Soon, you will be moving out of your accustomed space to begin a new life at Queen’s. Not only will you be moving out of your house, apartment or yak haired tent (if you’re coming from the Tibetan plains, that is), you will be leaving a home community that is comfortably familiar and rich in your past experiences. You may be wondering if the City of Kingston will be able to offer a lifestyle through which many rewarding and diverse experiences are readily possible. Well, I’m here to tell you that it can!
Mid-way between Toronto and Montreal, and just a 30 minute drive from the U.S. border, Kingston is a flourishing regional centre that gives way to a quality of life experience, which is at once dynamic in its inspiring present and absorbing in its celebrated past. Yes, you will soon become resident of one of Canada’s most vibrant and historic communities: a city clad with all the bustle and amenities one could ever need. Here, you’ll be able to explore many historic sites, art galleries, museums, theatres, and bookstores that make for the appeal and enjoyment a day’s outing should afford. You may wish to spend an evening chatting with friends at a sidewalk cafe, tasting a new exotic dish at one of the assorted restaurants, or look for fair trade goods and local artisan crafts at the countless eclectic shops, all readily within walking distance of the University.
Whether you choose to stroll through Canada’s oldest continuously run Farmer’s Market in search of maple syrup candy and pecan tarts, or enjoy the great licks of a White Mountain ice cream cone while on route to Wolfe Island via ferry for a mid-day stroll, you’ll find your new home lending itself well to the sensibility and budget of those ever burgeoning interests you possess. If you’re an experienced scuba diver, autumn may find you eagerly taking advantage of the various historical and artificial shipwrecks (e.g. paddlewheelers, schooners, wooden steamers, etc.) found underwater and just offshore. For the less adventurous, you may simply prefer to wake early and head to Pan Chancho Bakery and Café for some freshly baked pain au chocolat and a leisurely waterfront walk, only to find yourself marveling along the way at the architecture that has earned Kingston the “Limestone City” nickname. Halloween might find you audacious enough to brave the Haunted Walk of Kingston or visit Fort Henry National Historic Site for the Ghosts of the Fort tour.
Should you be tempted to pack your figure skating fringe or hockey gear, Kingston has a use for them. As the weather becomes brisk with winter, you can head on down to Market Square for the quintessential Canadian outdoor skating experience. Afterward, you can stop by Coffee and Company for a toasty cup of hot cocoa to warm you from head to toe delicious.
For thespian inspiration and as winter slowly wakens to spring, you might choose to share in the Reelout Queer Film Festival or Kingston Canadian Film Festival, but you don’t have to wait for these events to engage in dramatic flair. You can do so all year long by viewing a picture at the Screening Room or Cinema Kingston, or instead by taking in a live student-run production by attending Queen’s Musical Theatre.
Regardless of preference, season or mood, Kingston has ample activity and interest to keep you occupied when not in the throws of academia or immersed in on-campus buzz. You’ve made a great decision to attend Queen’s and in doing so, have chosen a new hometown that is nothing short of a cultural and recreational hub for the best student experience that a city such as Kingston can ever hope to provide.
Kimberly Fournier ~ Admission Coordinator ~ Western Canada
