Hiking
Mainland trails can be found in two locations along the 1000 Islands Parkway:
Jones Creek Trails are accessed 6 kilometers (3.6 miles) east of Mallorytown Landing. This is a network of trails stretching over 12 kilometres (6.1 miles) with a variety of rails ranging from very easy to difficult. Along the way you will undoubtedly spot numerous indigenous wildlife and several scenic vistas. There is also a very scenic boardwalk through some St. Lawrence wetlands.
Landon Bay Trails are accessed at the Landon Bay centre at 302 – 1000 Islands Parkway. This easy to walk trail network stretches over 7 kilometres (4.2 miles) and is more geared towards children although there are several nice scenic lookouts along its length. Located at the Landon bay visitor centre is a playground, pool, picnic area and campground
All islands within the park have hiking trails of varying length and difficulty.
Camping
There are primitive campsites available on 10 of the 20 islands and all islands have basic toilet facilities. The following islands have primitive campsites available during the open season:
Grenadier East Island – 22 sites
Georgina Island – 2 sites
Gordon Island – 2 sites
Mulcaster Island – 2 sites
Camelot Island – 6 sites
Aubrey Island – 8 sites
McDonald Island – 11 sites
Beau Rivage Island – 8 sites
Milton Island – 2 sites
CedarIsland – 4 sites
Group campsite areas are available at Mallorytown Landing and Central Grenadier Island only and must be reserved in advance. They book up early so if interested make sure you reserve early.
Swimming
While the waters of the St. Lawrence River are cold swimming is nevertheless a popular summer activity. In addition to being able to swim off most islands there is also a small beach at Mallory Landing.
Kayaking
Sea Kayaking is becoming an increasingly popular spot throughout the 1000 Islands are and nowhere is this mote evident than in Thousand Islands National Park. Since this is a water based park kayaking provides the perfect means for experiencing the many sights the park has to offer. There are numerous rental and guide services available in the area. A few sites to check out for more information are:
Please note that the various channels throughout the park have heavy boat traffic. Beware of the wakes they produce as this could cause your vessel to overturn. Most of the channels have heavy currents and swift undertows and care should always be taken.
Canoeing
As with kayaking above the park is a paradise for paddlers. Since the islands have limited docking facilities the ability for canoes to land almost anywhere make them the perfect vehicle for discovering the various sights within the park. Please note that the water is swift in many areas so care should always be taken. The water of the St. Lawrence River is large and open and is very cold which prove dangerous if an accident should occur. Always canoe in groups and stay close to shore unless very experienced.
Boating
The area around the 1000 Islands has long been a boater’s paradise. The various channels and inlets throughout the park are usually heavily trafficked during the summer months. Since Thousand Islands National Park is mainly a water based park and provides no water transport services it naturally caters to boaters with their own vehicles.
All islands have mooring docks or buoys but you should check the parks official site to see what size boat they can handle depending on your draught. It should be noted that the St. Lawrence River has many dangerous shoals and up to date accurate charts are a necessity. The area also has heavy boat traffic as the nearby Rideau Canal is one of North America’s premier boating destinations.
Scuba Diving
The dangerous shoals and swift currents of the St. Lawrence River have resulted in many shipwrecks over the years. As a result, today the park attracts divers from all over the world who come to explore them. The water is not as clear as some other popular Ontario diving spots and is cold and swift running in many spots, only experienced divers or divers in a group with a master diver in the lead should attempt any dives. Care should be taken as boat traffic is very heavy.
Fishing
The area around the Thousand Islands National Park is a definite fishing destination for anglers from around the world. It is a particularly popular destination for Americans and fellow Ontarians. The narrow channels between the islands allow for onshore fishing opportunities and many large sport species are to be found. A little further offshore and you will see plenty of small fishing craft in search of large lake specimens.
Should read “proved too barren” instead of “proved to barren” when talking of agriculture on the islands. And I love that region. Many good memories. Glenn.