Population: 152,000

"The Limestone city" is the prime Canadian destination for any history buff. Sitting at the edge of the Thousand Islands, this small city is home to a more than thriving arts and entertainment community, which can be experienced through any of the multiple festivals held annually.

Kingston played an integral key in every North American war since it's founding in 1673 as the French Fort Cataraqui, later known as Fort Frontenac. While the revolution-era wars destroyed the fort, plenty of the historic architecture survived, making Kingston one of the best architectural history destinations in North America.

If history isn't your thing, Kingston is also home to Queen's University, one of the top schools in collegiate Canada. The large student population balances the city's historic look with a large youth community, leading it to be named the 3rd best place to live in Canada according to a survey taken by Canadian Business in 2009.

http://tourism.kingstoncanada.com/en/makeaconnection/kingstonpride.asp