Kingston

Kingston is a city in Ontario province located where the St. Lawrence River meets Lake Ontario. Limestone buildings shape the cityscape, and several former military installations still stand along the waterfront.

The French settlement Fort Cataraqui began here in the 17th century as a trading post for furs. Between 1841 and 1844 the city served as the first capital of united Canada.

The name honors King George III, and the British connection still appears in many street names and public squares across the area. Residents gather in waterfront parks where summer concerts and community festivals take place regularly throughout the season.

The city is easy to explore on foot, especially along the waterfront promenade and in the downtown area with its connected streets. Local buses run regularly to residential areas and the university campus.

The area holds one of the few collections of Rembrandt paintings in North America permanently displayed in public museums. The works can be viewed without long trips to Europe.

Location: Frontenac County

Inception: 1673

Founders: René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle

Elevation above the sea: 93 m

Shares border with: South Frontenac

Website: http://cityofkingston.ca

GPS coordinates: 44.23333,-76.50000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 19:30