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The Thousand Islands is a cluster of granite islands scattered along the St. Lawrence River where it leaves Lake Ontario, straddling the border between Ontario and New York. The islands are part of the Frontenac Arch, an ancient ridge of the Canadian Shield, and range from forested isles to rocky outcrops barely large enough for a single cottage. Gilded Age summer homes and castles give the river a distinctly romantic character.
On the Canadian side, Gananoque and Rockport are the main departure points for boat cruises among the islands, while Brockville has a historic downtown and a restored railway tunnel. Mallorytown Landing is home to Thousand Islands National Park, one of Canada's smallest national parks, with trails and island campsites reached by boat or kayak. The Thousand Islands Parkway follows the river with a cycling path alongside. Cruises often pass Boldt Castle, built by a hotel magnate on Heart Island, and Singer Castle, both on the US side and requiring a passport to visit. The Thousand Islands Bridge and the nearby 1000 Islands Tower provide high viewpoints, and Wolfe Island sits at the western edge. Across the river, Clayton's Antique Boat Museum celebrates classic wooden boats.
The region suits boaters, cyclists, and couples. Summer is peak season, while autumn brings color and quieter waters. Kingston makes a good base for the western end.
WiserMap travel guideThousand Islands Ontario Boldt and Singer Castle CruisesExplore the Thousand Islands in Ontario: Gananoque, Boldt and Singer castles, national park sites, Wolfe Island, scenic cruises and the 1000 Islands Parkway.Read the guide
A grand 120-room castle on Heart Island, begun by hotelier George Boldt around 1900 and left unfinished after his wife died. Restored rooms, gardens and the yacht house can be toured. It lies in US waters, so boats from the Ontario side require a passport and a customs stop.
Built in the early 1900s for the president of the Singer sewing machine company on Dark Island, this stone castle has secret passages, a dungeon and an armoury. Guided tours run in summer and are reached by boat cruises from Rockport and Brockville. US entry rules apply, so bring a passport.
The Thousand Islands Bridge crosses the St. Lawrence between Ontario and New York via Hill Island. Next to it, the 1000 Islands Tower has an observation deck about 130 metres above the river with views over dozens of islands. Visit on a clear day for the best visibility.
Thousand Islands National Park protects granite islands and mainland shoreline along the river. The Mallorytown Landing visitor centre has exhibits, short trails and kayak access, and many islands have campsites and docks. Rent a kayak or bring a boat to reach the island sites.
This scenic road follows the St. Lawrence for about 37 kilometres between Gananoque and Brockville, past pull-offs, picnic spots and the Landons Bay area. A paved recreational trail runs beside it, ideal for cycling. Stop at the lookouts to watch ships and boats moving between the islands.
North of the river, this provincial park surrounds a clear lake set in granite and forest of the Frontenac Arch. It offers campgrounds, a sandy beach, canoe routes and hiking trails such as Tallow Rock Bay. It is a quieter alternative to the busy riverfront in high summer, so book campsites early.
Off Rockport, Zavikon Island is a tiny island linked to a smaller rock by a short footbridge, often jokingly called the shortest international bridge, though both islands are in Canada. It is a classic sight on local boat cruises. The islands are private, so view them from the water.
A small riverside village on the Thousand Islands Parkway and a main departure point for island cruises, including trips past Boldt Castle and to Singer Castle. There are gift shops, a few places to eat and a waterfront dock. Book cruises ahead in July and August when sailings sell out.
Across the river in Clayton, New York, the Antique Boat Museum holds a large collection of wooden boats, launches and canoes, plus a restored houseboat you can tour. Summer visitors can ride a vintage launch. It is on the US side, so plan for a border crossing with a passport.
Canada's first railway tunnel, completed in 1860, runs under downtown Brockville to the waterfront. It reopened as a free walk-through attraction with a light and sound display along its length. It stays cool inside even in summer, so bring a layer, and check seasonal opening hours.
On the Brockville waterfront, the Aquatarium focuses on the ecology and history of the St. Lawrence and the Thousand Islands. It has aquariums with river fish and otters, interactive displays and a shipwreck exhibit. It suits families, and the riverside promenade outside is pleasant for a walk.
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