Recently, three of my female friends and I took a day trip to 1000 Islands via Gananoque, ON. We had purchased tickets to go on a city cruise of the Thousand Islands. It was hard for me to believe that the other three had never made it to Gananoque or been around the Thousand Islands. I guess I’ll have to make an excuse for them, as they are all Quebecers.
We have all wanted to do this for quite some time from Montreal; it's a little over 500 kilometres round trip, so it takes about 2 1/2 hours each way. If you're travelling from Ottawa, it is a little less than Toronto, a little more. If you're coming from the US, you would go over the Thousand Islands Bridge, a 15-minute drive from there.
We went via CityCruises, but you can also take a cruise from Kingston directly. Depending on your time, there are one, three, or five-hour tours. We went with the three-hour since we had a reasonably long drive there and back.
A Day Trip To 1000 Islands
The cruise itself was very smooth. It took three hours to go up first eastward along the US side of the islands, turn around, and come back on the Canadian side. Although it's called 1000 islands, there are almost twice that, with the US having the majority, but the geographical areas are about the same. There is only one artificial island, Longue Vue Island.
The Thousand Islands in the Saint Lawrence River is a captivating region that straddles the border between the United States and Canada. It is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. Comprising over 1,860 islands, this archipelago stretches along a 50-mile (80-kilometer) section of the river, beginning at the mouth of Lake Ontario. These islands vary dramatically, with some as large as 40 square miles (100 square kilometres) and others barely big enough to support a single tree or a small house. To qualify, the land must be at least a square foot above ground year-round and support at least one living tree.
ZAVIKON ISLAND is home to a bridge that, at only 32 feet in length, is considered the shortest international bridge in the world. It connects a Canadian island with an American island in the middle of the Saint Lawrence River.
The Thousand Islands have been inhabited for thousands of years, initially by indigenous peoples who utilized the waterways for transportation and sustenance. Before European colonization, the Thousand Islands region was home to or visited by members of the Iroquois Confederacy and Ojibwa people. Their name for the islands is Manitouana or the “Garden of the Great Spirit.”
European exploration and settlement began in the early 17th century, with French explorers like Samuel de Champlain being among the first to document the area. During the War of 1812, the islands played a strategic role due to their location along the critical waterway between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Thousand Islands became a popular destination for wealthy industrialists and socialites, who built grand summer homes and estates on many islands. This era saw the construction of some of the region's most iconic structures, such as Boldt Castle on Heart Island and Singer Castle on Dark Island, which remain significant attractions today.
The Thousand Islands are also renowned for their unique ecosystems, with a rich diversity of flora and fauna. In 2002, they were recognized as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The waters around the islands are home to various fish species, making them a popular destination for anglers. Additionally, the area supports numerous bird species, including ospreys and great blue herons, which nest in the trees and cliffs of the islands.
Today, the Thousand Islands continue to attract visitors from around the world, drawn by the area's natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical charm. Boating, kayaking, and fishing are among the most popular activities, allowing visitors to explore the myriad islands and their secluded coves and bays. The region's rich history is preserved in several museums and historic sites, providing insight into the cultural and historical significance of this unique part of the Saint Lawrence River.
Rawdon – The Perfect Day Trip From Montreal
10 things you didn’t know about the 1000 Islands
Day Trip to Rouses Point and Border Crossings
