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1000 Islands Travel Guide
Introduction to the Thousand Islands
Introduction to the Thousand Islands
The 1000 Islands is a breathtaking region straddling the border of Canada and the United States along the St. Lawrence River, located between Kingston, Ontario and Brockville, Ontario on the Canadian side, and Alexandria Bay, New York on the American side. The region is home to 1,864 islands ranging from vast landmasses with historic castles to tiny rocky outcrops with a single tree. Gananoque, Ontario — often called the Gateway to the 1000 Islands — is the most popular base for visitors exploring the area, offering boat tours, kayaking, waterfront dining, and easy access to 1000 Islands National Park. The region is known for world-class freshwater fishing, the iconic Boldt Castle, scenic river cruises, cycling trails, and charming small-town hospitality. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway from Toronto, Ottawa, or Montreal, or a cross-border trip from upstate New York, the 1000 Islands offers year-round outdoor adventure, rich history, and unforgettable scenery along one of North America's most beautiful waterways.
where the 1000 Islands is located
The Thousand Islands is a scenic region located along the St. Lawrence River, forming part of the international border between Canada and the United States. The area stretches roughly between Kingston and Brockville, with the town of Gananoque widely known as the gateway to the region. The Thousand Islands consists of more than 1,800 islands scattered throughout the river, ranging from small rocky outcrops to larger islands with homes, historic castles, and parkland. This unique freshwater archipelago is known for boating, waterfront scenery, and outdoor recreation, attracting visitors who come to explore the islands by boat, enjoy riverfront communities, and experience one of the most distinctive vacation destinations in eastern North America.
Top things to do in the 1000 Islands
The 1000 Islands region offers some of the most diverse outdoor and cultural experiences in Eastern Ontario and upstate New York. The most popular things to do include taking a scenic boat cruise from Gananoque, Rockport, or Kingston to see the islands up close, visiting the iconic Boldt Castle on Heart Island near Alexandria Bay, New York, and exploring 1000 Islands National Park by kayak or canoe. The region is renowned for world-class freshwater fishing for bass, pike, and muskie in the St. Lawrence River, making it a top destination for anglers from across North America. Cyclists and hikers enjoy the Thousand Islands Parkway, a scenic 40-kilometre route hugging the riverfront between Gananoque and Brockville. History lovers can explore Fort Henry National Historic Site in nearby Kingston, while families enjoy the beaches, wildlife, and camping across the national park islands. In the evenings, Gananoque's waterfront comes alive with restaurants, the Thousand Islands Playhouse theatre, and stunning sunset views over the river. Whether you're visiting in summer for water sports and festivals or in fall for the dramatic foliage along the St. Lawrence, the 1000 Islands has something for every type of traveller.
Boating the St Lawrence River
Boating the St. Lawrence River in the Gananoque region is one of the most iconic experiences in the 1000 Islands, offering boaters access to thousands of channels, shoals, and island anchorages across both Canadian and American waters. Departing from Gananoque Harbour or the Gananoque Boat Line dock, boaters can explore landmark destinations including Boldt Castle on Heart Island, Singer Castle on Dark Island, Zavikon Island — home to the world's shortest international bridge — and the dramatic Rock Island Lighthouse. The Canadian 1000 Islands National Park protects dozens of islands accessible only by water, including Beaurivage Island, Hill Island, and McDonald Island, making the region a paradise for anchoring, swimming, and overnight cruising. Popular boating routes connect Gananoque to Kingston to the west and Brockville to the east, passing through world-famous fishing grounds near Admiralty Islands and Clayton, New York on the American side. Whether you're chartering a houseboat, launching a personal watercraft at Jones Creek Boat Launch, or renting a vessel through a local Gananoque marina, the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands delivers some of the most spectacular freshwater boating in North America.
Best time to visit the 1000 Islands
The best time to visit the 1000 Islands is from spring through late fall, typically May through October, when the St. Lawrence River comes alive with boating, fishing, and waterfront activity. May and June offer mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and quieter docks — ideal for kayaking, cycling the river trails, and exploring 1000 Islands National Park without the summer crowds. July and August are peak season, when the region is buzzing with boat cruises to Boldt Castle, freshwater fishing charters, live music on the waterfront in Gananoque, and warm water perfect for swimming and paddling. September and October are arguably the most beautiful months to visit, with stunning fall foliage reflecting off the St. Lawrence River, cooler temperatures great for hiking and cycling, and a slower, more relaxed pace across the islands. Visitors staying in cottage rentals near Gananoque, Ontario enjoy direct waterfront access throughout the season, making it easy to explore the islands by boat, kayak, or paddleboard right from their doorstep. Whether you're planning a family summer vacation, a romantic fall getaway, or a long weekend escape from Toronto, Ottawa, or Kingston, the 1000 Islands delivers an unforgettable experience from the first warm days of spring to the golden colours of late autumn.
Where to stay in the 1000 Islands
Where to Stay in the Thousand Islands
The Thousand Islands region offers a range of accommodations, but for visitors who want to be truly immersed in the waterfront experience, cottage rentals along the St. Lawrence River are the most popular and sought-after option. Staying in a waterfront cottage puts you directly on the water — with private docks, stunning river views, and the freedom to explore the islands on your own schedule. The best cottage rentals in the Thousand Islands are located in and around Gananoque, Ontario, the heart of the Canadian side of the region and the easiest base for boat tours, fishing, dining, and access to 1000 Islands National Park.
Watermark Cottages is one of the premier waterfront cottage rental destinations in the Thousand Islands, offering guests a private, peaceful retreat directly on the St. Lawrence River near Gananoque, Ontario. Perfect for families, couples, and groups looking for a memorable Thousand Islands getaway, Watermark Cottages combines the charm of cottage living with modern comforts and unbeatable waterfront access. Guests enjoy private docks, breathtaking river and island views, and the kind of unhurried, connected-to-nature experience that makes the Thousand Islands one of the most beloved vacation destinations in Ontario and Eastern Canada. Whether you're visiting for a weekend escape from Toronto, Ottawa, Kingston, or Montreal, or planning a longer summer stay, Watermark Cottages offers the ideal home base for everything the Thousand Islands has to offer — from sunrise paddles and fishing off the dock to sunset views over the St. Lawrence that you'll remember long after you've returned home.