Explore Canada’s 1000 Islands Paradise Along the St. Lawrence River
📍 Location
Canada’s 1000 Islands is a picturesque archipelago of over 1,800 islands straddling the Canada–U.S. border along the St. Lawrence River, between Gananoque, Kingston, and Brockville in Ontario.
📅 Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Travel Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (June–August) | Warm weather, all boat tours running, kayaking, swimming | Most popular time—book early |
| Fall (Sept–Oct) | Stunning autumn colors, fewer crowds | Best for photographers |
| Spring (May–June) | Mild weather, wildlife viewing | Ideal for nature lovers |
| Winter (Nov–April) | Limited access to islands | Not ideal unless staying in Kingston for city sightseeing |
🧭 How to Get There
- By Car:
- From Toronto: ~3 hours east via Highway 401
- From Ottawa: ~2 hours south via Highway 416
- From Montreal: ~3 hours west via Autoroute 20
- By Train: VIA Rail serves Kingston, Gananoque, and Brockville
- By Air: Closest airports – Kingston (small), Ottawa or Toronto (major)
- MAP
🛥️ Top Attractions & Activities
1. 🚤 1000 Islands Boat Cruises (Gananoque or Rockport)
- Choose from 1-hour, 2.5-hour, or sunset dinner cruises
- Views of Boldt Castle (U.S.), Millionaire’s Row, and Zavikon Island
- Tip: Bring your passport if you want to stop at Boldt Castle (U.S. side)
2. 🏰 Boldt Castle (U.S. Side)
- A romantic, European-style castle built in the early 1900s
- Access: Only by boat. Requires valid passport for U.S. customs clearance
- Best for: Couples, photographers, history buffs
3. 🛶 Kayaking & Canoeing
- Rent from 1000 Islands Kayaking in Gananoque
- Paddle around smaller islands and spot wildlife
- Tip: Best done early morning for calm water and birdwatching
4. 🚶♂️ 1000 Islands National Park
- Explore trails, beaches, and camping on islands like Georgina Island or Camelot Island
- Access: By boat or water taxi
- Tip: Book island campsites in advance via Parks Canada
5. 🎣 Fishing & Scuba Diving
- The St. Lawrence River is famous for bass and pike fishing
- Shipwreck dives available for certified divers
6. 🏙️ Kingston & Brockville Side Trips
- Kingston: Historic downtown, Fort Henry, waterfront parks
- Brockville: Aquatarium (marine discovery center), tunnel walk, river cruises
🏨 Where to Stay
- Gananoque: Quaint B&Bs and inns like The Woodview Inn or Stonewater Manor
- Kingston: Larger hotels like Delta Hotels by Marriott or boutique hotels downtown
- On the Water: Rent a cottage or houseboat for a unique stay
🍽️ Where to Eat
- The Purple House Café (Gananoque) – wood-fired pizza
- L’Auberge de France (Kingston) – French bistro with riverside view
- 1000 Islands Dockside Grill – Casual, local seafood with sunset views
📸 Photography Tips
- Sunrise: Over the river near Rockport
- Sunset: From any cruise or shore in Gananoque
- Drone-friendly spots: Check Parks Canada drone rules before flying
- Fall Colors: Peak foliage usually late September to early October
🎒 Essential Travel Tips
- Wear layers—even in summer the breeze from the water can be chilly
- Bring waterproof bags for your electronics if kayaking
- Sunscreen and bug spray are musts
- Book accommodations and boat cruises well in advance in summer
- Bring Canadian dollars (some U.S.-side attractions may accept both)
