The spectacular Thousand Islands in Ontario is made up of 1,864 islands in the Saint Lawrence River, straddling the US-Canada border. The Islands range in size from 50 square miles to just big enough to support a single tree, creating one of the most beautiful and varied landscapes in North America. The Islands have a mystical reputation, home to castles, lighthouses and secluded beaches, and should definitely be on your travel bucket list.
The archipelago stretches some 50 miles downriver from Kingston, with interesting towns like Gananoque home to the famous Thousand Islands Playhouse and Brockville dotted along the banks, making ideal stopovers on your tour. Discover this Gilded Age destination and explore the vibrant downtowns, theatres, golf courses, restaurants and more, all accessible by water.
Here are six reasons why you should visit the Thousand Islands:
1. Theyre ideal for families
The Thousand Islands are a fantastic destination for families, with over 8,000 acres of Thousand Islands Land Trust and more than 30 miles worth of walking trails which are open to the public all year round. With plenty of opportunity for fishing, hiking, biking and kayaking, you certainly wont be short of things to do. Accommodation ranges from rental cottages and campsites to B&Bs and luxury hotels, and you can even rent a private island! The wealth of options means youll find somewhere perfect the whole family plus friends to stay.
2. Youre surrounded by nature
The Thousand Islands have an abundance of nature and are great for anyone who likes to be outside. Around 20 of the islands form the Thousand Islands National Park, which is one of the oldest of Canadas national parks. This site is home to camping grounds, inland walking trails and waterfront parks its time to get out and breathe the fresh air!
3. Its easy to enjoy the water
Its difficult to avoid the river when visiting the Thousand Islands, and when theres so much to do both on and in the water, why dont know why youd want to! Try the local pike fishing at Eel Bay on Wellesley Island, join a sight-seeing boat tour or hop in a kayak and paddle through your stunning surroundings in the Thousand Islands National Park. You can hire your own kayak or join a tour for a full day or half day trip, or for something more adventurous, try your hand at white water rafting with one of the many outdoor adventure companies.
4. Theres world-class diving
The Thousand Islands are known for having some of the best freshwater wreck diving in the world with a dozen wrecks at the bottom of the river, including the impressive Islander and the Keystorm. The water of the St Lawrence River and Eastern Lake Ontario is remarkably clear, thanks to the resident algae-eating zebra mussels, meaning visibility is excellent. The diving here is suitable for all levels and tours cater for entry level divers to advanced, so dont be afraid to explore the wrecks!
5. You can spot some incredible wildlife
Canada is one of the best places in the world to spot wildlife and the Thousand Islands are no exception. From soaring birds to families of turtles, the possibilities of seeing animals in their natural habitats are endless. Some of the most common species to the region include eagles, ospreys, minke whales, white-tailed deer, map turtles and great blue herons. Theres also the chance to take part in wildlife and habitat preservation a great family activity!
6. Theres lots to explore
With its mystical reputation and rich history, theres so much to explore in the Thousand Islands. Discover the Boldt Castle, a famous monument to one mans love for his wife; accessible by water taxi or private boat, the castle is open for self-guided tours from May to October. If youre interested in finding out more about the regions maritime culture, take a trip to the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton or explore the Lake of the Isles, a secluded area cut off from the rest of the St. Lawrence River and only accessible via two narrow passageways. A Thousand Islands cruise is the perfect way to see the beautiful castles, dine on the local seafood and hear tales of the regions pirate and bootlegger history along the way.
With nearly 2,000 islands, this will definitely be a holiday to remember!
