Kingston

On the way to Kingston, make a stop in Gananoque to board a cruise ship. Sail through the Thousand Islands, called “The Garden of the Great Spirit” by the indigenous peoples who once inhabited the region. During this cruise through the archipelago, you will notably see the majestic Boldt Castle as well as the smallest international bridge in the world which connects an American island and a Canadian island (Zavikib Island). Upon arrival in Kingston, visit Fort Henry, which has served many wars. It will transport you to the heart of 19th century military life. Stay alert as you continue your military adventure with a tour of Fort Frederick’s Martello Tower and the Royal Military College Museum which tells the story of Canada’s oldest military college and the former Kingston shipyard. After a fajita dinner at the Lone Star Texas Grill, there’s nothing like a walk to digest the Kingston Waterfront Parkway and admire the soothing view. End the evening with a lantern-lit stroll where a guide tells you the stories of haunted hotels, hidden cemeteries and horrifying tales of the old Sydenham Quarter. Meal included: dinner.

After breakfast, you will have the chance to enter the Department of Geological Sciences at Queen’s University for a tour of the Miller Museum of Geology. Deepen your knowledge with an instructor-led program in Dr. Richard Milne’s geoscience education classroom. Before lunch, step back in time and explore the heritage grounds and gardens of Villa-Bellevue National Historic Site with a costumed interpreter. The Father of Confederation and also the first Prime Minister of Canada, Sir John A Macdonald, lived there with his family. In the afternoon, if you are nice, the Penitentiary Museum of Canada will open its doors to you. This museum is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the history of the country’s federal penitentiaries. Then, the Great Lakes will reveal all their secrets to you at the Marine Museum of Great Lakes. From shipwrecks to lighthouses, ecosystems and water quality, you’ll be mesmerized by the world’s largest interconnected body of freshwater. After dinner, use communication, astuteness, and observation to escape one of Improbable Escapes’ themed rooms. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Take the road to your school in the morning and take the opportunity to stop at Upper Canada Village, located 1.5 hours from Kingston. Live a magical experience as if you were transported to a rural village of the 1860s. Stroll between the authentic buildings, the animations of the village and of course, the people in yesteryears costume who are always happy to chat and share their knowledge with you. Slowly come back to reality as you leave the Upper Canada countryside for your school in the afternoon. Meal included: Breakfast.