In Kingston, Ontario, the Olympic Legacy Lives on 50 Years Later

North American destinations that hosted the World Cup this summer need only look Kingston, Ontario for inspiration for what awaits.

In 1976, Montreal hosted the Summer Games, with some assistance from the destination 3.5 hours away. For sailing, then called yachting, Kingston took center stage. Its world-class freshwater sailing conditions and reliable summer winds were a natural to step in for the boating events.

Build Up to the Games

To match the natural amenities, Hatter’s Bay, then a largely industrial waterfront area known mainly as a transfer point for prisoners travelling to and from Kingston Penitentiary, was transformed into Portsmouth Harbour. New docks, launch facilities, and supporting infrastructure were gold medal worthy.

Years early, CORK (Canadian Olympic-training Regatta, Kingston) was created to gear up the world event. It has developed into a premier nonnprofit sailing organization and regatta host located in Kingston.

Kingston hosted Olympic sailing in 1976.

Guests of Honor

Over nine days, Kingston hosted Olympic athletes, media, and notable visitors, including Queen Elizabeth II and Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. Competition unfolded on Lake Ontario while the Olympic flame burned atop Tetra, a striking waterfront sculpture created by Kingston-born artist Ted Bieler.

The structure still stands, as does the legacy. In August, Kingston hosted a variety of events and activities to celebrate its moment in the sun. Former Olympians sailed on the great lake, an exhibition displayed artifacts, the city hosted a torch parade, and there was an outdoor movie night.

Lake Appeal

Portsmouth Olympic Harbour remains a vibrant center for sailing, recreation, festivals, and community events. CORK continues to attract sailors from across Canada and around the world, while Sail Canada maintains its national headquarters in Kingston. Lake Ontario continues to host international competitions as well.

Since 2000, CORK has hosted dozens of North American and World Championships out of Portsmouth Olympic Harbour. These include the 2007 ISAF Youth World Sailing Championships, the 2010 Optimist North American Championships, the 2013 Laser North American Championships and the 2014 29er North American and World Championships. In 2015, CORK hosted the Laser Senior World Championships, the Laser Master World Championships and the Laser Radial Youth Championships.

Kingston was among the stops on the Canadian FIFA World Cup 2026 tour north of the border, adding to the destination’s sports tourism impact. It’s also hosted youth hockey, skating, and Little League events.

Economic Impact

In large part due to its waterfront’s appeal, Kingston welcomed 2.6 million visitors who spent $512 million staying, shopping, dining, and experiencing the city, in 2024, when the most recent data is available. Tourism had a $775 million economic impact. Other impressive stats about travelers to Kingston:

• 47% of visitors stay overnight
• 26.5 days is the average length of stay
• 410 km is the average distance travelled
• 8% come from the U.S. and abroad.

Photo Credit: Visit Kingston