Looking for a getaway that feels worlds away from Montreal, without having to leave Canada’s border?
Picture yourself strolling through charming waterfront towns, cruising along a river dotted with castle-like mansions, and discovering secret coves with crystal-clear waters.
You can find all this and more just a few hours from Montreal in this picturesque destination by the water.
Located along the border between northern New York state and southeastern Ontario, the 1000 Islands is a region of endless shorelines, rich history and unique culture.
The region is about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Montreal, making it perfect for a romantic getaway or even a day trip.
Though the region is called the “1000 Islands,” there are in fact more than 1,000 islands here — 1,864, to be exact, many of which are open to the public to explore and are home to parks, campgrounds, castles, and more.
Besides the islands, the region has shipwrecks, scenic national parks, historic War of 1812 sites, theatres, festivals and a casino. It also boasts an abundance of natural beauty, with rocky shorelines, sandy beaches, and pretty, rural pastureland.
The region is home to several charming small towns. Gananoque, considered the gateway to the 1000 Islands, is known as one of Eastern Ontario’s most stunning waterfront communities.
The cute town offers golfing, walking tours, festivals and small-town charm. It’s also a great place for outdoor activities, including sea kayaking, scuba diving, swimming, nature walks, and the 37-kilometre 1000 Islands Bike Path.
Gananoque is home to the Thousand Islands Playhouse, a great place to enjoy live theatre right on the waterfront.
The town is the perfect base for exploring the 1000 Islands. You can hop aboard a cruise from Gananoque to sail past the famous Boldt Castle on Heart Island or Singer Castle on Dark Island, and even set foot on an island or two yourself.
Other charming spots in the region include Brockville, a small-town city offering delicious dining, incredible golf, antiques, excellent theatre, shopping, and an enchanting, old-world atmosphere.
Scuba enthusiasts will enjoy the opportunity to experience some of the world’s best freshwater diving here, with around 200 shipwrecks to explore.
The Brockville Railway Tunnel is another popular point in the city. The tunnel, which is Canada’s first railway tunnel, was built between 1854 and 1860 and extends 500 metres under the city.
The tunnel is a great way to reach the waterfront and downtown core, home to a smooth concrete path and lit with a state-of-the-art LED light and sound display.
If you’re looking for a bit of history, head to Prescott, another community of the 1000 Islands region.
Prescott is called “Fort Town” for being home to the historic Fort Wellington. The town also features the Sandra S. Lawn Harbour and Marina, considered a top boating destination on the St. Lawrence River, and the award-winning St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival.
Another charming destination in the 1000 Islands region can be found in Kingston, Ontario. The historic lakeside city offers cobblestone streets, waterfront patios, and a mix of culture and nature, with unbeatable views of Lake Ontario.
Known for its striking 19th-century limestone architecture (which earned its nickname, the “Limestone City”), Kingston is another great base for exploring the 1000 Islands and the St. Lawrence River.
The city is home to hidden alleyways containing antique markets and restaurant patios, plenty of unique shopping and dining experiences, and dozens of museums and historic sites waiting to be explored.
A notable site to check out here is the decommissioned Kingston Penitentiary, Canada’s oldest maximum-security prison, which predates the Canadian confederacy in 1867 and is even said to be haunted.
For nature experiences, don’t forget about 1000 Islands National Park, where you can explore secluded bays by kayak or boat, camp or picnic by the river, or explore a number of wooded trails and rocky lookouts.
Whether you’re chasing sunsets over the river or wandering through storybook towns, the 1000 Islands offer a little slice of magic that feels far removed from city life, yet close enough for an easy weekend escape from Montreal.
1000 Islands tourism website
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.
