Thousand Islands
One of Ontario’s most quietly spectacular destinations — 1,864 islands scattered across the St. Lawrence River between Kingston and Brockville, and a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Cruise past Gilded Age castles and Millionaire’s Row, explore the waterways by kayak, and take in some of the most dramatic freshwater scenery in North America — all with a fraction of the crowds of Niagara.
Gananoque to Brockville
(~2.5 hrs from Toronto)
mid-May – mid-October
a full weekend
Overview
The Thousand Islands is an archipelago of 1,864 islands strung along a 50-kilometre stretch of the St. Lawrence River, straddling the Canada–US border where Lake Ontario drains toward the Atlantic. It’s a designated UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, a beloved boating paradise, and the setting for some remarkable Gilded Age history — all far less crowded than Ontario’s better-known landmarks.
The town of Gananoque, about two and a half hours east of Toronto on Highway 401, is the main Canadian gateway, with cruises also sailing from Rockport, Ivy Lea and Brockville. A narrated boat tour through the islands — past Millionaire’s Row, the 1000 Islands International Bridge and the famous Boldt Castle — is the heart of any visit, and the scenic 1000 Islands Parkway makes a gorgeous drive or cycle along the shore.
Things to see & do
Take a boat cruise
The signature experience. Narrated cruises from Gananoque run one, three or five hours — the 3-hour trip gives you Boldt Castle and Millionaire’s Row from the water without a border crossing, while the 5-hour cruise docks at the castle itself.
Boldt Castle
The area’s most famous landmark, a 120-room stone castle on Heart Island built by hotel magnate George Boldt for his wife. It sits in U.S. territory, so landing requires a passport and a border crossing — but the views from the water are unforgettable either way.
Singer Castle
A second Gilded Age stone castle, on Dark Island further east. “Two Castles” cruises pair it with Boldt Castle — a great option if you want the full castle experience. It’s also on the U.S. side, so bring your passport.
1000 Islands Tower
On Hill Island near the international bridge, this observation tower gives a 360° bird’s-eye view over the archipelago, the river and both countries — a quick, family-friendly stop that puts the whole landscape in perspective.
1000 Islands Parkway
A scenic shoreline route between Gananoque and Brockville, with lookouts, beaches and a paved recreational path running alongside — one of the best easy cycling routes in Eastern Ontario.
Kayaking & paddling
Getting out on the water yourself is magic here — rent a kayak or take a guided paddle to explore the quiet channels and shoals up close. Outfitters operate out of Gananoque and along the parkway.
Plan your visit
Bring your passport: Boldt Castle and Singer Castle sit in U.S. territory, so any cruise that docks at them crosses the border and requires a valid passport (visitors from outside Canada/US also need a visa or ESTA). Cruises that only view the castles from the water don’t — an easy option if you’d rather skip the paperwork.
Choosing a cruise (from Gananoque)
| Cruise | What you get | Passport? |
|---|---|---|
| 1-hour | Quick loop past the Admiralty Islands (no Boldt Castle views) | No |
| 3-hour (Depths & Discovery) | Boldt Castle & Millionaire’s Row from the water; no landing | No |
| 5-hour (Boldt Stopover) | Docks at Boldt Castle; admission included; ~1–2 hrs on the island | Yes |
| Two Castles | Boldt Castle plus Singer Castle (from Ivy Lea / Rockport) | Yes |
Prices and schedules vary by operator and season — recently ranging from around $35 for a one-hour cruise to about $80 for the five-hour Boldt stopover (castle admission included). Book ahead in summer and confirm current times with your cruise line. Special fireworks cruises run on Canada Day and July 4.
Getting there
Gananoque is about a 2.5-hour drive from Toronto and roughly 1.5 hours from Ottawa, right off Highway 401. Rockport and Ivy Lea (near the international bridge) and Brockville are the other main departure points, all along the St. Lawrence between Kingston and Brockville.
Best time to go
Summer is peak, with warm weather and the full cruise and castle schedule. September brings brilliant fall foliage along the riverbanks and noticeably thinner crowds. Cruises and Boldt Castle close for winter (roughly mid-October to mid-May), though the frozen river and nearby Kingston are still worth a visit off-season.
Nearby
Kingston
A historic limestone city 30 minutes west — a heritage waterfront, great restaurants and Fort Henry make it an easy add-on to your day.
Fort Henry
A UNESCO-listed 19th-century fortress overlooking Kingston, with costumed guards and summer sunset ceremonies.
Brockville
The eastern end of the parkway — Canada’s oldest incorporated town, with a railway tunnel attraction and riverfront charm.
Building a weekend around the river? Find festivals and events across Eastern Ontario.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a passport for a Thousand Islands cruise?
Only if your cruise docks at Boldt Castle or Singer Castle, which are in U.S. territory — those require a valid passport and a border crossing. Sightseeing cruises that stay on the Canadian side and only view the castles from the water do not need one.
Which cruise should I choose?
For most visitors the 3-hour cruise from Gananoque hits the sweet spot — you see Boldt Castle and Millionaire’s Row from the water with no border crossing. Choose the 5-hour stopover if you want to walk the castle grounds (and have a passport), or the 1-hour if you’re short on time.
When is the cruise season?
Cruises typically run from mid-May to mid-October, and Boldt Castle is open in the same window. The river landscape is striking in winter, but there’s no boat access to the islands or castles until spring.
How many islands are there really?
There are 1,864. By the local definition, an island must stay above water year-round and support at least one living tree — which is how the count landed well above a thousand.
How far is it from Toronto or Ottawa?
Gananoque, the main gateway, is about a 2.5-hour drive from Toronto and roughly 1.5 hours from Ottawa, both via Highway 401. It’s an easy and underrated day trip or weekend from either city.
Is it good for families?
Yes — the boat cruise is engaging for all ages, and the 1000 Islands Tower and parkway beaches are easy family stops. Younger kids often enjoy the boat ride even more than the castles themselves.