The current economic climate has caused many vacationers to rethink their winter holiday plans. With a tumbling stock market and employment numbers down, a recession seems to be looming in both the United States and Canada. Traditionally, the winter is time for many Canadians, and Americans from the northern states, to plan a winter getaway from the cold and snow. However, this year, many will be searching for an alternative to an expensive southern vacation and look to uncover a vacation destination that is closer to home.

One place that vacationers might consider for a winter getaway is the city of Kingston in Ontario, Canada. Located at the eastern end of Lake Ontario, at the mouth of the historic St. Lawrence River, Kingston is a short drive from the large population centres of Toronto, Ontario's Golden Horseshoe and New York state, making it a low cost destination. This scenic lakeside city has a wealth of attractions and winter events to entertain the entire family. History abounds here. Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir John A. MacDonald called Kingston home. Kingston is also Canada's second oldest city and has many historic buildings, impressive architecture, and interesting attractions. The city is home to the world famous Queens University, the Royal Military College, and historic Old Fort Henry. History comes alive in Kingston with its winding cobblestone paths leading past century-old homes, parks, and museums.

During the winter, Kingston is host to a number of special festivals and events. One popular winter event is Kingston's Feb Fest, an annual winter party that draws more than 30,000 people each year. Festival events include hockey tournaments, skating, rock concerts, ice and snow sculptures, horse-drawn wagon rides, and much more. The entire town participates, with restaurants offering special menus and shops festive displays. Throughout the winter, the city of Kingston maintains an ice-rink at Market Square located right beside the beautiful and historic city hall building. Each day, office workers join Kingston visitors and area residents for a free glide around the ice during the day or under the stars at night.

Another very popular Kingston wintertime event is The Kingston Canadian Film Festival. The film festival, which takes place for one week every February, is a not-to-be-missed experience for anyone who loves film. Now in its 8th season, the Kingston Canadian Film Festival draws movie fans and movie industry guests from all over. The festival features the best in Canadian films and hosts a wide variety of informative classes and lectures, as well as parties and receptions.

Many believe that Kingston is a great place to vacation because it is a beautiful city with so much to offer visitors every season of the year. Additionally, many tourists and residents alike understand that a trip to Kingston is like stepping back into the past. Its historic limestone stone buildings, fine old homes and intriguing history, along with the city's abundance of gourmet eateries, delightful shops, museums and thriving theatre scene, give Kingston an truly European flare that make this an ideal vacation destination.

Kingston, Ontario has long been a favourite romantic couple's getaway destination and leisure traveller's preferred place to visit, relax, and indulge. By offering visitors a variety of fun winter events, Kingston will also continue to attract to the area more family holiday vacationers looking for an exiting Ontario winter getaway.