marine museum of the great lakes

Took the grandkids, they loved the fire exhibit and the trains. Great for school kids. Was able to get the train going so the grandkids could see how it actually worked. The fire exhibit was very educational for the kids.

What a fantastic learning experience and exploration of the coast guard cutter. Be sure to see the lake volume comparison cylinders-you will be amazed

This is the second time in two years visiting the museum.We did so again, because it is one of the few places open off season in Kingston.I was not too enthused going back, but my son really wanted to explore the Cost Guard ship again.And to tell the truth it was very interesting the second time around. Its many rooms are really cool to explore, great fun and interesting. The main exhibit, which is very comprehensive, is a bit old school and the signage needs updating.But it gives a good view of shipping through time. Make sure to blow the horn! But what I was most happy with was the two temporary exhibits. The Modern Age of Sail is very well done and should draw you in even if you have little background.Take the time to stop by, you will have some fun and maybe learn something.

Lots of info on the Great Lakes and sailing/shipping around that area and beyond. Good access over a disused vessel.

Wow the museum was a great place to visit as well as the Alexander Henry , lots of things to see and learn a lot

We stayed on the Alexander Henry in 2007 and thoroughly enjoyed the experience and met some great people. We also enjoyed the museum so made it a point of going back on this trip. We still enjoyed the museum and the ship. Our kids enjoyed seeing where we had stayed on our last trip to Kingston and thought the ship was cool. The museum staff were very nice and very accommodating of all of our family members, no matter the number of legs. We were disappointed to hear the B & B is no longer open but understand why. The gift shop is also excellent. It's worth a visit when you're in Kingston.

the museum was well organized for a self directed tour.but guided tours would be a nice touch!for someone who wants to learn some history on our great lakes and who ,how ,when ect...good eye opener on the canadian heritage

This takes you into another world; very interesting and unique museum. Would hate to have missed this. Very scenically located and close to downtown and beautiful Queen's University campus. The waterfront walk from here is lovely too. The museum is well-presented and beautifully described items and displays are interesting for all ages.

Has a wide variety of maritime history on display. It was a quick tour full of Canadian history. Its right on the waterfront and is a pleasant walk from Kingston downtown. Worth the admission if you have an hour to spend.

Very historical. Gives insights into history of Kingston. Within walking distance of central Kingston. Worth a visit especially if you are a sailor type

The Marine Museum is a great stop if you have an interest in the history of marine activity in the Great Lakes , unfortunately I didn't find it all that interesting. I enjoy museums of all kinds but this one was too focussed on the technical aspects of shipping, very little content about the social and political impcat of the marine activity. The trip through the Alexander Henry is definitely a highlight but could be improved with some description of what we were seeing , or better yet ,a self guided audio tour would have been great.there are much more interesting museums and historical sites in the area that i would choose over this one

We both have a great interest in all types of museums but a very keen interest in Marine museums and were not disappointed with this oneWe travelled to Kingston for the specific purpose of visiting her historical past.The museum offered plenty of past and present information as well as a self guided tour of the retired Coast Guard vessel Alexander Henry. She is 3000 tons and 210 feet long. She is being lovingly cared for by the stall and volunteers of the museum. The on board volunteers are very keen to explain the history and technical information about the ship. There is some climbing (ladder type steps) to get to the other decks from the main deck but well worth the effort.

We were surprised at the extensive maritime displays, both permanent and temporary, but the huge highlight is being able to board the "Alexander Henry" and go through every part of it including the bridge. The ship, alone, is worth the reasonable admission fee. Initially, it was an afterthought to visit but now we are glad that we did! Definitely a "DO NOT MISS" attraction where you will see and LEARN things you never saw before. Parking is free.

The museum was fun - and parking is close to downtown and free! My boyfriend said he could come back and spend hours, and I really liked watching the video about the 1970's sinking of the Fitzgerald in the Great Lakes.

We visited this museum almost by accident when vacationing early Aug of this year. We found the parking is not well marked, neither is the museum. Yes there are signs, but they are small - look for the big red boat and park along side that, in the spots so marked for the marine museum - it is free. This is a pay per visit museum. It is very worth it. There is a whole display devoted to the 100 year storm, and how it came about and how it affected ships on the great lakes and why. I didn't even know there was such a thing as the 100 year storm. That is only the beginning. There are displays of various types of boats and early logging showing how these huge logs were transported away. Early steam engines and other sources of power for early boats - there is a pump house in the back and so much more. You will need about 3 to 4 hours to do it justice. Then there is that big red boat - yes you can go on it, and walk around at your leisure. Highly recommended. You cannot go to the engine room - I specifically asked. I am guessing it is dangerous to walk around in. The big red boat is not wheel chair accessible but the sheer size up close and personal is impressive. Go back again, you bet matey!! Bruce and Sue