Our downtown walking tour leader, Arthur Milnes, is Kingston’s story-teller-in-chief. He’s also one of the most unique Kingstonians you’ll meet while in town. Arthur and his wife hosted an American President and his First Lady for an overnight at their Kingston home; he served as a speechwriter to the Prime Minister of Canada, and was memoirs’ assistant to another PM. Arthur even bonded with the rock star Bono of U2, while attending Nelson Mandela’s funeral in South Africa in 2013. With Arthur as your guide, you’ll enter into the Kingston world of the ever-controversial Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first Prime Minister; learn the inspiring story of Kingston Indigenous hero, Molly Brant; hear about the visits to the city by Charles Dickens and Ernest Hemmingway, and, laugh along as Arthur describes the zany night he spent at a local pub with the Speaker of the British House of Commons. The tours last 45 minutes to an hour – or longer once you get Arthur talking. He’s the Energizer Bunny of local history. You’ll soon learn why.

Tours begin at Kingston’s 1840s K&P Railway Station, now the Visitor Information Centre at 209 Ontario St., Kingston. At the end of the tour, tips to your tour leader are always welcome and appreciated.