Kingston's First Capital Days

Posted by Susanna McLeod Jun 15, 2008

Before Confederation, Canada’s first parliament met for business in Kingston, Ontario, a small city on the shore of eastern Lake Ontario. The Governor General oversaw the governance of the early United Canada, and helped form the “bones” that would eventually become Canada. The sessions of the first government took place at the newly-built Kingston General Hospital.

Each year, from June 15 to July 1st, First Capital Days is a major affair in Kingston. Celebrations include Civic Ceremonies, dinner theatre, children’s programming for school trips, concerts, parades, antiques markets, costumed events and fireworks to light the skies at the end of Canada Day. This year, the great military aerobatic team will be flying overhead, thrilling us all with their exciting technical maneuvers high in the sky.

Once again this year, dozens of heritage buildings will be having “Open Doors” so that the public can view the architecture and art of long ago. Kingston has a large number of homes and businesses that were built centuries ago; many of these historic structures have been restored to enhance the wonderful intricate early construction.

Proud of their enduring heritage in the formation of Canada and government, the people of Kingston embrace the past with a grand flourish. Many events are free or very low cost, so that everyone can have a taste of Canada’s auspicious beginnings. Welcome to the First Capital!