1000 Islands, Gananoque: Your Ultimate What to Do, Eat, and Stay guide.Gananoque, Ontario.
I recently visited the 1000 Islands, Gananoque: your ultimate guide to what to do, eat, and stay. It is located in one of Ontario’s hidden gems. Gananoque, Ontario, is nestled in this beautiful region. It offers breathtaking landscapes and charming gardens. The welcoming locals made me feel right at home. One even invited me to help with their garden, wine in hand!
1. Soar Above the Islands with a Helicopter Tour
Kick off your adventure with a bird’s-eye view of the 1000 Islands and Boldt Castle.
Kouri’s Fly 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours (around $99) offers an unforgettable perspective of the St. Lawrence River — turquoise channels, tiny islands, and castle spires that look straight out of a storybook.
If you visit in summer, plan your flight around golden hour — the light is phenomenal for photography.
2. Savour Dinner at The Purple House Cafe (Pizzeria), Gananoque, Ontario
📍 165 King St E, Gananoque
A must-visit for wood-fired pizza lovers. The Purple House Café pairs rustic charm with fresh, local ingredients. Their thin-crust pizza and side salad are simple perfection, especially when enjoyed outdoors near the café’s crackling pizza oven.
3. Stroll Through Gananoque’s Charming Streets
Take your time exploring local shops, galleries, and cafés. Gananoque is filled with gardens and character, where friendly residents tend to their flowerbeds and share stories. Every street offers something worth photographing — a mix of heritage homes, colourful blooms, and maritime details.
4. Experience the Rodeo at Lansdowne Fairgrounds
One of my highlights this year was the Black Creek Rodeo at the Lansdowne Fairgrounds — a two-day event bursting with energy. Riders, clowns, and families came together to celebrate local talent and community spirit. Launched in 2024, this annual event is already becoming a favourite — make sure to catch the 2025 edition.
5. Explore the Islands with a Rockport Boat Tour
You can’t visit Gananoque without heading out on the water.
Rockport Cruises provides spectacular views of Boldt Castle and the surrounding islands. Even if you’ve toured before, it’s worth revisiting for fresh perspectives — sunrise and sunset cruises are particularly beautiful. Remember your passport if you plan to visit Boldt Castle itself (it’s in the U.S.).
6. Experience Vintage Charm: Ride the Skiffy at 1000 Islands, Gananoque’s Waterfront Boat Museum
Located right on the waterfront, the Boat Museum celebrates Gananoque’s rich maritime heritage. If the weather cooperates, book a ride on the Skiffy — a vintage-style wooden boat built by local students. It’s a small-town experience that perfectly captures the spirit of the 1000 Islands.
7. Where to Stay: Comfort Inn, Gananoque
📍22 Main St, Gananoque, ON
The Comfort Inn is a convenient, comfortable base for your stay. Spacious rooms, a seasonal pool, and complimentary breakfast make it a solid choice — plus, it’s within walking distance of most downtown attractions.
Why I Love Gananoque
I’ve visited the 1000 Islands region countless times, but Gananoque always feels like a place that still has secrets to share. What I love most is the balance between adventure and calm — you can soar over the islands one moment and chat with a local gardener the next.
There’s a down-to-earth pride here, a genuine warmth that makes every visit personal. From helicopter rides to wood-oven pizza, this town captures everything I admire about small-town Ontario: creativity, community, and a constant connection to the water.
Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Gananoque
The region shines from May to October, when boat tours, gardens, and local patios are all in full swing. Fall offers stunning colours, while summer is perfect for festivals and outdoor adventures.
A weekend is ideal — two to three days lets you experience the town, take a boat or helicopter tour, and enjoy a few relaxed meals along the waterfront.
Don’t miss Kouri’s Helicopter Tours, the Rockport Boat Cruise, the Purple House Café, and the Boat Museum. If you’re here during summer, check out the Black Creek Rodeo for a true local experience.
Gananoque offers the best of the 1000 Islands region — breathtaking scenery, history, and hospitality. It’s small enough to feel intimate yet full of adventures that make big memories.
About the Author
Roland Bast is a Canadian travel photographer and visual storyteller based in Ottawa. A member of TMAC (Travel Media Association of Canada), he specializes in capturing the emotion, culture, and beauty of Canadian destinations through authentic storytelling and original photography.
Written and photographed by Roland Bast.
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