Kingston Penitentiary in Kingston, Canada – Museum Information

The Kingston Penitentiary, located in Kingston, Ontario, is a historic maximum-security prison that operated from 1830 until its closure in 2013. The museum offers guided tours led by former staff, providing visitors with first-hand accounts of life within the facility. The standard tour lasts approximately 90 minutes, allowing guests to explore key areas of the prison. Facilities include ample parking and access for visitors. The site is significant for its architectural history and its role in Canada’s correctional system.

Visitors can expect to see various exhibits reflecting the prison’s storied past, including insights into infamous escape attempts and life inside the institution. The guided tours feature personal anecdotes and detailed narratives from former guards, enriching the experience with real-life stories. The museum also includes educational displays that highlight the evolution of Canada’s prison system and architectural elements unique to the Kingston Penitentiary.