Thousand Islands National Park

Thousand Islands National Park protects a chain of small granite islands, islets, and mainland properties along the St. Lawrence River between Kingston and Brockville, Ontario. Anchored by the visitor hub at Mallorytown Landing and by boat-only island clusters near Gananoque and Rockport, the park showcases windswept pines, clear bays, and the wildlife-rich Frontenac Arch—where the Canadian Shield links to New York’s Adirondacks. Note: The park was known as St. Lawrence Islands National Park from 1904 to 2013.

At a glance — Thousand Islands National Park

Location	St. Lawrence River (Kingston–Brockville reach), near Gananoque, Rockport, and Mallorytown
Province	Ontario
Established / name change	1904 (as St. Lawrence Islands); renamed 2013 (Thousand Islands)
Area (approx.)	≈ 24 km² (multiple islands + small mainland parcels)
Notable features	Canadian Shield granite & white pines; clear channels & shoals; island campsites & oTENTik; Mallorytown Landing visitor centre; Jones Creek & Landon Bay trails
Nearby communities	Gananoque, Rockport, Ivy Lea, Mallorytown, Lansdowne, Brockville; regional hub: Kingston

Overview

Canada’s oldest national park east of the Rockies, Thousand Islands is a boat-centric park of pink-granite shores, pocket beaches, and sheltered coves. Many islands retain a backcountry feel, while mainland sites provide easy access for picnicking, short hikes, and family programs. The park lies within the Frontenac Arch UNESCO Biosphere, noted for high biodiversity and species at risk.

Landscapes and ecosystems

Shield islands & channels: Smooth granite slabs, rock barrens, and windswept white pines define the classic Thousand Islands look.
Wetlands & coves: Cattail marshes, beaver ponds, and quiet backwaters along mainland parcels host turtles, herons, and dragonflies.
Forests & barrens: Oak–pine ridges and mixed hardwoods support rare plants and reptiles on thin soils and sunny rock.
Wildlife (highlights): Common loon, osprey, herons; turtles (e.g., Blanding’s), frogs and snakes; white-tailed deer and fox. Observe wildlife only—keep distance.

Things to do

Island hopping by boat: Explore Beaurivage, Camelot, Gordon, McDonald and other island clusters; many landings have docks/picnic areas.
Camping & roofed stays: Designated island campsites and seasonal oTENTik units (book ahead). Pack in water and supplies.
Paddling & swimming: Kayak/SUP among islets and bays; water is clear but often cool—watch for currents and boat wakes.
Hiking (mainland): Short trails at Jones Creek and Landon Bay (lookouts, wetlands, forest loops). Mallorytown Landing offers easy riverside strolls and exhibits.
Cycling (adjacent): The Thousand Islands Parkway multi-use trail parallels the river and links park access points (managed outside the park).

Access and visitor services

Road access: From Hwy 401, follow signed exits to the Thousand Islands Parkway; the main hub is Mallorytown Landing (visitor centre, docks, day-use).
Boat access: Private boats, marinas, and local water taxis/shuttles (from Gananoque, Rockport, Ivy Lea) provide island landings. Obey speed limits and no-wake zones.
Reservations: Required for island campsites and oTENTik; recommended in peak summer.
Supplies & services: Groceries, fuel, and outfitters in nearby towns; limited potable water on islands—bring treatment or carry-in.

Safety and low-impact travel

Boating hazards: Hidden shoals, narrow channels, strong currents, and busy shipping lanes—use charts, PFDs, and lights; monitor marine forecasts.
Slippery rock & zebra mussels: Rock surfaces and submerged areas can be sharp/slippery—wear sturdy footwear/water shoes.
Wildlife & vegetation: Do not handle turtles or snakes; keep dogs leashed; avoid trampling thin-soiled barrens and cliff-edge plants.
Ticks & poison ivy: Stay on paths; do tick checks after hikes.
Pack out all waste, minimize camp impacts, and follow fire bans and posted closures.

External links (official)

Parks Canada — Thousand Islands National Park: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/on/1000
Parks Canada — Visit & Mallorytown Landing: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/on/1000/visit
Parks Canada — Reservations (camping / oTENTik): https://reservation.pc.gc.ca
Parks Canada — Important bulletins (closures, safety, fire bans, wildlife): https://parks.canada.ca/amnc-nmca/imp