Why Should You Take a Boat Tour to the Thousand Islands?

Comprised of 1,864 islands in the St. Lawrence River, the Thousand Islands offer breathtaking scenery, wildlife, and a fascinating history. They straddle the US-Canada border. The islands range in size from 50 square miles, to just big enough to support a single tree, making it a unique archipelago that stretches some 50 miles down the river from Kingston.

Taking a boat tour along the Thousand Islands is a mesmerizing and captivating experience for adults, children, and families alike. Once you are here, you will get to make unique stopovers on your tour and discover places like Gananoque, home to the famous Thousand Islands Playhouse. You will also come across Gilded Age destinations and explore vibrant towns, golf courses, restaurants, and more, all accessible by water. Here are a few other reasons to take a boat tour to the Thousand Islands.

They are Ideal for Families
Considered a fascinating destination for families, the Thousand Islands have no shortage of things to see and do. You will experience over 8,000 acres of land with more than 30 miles of walking trails open to the public year-round. There are plenty of opportunities for a variety of activities, such as hiking, fishing, biking, and kayaking. For those planning to stay longer the island has several rental cottages, campsites and luxury hotels; you can even rent a whole private island if you want.

Discover the Region’s Fascinating History
The Thousand Islands is more than just a beautiful place to visit with a variety of activities; it is also steeped in history. For many generations, the unique waterways have connected indigenous communities, travellers, traders and settlers. Once you take a boat tour, you will get to explore historic buildings, waterfront estates, cottages, and other landmarks, along with the history behind them. A guided boat tour is even more interesting because it allows you to learn the stories behind these famous landmarks rather than simply passing them by.

Get Up Close and Personal with Nature
One of the most distinctive things about visiting the Thousand Islands is being surrounded by nature. After all, the island is home to several camping grounds, inland walking trails, and waterfront parks, all of which allow you to get out and explore nature. Taking a boat tour is particularly fascinating, as you can keep an eye out for birds of prey like ospreys soaring overhead, great blue herons along the shoreline, or turtles basking on the rocks. As the boat glides along the river, you will experience the island’s natural habitat in all its glory; don’t forget your camera.

Enjoy the Water
It’s difficult to avoid the water when you are visiting the Thousand Islands; after hopping off your boat, there are plenty of opportunities for you to do activities on the water. If you choose to, you can try local pike fishing at Eel Bay on Wellesley Island, or you can hop on a kayak and paddle through the stunning, picturesque surroundings in the Thousand Islands National Park. You can hire your own kayak or join a tour for a full-day or half-day trip. If you are an adventure seeker, you might also want to try whitewater rafting with one of the many outdoor adventure companies.

Capture Incredible Photos
A visit to the Thousand Islands offers a unique opportunity to capture interesting photos from various angles. The water provides the ideal setting, thanks to its blue-green hue, granite islands, historical homes, and castles. The open stretches of the river also create a constantly changing panorama along with remarkable biodiversity.

A trip to the Thousand Islands promises to enthrall and captivate the senses. From exploring wildlife in nature’s glory to visiting castles and ancient landmarks and even enjoying the water, there’s lots to do. So why don’t you include it in your next bucket-list adventure?