while the s.s. keewatin isn’t the same size as the titanic, this ship is also from the edwardian era and is one of the world’s last remaining vessels from that time. when you’re hankering for a weekend trip, venture to the city of kingston, ont., and explore the s.s. keewatin as it’s docked there beside the great lakes museum.
advertisement
this includes perspectives from indigenous peoples, women, and racialized canadians such as black and chinese communities, who all sought an equal voice as canada developed. these voices are heard along with that of canada’s first prime minister, sir. john a. macdonald, at bellevue house , which recently reopened after a six-year restoration period.
advertisement
with kingston trolley tours, visitors can learn see and learn about close to two dozen attractions throughout the city while riding a trolley on an hour-long tour. if you want to take in a specific spot along the tour route, simply hop off the trolley and explore, then hop back on another vehicle as it passes by.
for an added challenge, visitors are given a passport booklet with which they can collect stamps at each of the sites, thus making the tour an all-day affair. among the stops on the tour are fort henry, pumphouse marine museum, bellevue house, penitentiary museum, queen’s university, and city hall.
if you’re more interested in touring at your own pace, visit kingston also offers self-guided film, literary, and music-themed tours, each with a unique story about the city. so connect your smartphone to some earphones and explore kingston’s attractions at your own pace over several hours.
there’s nothing more charming than staying overnight at a bed and breakfast. better yet, one with some history behind it.
located in sydenham ward and situated over three acres, the secret garden inn is a victorian-style home originally built in 1888 by leather merchant and furrier john mckay.
then known as argyle place, the abode was home to four generations of the mckay family. the home retains the architectural style of the time (up to 1940s) when the family inhabited it.
the home was turned into a bed and breakfast in 1996. the guest rooms maintain much of the elegant charm of yesteryear while also embracing modern amenities. it’s the perfect place to stay while enjoying a weekend in kingston.