This Thousand Islands travel guide covers everything you need to plan a great trip to Thousand Islands, Ontario. The Thousand Islands is a scenic archipelago on the St. Lawrence River, with castles, boat cruises and Gananoque.
This guide is written for Canadian travellers: it covers getting there, the best season, where to stay, costs in Canadian dollars and the experiences worth your time.
Thousand Islands travel guide: quick facts
| Thousand Islands at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Location | Ontario |
| Nearest airport | Kingston (YGK) or Ottawa (YOW) |
| Getting there | About 3 hours from Toronto; 1.5–2 hours from Ottawa |
| Best time to visit | June to September |
| Time needed | 2 days |
| Best for | Families and couples |
Why visit Thousand Islands
Thousand Islands is ideal for families and couples. Its headline experiences include Boldt Castle, Gananoque cruises, Thousand Islands Parkway and Kingston, and it pairs well with Ottawa and Prince Edward County. Few places combine so much variety in such a short trip.
How to get to Thousand Islands
- By air: Kingston (YGK) or Ottawa (YOW).
- By road: About 3 hours from Toronto; 1.5–2 hours from Ottawa.
- Rental cars: available at Kingston (YGK); book early for summer and holiday weekends.
Getting around Thousand Islands
A car is essential for exploring Thousand Islands properly. Distances between highlights can be longer than they look on a map, so plan a base or two rather than moving every night, and leave time for detours.
Top things to do in Thousand Islands
Boldt Castle
US side, passport needed.
Gananoque cruises
Boat tours.
Thousand Islands Parkway
Cycling. Combine it with a nearby café or viewpoint.
Kingston
Historic city.
Fort Henry
Sunset ceremonies.
Other favourite experiences include cruises, kayaking and cycling.
Road trip essentials
- Best dash cams for road trips VerdictFox
Record scenic drives and protect yourself if something happens on the highway. - 12V car fridges for road trips VerdictFox
Keep drinks and picnic food cold on long road trips without buying ice every day. - Power stations for camping and road trips VerdictFox
Run a cooler, charge cameras and power a CPAP at campsites without hookups.
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Best time to visit Thousand Islands
The best time to visit Thousand Islands is June to September. Here is how the seasons compare:
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | April–May | Cool to mild; maple season in March–April. |
| Summer | June–August | Warm to hot, 25–30°C, festival season. |
| Fall | September–October | Brilliant fall colours from late September. |
| Winter | December–March | Cold and snowy, -10°C or lower; winter carnivals. |
For the bigger picture, read our guide to the best time to visit Canada.
Where to stay in Thousand Islands
- Gananoque: Central.
- Kingston: City.
Typical nightly rates:
| Style | Typical price per night | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$130–210 | Motels, hostels, simple inns and campground cabins |
| Mid-range | C$220–380 | Comfortable hotels and B&Bs, often with breakfast |
| Luxury | C$450–900 | Resorts, historic hotels and boutique properties |
Book early for summer weekends and holidays, and compare total prices, including taxes and any resort or parking fees.
What to eat in Thousand Islands
Don’t leave without trying local cuisine. Reserve popular restaurants ahead on weekends.
Suggested 2 days in Thousand Islands
- Day 1: Boldt Castle and Gananoque cruises.
- Day 2: Thousand Islands Parkway, Kingston and Fort Henry.
What to pack for Thousand Islands
- Layers for cool, foggy mornings
- A windproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen
- A swimsuit
- Binoculars for wildlife
For seasonal advice, see our guide to the best time to visit Canada.
Sample 3-day budget for two
| Item | Mid-range estimate |
|---|---|
| Hotel (3 nights) | C$660–C$1,140 |
| Food and drink | C$660–C$1,056 |
| Activities and entry fees | C$160–C$320 |
| Local transport or car | C$210–C$315 |
| Total | C$1,690–C$2,831 |
Estimates exclude flights and assume a mid-range hotel; travelling in shoulder season can cut accommodation costs by a third or more.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Moving to a new hotel every night instead of using one or two bases.
- Overpacking the itinerary and spending the trip in the car.
- Not checking seasonal opening dates for roads, ferries and attractions.
- Driving after wine tastings: hire a driver or join a tour.
- Forgetting cash for small farm stands and rural businesses.
Accessibility and family travel
Accessibility varies by attraction, so call ahead. Families do best with a single base, short drives and plenty of outdoor time.
Practical tips
- Visiting Boldt Castle requires crossing into the US.
- Tipping 15–20% at restaurants is standard.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require government-issued photo ID; carry a passport if you might cross into the US.
- Money: GST or HST is added to most prices at the till, so budget 5–15% more than the shelf price; tipping 15–20% at restaurants is standard.
- Insurance: Provincial health plans may not pay the full cost of care in another province, and ambulance and air-ambulance costs can be high, so check whether an out-of-province travel insurance policy makes sense for you. Read our guide to out-of-province travel insurance.
- Driving: Most Canadians road-trip in their own car; rentals are widely available, and winter tyres are required on many BC highways and in Quebec in winter. Fuel is usually cheapest in Alberta and most expensive in BC and the North.
- Saving money: see our Canada budget travel and cheapest places to travel in Canada guides.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$150–C$220 | motel, hostel or campsite, casual meals, self-drive |
| Mid-range | C$300–C$480 | good hotel, restaurant meals, some tours |
| Luxury | C$700–C$1,400 | resort or historic hotel, fine dining, guided experiences |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Responsible travel tips
Popular places are under pressure from crowds. Visit on weekdays or in shoulder seasons, carpool or use shuttles, refill a reusable water bottle, and buy from local businesses. Respect Indigenous lands and cultural sites, follow posted closures, and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Our travel gear picks
- Power bank buying guide Buyzello
Understand capacity, airline limits and charging speed before you buy. - Outdoor gear picks Buyzello
Headlamps, multi-tools and camping essentials for park trips. - Luxury weekender bags for short getaways Opulique
A refined weekender is perfect for two-night escapes.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby places to add to your trip
- Ottawa: Ottawa, Canada’s capital, combines Parliament Hill, national museums, the Rideau Canal and a bilingual atmosphere.
- Prince Edward County: Prince Edward County is a wine-and-beach island on Lake Ontario, known for Sandbanks Provincial Park and farm-to-table food.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Thousand Islands?
Plan 2 days to see the highlights without rushing, and add a day for day trips or hikes.
What is the best time to visit Thousand Islands?
The best time is June to September.
How do you get to Thousand Islands?
Fly into Kingston (YGK) or Ottawa (YOW). By road, it is about 3 hours from Toronto; 1.5–2 hours from Ottawa.
How much does a trip to Thousand Islands cost?
Hotels typically cost C$220–380 a night for mid-range rooms, and most travellers spend C$300–C$480 per person per day.
Is Thousand Islands good for families?
Yes. It suits families and couples, and families do best with a central base, early starts and a mix of sightseeing and downtime.
Final thoughts on Thousand Islands travel guide
Thousand Islands rewards travellers who plan the essentials and leave room for surprises. Book key stays and timed-entry or tour reservations early, travel in the shoulder seasons if you can, and give yourself time to enjoy the places that charm you most.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Ottawa Travel Guide: Parliament, Museums and the Rideau Canal
- Prince Edward County Travel Guide: Sandbanks, Wineries and Food
- How to Travel Canada on a Budget: 25 Money-Saving Tips