8 Fun Things To Do In The 1000 Islands That Don’t Require Your Passport

Kayak over a shipwreck, see a glowing rainbow tunnel & more!

Staff Writer

There is more to do in the 1000 Islands than seeing Boldt Castle. So to help you plan your next road trip, we gathered up fun activities in the area where you won't need your passport.

From flying in a helicopter to kayaking in a turquoise water paradise, there are so many adventures you'll want to try for yourself.

Enjoy Panoramic Views At A Sky-High Tower

Price: $17 per person

Address: 716 ON-137, Lansdowne, ON

Why You Need To Go: The 1000 Islands Tower has three observation decks where you can marvel at a stunning lookout over countless islands and bright blue water.

Website

Explore An Illuminated Tunnel

Price: Free (donations accepted)

Address: 1 Block House Island Rd., Brockville, ON

Why You Need To Go: For some free fun, you can walk through the Brockville Railway Tunnel to see the rainbow lights that will move all around you.

Website

Kayak To A Shipwreck

Price: $75+ for a guided tour or $55+ for a 3-hour kayak rental

Address: 110 Kate St., Gananoque, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can paddle over bright turquoise water and see a shipwreck, islands and tall cliffs all in one afternoon.

Website

Soar Over The Water In A Helicopter

Price: $99+ per person

Address: 88 County Rd. 32, Gananoque, ON

Why You Need To Go: If you've always wanted to fly in a helicopter, here is your chance. This flight will let you see the 1000 Islands like you never have before as you soar in the sky.

Website

Explore An Adorable Small Town

Price: Free

Address: Gananoque, ON

Why You Need To Go: It is a super walkable town with so much to see and do. Some top sights include the charming town hall, the lighthouse at Joel Stone Heritage Park, and eating at all the restaurants along King Street.

Website

Treat Yourself To Candy Covered Milkshakes

Price: 💸

Address: 133 Main St., Seeley's Bay, ON

Why You Need To Go: For the ultimate sugar-rush, head to Konez for a next-level milkshake topped with a mini cupcake and candy.

Website

Hike To A Stunning Lookout

Price: $6.80 per vehicle

Address: 302 Thousand Islands Pkwy., Lansdowne, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can head to Landon Bay for an easy hike to a fantastic lookout point over the St. Lawrence River and bay.

Website

Drink Boozy Cider

Price: 💸

Address: 75 Quabbin Rd., Mallorytown, ON

Why You Need To Go: With your BFF, you can drink a flight of boozy ciders or cool off with alcoholic slushies while overlooking the orchard.

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.

  • Stephanie White was an Ottawa-based Associate Editor for Narcity Canada. She has been writing mouthwatering food and wanderlust-inspiring articles for Canadians since 2012. She has a B.A. and B.Ed. from Ottawa University. When she isn't writing, you can find her travelling the globe and trying new restaurants. Stephanie has previously been published on Insider, Flight Network, Apartment Therapy, Faces Magazine, Daily Hive, Dished and The Spruce.

You're not a true Ontarian unless you've been to at least 5 of these 12 natural wonders

How many of these have you crossed off your Ontario bucket list?

Canadian banks & public pensions have poured over $35B into ICE contractors

"It's important for Canadians to know that their money ... is being used to invest and attempt to profit from the violence that is happening in the United States right now."

Here's everything you need to know about what's open and closed in Toronto on Good Friday

Quite a few grocery stores are open to shoppers on the stat holiday. 👀

6 of the most wholesome Canadian moments from the 2026 Juno Awards (VIDEOS)

"I totally believe in the Canadian dream, please believe it too." 🥹

What to know about Avi Lewis, the newly elected NDP leader replacing Jagmeet Singh

... And why some provinces aren't happy with the result.