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Kingston
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The beautiful
city of Kingston
is conveniently located half-way between Montreal to the east, Toronto
to the west, Ottawa to the north and Syracuse, New York to the south.
This interesting
city is accessible by air, rail or highway from Canada's largest urban
centres, making it a convenient destination.
Kingston,
once the first Capital of Canada, has evolved into a vibrant city and
the
largest port within the world famous Thousand Islands region. Culture
and
the arts aboung, along with fabulous shopping, dining and limitless
recreational
experiences.
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| Known as
the "Limestone City",
Kingston has been shaped by powerful sense of geography. The city was
built
at a watery cross roads, where the southernmost end of Rideau Canal
meets
Lake Ontario at the mouth of the St. Lawrence River and the western
gateway
to the Thousand Islands. Well preserved, Kingston's heritage is present
in every stone, brick and timber of its electic architecture... within
the trees of its many parks and green spaces... upon the breezes as
they
rise over the sun-kissed waterfront... and in the hearts of its
residents
who delight in an idylic lifestyle. Kingston has evolved to exude a
special
energy.
Kingston
boasts one of the
most vibrant and historic downtowns in Canada. Kingston's dining
experience
can compete with the largest cultural centres. Original descendants
from
the United Kingdom and France have maintained their culinary heritage
combined
with vibrant Asian, Greek, Italian and Portuguese communities and their
delightful impact.
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Kingston's
magnificiently
preserved heritage architecture is, to this day, an electic reflection
of the two cultures that once called it home. The land where Kingston
is
situated was first discovered by French explorer Robert Cavalier Sieur
de la Salle in the late 1600s. The settlement was formalized with the
erection
of Fort Frontenac. In 1758, the British captured the Fort and kingston
was subject to a new ruler and culture. Shipbuilding for commerce and
the
military was big business in the 19th century, fueling Kingston's
expansion
and prominence as a Canadian community. The War of 1812 between the
British
and the Americans led to the fortification of Kingston with Fort Henry
and the five Martello Towers. The first Canadian Parliament opened in
Kingston
in 1841. Because of its geographic proximity to the U.S. and renewed
disputes
between the British and the Americans, the National Seat of Government
was moved in 1844 to Montreal and later, to Ottawa in 1867.
Troubles
with the Americans
led to the construction of the Rideau Canal system in 1826 to create a
reliable supply route from Kingston to Bytown (now Ottawa) should the
Americans
blockade the St. Lawrence River. Considered to be the engineering feat
of the 19th century, the Canal was never used for military purposes. It
is enjoyed today by thousands of recreational boaters.
Kingston is
home to fabulous
live theatre, concerts, festivals and events. Kingston is also the port
of call for fabulous Thousand Islands cruising. Step aboard a riverboat
for a scenic tour or enjoy dining and entertainment aboard glass top
ship.
You can also sail for several days aboard a beautiful steamboat replica
from Kingston all the way to Montreal or Quebes City. Kingston's shores
offer a myriad of water-sports, or if you are land-lover, just enjoy
the
colorful vistas from any of Kingston's waterfront parks. You could also
take a tour of Kingston's sights aboard the Confederation Tour
Trolley.
Visit Bellevue
House a rare and fine example of Italianate villa architecture in
Canada
and a former home to Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime
minister.
Discover
Canada's nautical
heritage at the Marine
Museum of the Great Lakes, including the 3,000 ton ice breaker
Alexander
Henry.
Visit Fort
Henry, a fully restored 19th century citadel, the timekeeper of
Canada's
1860s military and civilian history. Fort Henry heats up Wednesday
evenings
throughout July and August with historic performances unique in all the
world Sunset Ceremonies performed entirely by college and university
students.
About
the Author
If you want to find
more travel info, visit Romwell
Travel Advisory.
Maya Gavric wrote this article. She has been
working, researching and reporting on the Internet for years. Her
numerous articles offer valuable insight and tips on wide variety of
topics. She contributes a lot to
the www.romwell.com, she is also
entrepreneur, freelance
writer, consultant,
web developer, artist and marketing coach.
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