Hotel Belvedere Tips for Travel

Ian Walsh from Kingston's Hotel Belvedere has sent in his top five tips for travelers:

1. Regular visitors should ask about leaving a small bag behind. We do this for guests and it
allows for future travel on airlines with only carry on luggage.
2. Always ask at the front desk for restaurant and entertainment info, with a map.
3. The Marine Museum is a gem for local history and spectacular ship models.
4. ‘Tilley’s’ quick dry underwear and socks.
5. Ask for names and use them, somehow your service will be better.

Why I love Kingston

We just returned from our trip down east, and although it was a fun adventure, it made us love Ontario and Kingston that much more. Here is why:

1. No stinging jelly fish when swimming in the water.
2. We have a Starbucks.
3. We don't get swarmed by mosquitoes (that much).
4. We don't have to drive 18 hours to get here.
5. Our hotels cost less (believe me they do).

So next time you're thinking of heading east, downtown Kingston maybe east enough for a great holiday!

Poker Run

Next weekend Kingston’s Confederation Basin will be alive with the sound of hundreds of power boat engines for the 1000 Islands Poker Run. Over 150 power boats will be in Kingston for the 7th and 8th of August. The Poker Run starts with street displays and exhibits on the Friday and continues on the Saturday with the Run out of Portsmouth Olympic Harbour. If you’re looking to participate or come as a spectator there are great weekend packages available at the following hotels The Radisson, Sheridan Four Points and Holiday Inn Waterfront.

Not to Be Overlooked

Freshwater sailing is one of the very popular sports in Kingston and the regattas draw hundreds of visitors every year. Another great draw to Kingston that unfortunately sometimes gets overlooked is golf. There are a number of great courses in the Kingston area including Loyalist, Westbrook and Glen Lawrence Golf Club. Local B&B’s usually have a great package offered so you can get lower green fees and stay relatively close to the course. Kingston’s Green Acres Inn has a two night package available with a couple of course options available; check out the details here.

Paddle Challenge

Kingston and area is a great spot for water sports and a new festival has popped up this summer for kayaking enthusiasts. The 1000 Islands Paddle Sport Challenge will be held for the fist time the weekend of July 25th and 26th at Joel Stone Beach in Gananoque. The best part about the festival is that is starts with clinics and lessons so no matter what level you’re at you can tune up your skills before the Sunday races. There are even special lessons for kids and a kid’s race. Hopefully the Challenge is a success and back again next year!

Turbine Tours

For many people who visit Kingston the draw of the city is the historical relevance and beauty of the city. What most tourists rarely get to see are the many efforts made to make Kingston as eco-friendly as possible. For example with the Wolfe Island Wind Farm visitors can view the huge turbines up close during a free one hour tour over the course of the summer. Also, many tourists don’t realize that even their hotels have green initiatives to conserve energy and promote sustainability.

Busker Tips

One of the biggest events in Kingston’s summer calendar is undoubtedly the Buskers Rendezvous. This year there were over 30 performers and from July 9-12 downtown Kingston was transformed; the streets were closed for fire eaters, acrobats, magicians and spectators were awash in face paint and balloon animals. For those who have never experienced Buskers I have made a list of tips so you will be ready for next year.

Make sure you have lots of change
Bring kids with you
Participate! Some of the acts get spectators involved.
Laugh, clap and shout – the performers love it
If you’re from out of town make sure you book a downtown hotel so you’re close to the action