Winter is always a tough slog especially if you, like me, would rather hibernate like a bear and wake up in the spring. But living in Canada, you have no choice but to embrace winter and enjoy the season. Bundle up and get outside.
Lumina Borealis, a winter wonderland at Fort Henry, Kingston gives you the perfect excuse to experience the magic of an unforgettable outdoor light show. Located just 265 km (164 miles) from Toronto, Kingston makes for a perfect day trip or weekend escape.
Lumina Borealis
The grounds around the Fort has transformed into a winter night walk that takes you back to enchanted winter forests, animal projections, birds soaring, trees lighting up and art installations. Beautiful music accompanies all of this.
Welcoming fire hearths let you warm up your hands as you walk over to the next story.
Towards the end of the walk “microphones” engage visitors in making noise. Shouting into them produces music or visuals on the surrounding walls.
Try your hand at “The Frozzinator” by throwing balls at objects that were projected on the walls. Hit the object to produce sounds.
Tips for your visit:
- If you go dress warmly – hats, boots, Scarves and Gloves. Bring an umbrella just in case it rains.
- Photography in low light is not easy with a SmartPhone just in case you plan to take some photos. No flash is allowed.
- Foods stops are available on site so you can fuel up with warm drinks and good eat.
- Redpath sugar has a gift shop on site for buying treats and souvenirs.
Where to Eat in Kingston
Lumina Borealis tickets can be applied for discounts when dining in Kingston. Chez Piggy gives you a 20% on your total order. The Black Dog Hospitality group which includes four restaurants around Kingston (Le Chien Noir, Atomica, Harper’s or Dianne’s) offering a complimentary glass of wine, craft beer or dessert with the purchase of an entrée.
Where to Sleep
There are quite a few accommodation partners working with Lumina Borealis offering packages for overnight accommodation. Participating hotels include: All Suites Whitney Manor, Ambassador Hotel & Conference Centre, Delta Hotels Kingston Waterfront, Green Acres Inn, Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront, Ramada Kingston Hotel & Conference Centre, Residence Inn By Marriott, etc
Tip: We stayed overnight at the Frontenac Club Inn, in the Currie Suite. Built in 1845 as a bank, then it became a private men’s club in 1903 and today is a beautiful historical bed and breakfast. The Inn is a gem in the heart of Kingston and is easy walking distance to attractions, dining, and entertainment.
Ticket information
Lumina Borealis Runs from Jan 12 to Feb 4, 2017
Timing: Open from 5pm-11pm (last ticket time: 9.45pm) -15 minute intervals.
Where: Fort Henry National Historic Site, Kingston, Ontario
Cost: Adults – $12, Children 6-12 – $10, Children 5 and under are free
While in Kingston, don’t forget to see a few more sites and sounds from this historical city. A perfect destination for a day trip or weekend escape. Visit www.visitkingston.ca for more information.
Special Thanks to St Lawrence Parks Commission for hosting our visit. All opinions expressed in this post are my own.
