PumpHouse — Attraction in Ontario

I know that i should be writing about the pump house and the beautiful history behind the various types of equipment used etc., (trust me when i say the people here are super knowledgeable and well informed and if you are a history buff, you've gotta visit this place and you will keep visiting to see the diff exhibits that are contantly updated) but I want to talk about the little train room!! For a railfan and budding ferroequinologist like me, this was the highlight of the trip. And for Canadians who grew up watching "The Friendly Giant" (not me unfortunately) i am sure the model there will revoke a lot of memories. The place is being maintained by volunteers and i encourage fellow model fans out there to visit this place and extend our love and support to this beautifully maintained collection. Some TLC and all the trains here can be chugging along in their former glory!! The various Dioramas are also well crafted by the volunteers!! A must visit if you are in kingston and a great place to take your kids to teach them about the powers of steam! I am going to be driving here many times just to visit...

This was our third visit to the PumpHouse. Due to COVID restrictions we had the whole building to ourselves for a private tour! Our 4 yr old ran off to see the amazing train room while a few of us took the guided tour. We learned a lot about the architecture, Kingston's history and were amazed by all the artifacts in their collection room. Always a great balance of fun for all ages. So reasonably priced you'll want to leave a donation. Staff is dilligent at sanitizing between tours, face coverings and social distancing. We felt very comfortable with their COVID protocols. This trip we also saw a flying fish! A live fish fell out of nowhere onto the front lawn while we waited for our tour. Shortly after a Sea Gull swooped down to retrieve his live lunch. Cloudy with a chance...

I have lived in Kingston for over 20 years and never once stepped foot inside its doors. My son recently turned 2, and I decided to take him for something new to see. To say that he loves this museum is an understatement. He was running back and forth between the activity from for children between the ages of 1 to 10 and the model train room. He could have spent well over 4 hours there if we had not arrived so close to closing time.

If you have little children, I highly recommend taking them to the PumpHouse museum. Pack a meal and some things to drink and make a day of it. Well worth the minimal price of admission. (Or free access with the pass from the Kingston...