Experience the Thousand Islands, a Gem on the Canadian Border
A local adventure.
The Thousand Islands have enticed curious travellers and adventure seekers for decades. Here, turquoise waters emit tropical vibes, fabled castles dot the landscape, and delicious culinary delights tempt the palate. This enchanting 1,800-island archipelago in the St. Lawrence River shimmers with incredible experiences on both sides of the border by air, land, and water.
On the Canadian side, Gananoque offers immersive experiences with plenty of charm. Explore King Street’s boutique shops, exceptional flavours, and cozy cafés. Stroll the waterfront and visit the 1000 Islands History Museum and Thousand Islands Boat Museum. Both highlight the maritime heritage of those who built their lives on the water and even offer boat camps where kids can build boats, bridging past and future generations with the region’s culture.
Nearby Thousand Islands National Park makes for a nice day of hiking and offers rewarding vistas of the soothing landscape. Inland, Ontario’s historic Rideau Canal—the province’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site—caters to every adventurer. Anne-Marie Forcier’s Rideau Tours at Chaffey’s Lock offer memorable signature experiences along the fabled Canadian Heritage River. Canoe, kayak, cycle, and walk amid breathtaking Canadian Shield backdrops in the Frontenac Arch Biosphere. Pro tip: Book the two-day Luxury Paddle Tour featuring a gourmet Flavours of the Rideau picnic.
For a clearer picture of the sheer size of this island paradise, 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours offers aerial excursions. Your pilot cheerfully narrates, pointing out perfect photographic moments and highlighting quintessential landmarks, including the Thousand Islands Bridge and Tower, and Fort Henry. There are options to visit local wineries, cideries, and even Wheelers Pancake House in Lanark County, the maple syrup capital of Ontario.
While in the Thousand Islands, snag a bottle of authentic Thousand Island dressing. More than a souvenir, it’s a taste of the region, first made in Clayton, New York.
Across the border, in Alexandria Bay, New York, Uncle Sam Boat Tours has provided guided Thousand Islands day trips for nearly 100 years. Take the 2 Nation Tour—a two-hour, 22-mile narrated journey through international waters. Get close-up views of gilded-age mansions along Millionaires Row and disembark to explore Boldt Castle, a grandiose 120-room Rhineland-style structure built by Waldorf Astoria Hotel proprietor George C. Boldt as a symbol of his love for his wife, Louise.
With many awards between them, Coyote Moon Vineyards and Thousand Islands Winery are ideal spots to sip and sample. Nearby Clayton, New York, is home to charming boutiques, eclectic cafés, and delicious grub, not to mention spectacular sunset views along its riverwalk. To explore boating culture, head to the Antique Boat Museum, home to over 320 boats, thousands of artifacts, a working skiff livery, and educational programs that will impress even the biggest kid at heart. While here, take a 30-minute walking tour of the beautiful 1903 La Duchesse houseboat and book a 45-minute Ride the River cruise aboard a 30-foot mahogany Hacker Craft.
Further west, Sackets Harbor is a designated New York State Heritage Area. Tree-lined streets complement sidewalk gardens, delicious waterside dining is paired with vintage antique shops, and the summer calendar is filled with art and music festivals. Its Living History Summer Series features several events, workshops, and open-air reenactments portraying life during the War of 1812 directly on the Sackets Harbor Battlefield.
When you take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Thousand Islands, you’re swimming in an underwater national park. The 1,722-square-mile Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary was designated by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in 2024 and is home to over 40 centuries-old shipwrecks and undiscovered Indigenous sites. It’s a journey that combines history, nature, and fun.
