By water, air and land Gananoque is meant for exploring this summer
Gananoque is the perfect place to discover the legendary 1000 Islands region—with adventure by air, water, and land. This region is world-famous for its outdoor activities, so lace up, dive in, and get ready to roam!
On the water
Achieve the authentic 1000 Islands Gananoque experience and get on the water! Enjoying the clear serenity of the St. Lawrence River is as easy as dipping your toes in it.
Better yet, get out among the islands themselves. Create traditions with cruises in the 1000 Islands to learn about island lore, pirates, the Thousand Islands Bridge, luxurious cottages and even shipwrecks lying on the river floor! Cruising options are available throughout the 1000 Islands from Rockport and Gananoque. Be awe-struck by islands of the rich and famous.
It sounds a bit like a fairytale: stopping to tour an authentic castle, peeking inside opulent rooms and sharing in the secrets and intrigue of family bonds, tragedy and romance. But in the 1000 Islands it’s real! Take your cruise a step further and go back in time to explore the majesty of Boldt Castle on Heart Island - breathtaking in its story and construction.
Next, share an intimate guided tour of the islands with 1000 Islands Kayaking to explore the magnificence up close and personal. Glide through the water with a kayaking guide or on your own, paddling to discover the inlets and island life surrounded by nature. Guides can offer cultural significance along the way and the tours are beginner friendly with no experience necessary.
Limit Up for a classic St. Lawrence experience! Book your ticket and hop aboard the Thousand Islands Boat Museum classic wooden boat tour. With the St. Lawrence lapping at the boat and the wind in your hair, explore the scenic 1000 Islands while boating in a polished mahogany masterpiece from another era. Experience the sights and sounds of this incredible outdoor playground as the Museum's captain and crew take you and up to five friends on a thrilling 30-minute ride.
If paddling is more your thing, experience the River as it was hundreds of years ago with a Voyageur Canoe Adventure at the Thousand Islands Boat Museum. During this one-hour exploration that departs from the boat house, visitors will paddle replicas of the full-size voyageur canoes with experienced guides in voyageur costume.
In fact, a boat is also needed to take part in one of the oldest traditions in the 1,000 Islands: an inter-denominational church service held during the summer months on the water at Half Moon Bay. For almost 130 years, runabouts to rowboats have crowded into the bay at Bostwick Island to act as pews for the public congregation participating in an island ritual of a floating church service. Experience the world’s tallest cathedral!
Beaches are kind of our thing in the summer – with so much pristine water to enjoy it’s natural to find a place to enjoy it! Grab a friend or family member and splash in the sun at the public beach and splash pad at Gananoque’s Joel Stone Heritage Park. Or take part in another 1000 Islands tradition and reel in a good time in Gananoque by chartering a fishing guide to cast for a world-famous 1000 Islands muskie. Tell your own tall tales!
In the air
Take to the skies to get a new perspective on this remarkable region. Start the day early with an incredible twist: getting a bird’s eye view of the 1000 Islands region! Fly first class with 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours out of Gananoque and marvel at the lush greenery, sparkling St. Lawrence River and more.
If you’re ready to up your adventure game, Skydive Gananoque is waiting to whisk you into the skies. Skydiving over the 1000 Islands region offers unparalleled views on descent of the famous islands. Beginners are welcome as Skydive Gananoque provides tandem jumps and all the required equipment for the experience of a lifetime. Seasoned jumpers also have a blast with Skydive Gananoque, as it is the oldest skydiving school in Canada – and provides a whole new perspective on the awe-inspiring scenery here.
Further down the 1000 Islands Parkway, propel through nature while ziplining and adventuring in the canopy at Treetop Trekking 1000 Islands near Mallorytown. Kids can explore treehouses connected by log bridges, ramps, slides and a swing in the Treewalk Village. Guests enjoy exploring courses within the forest canopy, hiking through unique games, bridges, swings, nets and full on zip lines from one tree top platform to the next. One zipline reaches more than 1000 feet long!
For a stunning aerial view of the islands without leaving the ground, the lookout at Thousand Islands National Park’s Landon Bay will provide a short trail walk up to a natural vista that can’t be beat. See the panoramic view from atop the bluff at Landon Bay Centre with the river spread out before you – the perfect backdrop for some 1000 Islands Gananoque photos to share.
On Land
Looking for an active way to appreciate nature while also experiencing the beauty along the St. Lawrence River? Hit the road on two wheels! 1000 Islands Gananoque naturally lends itself to cycling for all skill levels, and numerous off-road trails immerse cyclists in their natural surroundings.
The path along the Thousand Islands Parkway is a great place to start. Feel the rush of biking next to the St. Lawrence River on the Thousand Islands Parkway Bike Path! Breathtaking vistas spread out before you on this 37-kilometre family-friendly, surfaced route that runs separate from the roadway from Gananoque to Brockville. No wheels? No problem! Rent a traditional bike or e-bike and enjoy the island and cottage views and be sure to stop into charming communities like Rockport and Ivy Lea along the way, or enjoy a picnic and a swim at the newly-revamped Brown’s Bay Park and beach.
The 1,000 Islands region is synonymous with legendary golf - and stunning views from each tee. Offering championship-style 18-hole courses as well as scenic nine-hole courses, all golf facilities in the islands have individualized course designs and aim to challenge seasoned golfers while catering to beginners.
Lay your head at one of Gananoque’s historic inns.
The Gananoque Inn. Discerning travellers have found an idyllic setting and warm hospitality at the Gananoque Inn for more than 100 years. Trinity House Inn is the home of casual elegance in a Victorian setting, while the Bulloch House 1000 Islands Bed and Breakfast is a historic and architecturally significant 30-room Victorian mansion with afternoon English Cream Tea Service, Scottish High Tea Service, beds like clouds and an on-site antique gallery.
Let history lead the way and explore 1000 Islands Gananoque’s storied past.
The 1000 Islands History Museum welcomes more than 30,000 visitors each year to learn about the rich cultural and natural history of the region through interactive exhibits. Next door, the Thousand Islands Boat Museum on Gananoque’s shoreline ties it all together, bringing tales of the river to life while paying homage to river-going vessels. Its boathouse design is unique to Canada, inspired by the century-old iconic boathouses from the 1000 Islands. Discover the intimate connection between boats and the people at this hands-on museum where history can be touched, built and experienced. Find a boat building shop, children’s activity centre and exhibit galleries, in addition to docks where the museum showcases a collection of watercraft; visitors have the chance to explore antique boats that have been on the river for generations.
For stage buffs
The Thousand Islands Playhouse in Gananoque embodies performances that shine a light on high-quality professional theatre. Watch stories unfold on stage in front of you! The Thousand Islands Playhouse is known as Canada’s Dockside Theatre and has been presenting live entertainment in the heart of the 1000 Islands for four decades. Its Springer Theatre features two decks that have a panoramic view of the St. Lawrence River. This renovated heritage venue, built in 1909, was originally the Gananoque Canoe Club, and retains the vintage cottage-style craftsmanship. It produces seven high-calibre, professional productions each season in two fully accessible venues that overlook the stunning St. Lawrence River. The venues create a true river ambiance, with the Springer Theatre veranda providing the perfect place for patrons to enjoy a glass of wine while watching the twinkling lights on the St. Lawrence River during intermission.
Savour the flavour of the 1000 Islands!
From harvest-inspired feasts to brewery tours and farm visits, unique experiences help connect farm to table effortlessly. 1000 Islands Gananoque offers everything from being wined and dined to casual goodness; from trendy pubs to bespoke cafes, this town on the St. Lawrence has exciting dining options. Watch the river wake up with coffee on a waterfront patio, and plan your day. Be sure to work in a taste of the area’s produce, meat and baked goods at the Gananoque Farmers’ Market; meet locals and farmers, and enjoy a picnic supper every Thursday evening, June through October.
Leisurely drive
Take the drive up the Rideau region to Lyndhurst, where you’ll find Berry Homestead Farm – and donkey therapy. Experiential services like donkey training, hiking, off-grid workshops and farm tours showcase the unique animals and let visitors visit the donkeys. Another five minutes near Delta is Mensen Farm, which grows strawberries, sweet corn, seasonal veggies and even Christmas trees! Or saddle up and go east to Lansdowne where Fort Garry Stables will take you trail riding on horses for that truly outdoorsy experience. End the day down the road sipping craft drinks at BUSL Cider or Arbru – Canada’s first destination solar-powered brewery.
No matter how long you stay in 1000 Islands Gananoque, bring your sense of adventure and prepare to be impressed by this small town 1000 Islands experience that’s big on memories!