This Ontario destination has sparkling coves, hidden islands and tiny towns on emerald waters

It's a summer paradise.

Lead Writer, Travel

Dreaming of a summer escape? This Ontario destination boasts sparkling waters, endless islands and quaint villages that will whisk you away to another world.

You can spend your summer days soaking up some sun on charming waterfront patios, swimming through emerald waves and exploring fairytale castles at the scenic spot.

The 1000 Islands is a picturesque region located along the border of northern New York State and southeastern Ontario.

The area is comprised of 1,864 islands and dotted with charming small towns and cities along the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. It's full of rich history, with stories of pirates and Prohibition-era bootleggers adding to its intrigue.

There's a lot to enjoy in the area during the summer months. You can take a cruise around the dreamy islands, paddle along sparkling waterways, or cycle through scenic views.

The area boasts many attractions, including the 1000 Islands Tower, Brockville Railway Tunnel, Thousand Islands Playhouse and Thousand Islands National Park.

If you're up for a truly magical adventure, you can explore some of the region's majestic castles, such as Boldt Castle. You'll need your passport for this excursion.

Summer is all about beach days, and the 1000 Islands has several beautiful spots to take a dip. According to 1000 Islands Tourism, "the clear waters of the St. Lawrence River make for some of the best freshwater swimming in the world. With plenty of shady, sandy beaches, you can dive in and enjoy the clear waters that make swimming here a must."

Some swimming destinations include Joel Stone Beach and Landon's Bay.

The 1000 Islands is home to several quaint villages and historic cities where you can spend a day or weekend soaking up some charm. Gananoque, Brockville, and Kingston are some of the beautiful destinations worth checking out.

If you're dreaming of a summer escape, this isalnd-filled destination checks all the boxes.

1000 Islands Tourism Website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

  • Lead Writer

    Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

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