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Local Area Guest Activity Guide

Watermark Cottages

Guest Activity Guide

Thousand Islands, Ontario

Open May through October

Welcome to the beautiful Thousand Islands region! This guide offers a curated selection of activities and attractions to help you make the most of your stay. Whether you're seeking adventure on the water, exploring historic sites, dining at local restaurants, or simply relaxing in nature, you'll find something perfect for your getaway.

On-Property Amenities

Enjoy these amenities right at your cottage:

  • Private hot tub at each cottage

  • Fire pit

  • Weber BBQ grill on your deck

  • Direct waterfront access to St. Lawrence River

  • Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards for rent or bring your own

  • Scenic shoreline walks

Water Activities

Boat Tours & Cruises

City Cruises Gananoque (6 Water St, Gananoque)

  • 1-hour and 3-hour cruise options through the islands

  • 5-hour Boldt Castle tour includes 2 hours to explore the castle and grounds

  • Spectacular views of island cottages and mansions

  • Onboard bar and snacks available

  • Bilingual narration with fascinating history

City Cruises Ivy Lea (95 Ivy Lea Rd, Lansdowne)

  • Convenient location near Watermark (15 min drive)

  • 1-hour cruise with views of Boldt Castle from the water

  • 1.5-hour extended tour option

  • Free parking included with ticket

  • Food available on-site before departure

1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises (Brockville, ON)

  • 90-minute scenic cruise along the St. Lawrence River

  • View waterfront mansions and distinctive island architecture

  • Bar and snacks on board

  • Departures from Brockville waterfront (45 min from Watermark)

Kayaking & Paddling

1000 Islands Kayaking (110 Kate St, Gananoque)

  • Guided day tours (3 hours) and multi-day camping trips

  • Single and tandem kayak rentals (half-day or full-day)

  • All safety equipment and maps included

  • Certified guides for tours

  • Open 7 days/week, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (extended summer hours)

Peck's Marina (Near Ivy Lea Bridge)

  • Close to Watermark Cottages

  • Fishing boat and pontoon boat rentals

  • Launch ramp available

  • Gas dock and full marina services

Historic Attractions

1000 Islands Tower (Hill Island)

  • 400-foot observation tower with 360° views

  • Three viewing decks overlooking Canadian islands and St. Lawrence

  • Knowledgeable staff at the top to answer questions

  • Gift shop on-site

  • Hours: 10 AM – 4 PM daily

1000 Islands History Museum (125 Water St, Gananoque)

  • Free admission by donation

  • Beautiful exhibits on Thousand Islands history

  • Extraordinary model ships

  • Friendly staff with guided tours available

  • Hours: Tue-Sat 10 AM – 4 PM (closed Sun-Mon)

Thousand Islands Boat Museum (125 Water St, Gananoque)

  • Guided tours of preserved luxury boats

  • Learn about St. Lawrence River boat building history

  • Boatshop Café on-site for refreshments

Outdoor Recreation

Parks & Beaches

Joel Stone Heritage Park (125 Water St, Gananoque)

  • Beautiful waterfront park with walking paths

  • Small beach and splash pad for children

  • Playground and amphitheater

  • Open 24 hours

Confederation Park (10 King St E, Gananoque)

  • Sculpture park with water fountain

  • Picnic tables and benches

  • Wildlife viewing (herons, turtles, groundhogs)

  • Perfect for photos on the bridge over Gananoque River

Charleston Lake Provincial Park (148 Woodvale Rd)

  • 30 minutes from Watermark

  • Hiking trails with varied difficulty levels

  • Swimming, paddling, fishing

  • Rock formations and geology exhibits

  • No-motor boat areas for quiet paddling

Landon Bay Centre (302 Thousand Islands Pkwy)

  • Close to Watermark (just down the parkway)

  • Donovan Trail with Thousand Islands lookout

  • Easy to moderate hiking

  • Parking: $6 for 12 hours (cash or credit envelope system)

Grays Beach Lookout (1000 Islands Parkway)

  • Small beach right off the parkway

  • Quick stop for a dip (recommend water shoes)

  • Benches and picnic spot

Thousand Islands National Park

  • 21 islands with camping, hiking trails, and docking

  • Accessible by kayak, canoe, or boat

  • Mooring permits required (available at islands)

  • Camping: $15.70/night per site (some reservable, some first-come)

Arts & Entertainment

Thousand Islands Playhouse (185 South St, Gananoque)

  • Professional theatre on the waterfront

  • Broadway-quality productions and musicals

  • Wine, beer, and concessions available

  • Hours: Tue-Sat 11 AM – 4 PM (performance times vary)

Dining Recommendations

Fine Dining

Graydon's at The Woodview Inn (250 King St W)

  • Upscale dining in Victorian setting

  • Exceptional beef tenderloin and pan-seared pickerel

  • Friendly, knowledgeable service

  • Hours: Wed-Sat 5-9 PM, Sun 5-8 PM (closed Mon-Tue)

Riva Italian Restaurant (45 King St W)

  • Rustic Italian cuisine

  • Outstanding calamari, pasta, and tiramisu

  • Charming courtyard patio

  • Hours: Mon-Tue 5-8 PM, Wed-Thu 11:30 AM-8 PM, Fri 11:30 AM-9 PM, Sat 11 AM-9 PM, Sun 11 AM-8 PM

Casual Dining & Pubs

Stonewater Pub (490 Stone St S)

  • Amazing live music

  • Great fish & chips, pulled pork poutine, dumplings

  • Screened porch seating upstairs

  • Hours: Wed-Thu 5-10 PM, Fri-Sat 11 AM-11 PM (closed Sun-Tue)

The Old English Pub (124 King St E)

  • Authentic British pub atmosphere

  • Steak and ale pie, fish and chips

  • Good beer selection

  • Hours: Mon-Tue, Thu 11:30 AM-8 PM, Fri-Sat 11:30 AM-9 PM, Sun 11:30 AM-8 PM (closed Wed)

Laverne's Eatery (21 King St E)

  • Charming brunch spot with excellent coffee

  • Unique menu items, stuffed croissants

  • Outdoor patio seating

  • Hours: Mon-Tue, Thu-Sun 8 AM-3 PM (closed Wed)

Visitor Information

Gananoque 1000 Islands Visitor Centre

  • 10 King St E, Gananoque

  • Friendly staff with boat tour advice

  • Brochures and area information

  • Free parking and clean restrooms

  • Hours: Mon-Fri 10 AM – 4 PM (closed weekends)

Planning Tips

Best Times to Visit

  • Peak season: July-August (busy boat traffic, warm weather)

  • Quieter months: June and September (less crowded, pleasant temperatures)

  • Fall colors: Late September-early October (stunning scenery)

Booking Recommendations

  • Book boat tours and kayak rentals in advance during peak season

  • Make restaurant reservations, especially for fine dining

  • Check weather forecasts before water activities

  • Island camping permits can be reserved or first-come, first-served

What to Bring

  • Water shoes for rocky beaches

  • Sunscreen and sun protection

  • Light jacket for boat tours (can be windy on water)

  • Camera for stunning scenery

  • Binoculars for wildlife viewing (eagles, herons, turtles)

  • Cash for some parking areas and small vendors

We hope this guide helps you create wonderful memories during your stay at Watermark Cottages. The Thousand Islands region truly is the 'Garden of the Great Spirit' with its crystal waters, lush forests, and endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.

Enjoy your stay!

Watermark Cottages

345 Thousand Islands Parkway, Lansdowne, ON

613-484-5002 | watermarkcottages.net

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