The Thousand Islands region is one of Canada’s best-kept secrets. Along the Ontario-NY border, this area has forested islands scattered like emeralds across the St. Lawrence River. Where nature meets history—where castle ruins pop out of the trees, eagles fly overhead, and charming river towns buzz with local flavor. Whether you’re looking for quiet moments or epic adventures, the Thousand Islands are your escape.
Exploring The Thousand Islands
A boat tour is the way to go. The islands range from large inhabited stretches with summer homes to tiny specks with just one wind-swept pine. You’ll hear stories of bootleggers, shipwrecks, and billionaires.
Top stops:
- Boldt Castle (U.S. side): A grand mansion built for lost love—think European fairy tale meets riverside drama.
- Singer Castle (Canada side): Once owned by the president of Singer Sewing Machine, it has hidden passages and antique charm.
- Thousand Islands Tower: Panoramic views from 400 feet above the archipelago on Hill Island.
Plan Your Trip
Best time to visit:
May to October for boat tours, festivals, and good weather. July and August are busiest, September has fewer crowds and fall colours.
Getting here:
- By car: 3 hours from Toronto, 2 hours from Ottawa, 2 hours from Syracuse, NY.
- By train: VIA Rail to Kingston, Gananoque, Brockville.
- By air: Fly into Kingston (YGK) or Ottawa and rent a car.
Where to stay:
Waterfront inns, boutique hotels, and cozy B&Bs galore—try the Gananoque Inn, 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, or The Rosemount Inn in Kingston.
Cities and Towns
- Gananoque: Known as the “Gateway to the 1000 Islands,” it’s perfect for cruises, kayaking, and evening theatre at the Thousand Islands Playhouse.
- Kingston: A university town with heritage architecture, Fort Henry, and a lively downtown food scene.
- Brockville: Visit Canada’s first railway tunnel (lit with colourful LEDs), historic homes, and walk the river trail.
- Alexandria Bay (NY): Popular U.S. base for visiting Boldt Castle and island hopping across the river.
Each town has its own personality—from Kingston’s urban vibe to Gananoque’s cozy riverside charm.
Outdoor Activities
The 1000 Islands are a nature lover’s paradise.
- Kayaking & Canoeing: Paddle through calm channels and around island coves. Rentals and tours are available from various operators.
- Hiking & Biking: Trails like the Thousand Islands Parkway and Landon Bay offer stunning views.
- Fishing: Famous for smallmouth bass, pike, and muskie—this is an angler’s dream.
- Scuba Diving: Over 200 shipwrecks lie beneath the surface here, many from the 1800s. One of North America’s top freshwater diving spots.
Cultural Events
It’s more than scenery—it’s alive with arts and traditions.
- 1000 Islands Writers Festival (Gananoque): Celebrating Canadian writers each spring.
- Buskers Rendezvous (Kingston): Watch acrobats, magicians, and musicians turn the streets into stages every July.
- Tall Ships Festival: When the tall ships dock in Brockville or Kingston, it’s like stepping into a living history book.
- Indigenous Culture Events: The area is on Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) traditional lands—look for local pow wows and heritage talks that honour this history.
Food and Drink
Fresh, local and full of flavour—this region’s food scene is worth exploring.
- Local specialties: Expect fresh fish, seasonal produce, and the legendary Thousand Island dressing, said to have been invented here.
- Where to eat:
- Chez Piggy (Kingston): A Kingston institution with global cuisine and artsy atmosphere.
- The Purple House Café (Gananoque): Wood-fired pizza with river views.
- 1000 Curry (Brockville): Cozy Indian fusion in the heart of town.
- Drink local: Try cider at BUSL Cider Co., beer at Gan Brewing Co., or wine at nearby Waupoos Estates Winery.
Making Memories
With its history, nature, and small town charm, the 1000 Islands is more than a place—it’s a journey through Canada’s river heart. Whether you’re cruising past castles, kayaking through island chains, or just sipping cider by the dock, there’s no shortage of memories to make.
So grab your camera, your sense of adventure, and let the 1000 Islands surprise you—one adventure at a time.
