Great Lakes Museum

On the shores of Lake Ontario, where maritime history comes to life in stone and metal, lies the Great Lakes Museum. Located in the city of Kingston, this unique complex occupies the site of a National Historic Site of Canada — the Kingston Dry Dock — making any visit truly unforgettable.

This non-profit organization was founded by diving enthusiasts dedicated to preserving the mysteries of shipwrecks. Today, Canada is proud of this collection, which features over 4,000 artifacts detailing the evolution of navigation, shipbuilding, and the lives of those inextricably linked to the fresh waters of the Great Lakes.

The museum's crown jewel is the SS Keewatin, the world’s last surviving Edwardian-era passenger steamship, built back in 1908. Strolling through the historic shipyard buildings, some dating back to the late 19th century, visitors can truly feel the rhythm of the country’s industrial past.

To find the latest information on events or to book group tours, you can use the official contact details below.

Inside the museum, seven galleries await visitors, each opening a new chapter of maritime history. In the Donald Page Gallery, you can learn about the romantic age of sail and the daily lives of sailors, while the Calvin family exhibit transports you to Garden Island, once a thriving hub for large-scale timber and shipbuilding.

One of the most fascinating features is the historic Pump Room. Here, you can see the powerful engines and machinery that once operated the dry dock and appreciate the engineering ingenuity of the last century. The museum’s collections include not only ship models and anchors but also delicate glassware and porcelain recovered from the lake beds.

From May to November, the main attraction is the SS Keewatin. During the tour, guests can descend into the engine room to see the legendary Fairfield steam engines and explore the luxurious cabins. For those traveling with children, the museum regularly hosts family programs, turning history into an engaging adventure.

The museum is located at 55 Ontario Street, in the heart of historic Kingston. Thanks to its waterfront location, it is one of the most accessible spots for tourists strolling along the shores of Lake Ontario.

If you are arriving by car, it is easiest to follow the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 401), which connects the region's major cities. Parking is available on-site for visitors traveling by private vehicle.

The city's public transit system also makes it easy to reach the destination. Additionally, a taxi from downtown hotels or the city wharves will get you there in just a few minutes.

The history of this site began not with museum halls but with the initiative of a group of local divers in 1975. These passionate researchers aimed to preserve shipwreck artifacts discovered in the waters of the Great Lakes, ensuring this unique heritage wouldn't be lost to future generations.

The museum building itself is of great historical value. It occupies the site of the Kingston Dry Dock, built by the federal government between 1890 and 1893. Opened in 1892 as a critical repair base for vessels navigating the lakes, the facility remained a center for shipbuilding technology for many years.

During the mid-20th century, the shipyard was a hive of activity, used for constructing various vessels, including the famous corvettes. In 1910, the dock was expanded and leased to private companies, which operated it until the late 1960s, when the site's industrial significance began to fade.

The museum continues to evolve, adding major pieces to its collection. For example, in 1986, it acquired the coast guard ship CCGS Alexander Henry, and in 2023, the museum became the new home for the legendary SS Keewatin, a living testament to the era of luxury travel in the early 20th century.

To leisurely explore the museum's main galleries and learn about the history of shipbuilding at the dry dock, you will usually need about 2–3 hours. This is enough time to study the exhibits and soak in the atmosphere of the historic shipyard.

If your visit is during the warmer months and you plan to tour the SS Keewatin, it is worth allowing an extra hour or an hour and a half. Ship tours are very popular, so it is best to have a time buffer to explore the Edwardian-era interiors in detail.

The museum is open to visitors most of the week: Mondays and Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Please note that the museum is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

It is important to consider the seasonal nature of some exhibits: for instance, you can only board the SS Keewatin during the navigation season from May to November. To ensure a perfect visit, it is recommended to check the current schedule on the official museum website in advance.

A visit to the maritime museum can easily be combined with a stroll to other iconic landmarks in the city. Its central waterfront location provides access to many historical and entertainment sites that help you better experience the local atmosphere.

Exploring the surroundings of Kingston is a great way to spend a full day, moving from historic forts to modern parks and lively city squares.