Uncover a gem in this Summer in the 1000 Islands Gananoque! Loaded with charm and one-of-a-kind experiences, it’s a rush to explore – and the 1000 Islands scenery provides eye candy galore. Tourists from all over the world come to experience the gateway to the 1000 Islands Gananoque and oh do they ever deliver!
1. Cruise Through Summer
Journey through the 1000 islands for 2.5 hours and discover untold secrets of the St. Lawrence River. The Lost Ships of the 1000 Islands Cruise uses storytelling, sonar imagery and video to share the history of shipwrecks dating back to as early as the 1700’s. Grab a drink and enjoy the beautiful 1000 Islands mansions, Boldt castle and many more scenic marvels.
Cruising on a grand river weaving through a myriad of lush islands, stopping to tour authentic castles, peeking inside opulent rooms and sharing in the secrets and intrigue of family bonds, tragedy and romance – it sounds like a fairytale, but in the 1000 Islands it’s real! Rockport Cruises is based in the heart of the 1000 Islands and showcases the grandeur and intrigue of the islands, highlighting Boldt Castle, the 1000 Islands Bridge and much more.
2. Fly High With 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours
Get a birds eye view of the 1000 Islands by traveling first class with the 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours. Perfect for a romantic setting to spend with your special someone, or to create great memories with family and friends. The view is unlike anything you’ve ever seen, and is truly the best way to take in the beauty of the 1000 Islands.
3. Be Entertained At Thousand Islands Playhouse
Known for having one of the top five theatre festivals in Ontario, the Thousand Islands Playhouse is bound to impress. The Playhouse is a true-blue Canadian monument, producing almost all of its shows through Canadian writers. You don’t have to worry about missing a show either – it’s one of the most active theatres in South Eastern Ontario. So whether you visit for a day or a week, attending a show at the Thousand Islands Playhouse is a rare and exclusive opportunity to experience true Canadian talent.
4. Explore The Islands With 1000 Islands Kayaking Tours
If adventure is more your style, check out the 1000 Islands Guided Kayaking Tours, no experience necessary! Get in the water and follow one of the 1000 Islands experts through a maze of islands. See animals in their natural habitat such as loons, otters, beavers and aquatic life as you paddle your way along the St. Lawrence River. New to kayaking? Not a problem! Even beginners can take to the water and adventure through the rich landscape that is the 1000 Islands.
5. See It All At The 1000 Islands Tower
The 1000 Islands Tower is a one-of-a-kind attraction that will take your breath away. Enjoy a panoramic view of the St. Lawrence River and 1000 Islands, where you can see the gorgeous landscape from Kingston to Brockville. Tour guides are also there to provide you with local knowledge and answer all your questions.
READ ALSO: An Unforgettable Road Trip Along The 1000 Islands Parkway
6. Feel A Rush At Skydive Gananoque
Skydive Gananoque has been around since 1971, so you can feel confident in knowing that your experience won’t only be memorable but safe too! Since you’ll be free-falling high above Gananoque, you’ll get one of the best views of the 1000 Islands.
7. Hit The Road On Two Wheels
If you want to experience the 1000 Islands by bike instead of in the clouds or by boat, you will surely enjoy the paved bike path that runs parallel to the 1000 Islands Parkway and the St. Lawrence River. Plenty of access points allow you to choose how you want to configure a trip. And with a 10 foot wide, newly paved, mostly traffic-free trail, this is an outing the whole family can enjoy!
The path along the Thousand Islands Parkway is a great place to start! The 37-km paved multi-use pathway that runs adjacent to the St. Lawrence River offers cycling enthusiasts spectacular water views along the way. It’s smooth-surfaced and separate from the high traffic roadway, and even runs alongside Landon’s Bay with a spectacular lookout.
Don’t have a bike? No problem! Several locations along the 1000 Islands corridor offer bike rentals, such as 1000 Islands Tourism Centre in Gananoque. Thousand Islands Bicycle Co. offers guided bike tours and rentals throughout Brockville and Gananoque to make the most of your pedal power experience!
Try an electric bike from i-Cycle Electric Bike Co. in Gananoque to make the ride even more enjoyable. Rent the bikes with safety equipment and maps to set out on the road less traveled.
8. Let Your Inner Cowboy/Girl Loose
Trade the bike for a horse and giddy up around the trails near Lansdowne’s Fort Garry Stables
9. Explore The Landon Bay Centre
Nestled in the Frontenac Arch Biosphere, explore over 225 acres of lush greenery at Landon Bay Centre. Hike along trails that vary from easy to moderate and take some time to stop and gaze at the scenery of the stunning 1000 Islands.
10. Zipline At Treetop Trekking
Whatever your age or perceived ability, you’ll find multiple ways to get your adrenaline pumping at one of the largest zip line and treetop adventure courses in North America! Fly through treetops, over a limestone cliff face and 70 feet over the Jones Creek Marsh.
Treetop Trekking is a fun adventure park that provides a ton of heart-racing activities including ziplining, aerial trekking and discovery courses for kids.
11. Make A Splash This Summer
Sun-soaked days of summer are best enjoyed by the water’s edge at the local beach. Head down to Joel Stone Heritage Park on the waterfront for a day of enjoying the St. Lawrence River. This green space is great for photo ops with the cannon, and the covered stage pavilion houses free concerts during the summer months. Pack a picnic and enjoy watching the boats! With a boat-themed play structure and a fun splash pad perfect for the little ones, the whole family can be in one place which caters to all ages.
12. A Look Into The Past And Present
The Thousand Islands Boat Museum on Gananoque’s waterfront is a hands-on place where history can be touched, built and experienced. Check out the boat building shop, children’s activity centre and exhibit galleries, in addition to new docks and watercraft to explore.
Hop aboard the Windswept III, the 52-foot Ditchburn dating back to 1935, which was commissioned by the Billes family of Canadian Tire fame. With its gleaming wooden exterior and impressively spacious interior, visitors can marvel while exploring a boat that once entertained relations of a nationally famous family. Watch here during summer as every year the museum hosts a popular Boat Show and Parade, showcases antique and classic boats and caps off the day with children’s crafts, food offerings and much more!
Next door, learn about the rich cultural and natural history of the 1,000 Islands at the 1000 Islands History Museum through interactive and intriguing exhibits. Explore this year’s summer exhibit celebrating the achievement of Canadian women in STEM – and become a scientist!
13. Trikers
Coming soon to Gananoque! The Trikers is an electronic vehicle rental company that provides its customers with the opportunity to tour around their town in style! Choose from the Polaris Slingshot, e-bikes, e-scooters or ATVs for a fast paced adventure through the 1000 Islands.
14. Quest Farm
If you are an animal lover, Quest Farm is a must to add to your summer to-do list. Join one of their many programs where you get to meet and build a relationship with one of their many farm animals including horses, sheep, goats, alpacas, pigs and cows!
These family-owned and operated companies near Mallorytown stand out on flavour and product diversity! As Ontario’s first off-grid brewery, ARBRU is brewing beer using solar energy and being eco-conscious by committing to planting one tree for every litre of beer sold. Not only can you feel good sipping on Arbru, but your taste buds will be singing for more. Look here for dome experiences, too. It’s also dog-friendly – and be sure to try the wood-fired pizza!
Over at BUSL, the production facility is open to visitors and housed in a unique renovated barn where visitors learn about the cidery and experience the ciders first-hand.
Whether it’s on the water or in the saddle, find your summer story in the 1000 Islands Gananoque
