The City of Kingston is renowned as the fresh-water sailing capital of North America and prides itself in being a major port for scenic entertainment cruises of the breathtaking Thousand Islands. Culture and the arts abound, along with fabulous shopping, dining and outdoor recreational experiences. From dawn until dusk and beyond, you'll be amazed at what Kingston has to offer. Kingston has been shaped by a powerful sense of geography. The City was built at a watery cross roads, where the southernmost end of the Rideau Canal meets Lake Ontario at the source of the St. Lawrence River and the western gateway to the Thousand Islands. The City's strategic location provided prosperity through shipbuilding and national defense during the 1800s. Kingston was the first capital of the united Upper and Lower Canadas before the National Seat of Government was moved to Ottawa in the 1840s. From displays of woodworking tools to infamous penitentiary inmates to military and technological advances, each of Kingston's seventeen museums is unique in its contribution to the story of the City and the founding of a nation. Fort Henry, a majestic 19th Century British Military Fortress, features performances by the famous Fort Henry Guard, complete with canon fire, guns, and the music of the fife and drum. It is one of Kingston's greatest historical treasures. Visitors can also experience "History through Food" at the Barrack's Banquet, featuring authentic feasts from the 1860s and service fit for an Officer of the Queen's Royal Military. Fort Henry proudly presents the spectacular Sunset Ceremonies, complete with fireworks finale, every Wednesday evening throughout July and August. Bellevue House, deemed a National Historic Site, features interpreters in period costume welcoming visitors to the home of Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. Discover Canada's nautical heritage at the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes . Explore fascinating exhibits at the Correctional Service of Canada Museum located in the home formerly used by the warden of Kingston Penitentiary. Get acquainted with Kingston's gothic side with the lantern lit Haunted Walks of Kingston. Visitors can enjoy an historic one hour tour of the "Limestone City" aboard the Confederation Tour Trolley, including the campus of Queen's University, one of Canada's oldest learning institutions. Kingston's unique heritage and personality are not defined by museums alone. They are present in every stone, brick and timber of its eclectic architecture... within the trees of its many parks and green spaces... upon the breezes as they rise over the sun-kissed waterfront... and in the hearts of its residents who delight in a wonderful lifestyle. Kingston exudes a special energy.