
Visit on Saturday November 8, 2025. Parking available, mobility impaired accessible. The museum is located on the property and in the structure of one of the earliest waterworks. Dating back to 1851, and coal powered steam-driven pumps, (and later electic) conveyed water to Kingston's residents. Admission quite reasonable and staff welcoming and well informed of the displays and history. The museum also has several other fixed an rotating exhibits. The permanent model train exhibit is rather popular.
A great museum that offers fascinating information about Kingstons early days of providing water to the city. Entrance fee price was fair. It is a bit on the shorter side but still information rich with a lovely train model section. Worth a visit for sure.
Great place for kids, has pump museum, also trains and other exhibits and a play area.
It is not free to enter AND you must pay for parking which makes it a lower star however I gave a highest star because of the importance of understanding the information learned. What made it 5 star was the connection they honoured with indegenous people. I hope in the future more detail can be shared about indegenous people but for now I love the art exhibit combined with the water history of Kingston. It is also hosted a seperate exhibit about dinasaurs. This was included in the price. Also there is park area where you can take a walk along the water so this made it an extra special experience!
Bellevue House National Historic Site
| Address | 35 Centre St, Kingston, ON K7L 4E5, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (613) 545-8666 |
Bellevue House is an important part of Canadian history, being the home of Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. However, I was quite disappointed to learn that it is only open to visitors for four months of the year — May through August.
It seems unfortunate that such a significant national historic site remains closed to tourists for most of the year. Extending its open season would allow more Canadians and visitors alike to appreciate this vital piece of our heritage.
Came to know more about the history of the house and ended up being well informed. The house was well preserved and there are a lot of interactive stuff to do and learn from. The only thing we wish it had is some descriptive or information about the plants in the garden. Other than that, it's a lovely place to visit.
Beautiful home well preserved. The staff were all friendly and eager to share knowledge about the house and property. Beautiful landscaping around it. Parking was easy with plenty of spaces available.
I've loved visiting this place since I was a small child. I've been here probably a dozen times over my life time. I brought my service dog last time and they had no issues which was refreshing. I never get tired of the history and the beauty of the house and grounds. When I was little I used to dream about living there.
Wonderful, with free admission (guided tours for $). The grounds and house are quite beautiful and you'll appreciate the shaded grounds on hot days. Its also a nice in-between stop if going from downtown to Kingston Penetentiary. Learn a bit of history with plenty of interpretive panels and knowledgable staff at the house.
Canadian Museum of Health Care
| Address | 32 George St, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (613) 548-2419 |
A great little healthcare museum located on the Queen’s University campus. It’s easy to find and, although it’s not very big, it provides an interesting and informative overview of the history of healthcare. If you’re studying nursing, especially to become an RN or RPN, I highly recommend stopping by if you’re nearby. It’s well worth a visit.
A very nice small museum. It provides insight to the experiences of nurses in Kingston with interesting facts, and I loved that they have an educational interactive space for children.
They also have a small merch shop that had cute plushie dolls of diseases and other health related goodies.
They had a section where you could leave a message to nurses and how they affected your life, and it was cute to look through the many messages that were left behind.
And a scavenger hunt in 3 levels of difficulty for those who are up for a challenge!
Admission by donation. Small paid parking space available on site.
Nice little museum. It's really small but it is interesting.
The entry to the museum is through donations.
We stopped at Kingston on the way on our road trip and decided to check it out.
Fun stuff in their gift shop too, kids found some knick knacks that are very loved.
Got to see an iron lung! Very informative, although small. Was a nice stop for us. I learned something new. Displays were easy to read.
Wonderful small museum exploring the history of health care. Definitely worth checking out, along with a gift shop there, too.
S.S. Keewatin
| Address | 55 Ontario St, Kingston, ON K7L 2Y2, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (613) 542-2261 |
Visiting the SS Keewatin was an incredible experience and one of the highlights of our trip to Kingston. Learning about the ship's fascinating history and its connection to the Titanic made the tour both educational and memorable.
Our guide, Dan, was outstanding. He was exceptionally knowledgeable, answered every question with enthusiasm, and even quizzed us a couple of times along the way. I really enjoyed this interactive approach, as it kept everyone engaged and made the history come alive. He also paid close attention to everyone's safety throughout the tour, which was greatly appreciated.
One of the most memorable parts of the visit was discovering that I have something in common with the SS Keewatin—it made the experience even more special and meaningful.
I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Kingston. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply looking for a unique experience, this tour is well worth it!
This was fantastic.
Well worth my investment of money and time.
Keeping the ship and the tours alive is so vitally important and the history... The stories... The overall experience... Absolutely incredible.
Allison is a GREAT STORY TELLER.
The ship is amazing.
The stories made me feel so emotional...
History gives me nostalgia for what I never even experienced when told in such a way❣️
Went on the deluxe tour with my partner. Had Mya as our tour guide, and she was amazing. She was quick to learn the names of everyone in the group, she was very friendly and informative, answering all the questions we had with enthusiasm.
The ship itself was beautiful, I was easily able to picture myself as a passenger and a crew member during the ship's peak operating life. The Great Lakes Museum has done an phenomenal job so far with the restoration project, and I cannot wait to take the tour again when more restoration work has been completed.
Engine room was in in great shape, and the engine itself was in great shape visually.
This is the last surviving Edwardian-era steam passenger liner of it's kind. Definitely something to see if you're in the area.
11/10. Would recommend.
We did the essentials experience with my parents-in-law. Our guides were Kayley and Dan. They were terrific, very engaging and informative. The tour length was good because the weather was hot and we had some mobility issues. There is a lot to see, this is my second tour aboard, I have done the ghost tour already. The sunlight was nice. I still plan on doing the engine room and crew quarters in the future. If you are a Kingston resident, there are discounts if you purchase at the desk. Free but limited parking is available.
Our tour guide Alison was amazing. She was very informative about the ship and the ghosts that like to show up . The first picture of the staircase is where I was touched on my left arm by someone making their presence known. last picture in the photos shows the below deck cargo hold. My daughter and I heard footsteps approaching, believing it was a fellow tour guide only to be told she had left the ship several minutes before. A must ghost walk whenever your in Kingston.
Military Communications And Electronics Museum
| Address | 95 Craftsman Blvd, Kingston, ON K7K 7B4, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (613) 541-4675 |
If you love history, line of sight communication, long distance communication, radar systems or just interested in simple to complex systems, this is the place to go. I’m a person who loves all of the above and had so much fun here. The displays are amazing and the staff are awesome. The only thing that I would recommend is to bring a friend!
(I didn’t take that many photos but here they are!)
This is a nice little museum for adult's. It focuses more on unit history and history of signal branch of Canadian Forces. There is less emphasis on equipment, despite a wealth of exhibits. It helps if you already have some technical background in the subject to fully appreciate displayed artifacts. A visit is 1-2 hours.
A must see for any military buff and electronics enthusiast. A really well created collection of vintage communication equipment. Really enjoyed my time here.
A fantastic treasure trove of Canadian military radio and communication history. Very text heavy museum but with fantastic display pieces. I easily spent nearly three hours in the museum but could have spent probably another hour. Very polite staff and a very affordable price with not too many people when I visited. It may not be for everyone but if you have any kind of interest in this stuff then this place is a must visit for you. There's so much here you could probably visit a second time even!
Made the mistake of arriving here a little too late and ended up with only about an hour before they closed.
There's so much stuff to see and read to learn about all the different types of communication and electronics from over the years.
It's a lot bigger than I originally thought it would be and I could have probably stayed an extra 30 minutes of so as I had to rush through the last part in order to see it all.
The staff were friendly and the washrooms were clean too.
Martello Alley
| Address | 203 B Wellington St, Kingston, ON K7K 2Y6, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (613) 767-2966 |
I met the owner David at his other art store, when he told me about this alley and its history. It is very carefully thought out, curated and crafted to reflect Kingston history and Canadian history! A very neat find, lots of cute gifts and art. Worth a visit if you're in the area!
The owners of the shop are the sweetest couple and it is so obvious how passionate they are about creating a welcoming environment and community. They support local artisans by selling their creations in the shop and also being well-versed in their artists’ lives and creation process. I learned so much about Kingston and its artists from the man who owns this shop. Overwhelmingly kind and an extremely well curated shop with all types of art and knick knacks. Highly recommend!
Found this place on Facebook and loved it! The walls are filled with amazing art from local artists, paintings, magnet, photographs, etc. David was super friendly and gave us a great tour of the alley. It's so colorful, definitely adds some much-needed color to Kingston's grey winter🌈
Really cool experience to see artworks from 45+ artists in one place. One of a kind place in ontario and they've got artworks and items scross different ranges $10 to $1000 if you'd like.. a must visit to support local community.
Touristy, artistic, instagram worthy alley. There were really cool and interesting art works on sale. And a cute cafe! Nice corner to explore.
RCEME Museum
| Address | 95 Craftsman Blvd, Kingston, ON K7L 4V1, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | — |
Very nice, large, detailed displays...I could get a very real feel for what it may have been like for my Dad as a RadOp in the 50's when he was stationed in Whitehorse. Thank you!
Lots of neat war memorabilia and such to look at and purchase replica items etc! Always love doing K17 run and making deliveries there check if out everytime I go!
An amazing museum, wonderful staff, well worth the visit. Kingston is home to the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals.
Great place, wide array of cool displays. Very clean, easy to navigate.
Drove from Petawawa to find the museum closed due to covid.
Website or the contact email provided was not helpful for updated information.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Museum Visits in Kingston
To ensure your cultural tour of Kingston is as seamless and enriching as possible, it helps to plan your visits with a bit of local insight. The city’s historical sites often operate on seasonal schedules, and some of the most immersive experiences require a specific time commitment. By preparing ahead, you can avoid crowds, save money on admission, and ensure you don’t miss the signature demonstrations that make these museums famous.
Plan Around the Season: Many of Kingston’s historic sites, particularly Fort Henry, are seasonal and operate on reduced hours or close entirely during the winter months. If you are visiting between May and October, you will have access to the full range of programming, including military drills and guided tours. If traveling in the off-season, verify operating hours online first, as indoor museums like the Marine Museum or the Agnes Etherington Art Centre become primary options.
Book Interactive Experiences in Advance: If you are interested in specialized experiences—such as the haunted lantern tours at Fort Henry or specific workshops at the Tett Centre—reserve your spot early. These events are incredibly popular with both locals and tourists and often sell out, especially on weekends and during the peak summer travel season.
Take Advantage of Combo Passes: Look into the Kingston Museums Pass or seasonal tourism packages offered by the local visitor center. Purchasing a combined pass can often grant you discounted access to multiple sites, including the PumpHouse, the Marine Museum, and the Penitentiary, saving you a significant amount of money compared to buying individual tickets.
Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes: Kingston’s downtown core is walkable, but the distance between the waterfront museums and the inland historical sites can add up. Furthermore, sites like Fort Henry and the Penitentiary involve walking on uneven limestone, grass, and gravel. Dressing for comfort and the weather will allow you to focus on the exhibits rather than your feet.
Allow Time for the "Living History" Elements: At places like Fort Henry and Upper Canada Village (a short drive away), the value is in the live demonstrations. Don’t rush through to look at the artifacts; instead, check the daily schedule for the Fort Henry Guard drill or the garrison parade. Allowing at least two to three hours for these immersive sites ensures you get the full narrative experience.
Kingston’s museum landscape offers a rare depth that keeps history enthusiasts returning year after year. By mixing the heavy stone walls of military forts with the delicate brushstrokes of Canadian artists and the solemn echoes of prison cells, the city creates a multifaceted story of resilience and innovation. As you walk through these halls, you are not just observing artifacts behind glass; you are stepping into the very rooms where the course of a nation was shaped.
When your feet grow tired from exploring and your mind is full of historical facts, the surrounding limestone streets offer the perfect place to reflect. Whether you end your day with a meal in a restored 19th-century building or a stroll along the waterfront looking back at the fortifications, the stories of Kingston will linger long after you have crossed back over the border. It is a city that proves the past is never truly behind us, but rather a foundation for the vibrant culture that thrives here today.
