Kingston and Pembroke Railway Station, Kingston

The Kingston and Pembroke (K&P) Railway Station, now serving as the Tourist Information Office, is steeped in historical significance. Originally, the site between Ontario Street and the waterfront hosted a market in the early 1800s. From 1846 to 1875, this space was dominated by a large stone gun position known as the "Market Battery."

After the battery was dismantled, the area was converted into a park. In 1885, stone from the Market Battery was repurposed to construct the K&P Railway Station, designed by architect William Newlands. The park was subsequently transformed into a bustling railway yard, reflecting the dynamic industrial growth of the era.

The K&P Railway played a crucial role in Kingston's economic development, transporting lumber, iron ore, phosphates, mica, and other natural resources to the city for shipment. This railway station became a vital hub where goods were transferred from trains to ships, facilitating commerce and industry in the region. The station's presence underscored Kingston's strategic importance in connecting various natural resource industries with broader markets.

Today, the K&P Railway Station, as the Tourist Information Office, not only serves as a gateway for visitors exploring Kingston but also as a poignant reminder of the city’s rich historical tapestry.