Murney Tower in Kingston is a historic harbour fortification built in 1846 during the Oregon Crisis. Today, it operates as a seasonal museum where you can explore three levels and learn about the tower’s collections and history.
- Location: 2 King Street West, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 4V6
- Typical opening pattern: Daily from Victoria Day weekend until Labour Day
- Admission: By donation
The story of Murney Tower
Murney Tower was built in 1846 as part of Kingston Harbour’s defences during the Oregon Crisis. Its role was military; today, the stone fortification is a museum and a National Historic Site.
The tower was designated a National Historic Site on May 16, 1930. The Kingston Historical Society has operated it as a museum under a Licence of Occupation since 1925. Parks Canada says the Society is responsible for visitor experience, access and interpretation.
That long-running museum role connects the site’s defensive past with its present-day interpretation. During a visit, you can move through the historic structure while considering how it once formed part of the harbour’s defences.
What to look for at the tower
You can explore three levels of the fortification and view a museum collection of more than 1,300 artifacts. The collection is organised into three areas: the Gardiner Collection, the McGregor/McIntyre Collection and the General Collection.
The tower itself is central to the visit: its levels let you see the historic fortification from within, while the collection adds objects and interpretation. The building’s historic configuration also shapes access. The museum is not physically accessible, but it offers a free virtual accessible field trip with games and descriptive audio tours in English and French.
Current hours, admission and seasonal access
The Kingston Historical Society opens the tower daily from Victoria Day weekend until Labour Day. Visit Kingston describes the museum’s season as May to September. Admission is by donation.
Daily hours are reported as 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Opening schedules and visitor arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go, using the Kingston Historical Society’s site for operator updates.
There is no designated parking at the site. The museum-hosted access guide identifies the city-owned Waterfront and Richardson Beach parking lots as nearby options. Pay-and-display parking at both lots is available from 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Saturday, at $2 per hour with a three-hour limit. Parking information can change, so confirm details before setting out.
The access guide also notes that there is no designated pathway from the parking lot up the hill to the bridge, across the dry ditch and into the tower. Keep this in mind when planning your approach, particularly if you need an accessible route.
Planning your visit to the waterfront
The Kingston waterfront and City Park are among the nearby experiences identified by Visit Kingston. Queen’s University campus and Agnes Etherington Art Centre are also nearby, giving you options to pair a tower visit with other Kingston stops. For another stop focused on Kingston history, you can plan a visit to Bellevue House.
From Seven Oakes Motel, Murney Tower is about a 13-minute drive. Its address is 2 King Street West, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 4V6.
Fort Frederick is another Kingston fortification to consider when planning a history-focused visit.
FAQs
When is Murney Tower open?
The tower typically opens daily from Victoria Day weekend until Labour Day, a season Visit Kingston describes as May to September. Daily hours are reported as 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
How much does it cost to visit Murney Tower?
Admission is by donation.
Is Murney Tower physically accessible?
No. The museum says the historic configuration makes the tower physically inaccessible. It offers a free virtual accessible field trip with games and descriptive audio tours in English and French.
Is there parking at Murney Tower?
The site has no designated parking. The city-owned Waterfront and Richardson Beach lots are nearby parking options.