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Kingston Martello Towers

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Historical site
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Kingston Martello Towers (Canada)

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The Martello Towers in Kingston, Ontario, are part of a sophisticated defense system built in the 1840s to protect the naval dockyard and the entrance to the Rideau Canal. These massive, circular stone towers were constructed in response to tensions with the United States during the Oregon boundary dispute. Kingston features four main towers: Murney Tower, Shoal Tower, Cathcart Tower, and Fort Frederick Tower. The design of Martello towers originated in the Mediterranean and is characterized by extremely thick walls capable of resisting heavy cannon fire. In some places, the seaward walls are up to 4.5 meters thick. Each tower featured a rotating gun platform on the roof and living quarters for soldiers within. Although they never saw combat, they remain symbols of Kingston's role as the 'Gibraltar of the North.' Today, the towers are part of the Rideau Canal UNESCO World Heritage site and several are open to the public as museums showcasing 19th-century military engineering.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-4-4051117212118115-1
Rain mm6861597579878079781127786

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Kingston Martello Towers are mostly viewable from the outside. A few towers are run by local associations and accessible at specific times.
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Typical hours
Exterior areas are accessible anytime. For interior visits, check the respective association's hours, typically on weekends or by appointment.
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Photography
Exterior photography of the towers is unrestricted. Indoor photography may be allowed in managed towers, but ask beforehand.
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Time needed
Allow 1-2 hours for a walk to all four towers. A single tower can be viewed from the outside in 15-20 minutes.
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Combine with
Combine the tower visit with a trip to Kingston Harbour or historic Fort Henry. The towers are strung along the waterfront.
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Getting there
The towers are easily reachable by car or bike, located along King Street and the coastal road. Parking is generally available.
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Insider tip
Rent a bicycle to comfortably tour all four towers. Start in the morning to avoid the midday heat.

Geography

Coordinates
44.22000, -76.47800

Facts

  • The towers were constructed between 1846 and 1848.
  • Shoal Tower is uniquely situated in the middle of Kingston Harbor.
  • The seaward-facing walls reach a thickness of 4.5 meters.
  • They were built to defend against potential American naval attacks.
  • The towers were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007.
  • Murney Tower has operated as a public museum since 1925.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

KingstonKingston<1 km · SExplore →
Fort Henry (Kingston)Fort Henry (Kingston)2 km · NExplore →
Gananoque (Thousand Islands)Gananoque (Thousand Islands)35 km · NExplore →
Thousand IslandsThousand Islands53 km · NExplore →
Prince Edward CountyPrince Edward County86 km · SExplore →
GatineauGatineau88 km · NExplore →
Brockville Railway TunnelBrockville Railway Tunnel89 km · NExplore →
Parliament HillParliament Hill92 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Kingston Martello Towers (9)

Murney Tower🏛 museum

A well-preserved Martello tower that served as a defensive fortification.

🕒 May 20-Sep 04 10:00-17:00🆓

Church of the Good Thief (Closed)⛪ religious

A closed church in Kingston, formerly a place of worship.

First Baptist Church⛪ religious

First Baptist Church in Kingston (Towers Kingston) is a historic Baptist church.

Reeds Bay📍 landmark

Reeds Bay in Kingston (Towers Kingston) is a bay on Lake Ontario.

Lake Ontario Park🌳 park

Lake Ontario Park in Kingston (Towers Kingston) is a park on the shore of Lake Ontario.

PumpHouse Museum🏛 museum

Museum housed in a historic water pumping station in Towers Kingston.

🕒 Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00, Su 12:00-17:00

Domino Theatre🎭 culture

A community theatre hosting live performances in Towers Kingston.

Absolute Comedy🎭 culture

A comedy club featuring stand-up performances in Towers Kingston.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What are Martello Towers?
Small, round defensive forts built for coastal defense.
Can you go inside?
In Kingston, the Murney Tower is open to the public as a museum.
Where are the towers located?
They are located at strategic points along the Kingston waterfront.
Is there an admission fee?
The Murney Tower typically asks for a small admission fee or donation.
When are they open?
Generally from May to September, usually from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Kingston Martello Towers: where is it located?
Kingston Martello Towers is located in Canada.
Kingston Martello Towers: what is there to see?
Highlights include Murney Tower, Ann Baillie Building, Church of the Good Thief (Closed).
Kingston Martello Towers: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Kingston Martello Towers: why is it worth visiting?
The Martello Towers in Kingston, Ontario, are part of a sophisticated defense system built in the 1840s to protect the naval dockyard and the entrance to the Rideau Canal.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

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