Kingston, Ontario Marine Industry

The Kingston Marine Industry has a proud heritage based on its location at the union of Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River and the Cataraqui River that is part of the Rideau Canal, the Unesco Heritage Site that runs from Kingston to Ottawa, Ontario.

Places of interest in Kingston include

Kingston’s beautiful waterfront has a view of the modern wind farm on Wolfe Island. Kingston is the fresh water sailing capital of the world because of the strong prevailing westerly wind favoured by sailers. This extraordinary wind attracts sail boats from all over the world for events such as the Canadian Olympic Regatta Kingston.

The west end of the 1000 island is located in the St. Lawrence River off Fort Henry. The 1000 Islands attract thousands of boats to the Kingston area.

Fort Henry is considered to be part of the Rideau Canal construction that has been designated as a Unesco Heritage Site. The Rideau Canal is a popular vacation route for visitors to boat between Kingston and Ottawa, Ontario.

Ships were brought in to be refurbished and sent on their way after marine surveys and safety checks.

Phoebe, Kingston, Ontario

Kingston Dry Dock, Kingston, Ontario

Ships were also refurbished in the locks. The locks could be emptied and used like a dry dock. These big boats and barges were repaired and had marine surveys conducted before sending them back to work. The original land surveys for the construction of this great waterway was conducted by Colonel John By of the Royal British Engineers.

Kingston, Ontario is also home of the tall ship St. Lawrence II. This Brigantine trains many young adults to be avid sailors. This boat is another favourite part of Kingston’s beautiful and vibrant waterfront. Hundreds of sail boats can be seen, during the warmer months, participating in sailing lessons and regattas. People might also be just enjoying the scenery, water and the view of Kingston and Wolfe Island. Of course, the power boats and poker runs are popular activities in a marine city. Fishing boats are out there too. Swimmers, rowers, dragon boats and sail boarders are there taking advantage of the entertainment and wonderful scenery.

What cannot be seen in the Kingston scenery is the many ship wrecks hiding on the bottom of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Divers and historians completing surveys of the sunken boats can be seen anchored throughout the area. They are looking at generally known wrecks and always hoping to find a new one, as well as, enjoying the underwater marine life not obvious to the average Kingston boat enthusiate.

Kingston, Ontario has a varied and vibrant marine industry attracting boaters and their various boats to the local marinas and boat builders. It has always been a major crossroads for people coming to this country. Before the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway, Kingston was used for the shipping of goods and people travelling on a steam boat such as the MV Kingston, MV Toronto or the Rapid Prince and Princess, opening the route to the Great Lakes.