Kingston

### **Category: Kingston, Ontario** #### **Overview** **Kingston, Ontario**, is one of the most historically significant cities in **Canada’s maritime and naval history**, strategically located at the **mouth of the St. Lawrence River** where **Lake Ontario meets the Thousand Islands**. Known as the **“Limestone City”**, Kingston has played a vital role in **naval defense, Great Lakes shipping, and maritime commerce** since the 17th century. Today, it remains a **major boating, diving, and tourism destination**, with well-preserved **historic sites, shipwrecks, and military fortifications**. #### **Geography & Location** - Situated on the **northeastern shore of Lake Ontario**, at the **entrance to the St. Lawrence River**. - Forms the **western gateway to the Thousand Islands**, a region with **complex waterways and numerous islands**. - Close to **Wolfe Island**, the **largest of the Thousand Islands**, and **Amherst Island**. - **Deep-water port**, making it a key location for **shipping and naval operations**. #### **Maritime & Shipping History** - **Indigenous & European Exploration (1600s-1700s)**: - Originally inhabited by the **Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) peoples**, who used Kingston as a **trading and transportation hub**. - The **French established Fort Frontenac (1673)**, making Kingston an early European **naval and trading post**. - **War of 1812 & Naval Significance**: - Kingston was a **British naval stronghold** during the **War of 1812**, hosting a fleet that defended Upper Canada from American attacks. - The **Kingston Royal Naval Dockyard** built **warships for British defense**, securing Kingston as a naval base. - **19th & 20th Century Great Lakes Trade**: - Kingston became a key **shipbuilding and industrial center**, supporting the **Great Lakes grain, timber, and coal trade**. - **Passenger steamships** regularly traveled between Kingston, Toronto, and Montreal. - **Modern Era**: - Today, Kingston remains an important **recreational boating and ferry hub**, connecting **Wolfe Island and the Thousand Islands region**. #### **Diving & Shipwrecks** Kingston is one of **Canada’s premier shipwreck diving locations**, with **clear freshwater, historic wrecks, and well-preserved artifacts**. Notable shipwrecks include: - **The Wolfe Island Shipwrecks** – Several **19th-century wooden schooners** lie near the island. - **The Comet (1861)** – - **The George A. Marsh (1917)** – - **The City of Sheboygan (1915)** – - **The Frontenac ** – - **Deep-water wrecks**: Many other wrecks remain **undiscovered or too deep for recreational diving**. #### **Tourism & Attractions** - **Fort Henry National Historic Site** – A **UNESCO World Heritage Site**, showcasing **British military defense and naval history**. - **Kingston Penitentiary Tours** – A famous **historic prison with maritime connections**. - **Marine Museum of the Great Lakes** – Featuring **Great Lakes shipbuilding and naval artifacts**. - **Kingston Waterfront & Confederation Park** – A scenic area with **marinas, boat tours, and ferries**. - **Thousand Islands Cruises** – Offering **boat tours of shipwrecks, castles, and historic sites**. - **Wolfe Island Ferry** – A **free ferry connecting Kingston to Wolfe Island**, a popular getaway for cycling and exploring. #### **Environmental & Navigational Challenges** - **Strong Currents & Narrow Channels**: The waters near **Kingston and the Thousand Islands** require careful navigation. - **Shoals & Hidden Reefs**: Many **unmarked hazards** have caused shipwrecks over the centuries. - **Cold Water Conditions**: Even in summer, **deep-water temperatures remain cold**, affecting diving safety. ### **Why It Matters** Kingston is **one of Canada’s most historically and strategically important maritime cities**, serving as a **naval stronghold, shipbuilding center, and key port** for **Great Lakes trade**. Today, it remains a **popular boating, diving, and heritage tourism destination**, with **well-preserved shipwrecks, historic sites, and strong ties to Great Lakes maritime history**.