City Hall Tours
Kingston City Hall, National Historic Site, was built in the 1840s when Kingston was the first Capital of Canada. City Hall is the centre for local governance and a vibrant municipal government building housing City Council and city staff. Filled with educational treasures and artifacts, City Hall is an uplifting and informative tour, building historical awareness and civic pride.
City Hall houses the largest known portrait of Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first Prime Minister. The stained-glass windows of Memorial Hall depict the many battles of the First World War. Art lovers will enjoy the "Historically Significant Canadians" artwork collection. Step back in time: go into the former jail cells and stop by "Royal Way," a tribute to the monarchy.
Guided tours are available mid-May to end of September yearly. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday (with the exception of statutory holidays). Two weeks advance notice is required. Call 613-546-4291, ext. 1520 to make your reservations.
Weekend guided tours are available every Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. throughout July and August. No reservations required.
Self-Guided Tours: Members of the public are welcome to take a self-guided tour from October 1 to mid-May. Self-guided tour brochures are available at City Hall Reception.
Become a Tour Guide
We're looking for Public Relations Ambassadors! Think you've got what it takes?
Kingston City Hall is recruiting volunteer Tour Guides. Meet people from all over the world and build civic pride, while walking in the same footsteps as Canada's first Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald.
The volunteer season runs from mid-May to the end of September. All are welcome.
Current and potential Volunteer City Hall Tour Guides are invited to the Annual General Meeting held in March every year.
For more information contact ecashman@cityofkingston.ca, or call 613-546-4291 ext. 1520
