Equidistant from Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa, the city of Kingston offers charming scenery, a lively downtown area stocked with restaurants and shops, and plenty of reasons to move there. It’s the oldest city in Ontario–founded by French explorers in 1673–but there are always new things to do around town.
The area is flanked by the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario and the Cataraqui River, so there is much to enjoy out on the water. (Not to mention some great seafood back on land!)
Welcoming you to Kingston are art galleries, museums, and events for music lovers, nightlife explorers and families alike. Learn more about moving to Kingston and prep for your move!
Weather
Kingston faces extreme winter temperatures–so beware of heavy snow, ice, and freezing rain. Plan your move in the summer or spring, when the city boasts some of the best weather in Canada. Breezes off of Lake Ontario make for powerful winds at times, so bring your windbreaker!
Education
Kingston is home to Queen’s University, St. Lawrence College and the Royal Military College of Canada–which have all likely contributed to its title as the city with the most Ph.D. graduates and the “smartest workforce” in Canada.
Things to Do
The city has a lot of historical sites, as well as spots for nature lovers and art enthusiasts. If you’re looking for some sightseeing options from long ago, pay a visit to the Fort Henry National Historic Site. Its construction started in 1832 to replace an existing fortification from the War of 1812, and today visitors can see military demonstrations, musical performances and can step inside 19th-century military life. Also, stop by St. Mary’s Cathedral, which opened in 1848, and St. George’s Cathedral, which hosts a number of music events.
For a taste of the outdoors, stroll along the Kingston Waterfront. You can go for a run, watch the boats pass by, bike along the water or visit nearby shops. In the wintertime, there’s an outdoor skating rink in the market square. The Lemoine Point Conservation Area offers a forested trail perfect for walking or running, and you might come across deer, squirrels, and birds!
Art lovers, head to Martello Alley. It’s an artist collective and gallery in a historic Kingston alley, where visitors can browse original art pieces and chat with the artists at work.
Annual Festivals
The Kingston WritersFest, Limestone City Blues Festival, the Kingston Canadian Film Festival, Artfest, and the Kingston Jazz Festival are all on the agenda each year in Kingston.
Economy
The Kingston economy relies on public institutions, such as healthcare, education, tourism, and government, for jobs. The city makes up a significant part of Canada’s culture and tourism revenue because there is so much to see and do!
Moving to Kingston won’t leave you bored. It’s a lovely smaller city full of history with plenty of things to do, options for schooling and work, and some great seasonal temps.
Are you moving to Kingston, ON, or are you a longtime resident? Do you have tips for moving there? Let us know in the comments below!
(Flickr: dougtone / via cc)
