The Thousand Islands, also known as Gananoque, have become one of our favourite destinations over the years as travel photographers. We’ve discovered a true gem—friendly locals who might invite you in for a glass of wine and a chat. Honestly, it doesn’t get much better than that.
We love exploring on foot, strolling through streets to admire the beautiful architectural details of homes, churches, and gardens. Every corner tells a story, and there’s always something new to capture through the lens.
Getting here is easy:
- By FlixBus: Around $20 each way, with a stop next to City Hall in the heart of Gananoque—within walking distance of the Comfort Inn. (This is a test run until January 2026.)
- By Car: Just over an hour from Ottawa or under three hours from Toronto. Most hotels offer parking for guests.
City Cruise Boat Tour, Gananoque
1-Let’s start with the 5-hour Boat Tour with City Cruise to Heart Island, where Boldt Castle is located, accompanied by a comprehensive history lesson from the moment you depart Gananoque. This lesson includes the history of George C. Boldt, the millionaire proprietor of the world-famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City.
One of the highlights for me is the size of the Island. He had picked one that showed his love for his wife. There is a heart-shaped view via a helicopter tour. How many heats can you count inside, on the grounds and in the architectural details of the building? Just looking for the hearts, it will keep you busy for a while! And you can come back a few times again, and you will find more. Boldt Castle is only accessible by boat; it has washrooms, food vendors, and an elevator to access many of the floors.
Arriving at Boldt Castle, the closer you get, the more majestic the building becomes. One of my favourite shots is of the Powerhouse and Clock Tower, perched right on the water, with the walking bridge leading up to it. It’s arguably the most photographed part of the castle, and for good reason—it perfectly captures the charm and grandeur of the island.
2 – An Evening at Gananoque’s Historic Theatre
Spend an evening at one of Gananoque’s oldest theatres, where small-scale productions pack a big punch. We caught “Drawer Boy” (the season has ended, but check the theatre for upcoming performances). The play is cute, witty, and intimate, with only three cast members who carried the story brilliantly from start to finish. We laughed, nearly shed a few tears, and then laughed again—the cast was truly spectacular in their roles.
Gananoque actually has two theatres, and there’s a legendary story that a local woman finished plumbing the men’s washroom on opening night. Her determination to get the theatre running reflects the spirit of the community—a dedication that continues today and promises to keep this cultural gem thriving for years to come.
3 – Thousand Islands Boat Museum
Nestled right on the waterfront, the Thousand Islands Boat Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich maritime history. From the air, you can already appreciate the layout of the site, and once there, the collection is impressive. I had hoped to take a ride myself, but the weather had other plans.
Inside, the museum showcases 36 distinctive boats, ranging from the 52-foot Windswept III (a 1935 Ditchburn) to the 12-foot Jelly Roll (a 1936 dinghy built by Hans Nicholsen). The museum also features student-built craft from Gananoque Intermediate Secondary School, including an 18-foot St. Lawrence skiff (2013/14) and four Optimist sailboats. These vessels support on-water programs, boatbuilding workshops, and the preservation of the Thousand Islands’ nautical heritage.
The main exhibit currently honours Charlie Cliffe, founder of Cliffe Craft, who built over 2,500 wooden motorboats during his remarkable 67-year career. Future displays will highlight other renowned builders such as Andress, Malette, Gerrard, and Gilbert.
Visitors can admire Cliffe’s boats, historic skiffs from the 1890s, and other rare craft both inside the galleries and out on the summer docks—perfect for photography and maritime enthusiasts alike.
Disclaimer: Some information sourced from the Thousand Islands Boat Museum website.
4 – 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours
Flying over the Thousand Islands is my absolute favourite activity in Gananoque, and I’ve taken many flights with the team at 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours. They’re my go-to crew in the region, covering tours over Boldt Castle, Singer Castle, the city, and even the Lansdowne Rodeo Grounds for the first-ever Black Creek Rodeo.
The team is always welcoming, professional, and willing to assist with my aerial photography projects. (And yes, I even walked away with a bottle of their famous 1000 Islands dressing—haha!)
I prefer their smaller 4-seater helicopter, which gives me clear, unobstructed views to capture the perfect shot. With their top-notch service and attention to detail, every flight is seamless and unforgettable.
5 – Food, Glorious Food (My Favourite Adventure, Hehe!)
Let’s be honest—eating might just be the best adventure in Gananoque. The town serves up a surprising mix of flavours, from upscale dining to cozy local gems. Here are my top picks:
RIVA Restaurant – For an unforgettable Italian experience, RIVA sets the bar high with its stylish interior, expertly curated wine list, and multiple patios perfect for soaking in the outdoor vibe.
Lavern’s Eatery – A local breakfast legend. Give yourself plenty of time—this spot is popular and absolutely worth the wait.
Maple Leaf Restaurant – Offering a taste of the Czech Republic in a relaxed setting, this hidden gem brought back memories of my travels abroad. Think dumplings, pierogi, hearty goulash, and their famous schnitzels—comfort food at its finest.
The Purple Door Pizza and Café – A local favourite for wood-fired pizzas, prepared outdoors with plenty of smoky flavour. Whether you grab a slice as a snack or settle in for a full meal, their full-service patio and cozy indoor seating make it the perfect stop to refuel between adventures.
The Gananoque Inn – Their menu is packed with local favourites, but here’s my little secret: the butter chicken. Made from the chef’s family recipe, it’s perfectly spiced, bursting with flavour, and served in generous portions that will more than satisfy.
Food Crawl Tip: Bring a big appetite and plan a mini Gananoque food crawl—start with breakfast at Lavern’s, share a wood-fired pizza at Purple Door for lunch, taste dumplings at Maple Leaf, and finish the night with dinner and wine at RIVA or The Gananoque Inn. Your taste buds will thank you.
Where to stay
When it comes to staying in Gananoque, you’ll find two main hotels along with a variety of motels, inns, and cozy B&Bs. Personally, I keep coming back to The Gananoque Inn & Spa and the Comfort Inn Seasonal only (Breakfast included)—both are perfectly located near my favourite restaurants, activities, and attractions.
P.S. There is a new hotel on the outskirts close to the Casino.
If you’re lucky enough to snag a riverside room at The Gananoque Inn & Spa, you’ll be treated to unforgettable sunsets over the St. Lawrence River—easily one of the most memorable views in town.
Fall is Here—Time to Chase the Colours in Gananoque, Ontario!
Gananoque is bursting into its autumn wardrobe, and now is the perfect time to visit. Most activities run year-round, though a few hotels and restaurants take a winter break—so don’t wait too long.
Helicopter tours over the St. Lawrence River are a must, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the islands glowing in golds, reds, and oranges as they shed their summer greens.
As of September, the foliage is already about 40% turned—and getting brighter by the day.
Book your fall getaway now and catch the Thousand Islands at their most magical.
On my way to my next adventure, bye for now!
Check out spring in the 1000 Islands
Roland Bast
Some of the colours will be popping up over the next few weeks.
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