Frontenac County Court House

The Frontenac County Court House is a limestone building in Kingston featuring a central ribbed dome on a drum lit by sixteen arched windows. An Ionic portico serves as the main entrance and gives the structure its formal appearance.

The courthouse opened in 1858 and was rebuilt after a fire in 1874. This reconstruction reinforced its role as a major public building in Kingston.

The courthouse remains an active center of justice and shows architectural styles from 19th-century Ontario public buildings. Visitors encounter both a working court and the design choices that defined institutional architecture during that era.

The building stands in downtown Kingston and is accessible to visitors from outside, though it is easiest to appreciate when natural light illuminates the exterior. Plan your visit during morning or early afternoon hours to see the stone details and windows in the best light.

The building was constructed with limestone quarried directly from a site at the courthouse location itself. Inside sits an ornately carved stone Royal Coat of Arms and a decorative cast iron fountain from that era.

Location: Kingston

Part of: Old Sydenham Heritage Conservation District

Address: 1 Court Street

GPS coordinates: 44.22780,-76.48980

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:23