The Thousand Islands region in Ontario, Canada, is a stunning archipelago of over 1,800 islands scattered along the St. Lawrence River, right where it flows out of Lake Ontario, straddling the border between Canada and the United States (New York State).
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| Thousand Islands Ontario Canada |
🌿 Highlights of the Thousand Islands
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Scenic Beauty: Think pine-covered islands, crystal-clear waters, and historic mansions dotting the landscape. It’s a favorite for boating, kayaking, and photography.
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Thousand Islands National Park: One of Canada’s oldest national parks, with campgrounds, hiking trails, and opportunities for island hopping. Some islands are accessible by canoe or kayak only.
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Boldt Castle (on Heart Island): A romantic (and tragic) unfinished castle built by millionaire George C. Boldt for his wife. It's on the U.S. side but is a popular tourist destination via boat tours.
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Singer Castle (on Dark Island): A fully restored castle with secret passageways and historic architecture — also on the U.S. side but visitable via boat tour.
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Gananoque: This is your go-to town on the Canadian side. It’s known as the “Gateway to the Thousand Islands,” and is where many boat tours depart from.
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Thousand Islands Parkway: A scenic drive or bike ride along the water with plenty of viewpoints and picnic spots.
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Diving: The St. Lawrence River has several shipwrecks and is a hot spot for freshwater diving.
🍴 Fun Fact:
The Thousand Island dressing is believed to have originated in this area — one of those tasty local legends!