Car Hire Kingston - Mini guide to Kingston

The oldest city in Ontario, Kingston was also the first capital of Canada, so it's not surprising that there are many historical landmarks to see in this pleasant city. Sir John A Macdonald, Canada's first Prime Minister, was a resident of Kingston. His former home has now been turned into a museum, while his grave can be viewed at Cataraqui Cemetery.

Kingston is renowned for great sailing, with its many waterways and strong winds. Each August, sailors come from around the globe to participate in one of international yacht racing's premier events: CORK - the Canadian Olympic-training Regatta.

One of the most recommended sights to visit in the city is the Fort Henry National Historic Site, a fully restored 19th century citadel situated on a hill above the waterfront. You can take a guided tour, or alternatively enjoy the musical performances and military demonstrations by the Fort Henry Guard. The demonstrations can be seen at sunset each Wednesday throughout the summer.

The downtown area of Kingston is a pedestrian-friendly scenic patchwork of streets. Georgian and neo-classical architecture embellishes the streets; while the Queen's University campus to the west is worth strolling around. The waterfront runs south to east, and Princess Street, Kingston's main drag to the north, is a good place to shop and offers much of Kingston's best restaurants, bars and cafés.

As in any university town, the nightlife in Kingston can be pretty frenetic. With an abundance of pubs, bars and discos lighting up the night, you won't be left wanting for entertainment during the night hours. The busiest part of the city is called 'the Hub' and is where mobs of students and tourists mix, filling the air with inebriated laughter. Down on Ontario Street, you will also find plenty of packed, noisy pubs.