Thousand Islands

A picturesque archipelago of over 1,800 islands straddling the Ontario-Quebec border in the St. Lawrence River. Visitors enjoy boat cruises, scenic drives along the Thousand Islands Parkway, and charming waterfront communities.

Things to do

• Thousand Islands Boat Cruise — Guided tours depart from Gananoque and Kingston offering views of the islands, Boldt Castle, and Singer Castle from the water.
• Boldt Castle Tour — Visit this 120-room castle on Heart Island, a masterpiece of Gilded Age architecture accessible by boat from the American side.
• Thousand Islands Parkway Drive — A scenic 48-km highway along the Ontario shoreline offering pullouts, picnic areas, and views of the archipelago.
• Gananoque Village Exploration — Wander the charming waterfront town with shops, galleries, restaurants, and a working harbour atmosphere.
• Kayaking Among the Islands — Paddle between smaller islands and along shorelines to experience the archipelago up close with local outfitters.
• Kingston Waterfront Walking Tour — Explore Canada's historic military and naval heritage at the gateway to the Thousand Islands with museums and waterfront parks.
• Sunset Dinner Cruise — Evening boat tours from Gananoque or Kingston offering multi-course meals with views of the islands and sunset.
• Rock Formations and Geology Viewing — The Precambrian Shield rocks create unique pink granite cliffs and formations visible throughout the islands and along the parkway.

Food to try

• Freshwater Fish and Chips — Local pickerel and pike battered and fried, a staple at waterfront restaurants and casual eateries throughout Gananoque and Kingston.
• St. Lawrence River Pickerel — Pan-seared white fish caught fresh from the river, often served with lemon and local vegetables at fine dining establishments.
• Maple Cream Taffy — Traditional Quebec-Ontario border treat made by pouring hot maple syrup onto clean snow and rolling it on a stick, sold at local shops.
• Waterfront Seafood Platter — Combination plates featuring local whitefish, mussels, and shrimp served at waterfront restaurants overlooking the islands.
• Butter Tarts — Sweet pastry tarts with gooey filling that are iconic across Ontario, available at local bakeries and cafés in the region.

Local customs & good to know

• Best Visiting Season — Summer (June-September) offers warm weather and full boat services, while fall foliage is spectacular in September and October but some tours close in winter.
• Cross-Border Travel Notes — The archipelago straddles Ontario and Quebec with some islands in the United States; have valid ID/passport ready for boat tours visiting American islands like Heart Island.
• Local Boating Etiquette — The islands are a working waterway with active boat traffic; respect no-wake zones near islands and residential areas, and be aware of strong currents in some passages.
• Respect for Island Privacy — Many islands are privately owned cottages and residential properties; stay on designated public tour routes and never trespass on private islands without permission.