Gananoque

About Gananoque

Gananoque is a small town on the St. Lawrence River at the western gateway to the Thousand Islands. Founded by Loyalists in the late eighteenth century, it grew as a mill town where the Gananoque River meets the St. Lawrence. Today it is best known as a departure point for island cruises, with a compact downtown and a theater scene that draws visitors through the summer.

The Gananoque Boat Line runs cruises among the islands, passing summer homes perched on tiny rocks and, on some routes, offering stops at island castles on the American side, which require a passport. The 1000 Islands Parkway heads east along the river with a paved cycling path, leading toward Thousand Islands National Park and the Thousand Islands Bridge. In town, the 1000 Islands Playhouse stages plays in a waterfront theater, while the 1000 Islands History Museum and the 1000 Islands Boat Museum cover local heritage and classic wooden boats. King Street, the main thoroughfare, has shops and restaurants, and paths along the Gananoque River and the old rail trail offer easy walks.

Gananoque suits couples, cyclists, and families who want a small-town base for exploring the river. Summer and early fall are the main seasons, with many attractions closed in winter. Kingston is a short drive west.