Why wasn't KGH operatin as a hospital when Upper & Lower Canada joined together? If Kingston had continued to be Capital, would the hospital building have continued to be its Parliament Building? Why is First Capital Day on June 15?

Find out the answer to these questions on the First Parliament Building Walking Tour. You can also go inside the Museum (www.museumofhealthcare.ca), located in the Ann Baillie Building National Historic Site, to check out the medical instruments and remedies used to treat people when Kignston was Capital, in the days before doctors knew about "germs," and the washing of hands and instruments wasn't of particular importance.

Book ahead by email to bousfiem@kgh.kari.net or by calling 613-549-6666, ext. 3916.

Built in 1846 at the height of the Oregon Crisis, as part of the defensive fortifications of Kingston, Murney Tower stands as one of the finest Martello towers in North America; the architecture and construction of the tower are unique, and the masonry is unexcelled on this continent. The lakeside walls are twelve feet thick at the top and fifteen feet thick at the base- approximately twice the thickness of the landward walls. This design was intended to protect the occupants from naval bombardment. This redoubt was never attacked, but served as military housing for over forty years after its completion. Since 1925 Murney Tower has been operated as a museum.

For more information or to inquire about tour bookings, please e-mail murneytower@gmail.com or call 613-544-9925 (between mid-May and Labour Day). Admission charged.

Canada's Penitentiary Museum is housed in "Cedarhedge", the former Warden's residence of Kingston Penitentiary. Built by convict labour between 1870 and 1873, the building served as the official residence of the Wardens and their families for 60 years, when it was converted to house the administration offices of the penitentiary.

Visitors to the museum will be greeted by retired penitentiary officers who will offer a rare glimpse into this unique history. The 7 display galleries contain exhibits related to various aspects of this multi-faceted part of Canadian society. Exhibits include inmate art and hobby crafts; prison uniforms; contraband items; escape paraphernalia and antique punishment and restraint equipment. There are also displays about the prison entertainment programmes of the 1950s, the tradition of penitentiaries as tourist attractions, and two full-scale reconstructions of Kingston Penitentiary cells, one depicting a typical cell from the 1st Capital period, and the other showing what the accommodations look like today.

Must reserve your class tour in advance by calling 613-530-3122.

Bellevue House National Historic Site of Canada Commemorating Canada's first prime minister.

Bellevue House, built in the 1840s, is a fine Canadian example of the Italianate villa style. John A. Macdonald, a young Kingston lawyer and politician, moved his wife and infant son to the house in 1848. Today, the house and grounds have been restored to that period, and costumed staff present the daily life of the family when they lived there. Macdonald became a father of Confederation and Canada's first prime minister. The story of his life and contributions to Canada is told in the Visitor Centre through displays and a video, available in both French and English.

School groups receive group rates. For reservations call 613-545-8666 ext.107 or email bellevue.house@pc.gc.ca.

The Colony of Upper Canada was legally proclaimed in the first St. George's in 1791. The present building was built in 1825, became a Cathedral in 1862, expanded in 1891 and was rebuilt following a major fire in 1899. It is built in classical style throughout. During the Capital period it was the establishment church. When Lord Sydenham, our first Governor-General died, he received two funeral services in St. George's (civil and military) and is buried in the crypt — which cannot be visited but there is a plaque about him. The Cathedral's interior was renovated in the 1970s, and the exterior renovation started in 2002.

Please reserve your tour in advance with Sarah Pugh at 613-548-4617.