Please complete your profile to unlock commenting and other important features.

Please select your date of birth for special perks on your birthday. Your username will be your unique profile link and will be publicly used in comments.
Narcity Pro

This is a Pro feature.

Time to level up your local game with Narcity Pro.

Pro

$5/month

$40/year

  • Everything in the Free plan
  • Ad-free reading and browsing
  • Unlimited access to all content including AI summaries
  • Directly support our local and national reporting and become a Patron
  • Cancel anytime.
For Pro members only Pro
Summary

This region with dreamy islands and castles is one of Ontario's best spots to live, locals say

It has sparkling shores dotted with quaint communities.

A person standing by the water. Right: Historic buildings along a street.

A small town in Ontario. Right: A city in Ontario.

Lead Writer, Travel

Sparkling waters, endless islands and magical shorelines might sound like something you'd find on vacation, but you could wake up to this every day in this Ontario region.

On Narcity Canada's Facebook page, we asked readers for the best places to live in Ontario. The post received over 200 comments, and this stunning island region was one of the recommended spots.

The 1000 Islands is a picturesque destination located along the Canada-U.S. border between northern New York State and southeastern Ontario.

There are actually over 1,800 islands sprinkled throughout the shining waters, making the region a popular spot for vacationers and cottagers.

According to Visit 1000 Islands, it's a "sightseer's paradise" and is home to "lighthouses, historic castles, maritime museums, world-class fishing and diving, quaint downtown shopping, on-the-water dining, family amusements and more."

There are several communities dotted along the beautiful shorelines of the 1000 Islands.

Kingston is a beautiful lakeside city with European charm and historic architecture. It's home to a range of attractions as well as a vibrant downtown and community events throughout the year.

If you're looking for a quieter pace, Gananoque is the place to be. The small town will transport you back in time and offers old-world buildings, outdoor activities and charming shops and eateries.

Brockville is another destination located within the 1000 Islands. The city is surrounded by shipwrecks and "offers a peaceful escape with serene trails, friendly locals, and a strong sense of cultural heritage," according to Brockville Tourism.

Other communities include Prescott and the 1000 Islands Parkway.

If you're planning on moving and love the outdoors, it might be worth taking a look at listings in the 1000 Islands area.

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.

Canada's 2026 federal income tax brackets are out — Here's how much you'll pay next year

Brackets AND rates have changed — you might actually owe less next year. 👀

Canada's best bank accounts for 2026 were revealed and so many Big Five banks didn't make it

You might want to rethink where you're keeping your money. 🏦 👀

Parts of Ontario are forecast to get more than 30 cm of snow this week

A major snowstorm in the north and lake-effect snow in the south! ❄️

VIA Rail is hiring in BC and you get travel perks without having to travel for work

These positions pay up to $45 an hour or $114,000 a year.