Are you a nature lover who enjoys adventure? Are you curious and fascinated about art and history?

Then, the 1000 Islands is the perfect place for you!

Just a 3-hour drive from Toronto or 2 hours from Ottawa, this destination is the perfect escape to fulfill all your travel wishes.

This archipelago was formed about 10,000 years ago, during the last Ice Age. As the glaciers melted, the St. Lawrence River was created, and the rocky terrain remained above the water’s surface, forming a cluster of large and small islands known today as the 1000 Islands.

This one-of-a-kind destination truly deserves a full day of exploration.

Start your one-day visit from Toronto to the 1000 Islands.

Book your private 1000 Islands tour from Toronto with ToNiagara, offering customized options to suit every preference. The tour includes a scenic cruise through the Islands as one of its highlights.

This 1–2 hour boat cruise will enable you to admire the natural beauty and historical landmarks of the islands up close.

As the boat glides over the crystal-clear waters of the St. Lawrence River, countless islands will stretch out before you. Each island sparks curiosity to be explored. Even from a distance, it’s clear that the islands are not alike—neither in size nor in the buildings constructed on them. Some of the islands are inhabited, either seasonally or year-round. Others are so small that they can only support vegetation on their surface. The boat moves smoothly across the water, accompanied by the river’s many inhabitants—diving and wild ducks, painted and snapping turtles, river otters, freshwater crayfish and even frogs and toads—who seem accustomed to welcoming all visitors.

The most adventurous travellers can canoe or kayak through the waters of the St. Lawrence River, weaving among the islands. You can explore the hidden channels nestled between the islands and have a closer look at the underwater world.

Consider our suggestions on what to visit during a one-day tour to the 1000 Islands to get the most out of this experience.

You absolutely must visit the two castles of the 1000 Islands, each with its own unique architecture and special history.

In the early 1900s, millionaire George C. Boldt decided to build Boldt Castle to express his love for his wife, Louise, on Heart Island in Alexandria Bay.

The 120-room castle was still under construction when, unexpectedly, George C. Boldt’s wife passed away at the age of 42.  From that day on, for the next 73 years, no one set foot in the house again, leaving it at the mercy of time. Later, the 1000 Islands Bridge Authority purchased the house and transformed it into a tourist attraction for the enjoyment of visitors. Today, it is an architectural masterpiece of great interest to visitors and a highly popular spot for taking stunning photos.

Located on Dark Island, you can also visit the Singers’ Castle.

The owner, Frederick Bourne, conceived it as a private hunting lodge and summer oasis featuring 28 rooms. After the death of Frederick Bourne, his daughters lived there until 1961. In 2001, Dark Island Tours, Inc. acquired the property and turned it into a tourist attraction for visitors. This castle also hosts special events and offers hotel rooms for overnight stays. Secret passages, designed for servants to move through the house without disturbing the owners, add to its mystery.

Explore the islands from above and up close.

Is it true that there are 1,000 islands, or is this just a legend that makes the location more attractive? Actually, there are more than 1,000 islands—there are precisely 1,864 of them. If you want to see for yourself, there’s only one way: visit the 1000 Islands Tower, and you’ll be able to view all these islands from 130 meters high above through its three observation decks. This tower is a privately owned structure that opened to the public in 1965. An interesting fact is that the smallest inhabited island in the world is located right here. Just Room Enough Island is home to a single house, one tree, and a tiny yard and is inhabited by its owners during the summer months.

1000 Islands National Park features over 20 small islands, most of which are accessible by boat or kayak. The park invites you to get up close with the wildlife of both water and land as you paddle through the waters of the St. Lawrence River or hike its forests and trails. You can pitch your camping tent or reserve an oTENTik, which is available on some of the islands. You can relax in your tent while watching the variety of birds flying overhead or cast your line into the water and hope to catch a fish.

Get to know the culture and history of the 1000 Islands.

The 1000 Islands offer dozens of opportunities for entertainment, including theatrical performances, various concerts, and artistic expressions to satisfy every taste of the audience.

As a starting point, you can visit the Thousand Islands National Park Visitor Centre (Mallorytown Landing, Ontario). There, you will discover more about the history of the formation of the 1000 Islands and their cultural significance through short educational films. Once you’ve gained general knowledge about this remarkable place, you’ll be ready to experience it up close.

To explore the history of the 1000 Islands more deeply, you should visit the 1000 Islands History Museum. Established in 1995 in Gananoque, it showcases 10,000 years of the 1000 Islands’ history through engaging exhibits and artistic displays. The museum is a testament to both the past and the present. It introduces us to the indigenous people who lived on the islands as well as to the diverse ecosystem that inhabits the region. The museum is open year-round, allowing visitors not to miss this attraction whenever they plan their visit to the 1000 Islands.

The 1000 Islands Boat Museum sits near the History Museum. This museum takes pride in its 36 vintage wooden boats, a true treasure of the St. Lawrence River and the 1000 Islands. It offers the opportunity to participate in boatbuilding workshops and provides educational programs for children, including summer boat camps.

Don’t miss visiting the performance and local hubs.

The Royal Theatre 1000 Islands was initially built in 1930 as a family-owned venue. Until 1960, it served as both a cinema and a bowling alley. In 2013, the space underwent a transformation and officially adopted the name Royal Theatre 1000 Islands. Today, both local and visiting artists perform a variety of shows at this venue.

The 1000 Islands Playhouse opened its doors to the public in 1982. The performances held at this oasis of culture and art are diverse, catering to every audience’s taste. In the main hall, operas, musicals, and both comedic and tragic theatrical plays are performed. In the second, smaller hall with a capacity, more contemporary art is showcased. This venue also contributes to promoting the arts among younger generations by organizing camps during school holidays. Its location by the St. Lawrence River makes it even more magical and easily accessible for art lovers.

To bring vibrancy to the area and to meet the demands of those who crave adrenaline, this location also features a casino. Shorelines Casino 1000 Islands has been operating since 2002, offering its guests an endless array of gaming options.

Enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants in this vast archipelago.

You can choose from several charming waterfront restaurants in the region, located along the St. Lawrence River, and enjoy fresh local fish specialties. In nice weather, dine on outdoor patios and enjoy the surrounding nature. If you’re visiting the 1000 Islands with your family and kids, certain restaurants also offer wood-fired pizza and burgers.

Some of the restaurants we highly recommend are:

The Ivy Restaurant offers rich cuisine prepared with fresh local ingredients, all to be enjoyed near the picturesque views of the St. Lawrence River. You can make a reservation for a romantic dinner, enjoy a delicious meal with your family, or celebrate a special event.

The 1000 Islands Restaurant & Pizzeria serves up authentic, homemade pizzas and generous portions that have made it a local favourite. At the restaurant, you will mainly find Italian and Greek menus prepared with fresh and quality ingredients. They zealously preserve traditional recipes.

Riva Restaurant welcomed its first visitors in 1928, back when it was not yet the luxurious restaurant it is today. Since then, its success has grown, thanks in part to visitors’ curiosity about the historic building in which the restaurant is housed. Today, the restaurant welcomes you with two large garden patios while the grand fireplace in the dining room invites you to take a seat at the table.

Stonewater Pub & Restaurant is a family-owned establishment transformed into an English-style pub, offering craft beers, delicious food, and live music. This place is not just a pub—it’s an entertainment oasis. Every Wednesday, you can take part in trivia nights and put your knowledge to the test.

Before you end this magical adventure, take home a handmade souvenir from the small artisan shops in the 1000 Islands. Choose from unique handmade wooden crafts, locally made jewelry, or jars of jam made from fruits grown in the area. Every item you take with you will remind you of this unforgettable experience and, why not, make you want to return.