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Thousand Islands

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Thousand Islands (Canada)

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The Thousand Islands comprise an archipelago of 1,864 islands scattered across the Saint Lawrence River on the border between the United States and Canada. The region extends for about 80 kilometers (50 miles) downstream from Kingston, Ontario, featuring islands of all sizes, from small rock outcrops to large inhabited landmasses. Geologically, the islands are part of the Frontenac Arch, a strip of Precambrian rock from the Canadian Shield that serves as a vital ecological corridor. During the Gilded Age at the end of the 19th century, the islands became a fashionable summer retreat for the wealthy, leading to the construction of grand estates like Boldt Castle on Heart Island. Today, the area is designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, recognizing its diverse aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Visitors are drawn to the region for scenic boat tours, kayaking, and exploring the Thousand Islands National Park on the Canadian side. The islands also provide crucial nesting grounds for migratory birds and support a rich variety of fish species within the Saint Lawrence waterway.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-7-6-161318222117103-3
Rain mm484343586073686060795657

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The archipelago is best accessed from gateway towns like Gananoque, Rockport, or Kingston in Ontario. Most visitors reach the islands via organized boat tours or private watercraft from these mainland hubs.
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Best season
The primary tourist season runs from late May to early October when boat tours are fully operational. Summer has the warmest weather for water activities, while autumn provides remarkable colorful foliage views.
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Terrain & paths
Terrain varies from manicured parklands on inhabited islands to rugged, rocky shorelines on undeveloped ones. Most tourist spots feature paved walkways, but natural trails can be uneven and require steady footing.
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What to bring
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses for the glare off the water. A light jacket is often necessary even in summer due to the breeze on the river, especially during open-air boat excursions.
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Parking
Ample public parking is available in the mainland towns near the ferry terminals and boat tour operators. Some larger parks on the mainland, like Thousand Islands National Park, provide dedicated parking lots for visitors.
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Safety
Always wear life jackets when on small watercraft. Be aware of the international border; if you are navigating your own boat, ensure you comply with customs regulations when crossing between Canadian and US waters.
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Time needed
A standard boat tour typically lasts 1 to 3 hours, but many visitors spend a full day exploring various islands, visiting Boldt Castle, or enjoying waterfront dining and hiking trails in the region.

Geography

Coordinates
44.33330, -76.00000

Facts

  • The archipelago contains exactly 1,864 islands by official count.
  • An island must stay above water year-round and support at least two living trees.
  • Boldt Castle was commissioned by George Boldt as a tribute to his wife.
  • The area was recognized as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2002.
  • The Frontenac Arch connects the Canadian Shield to the Adirondack Mountains.
  • Wolfe Island is the largest in the group, covering 124 square kilometers.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Gananoque (Thousand Islands)Gananoque (Thousand Islands)18 km · SExplore →
Brockville Railway TunnelBrockville Railway Tunnel36 km · NExplore →
GatineauGatineau42 km · NEExplore →
Parliament HillParliament Hill45 km · NEExplore →
Fort Henry (Kingston)Fort Henry (Kingston)51 km · SExplore →
Kingston Martello TowersKingston Martello Towers53 km · SExplore →
Parc OmegaParc Omega122 km · NExplore →
MontebelloMontebello124 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Thousand Islands (14)

Carnegie Bay📍 landmark

Carnegie Bay is a bay in Islands Refill.

Sunken Rock Light📍 landmark

Sunken Rock Light is a historic lighthouse marking a hazardous rock in the Thousand Islands.

Uncle Sam boat tours📍 landmark

Uncle Sam boat tours offer boat rides in the Thousand Islands.

Parc national des Îles-du-Saint-Laurent🌿 nature

National park preserving the St. Lawrence River islands.

Landons Bay Lookout🌿 nature

Landons Bay Lookout in the Thousand Islands is a viewpoint overlooking the bay and surrounding nature.

Landons Bay🌿 nature

Scenic bay on the St. Lawrence River.

Murphy's Beach🎡 recreation

Sandy beach popular for swimming.

Saint Lawrence Episcopal Church⛪ religious

Saint Lawrence Episcopal Church stands on Wellesley Island in the St. Lawrence River.

Boldt Castle🏛 museum

Boldt Castle on Heart Island in the Thousand Islands is a famous castle built in the early 20th century.

Mary Island State Park🌳 park

Mary Island State Park on Mary Island in the St. Lawrence River gives camping and boating.

Dewolf Point State Park🌳 park

Dewolf Point State Park on the St. Lawrence River has a campground and boat launch.

Rock Island Lighthouse State Park🌳 park

Rock Island Lighthouse State Park features a historic lighthouse on Rock Island in the St. Lawrence River.

Canoe Beach🎡 recreation

Beach well-suited for launching canoes and kayaks.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where are the Thousand Islands?
In the St. Lawrence River between Canada and the USA.
What is Boldt Castle?
A magnificent castle on Heart Island accessible by boat.
Are there boat tours?
Yes, many tours start from Kingston, Rockport, or Gananoque.
How many islands are there really?
There are actually 1,864 islands in the archipelago.
Do I need a passport?
Only if you cross the border, such as for Boldt Castle (USA).
Thousand Islands: where is it located?
Thousand Islands is located in Canada.
Thousand Islands: what is there to see?
Highlights include Carnegie Bay, Sunken Rock Light, Uncle Sam boat tours.
Thousand Islands: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Thousand Islands: why is it worth visiting?
The Thousand Islands comprise an archipelago of 1,864 islands scattered across the Saint Lawrence River on the border between the United States and Canada.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

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Hamilton — Thousand Islands (Canada)
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London — Thousand Islands (Canada)
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Markham — Thousand Islands (Canada)
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Kitchener — Thousand Islands (Canada)
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A city with a strong German heritage, part of the Tri-Cities region.
Windsor — Thousand Islands (Canada)
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Oakville — Thousand Islands (Canada)
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Richmond Hill — Thousand Islands (Canada)
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Burlington — Thousand Islands (Canada)
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A city between Hamilton and Toronto, often ranked as one of Canada's best places to live.
Oshawa — Thousand Islands (Canada)
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A city east of Toronto, historically known for its automotive industry.
Greater Sudbury — Thousand Islands (Canada)
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A city in Northern Ontario famous for its nickel mining industry.
Barrie — Thousand Islands (Canada)
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A city on Kempenfelt Bay of Lake Simcoe, north of Toronto.
Guelph — Thousand Islands (Canada)
Guelph
Known for its high quality of life and the University of Guelph.

History & landmarks

Stratford — Thousand Islands (Canada)
Stratford
Stratford is renowned for its annual classical theatre festival and well-preserved Victorian architecture along the Avon River.
Toronto City Hall — Thousand Islands (Canada)
Toronto City Hall
A distinctive modernist building located at Nathan Phillips Square.