Located along the border of South Eastern Ontario, the 1000 Islands are a group of more than 1800 islands. They offer a seemingly endless amount of things to see and do. Adventure sports and outdoor recreation are big in this part of Ontario, but you will also find dozens of local eateries, wineries and craft breweries, each with their own unique offerings.
Here’s where we think you should eat, drink and play while island hopping in the region.
1. Catch a show at the Thousand Islands Playhouse. Located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River and named the most charming theatre in Canada, The Playhouse is as charming as it is historic. It is also the most active theatre in Eastern Ontario and hosts one of the top 5 theatre festivals in the province.
2. Cruise to the heart of the 1000 Islands. There are over a dozen boat tours to choose from if you’d like to explore the islands this way – the Gananoque Boat Line offers several different daytime cruises in addition to a sunset cruise with live music. Rockport Cruises is more centrally located in the islands and has 7 different tours to choose from.
3. Take a food tour. Our pick? Book a spot on the 1000 Islands Tasting Tour. It will lead you on a historic path through downtown Brockville, stopping at four of the most unique restaurants along the way.
4. If a liquid diet is more your style, you need to check out Bay of Quinte Craft Package Tours. The packages include transportation and will take you around the region to sample craft beer and cider from a brew master’s perspective.
5. Book Robin Roost’s Treehouse Experience. An oasis for nature lovers and a one of a kind experience. Robin’s Roost can sleep up to 6 guests and includes a private beach, an outdoor shower and a barbecue.
6. Kick-back and enjoy one of several Pre-Planned Packages. If the vastness of ‘The Great Waterway’ is a little overwhelming, purchasing a pre-planned package will do all the work for you. With options like a Cruise & Theatre package or the Aquatarium Adventure & Overnight Stay package – there is something for everyone. South Eastern Ontario Tourism puts these together so check out their website for more information.
7. Hit up a farmers’ market! The Gananoque Farmers’ Market runs every Thursday evening in Town Hall Park, June to October. Be sure to try some cheese at Bushgarden Farmstead Cheese and a curry (or two!) from 1000 Curry.
8. Bring your weekend to a close in Kingston with a true taste of local and stop by Feast On® certified Dianne’s Fish Shack and Smokehouse for some lakefish tacos! If you’ve got the time, be sure to stop into the bottle shop at Stone City Brewing too.