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Canadian Gateway to 1000 Islands

Discover the beauty of the 1000 Islands from Gananoque, a charming waterfront town with rich history, scenic cruises, and vibrant cultural experiences.

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Gananoque, Ontario, is the entry point to the breathtaking 1000 Islands, a stunning archipelago on the St. Lawrence River. This picturesque town offers scenic boat tours, historic buildings, live theatre, and diverse shopping and dining experiences.

A brief summary to Canadian gateway to 1000 islands

  • King St E, Gananoque, Ontario, K7G 1H3, CA

Local tips

  • Book your accommodations in advance, especially during the summer months, as Gananoque is a popular tourist destination.
  • Take a boat tour to explore the 1000 Islands and see iconic landmarks like Boldt Castle.
  • Visit the Thousand Islands Playhouse for live theatre performances.
  • Explore the town's shops, restaurants, and art galleries along the waterfront.
  • Consider visiting in the fall to witness the breathtaking backdrop of the changing leaves.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Canadian Gateway to the 1000 Islands is located on King Street East in Gananoque. From the Gananoque Bus Station, it's approximately a 10-minute walk. Head east on King Street. The visitor center will be on your right.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Canadian Gateway to the 1000 Islands via public transportation, take the Kingston Transit bus to the Kingston Bus Terminal. From there, board a Greyhound or Coach Canada bus heading to Gananoque. The bus ride takes approximately 30-45 minutes and costs around CAD 15-20. Once you arrive at the Gananoque bus station, you can either walk (about 10 minutes) or take a local taxi to the Canadian Gateway. Taxi services such as Gananoque Taxi (613-382-3399) and TI Taxi (613-382-2777) are available.

  • Driving

    If you are driving from Kingston, head east on Princess Street (ON-2 E) towards Gananoque. Continue on ON-2 E for approximately 30 minutes (about 30 km). As you approach Gananoque, follow the signs for King Street. Turn left onto King Street E, and you will arrive at the Canadian Gateway to 1000 Islands, located at King St E, Gananoque, ON K7G 1H3. Parking is available on local streets and in municipal parking lots. Metered street parking and municipal parking lots cost $1.50/hour. Gananoque Public Parking lots offer day or overnight parking for $8/day. Fees can be paid via the HONK mobile app.

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Discover more about Canadian gateway to 1000 islands

Gananoque, often called the "Gateway to the 1000 Islands," is a charming town in Ontario, Canada, serving as the perfect starting point for exploring the scenic 1000 Islands. Situated on the St. Lawrence River, Gananoque boasts a rich history and stunning natural beauty. Originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, the area became a vital waterway for trade and transportation. The town's name is derived from an Indigenous word meaning "town on two rivers". Gananoque gained prominence in the 18th and 19th centuries as a key military post and a hub for lumbering, shipping, and manufacturing. Today, Gananoque is a popular tourist destination offering a variety of attractions. Visitors can take boat tours through the islands, explore historic sites such as Boldt Castle, enjoy live theatre at the Thousand Islands Playhouse, and stroll along the waterfront. The town also offers outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, and fishing. The 1000 Islands themselves are a sight to behold, with over 1,800 islands dotting the St. Lawrence River. These islands were formed approximately 12,000 years ago when glaciers retreated, leaving behind a unique landscape of granite cliffs, forests, and bays. Many islands are privately owned, featuring charming cottages and opulent homes, while others are part of national parks, offering public access for recreation and camping.

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