From Port Hope, 105km (65 miles) east of Toronto, the coast of Lake Ontario incorporates the Bay of Quinte and Quinte's Isle. Once off the main highway, Route 401, you'll discover a tranquil region of farms and orchards largely settled by United Empire Loyalists, who fled the new republic to the south during and after the American Revolution. It's still off the beaten track -- except to those in the know, who come to explore the attractive villages; go antiquing; or enjoy the beaches, dunes, and waterfront activities of its provincial parks. Kingston, a most appealing lakefront town with a thrice-weekly flea-and-farmers' market, is intriguing both architecturally and historically, and is the gateway to the mighty St. Lawrence River, the Thousand Islands, and St. Lawrence National Park.
Kingston -- A 2-hour drive from Ottawa and about 3 hours from Toronto (172km/107 miles southwest of Ottawa, 255km/158 miles northeast of Toronto), Kingston cherishes its more than 300 years of history, which includes a brief tenure as capital of Canada. That rich heritage lingers in the grand old limestone public buildings and private residences lining the downtown streets and giving the city a gracious air, in the four martello towers that once formed a string of defense works guarding the waterways along the U.S.-Canadian border, and the Christopher Wren-style St. Georges Church, which contains a Tiffany window.
The city stands at the confluence of Lake Ontario, the Rideau Canal, and the St. Lawrence Seaway. This makes for remarkable scenery, best viewed by taking the free ferry trip to Wolfe Island. Ferries leave at frequent intervals for the sparsely populated island that doubles as a quiet offshore retreat of pronounced rural character. A stroll along Kingston's waterfront, site of many hotels and restaurants as well as marinas, pocket parks, gardens, and a maritime museum, is also a must.
During summer, Confederation Park at the harbor is the site for blues and buskers festivals in August and frequent free concerts of many kinds of music, while in winter you may catch a local hockey contest. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, a farmers' market is assembled behind the City Hall in the newly refurbished Market Square. On Sundays, it's transformed into a flea market, with a few lingering produce stalls.
