Is there really a 1000 Islands? Yes! In fact, it is more than 1000, it is 1864 islands (plus one man-made island) between Canada and the U.S.
Click here and watch the video to see glimpses of my trip.
The Thousand Islands (French: Mille-Îles) constitute a North American archipelago of 1,864 islands that straddles the Canada–US border in the Saint Lawrence River as it emerges from the northeast corner of Lake Ontario. They stretch for about 50 miles (80 km) downstream from Kingston, Ontario. A fashionable retreat for the elite in the late 19th century, today the area is a hub for outdoor activities. It’s home to elaborate island mansions such as the German-style Boldt Castle on Heart Island, and Singer Castle on Dark Island, with its Gothic windows and secret passageways.
The best way to see the beauty of The 1000 Islands is with a cruise, so that’s what we did. We booked a package that included a guided tour to Kingston, Ontario, Dinner and a Cruise to 1000 Islands. I often get asked, “you live in Ontario, why do you go on tours?? Tours are for tourists!”. Ahhhh noooo…..tours are for anyone who wants to explore new places, and what better places to explore than the beautiful country I live in?
Our tour started with the first stop at The Big Apple for a quick lunch. I also purchased some pies (what they are mostly known for) and wine). We then travelled to Kingston for a guided tour. We learned about Canada’s history and lots of interesting facts about Kingston.
Kingston was Canada’s first capital and is located on Lake Ontario, at the mouth of the Cataraqui and St. Lawrence rivers. It’s known as the “Limestone City” for its grand 19th-century buildings, including the lakeside Kingston City Hall. Many historic buildings are located in Kingston, including the grand house and gardens of the Bellevue House National Historic Site, home of Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. Fort Henry, built in the 1800s, holds military demonstrations. Kingston is called the prison capital of Canada, and it has certainly earned that title, there are nine prisons in the area. Kingston is also home to Queen’s University, famous for leading-edge physics, cancer research, geoengineering, data analytics, surveillance studies, social science and mental health research, highlighted by the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physics.
After the tour, we then boarded for the cruise and dinner. This was my first time on Sunset Dinner Cruise and it was amazing. The atmosphere, company, and food…it was all incredible! There are many houses/ mansions and cottages on 1000 Islands and as you sail by the residents come out to wave and greet you. There is even a castle!
There is a lot more you can do in 1000 Islands. Gananoque is your gateway to the 1000 Islands. This picturesque town welcomes you with stunning views and an abundance of amazing things to experience. You can enjoy the theatre, kayaking excursions including day tours, camping and lessons, dining on a waterfront patio, helicopter tours, shopping, and lots more! See here and here for lots more that you can enjoy in Gananoque.
I will be doing this cruise again, but in the summer in an open-top boat so I can get better pictures and videos.
Thank you for reading! xoxo
Awesome !!