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Driving tour

Military tour of downtown Kingston

This 45-minute drive takes you to some of the key military spots in and around Kingston. From the landing place of loyalists to the start of the Rideau Canal to the splendour of Fort Henry and the Royal Military College, this tour is perfect for those interested in Ontario’s military history.

Provincial plaque commemorating the Militia Garrison 1837-38 (Photo: www.waymarking.com)

Provincial plaque commemorating the Militia Garrison 1837-38

Photo: www.waymarking.com

Militia Garrison 1837-38

This plaque commemorates the services of the first permanent garrison in Kingston, assembled to defend the city during the Upper Canada Rebellion.

Stone walls in Kingston (Photo: Destination Ontario)

Stone walls in Kingston

Photo: Destination Ontario

Loyalist Landing at Cataraqui 1784, The

After the end of the American Revolution, loyalist refugees came to Canada. One group came from New York State and landed near here at Cataraqui, now known as Kingston.

Kingston City Hall at night (Photo: Destination Ontario)

Kingston City Hall at night

Photo: Destination Ontario

King's Royal Regiment of New York, The

This plaque commemorates the largest Loyalist corps raised during the American Revolution. And it was right here in Kingston.

The Rideau Canal at Kingston Mills (Photo: Humyn/Rami Accoumeh, Destination Ontario)

The Rideau Canal at Kingston Mills

Photo: Humyn/Rami Accoumeh, Destination Ontario

Rideau Canal 1826-1832, The

This UNESCO World Heritage Site opened on May 24, 1832 to provide a secure military route between Upper and Lower Canada.

Aerial shot of Point Frederick, Kingston, in 1919 (Photo: Canadian Post Card Co./Library and Archives Canada)

Aerial shot of Point Frederick, Kingston, in 1919

Photo: Canadian Post Card Co./Library and Archives Canada

Point Frederick

This strategic location was established for the defence of the loyalist settlement at Cataraqui (now Kingston).

Map of the northern part of New York State and parts of Upper Canada, 1814 (Photo: Library and Archives Canada)

Map of the northern part of New York State and parts of Upper Canada, 1814

Photo: Library and Archives Canada

Rush-Bagot Agreement, The

This plaque commemorates the agreement that officially ended the War of 1812. It is still technically in force today.

Royal Military College, Kingston (Photo: J.-F. Bergeron/ENVIRO FOTO, Destination Ontario)

Royal Military College, Kingston

Photo: J.-F. Bergeron/ENVIRO FOTO, Destination Ontario

Stone Frigate, The

This building was constructed as a naval warehouse. By 1876, it was refitted to house the newly established Royal Military College of Canada.

Guard drill at Fort Henry, Kingston (Photo: Destination Ontario)

Guard drill at Fort Henry, Kingston

Photo: Destination Ontario

Fort Henry

The first fort was built during the War of 1812. The present structures were built between 1832-37. Today, the site is a museum.

Sir Richard Bonnycastle (Photo: Hastings County Archives via Wikimedia Commons)

Sir Richard Bonnycastle

Photo: Hastings County Archives via Wikimedia Commons

Sir Richard Bonnycastle 1791-1847

While at Fort Henry, check out the plaque to Bonnycastle, who played a significant role in the defence and economic development of the province.