Your Guide to the Best Trip in Gananoque in Ontario Canada
It’s called the ‘Thousand Islands’ but even cooler is that there are actually more than 1,800 sub-continental pieces of land that make up the region. The islands, in the St. Lawrence River, straddle the border of the U.S. and Canada. Today, the region is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts who come for hiking, boating and kayaking. But the history of the area can be explored much deeper in places like Gananoque.
The Victorian town, in Ontario, on the Canadian side, is often called the gateway to the 1,000 Islands- thanks to its location on the Gananoque and St. Lawrence rivers. And while today this region offers lots of opportunities to explore in the great outdoors, it also is rich in pertinent Canadian and American history. Settled in 1892 by United Empire Loyalists, Gananoque played an important role as a vital staging ground during the War of 1812. Learn more about the town’s history, as well as other reasons to visit, by following our Top 5 list.
1. Gananoque Boat Line
When in place called the 1,000 Islands a boat tour should be first on your list. Try a one-hour tour with Gananoque Boat Line (departing from Ivy Lea) to experience traveling under the spans of the 1,000 Islands international bridge, which connects Southeastern Ontario and Northern New York. You’ll also see the shortest international bridge on Zaviko Island and cruise by statue of St. Lawrence, (named for the famous Martyr). A major highlight is circling the massive Boldt Castle and crossing over to American water to do so, seeing more fabulous cottages and multi million dollar homes lining both sides of the water along the way. Tours also pass a UNESCO biosphere, the Frontenac Arch Biosphere, a granite bridge that spans the northern Canadian Shield to the Adirondack Mountains in the United Sates. What is great about these tours is they are offered by a family run local company runs them. Neil McCarthy, whose family has been in the region since 1886, helms the company that also makes a point to build the 350-passenger aluminum boats used to ferry passengers around in a shipyard in Gananoque thus helping invigorate the local economy.
Cost: $27 Adults
Tour Times: Check Online
2. 1,000 Islands Helicopter Tour
The only thing better than seeing the islands from the water is seeing them by helicopter as this way you get an aerial feel for the massive landscapes that really can only be experienced from above. Try the Castle Tour with 1,000 Islands Helicopter Tours. These are limited to just three passengers, so every one is guaranteed a window seat- with one person sitting shotgun and two people in the back. The tours fly over the famous Boldt Castle, on the American side. It’s a pretty awesome experience, flying in you can see the different colorations in the water marked by deep blue water and bright green patches of land. Keep an eye on the white streaks of boats marking the water and leading your eyes to some of the privately owned islands and the massive multi-million dollar mansions sitting dead center. From the air, you can also see the sheer size of the 6-story Boldt Castle on Heart Island, built by George Boldt in the late 1800s, the GM of the Waldorf Astoria at the time. He abandoned the structure before it was finished when his wife died. The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority later acquired it and is restoring the property in stages.
Cost: $149 per person
For other tour options:
https://fly1000islands.ca/tours/
3. Rideau Tours:
Another 1,000 Islands must see is the Rideau Canal, the world’s oldest continually operated waterway. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the Royal British Engineers between 1826 and 1832, was once used as a trade route between Montreal and Kingston. Today it connects the Ottawa River to Lake Ontario and is used by both commercial and private boats.
To see the most of the canal, book the pedal picnic tour with Rideau Tours, which incorporates eating and cycling. The adventure begins with a picnic from Chaffey’s Locks, packed in a wicker basket and served on a red and white-checkered tablecloth. (Guests can also order their picnic to go and peddle along to find a spot further up the canal). Fresh squeezed lemonade is served in glass mason jar along with a sandwich, local cheese and charcuterie, a colorful veggie platter and homemade cookie. What makes the picnic even more delicious is that 85 percent of ingredients are sourced locally from a nearby Market. Afterwards, you’ll jump on a bike and pedal down the canal past boats cruising, people kayaking and canoeing and coolest of all to witness: lockmasters operating gates the same way they have for more than a century. If biking isn’t your style, the company also rents kayaks (or try both).
For other tour Options:
https://www.rideautours.ca/en/tours/
4. Gananoque Inn
If you want a waterfront room in Gananoque, there is one place to look.
“There are 16 waterfront rooms in Gananoque. And fortunately, we have them all,” John Keilty owner of the Gananoque Inn and Spa, is proud to say.
The Inn, on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, has been popular since the days of Al Capone, who has slept here. So did Thomas Edison Jr and a few Canadian prime ministers, sports greats and movie stars. The building was once home to the Gananoque Carriage Company making sleighs and buggies, one of which you can spot one in the lobby. It later became an Inn and since some modern touches have been added. Today it offers easy access for water activities like boating and for catching fish like pike and bass. For dining, check out the pub fare at Muskie Jake’s Tap & Grill, where the largest musky ever caught in Canada is mounted on the wall. It’s also walking distance to the downtown area and offers easy access to the Gananoque Trail System.
Book a room in the main part of the building or splurge and stay in Cedar Knoll, a gingerbread trimmed Victorian home beside the Main Inn. Both the upper and lower suites have views of the Thousand Islands, a fully kitchen, additional bedrooms and plenty of space to entertain.
5. Dinner & Brews on Gananoque’s Main Street
For a night out, head to the quaint Gananoque Main Street. Start at the Socialist Pig, which serves as both a coffee shop (with a barista counter made of old books) and restaurant (featuring more rustic décor). On the menu you will find a selection of BBQ, tacos, burritos, salads and sandwiches all served in a creative way. Afterwards head to the Gananoque Brewing Company, where founder, Bruce Davis, makes beers like the Black Bear, using a process where the beer is made stronger by freezing it. This allows the water to melt, which is drained, leading to a beer that also has higher alcohol content- this one coming in at 6.5 % ABV. Sit outside at the community table, make new friends and enjoy other beers given names like the Thirty Pike and Naughty Otter, made with a local heirloom variety grain grown by a member of the Board of Directors. The brewery is set up in an 1860’s carriage parts factory and features an open layout so guests can see where beer is made.
