Map of the Thousand Islands (Canada Side)

Intent: This page explains where the Thousand Islands are located, how the region is laid out geographically, and how the Canadian and U.S. sides differ.

---

Where Are the Thousand Islands?

The Thousand Islands region is located along the St. Lawrence River, between Lake Ontario and the Canada–U.S. border.
It spans eastern Ontario (Canada) and northern New York State (USA) and is made up of more than 1,800 islands of varying size.

The islands are not in one single town or park. They stretch across a wide river corridor, which is why people often search for a map to understand how the region fits together.

---

Map of the Thousand Islands Region

On a map, the Thousand Islands appear as a long chain of islands scattered through the river rather than one compact cluster.

Key features you will see on a map:

• The St. Lawrence River flowing east from Lake Ontario
• The Canadian shoreline (Ontario) on the north side
• The U.S. shoreline (New York) on the south side
• Groups of islands between the two countries

The most common reference point on the Canadian side is the town of Gananoque, which sits on the north shore of the river and acts as a gateway to the islands.

This map shows the Canadian and U.S. sides of the Thousand Islands region, with Gananoque highlighted as a primary access point.

---

Canadian Side vs U.S. Side (Geographic Layout)

Canadian Side (Ontario)

The Canadian side includes:

• Gananoque – main gateway town to the Thousand Islands
• Ivy Lea – small riverside community near the parkway
• Mallorytown – access point for mainland national park sites
• Rockport – village surrounded by island channels
• Mainland sites of Thousand Islands National Park

This side is known for:

• National park access
• Small river towns
• Highway 401 running parallel to the river
• Island clusters close to shore

U.S. Side (New York)

The U.S. side includes:

• Alexandria Bay
• Clayton

This side features:

• Larger marinas
• Broader river channels
• Major boat routes between islands

Both sides share the same river system, but the political border runs through the water between them.

---

Towns and Communities in the Thousand Islands (Ontario)

These communities appear regularly on maps of the Canadian side:

Gananoque
Located on the north shore of the river, roughly midway between Kingston and Brockville. It is the main service town for the region.

Ivy Lea
A small riverside community east of Gananoque, close to the Thousand Islands Parkway and the U.S. border crossing.

Mallorytown
Inland from the river but important as the access point for mainland trails and sites of Thousand Islands National Park.

Rockport
A village farther east along the river, surrounded by island channels and narrow waterways.

---

Thousand Islands National Park on the Map

Thousand Islands National Park is split between:

• Mainland locations (such as Mallorytown Landing)
• Island sites accessible only by boat

On a map, the park does not appear as one single block. Instead, it is shown as multiple protected areas scattered among the islands and shoreline.

This layout is why visitors often confuse the park with nearby towns or assume it covers the entire region.

---

How to Get to the Thousand Islands (By Map)

From Toronto
Travel east along Highway 401 toward Kingston, then continue toward Gananoque. The region begins just east of Kingston.

From Ottawa
Drive south and west toward Highway 401, then follow it east to Gananoque or Ivy Lea.

From Montreal
Drive west along Highway 401 toward Brockville and Gananoque.

On a map, the Thousand Islands sit roughly:

• 3 hours from Toronto
• 2 hours from Ottawa
• 2.5 hours from Montreal

---

Frequently Asked Questions

---

Summary

This page provides a geographic overview of the Thousand Islands region, showing how the Canadian and U.S. sides are laid out and how towns, parks, and waterways connect. It is designed to help visitors understand where the Thousand Islands are located and how the region fits together on a map.