Canada’s 1000 Islands are magical at the best of times, but never so much as when you are sailing among them. To make this dream come true, the 1000 Islands Cruise Lines have commandeered some of the best river captains around to drive their prize vessels – The Island Belle, The Star and The Island Queen III. Captain Stephen Steeles has been involved with the company since 1980 and has an ever growing passion for these waterways.
During his almost 30 years on the water, Steeles has handled all of the 1000 Island Cruise Line boats in and around the islands and has taken longer voyages to Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec. “I have seen every channel and every one of the 1,871 islands as well as thousands of sunsets, sunrises and rainbows. On a map people just see a tiny sliver of a waterway, but when they get here, they realize it is so much bigger than they thought. One of my favourite sections is the Admiralty Islands and the Bateau Channel. It is just so magical on these waters and people can’t believe we have something this beautiful so close to home.”
So passengers will be delighted not only by the stunning scenery but by the knowledge that they are in the hands of a passionate, seasoned captain. As Steeles says, “This is a one-of- a- kind, eye-catching vessel and we treat everyone as if they are coming into our home. I take it personally if they don’t have a good time. After all, we are the food, fun and entertainment industry, and everyone from the owners to the crew are committed to that!” And so, the magic continues…
Getaway Packages
Monday, October 3, 2011
Hotel Highlight - Comfort Inn 401

The Comfort Inn Hwy. 401 is conveniently situated within minutes of major points of interest in the Kingston 1000 Islands region. Named for its position near Highway 401, the hotel provides easy access off the highway at exit 617, Division Street and to all area attractions.
All guests will appreciate the many amenities offered at this Kingston hotel, including:
Free continental breakfast
Free wireless high-speed Internet access
Free weekday newspaper
Free local calls
Pet-friendly hotel
Picnic Area
Your stay will be most enjoyable in the tastefully appointed guest rooms. The best in convenience and relaxation combined with amenities, including cable television, hair dryers, irons, ironing boards and coffee makers.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Picking up the Pen
Kingston is always a book lover’s paradise, but never so much as in September when the annual WritersFest comes to town! Only a few years old, this festival showcases some of the biggest literary names around, and over 4,000 people attend to bask in the readings and workshops offered over four days.
his year WritersFest (September 22-25) has another spectacular line-up of nearly seventy writers – a combination of prize-winning authors and exciting new voices of tomorrow. One highlight will be the South African-born Nobel Laureate J.M.Coetzee in conversation with American novelist, screenwriter and translator, Paul Auster.
And if you are wondering if it is ever too late to start writing, this year’s festival has a new event called In Praise of Older Women which discusses creativity and aging, and there is a debut memoir by a woman who is over 80. As well, the Kingston WritersFest Writers Studio offers Master classes led by writers at the top of their game. So of course it is never too late!
Readers and writers alike are welcome. Come with a pen and paper or come with just your curiosity. Take a workshop or just take a listen. As the Artistic Director says, “For every avid reader in the audience, we simply want to put on the best show possible – an hour and a half of reading or discussion that will make them leave seeing the world in a slightly different way.”
his year WritersFest (September 22-25) has another spectacular line-up of nearly seventy writers – a combination of prize-winning authors and exciting new voices of tomorrow. One highlight will be the South African-born Nobel Laureate J.M.Coetzee in conversation with American novelist, screenwriter and translator, Paul Auster.
And if you are wondering if it is ever too late to start writing, this year’s festival has a new event called In Praise of Older Women which discusses creativity and aging, and there is a debut memoir by a woman who is over 80. As well, the Kingston WritersFest Writers Studio offers Master classes led by writers at the top of their game. So of course it is never too late!
Readers and writers alike are welcome. Come with a pen and paper or come with just your curiosity. Take a workshop or just take a listen. As the Artistic Director says, “For every avid reader in the audience, we simply want to put on the best show possible – an hour and a half of reading or discussion that will make them leave seeing the world in a slightly different way.”
Friday, September 16, 2011
Hotel Highlight - Best Western Plus

Kingston Poetry Project
The Kingston Poetry Project launches with a celebration of local talent
Kingston is filled with so many talented and enthusiastic citizens who follow their passion as poets and writers. Find out how you can express yourself creatively as well. No experience required! Kingston’s inaugural Poet Laureate, Eric Folsom, welcomes his friends and colleagues – David Helwig, Joanne Page, Carolyn Smart and Daniel David Moses to read selections of their works and encourage the audience to write their own poems to share.
This free event takes place at Kingston City Hall, Memorial Hall from 5 to 7:30 pm on Tuesday, September 20. Light refreshments will be served and the event is open to all ages. Immediately following this event, Folsom will attend the City Council meeting starting at 7:30 pm where he will be introduced to the community by Mayor Gerretsen and read a poem that will become part of the official minutes of the meeting.
This event kicks off the In your own words | Kingston Poetry Project that invites Kingston residents to write about their city through poetry. Join us and help make Kingston a true city of words!
Eric Folsom was selected as Kingston’s inaugural Poet Laureate by a Nominating Committee appointed by the Arts Advisory Committee and approved by Council in January 2011. This appointment was made based on the high quality of Folsom’s writing, his deep familiarity with Kingston's history, his enduring interest in new literary voices, and his demonstrated ability to showcase Kingston as a centre of writing and artistic distinction. Serving a four-year term, Folsom will be the spokesperson for the literary arts in this city - home to Kingston Writersfest and a prodigious number of celebrated poets, authors and playwrights.
Kingston is filled with so many talented and enthusiastic citizens who follow their passion as poets and writers. Find out how you can express yourself creatively as well. No experience required! Kingston’s inaugural Poet Laureate, Eric Folsom, welcomes his friends and colleagues – David Helwig, Joanne Page, Carolyn Smart and Daniel David Moses to read selections of their works and encourage the audience to write their own poems to share.
This free event takes place at Kingston City Hall, Memorial Hall from 5 to 7:30 pm on Tuesday, September 20. Light refreshments will be served and the event is open to all ages. Immediately following this event, Folsom will attend the City Council meeting starting at 7:30 pm where he will be introduced to the community by Mayor Gerretsen and read a poem that will become part of the official minutes of the meeting.
This event kicks off the In your own words | Kingston Poetry Project that invites Kingston residents to write about their city through poetry. Join us and help make Kingston a true city of words!
Eric Folsom was selected as Kingston’s inaugural Poet Laureate by a Nominating Committee appointed by the Arts Advisory Committee and approved by Council in January 2011. This appointment was made based on the high quality of Folsom’s writing, his deep familiarity with Kingston's history, his enduring interest in new literary voices, and his demonstrated ability to showcase Kingston as a centre of writing and artistic distinction. Serving a four-year term, Folsom will be the spokesperson for the literary arts in this city - home to Kingston Writersfest and a prodigious number of celebrated poets, authors and playwrights.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Fall Tradition
The 181st Annual Kingston Fall Fair, Thursday Sept. 15th to Sunday Sept. 18th, is a community tradition. This year there are concerts every night, horse shows, dairy shows, lawn tractor racing, celebrity pie baking auction, demolition derby and of course the midway!
How do I say that in Urdu?

I'm going to find out how to say/spell my name in Urdu next weekend. Where you ask? The Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival. Part of the Festival is a Language Village, there will be 8 languages offered including Urdu, Hindi, Arabic, Tagalog, Kiswahili, Portuguese and Spanish. You can learn phrases or even get your name written out.
The main event, on Saturday Sept. 17 is of course the music and dance groups featured on the two main stages set up at Confederation Park with international and local talent. Should be a great family activity!
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