Kingston Information
City Guides > Kingston > Information
Kingston Information
Kingston City Information
Population: 143,000
Elevation: 305 feet
Location: Kingston is located on NE corner of Lake Ontario, equidistant between Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto, the areas three major cities.
Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (when its noon in Kingston, it is noon in New York City, 11am in Chicago, and 9am in Los Angeles). Kingston observes Daylight Saving Time from April - October
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (same time as New York City). Daylight saving April-October.
Emergencies: Call 911 for fire, police, or ambulance.
Average Monthly Temperatures: Month High Low January 30F 16F February 30F 15F March 37F 23F April 50F 34F May 63F 44F June 73F 54F July 59F 79F August 77F 58F September 69F 51F October 56F 40F November 43F 31F December 33F 21F
Kingston has higher winter temperatures than Ontarios capital city of Ottawa. Summers are quite warm with considerable amounts of sunshine, averaging eight to nine hours a day. Some snow usually covers the ground from mid-December until mid-March, but heavy snowfalls are rare. The precipitation averages between 2.4 and 2.9 inches per month year round.
Packing : In winter, pack sturdy, waterproof boots, warm clothes that can be layered and a warm coat, gloves and hat. In summer, pack light cottons, comfortable walking shoes, a sweater and lightweight jacket or windbreaker, sunglasses and a hat. Be prepared with sunscreen for trips to the beach and waterfront.
National Holidays:
New Year’s (January 1 and 2)
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Patriots’ Day (second-last Monday in May)
Quebecs National Holiday (June 24)
Canada Day (July 1)
Labour Day (first Monday in September)
Thanksgiving (second Monday in October)
Christmas (December 25 and 26)
Government: Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II is the Queen of Canada and Canadas head of State. This means that the Queen is the formal head of Canada. The Governor General is the Queen representative in Canada. The Queen is also represented in each province by a Lieutenant Governor and by a Commissioner in the territories.
Useful Conversions of weights and measures
1 hectare 2.471 acres
1 inch 2.54 cm
1 ft. 30.48 cm
1 oz. 28.57 grams
1 lb. 0.454 kg
1 cm 0.39 inches
1 meter 3.28 feet / 1.09 yards
1 km 0.62 miles
1 liter 0.26 US gallons
1 inch 2.54 cm
1 foot 0.39 meters
1 yard 0.91 meters
1 mile 1.60 km
1kg 2.2lb
1 gallon 3.78 liters
Currency: The Canadian currency is in dollars. There are one dollar coins called loonies because of the loon depicted on the gold colored coin ; two dollar coins with a gold colored center and silver border called toonies because they are equal to 2 loonies ; dime; nickel and penny. The paper currency comes in denominations of $5; $10; $20; $50; $100. The present exchange rate is between $1.42 and $1.50 Canadian for every US dollar. Rates vary widely depending on where money is exchanged. Banks give the best rate. The easiest method of securing cash at the best exchange rate is to make withdrawals using a US credit card from the ATM machines found at the major banks and stores.
Business Hours: Banks are usually open Monday to Thursday 10am to 3pm, Friday 10am to 6pm. Most stores are open Monday to Wednesday 10am to 6pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm, with extended hours until 8 to 9:30pm on Thursday and usually Friday.
Electricity: It is the same as in the United States: 110 volts, 50 cycles, AC.
Email retrieval: Many hotels have dedicated telephone outlets in the rooms for internet access.
Visitors with disabilities: Canadian Paraplegic Association National Office provides information about accessibility in Canada. 613/ 723-1033.
Embassies/Consulates: All embassies are in Ottawa, the national capital. US Consulate in Toronto is at 360 University Ave. 416/595-1700 .
Taxes: The provincial retail sales tax is 8%; on accommodations it’s 5%. There is an additional 7% national goods-and-services tax GST .
In general, nonresidents may apply for a tax refund. They can recover the accommodations tax, the sales tax, and the GST for non-disposable merchandise that will be exported for use, provided it is removed from Canada within 60 days of purchase.
The quickest and easiest way to secure the refund is to stop at a duty-free shop at the border. You must have proper receipts with GST registration numbers, or you can apply through the mail. It will take about 4 weeks to receive your refund. Pick up a rebate form at the registration desk of your hotel.