🇨🇦 Kingston & Queen’s University

🇨🇦 Kingston & Queen’s University: A Journey Through Canada’s Historic Heartland 🏛️🍁 Nestled along the stunning St. Lawrence River, Kingston is far more than just a picturesque pitstop—it’s a living museum of Canada’s early political and academic legacy. Once the first capital of united Upper and Lower Canada (1841-1844), this limestone-clad city whispers tales of Confederation, colonial rivalries, and intellectual brilliance. Here’s why history buffs and architecture lovers shouldn’t miss it: 🏛️ Kingston’s Capital Legacy: A Game of Thrones (Canadian Edition) • Brief Reign: Chosen for its strategic location between Montreal and Toronto, Kingston served as capital for just 3 years before political squabbles triggered moves to Montreal, Quebec City, and Toronto. • Victoria’s Decree: Ottawa ultimately became the permanent capital in 1867—partly because it was fur-trade neutral ground between English and French factions. • Hidden Evidence: Spot Parliament-style street grids downtown, remnants of its capital ambitions. Fun Fact: The original Parliament building burned down in 1844—its stones were later used to build Kingston Penitentiary! 👑 Queen’s University: Where History Meets Innovation Founded in 1841 (before Canada existed as a country!), this ivy-league equivalent blends Gothic Revival grandeur with cutting-edge research: 🏰 Architectural Time Capsule • Summerhill Building: Once a private mansion, its turrets and stained glass inspired Harry Potter-esque fantasies. • Douglas Library: The Harry Potter Reading Room (officially the "Heritage Room") features vaulted ceilings and antique globes—perfect for studygram photos! • BioSci Complex: Brutalist 1960s labs where mRNA vaccine research now happens. 🎓 Famous Alumni • Elon Musk: Briefly studied computer engineering here before transferring to UPenn. Rumor says he coded early projects in Stauffer Library’s 24-hour zone. • Prime Ministers: Two PMs (Sir John A. Macdonald’s ghost allegedly haunts the law school). Pro Tip: Join the free campus tour at 2pm weekdays to hear scandalous student lore! 🌉 Borderline Adventures: When Your Phone Thinks It’s American Kingston’s waterfront walks along the St. Lawrence come with a quirky surprise: • Signal Shenanigans: Near the 1000 Islands, phones often ping U.S. towers across the river. Avoid roaming charges by: • Disabling auto-connect • Snapping a quick "Welcome to New York" screenshot for laughs • Boldt Castle Views: The best U.S. sightseeing without a passport! 📸 Must-Capture Spots 1. University Ave Gates: Framed by autumn maples 🍁 2. City Hall at Dusk: Limestone glowing under golden-hour light 3. Stauffer Library Stairs: For Dead Poets Society vibes 🍁 Why Kingston Still Matters Beyond postcard-perfect scenes, this city shaped Canada’s: • Military History (Fort Henry’s cannons still fire daily in summer) • Education Elite (Queen’s ranks #1 in Canada for student satisfaction) • Waterway Trade (Watch freighters glide through the locks!) #CanadianHistory #UniversityLife #BorderTownMagic