The Thousand Islands archipelago is the obvious day trip from Kingston — boat tours of the islands leave from the waterfront throughout the summer, passing Boldt Castle and the American and Canadian island communities scattered across the St. Lawrence. Ottawa is about two hours by car or train and makes a long but manageable day trip. The drive east along Highway 2 (the old King's Highway, which predates the 401) passes through a string of loyalist villages and is more scenic than the freeway.