The 1000 Islands region Gananoque is a sight to behold in fall – the lush greenery of the islands turns into a blaze of vibrant colour and provides a stunning backdrop for fall activities and making memories with friends and family. Read our guide for the top experiences to get the most out of fall in Gananoque!
1. Forget The Hustle And Just BUSL And Brew
Tempt your tastebuds at the 1000 Islands’ up-and-coming breweries and cider houses. The latest to open is BUSL Cider in Mallorytown – fresh on the scene with a cider bar featuring cherry, pear and blueberry beet cider. This family-owned craft cidery is set in a beautiful orchard, where they produce premium apple ciders with unique flavours that stand out due to their originality and the fineness of their blends.
Word on the street is that they’re also working on a limited quantity batch of pumpkin spice cider just for fall! Visit the new cidery production facility in a renovated barn open every day until October and then on weekends. Look for their trademark tractor indoors in their BUSL Boutique!
After that, hop over to local fav the Gananoque Brewing Company for a tasting or a tour! Sample the brew, like the famous Naughty Otter Lager or Bell Ringer IPA and enjoy the tasting room atmosphere – open seven days a week. The GBC prides itself on using local ingredients and partnering with local farmers. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day at the office or to visit when friends or family come to stay – the friendly staff make it even more welcoming!
2. Go Tree-Top Trekking This Fall
Looking for a unique experience to revel in fall? You can literally trek through the fall colours at Treetop Trekking in the 1000 Islands! Take to the trees to experience a life-changing perspective on the 1000 Islands – propel through Ontario’s largest ziplining and canopy adventure park at Treetop Trekking 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 treetop platform to the next.
3. Hike Through Landon Bay Centre
Be rewarded with eye candy featuring the region’s natural forests, river and wildlife at Landon Bay Centre, part of the Thousand Islands National Park on the 1000 Islands Parkway. Lace-up and hike on any of the five trails found at Landon Bay. Enjoy a breathtaking view of Landon Bay and the St. Lawrence River from atop the bluffs on the Lookout Trail as the river fans out below you. Hike through meadows and marshlands and keep an eye for beaver and osprey here, too! This hiker’s paradise also features a picnic area, a playground area, camping and more.
4. Pedal Power
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 parallel to the 1000 Islands Parkway – from Brockville in the east to Gananoque in the west. No wheels? No problem! Rent a bike at one of three places local to Gananoque: from the visitor’s centres on either end of town or through I-Cycle Electric Bike Co, which rents an electric bike from the heart of Gananoque. These bikes are as easy to ride as a conventional bike but sweat-free, relaxed and at your own pace. Re-discover the joy of riding again! Hills are no longer an issue, the cool breeze comes without any sweating and the smiles are guaranteed.
5. Embark On A Fall Foliage Cruise
Get out among the legends themselves on a cruise this fall – and explore the islands! Create traditions with Gananoque Boat Line – on the enchanting fall colours cruise! See the golden hues of the 1000 Islands around Gananoque on the boat line’s signature 2.5-hour cruise – all while enjoying a home-style meal. Explore shipwrecks lying on the river floor, view historical footage of the Thousand Islands Bridge dedication, discover islands once connected with the Underground Railroad, revel in stories of real-life pirates and be awe-struck by islands of the rich and famous. The Gananoque Boat Line even offers
6. Go On A Guided Kayak Tour
Enjoy the crisp calm of the St. Lawrence near Gananoque at this time of year and glide through the water with a 1000 Islands Kayaking guide or on your own. Paddle at your own pace to discover the inlets and island life surrounded by nature. Guides can offer cultural significance along the way, and even prepare an island gourmet lunch! Share an intimate guided tour of the islands by kayak to explore up close and personal. Open seven days a week until mid-October and then weekends only until November.
7. See A Show At The Thousand Islands Playhouse
Be inspired to create your story by watching others unfold around 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 more than 35 years. It’s 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. Patrons can arrive to a show by water and dock right in front of the theatre!
8. Get A Bird’s Eye View Of Fall Foliage
Soar high above the 1000 Islands for a unique perspective this fall. With 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours, visitors take to the sky to revel in the grandeur of opulent cottages, Boldt Castle, the Thousand Islands Bridge, the changing seasons and more while gaining a rare understanding of how the islands are situated in the majestic St. Lawrence River. The intimate experience with personal narration of the region by the pilot combined with the perfect photo opportunity for fall pics to make this an unforgettable fall experience in Gananoque! The sky’s the limit.
9. See Another Side Of Fall
The 1000 Islands around Gananoque are nature’s eye candy. The green islands and blue waves provide a feast for the eyes – and balm for the soul. Whether the perspective is on land through hiking to a local look-out, on water through paddling, atop the 1000 Islands Tower for fall viewing, or while skydiving with the St. Lawrence River fanning out majestically below, all views have one thing in common: they show the exceptional nature of the 1000 Islands.
10. Get Festive with Oktoberfest
Enjoy the Arbru Oktoberfest this Fall with live music, food, and new brews are on tap at Arbru Solar Brewery. Limited tickets are available. Don’t miss out on music by: This Disaster, Amanda Keeley, and Nate & Thomas!
Edited & Updated By Lindsay Medeiros
