​Kingston – The Limestone City

A city built on history and sustained by innovation, Kingston offers a superb quality of life and exciting opportunities to live, learn, work and play.

Known as the fresh water sailing capital of Canada and a boater’s paradise, our beautiful waterfront city is located on the shores of Lake Ontario at the entrance to the St. Lawrence River, Rideau Canal and Thousand Islands. Countless lakes dot the regional landscape. Conveniently located in southeastern Ontario, we are halfway between Toronto and Montreal, a two hour drive to Ottawa, and minutes to the 1000 Islands Bridge to the U.S.

Founded in 1673 by French explorers, Kingston is steeped in history and tradition.  Fort Henry, a 19th-century British military fortress, welcomes visitors from around the world. Market Square, located behind city hall, is the oldest and longest-running market in Ontario. Our country’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, assumed the role in Kingston, the original capital city of Canada.  His final resting place is located in Cataraqui Cemetery.

Kingston is home to two of Canada's oldest universities, Queen's University and Royal Military College, as well as St. Lawrence College.  The three hospitals, Kingston General Hospital, Hotel Dieu Hospital and Providence Care, provide quality healthcare services to residents across southeastern Ontario. The city also hosts a lively arts community, modern recreational facilities, a military base, and many historic sites and museums.

Ranked as one of the top three vibrant downtowns in Canada, Kingston’s core features an eclectic mix of old and new with the amenities of an urban centre and the allure of a small city. It offers a mix of trendy residential lofts, professional services, specialty boutiques and shops, and extraordinary dining and cultural experiences. Surrounded by historic neighbourhoods, ivy-covered buildings, and an expansive stretch of waterfront parkland, the downtown core is  alive with people -- a talented mixture of students, knowledge workers, families and retirees.

Kingston is safe, clean and easy to get around — an ideal size for raising a family and retirement.

Helpful Links:

City of Kingston
City of Kingston Maps
Kingston Economic Development Corporation
Kingston Employment and Youth Services (KEYS)
Kingston Military Family Resource Centre
Kingston Newcomers
Kingston Relocation Guide
Kingston Transit
Tourism Kingston


Association Canadienne-Francaise de l'Ontario Mille Iles http://www.acfomi.org (L'ACFO Mille Iles)

Kingston Whig Standard
CKWS-TV
Queen’s University
Royal Military College
St. Lawrence College
Limestone District School Board
Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic District School Board
Conseil des Ecoles Catholiques du Centre-Est de l´Ontario
Conseil des Ecole Public de l´Est de l´Ontario
Hotel Dieu Hospital
Providence Care
South East Community Care Access Centre
South East LHIN