Kingston, Canada

Capital City

Forget the romantic notion of a quaint "Limestone City" - Kingston's cold, windy climate and heavy bureaucracy make it a tough sell. With a population of 132,485, the city relies heavily on public institutions like Queen's University and the military, leaving the private sector accounting for only half of local employment. And while the tourism industry contributes over 3,500 jobs, the data on visitor trends remains a persistent challenge. For those seeking an authentic Canadian experience outside the big cities, Kingston's historic charm may be worth braving the red tape and chilly winters. But for many, the trade-offs simply don't add up.