Take A Walk In Sir John A.’s Footsteps

Published on: 2010/06/16 - in Releases

The City of Kingston is pleased to release new audio recordings and printed versions of the “In Sir John A.’s footsteps” walking tour. Based on the incredible popularity of the walking tour last year, the City has printed an additional 20,000 copies and released 5,000 French versions.

The tour by Kingston political historian and journalist Arthur Milnes, is a self-guided, one-hour walking tour through the streets of Kingston, home of Sir John A. Macdonald – Canada’s first Prime Minister.

Audio versions of the tours are available for free download at www.cityofkingston.ca/footsteps/ and feature an English recording narrated by the Rt. Hon. Jean Chretien, the 20th Prime Minister of Canada. and a version voiced by Canadian hockey legend and Kingston native Don Cherry – introduced by another local hockey legend, Jim Dorey. A new French version narrated by the Hon.

Peter Milliken, 34th Speaker of the House of Commons will be live in the coming months and is currently available in person at the Visitor’s Centre across from City Hall.

“As part of our goal of enriching the historical learning experience for all who live and visit Canada’s First Capital, I am really pleased that we can offer these walking tours,” says Brian McCurdy, Cultural Director for the City of Kingston.

“Kingston has so many community minded citizens who are always happy to help with these types of initiatives and we are really fortunate to have them. I look forward to broadening the audio tours into many other languages as well, so stay tuned!”

Kingston City Hall is now open for guided tours throughout the summer, and is pleased to offer a new printed flyer outlining the artifacts related to Sir John A. Macdonald. Some of these incredible items on display at this National Historic Site include photos, portraits, a bronze bust and the desk that Sir John A. used in his position as a city councillor.

“Both Canadian and international visitors are really intrigued with Kingston’s history, and they have really enjoyed both the printed and audio versions of the ‘In Sir John A.’s footsteps’ walking tour,” states Chris Whyman, Manager of Visitor Services for Tourism Kingston. “Our French-speaking visitors have been asking for materials in their own language, and I think this is a great initiative. The more we can make history come alive for our visitors, the more they will want to return with friends and family to experience Kingston.”

English and French printed tour brochures are available at City Hall, The Visitor’s Centre, The MacLachlan Woodworking Museum, The Pump House Steam Museum, Marine Museum of the Great Lakes, Royal Military College, Kingston Military Family Resource Centre, INVISTA Centre, Artillery Park Aquatic Centre and all 16 branches of the Kingston Frontenac Public Library. MP3 players pre-loaded with the audio tours are available for rent at the Visitor Information Centre. For those who aren’t able to visit Kingston, they can experience a virtual tour at www.cityofkingston.ca/footsteps/.

For more information about Sir John A. Macdonald, City Hall and Kingston’s heritage, visit www.cityofkingston.ca/culture/.