Gananoque is the base for the Canadian side of the 1000 Islands, about 30 minutes east of Kingston along the St. Lawrence. The town is the gateway to the 1000 Islands, and its waterfront is where the cruise boats leave from. The town's own guide lists a wide spread of things to do: cruises, the Thousand Islands Playhouse and the Royal Theatre, the 1000 Islands History Museum and the Thousand Islands Boat Museum, heritage walks, downtown shops and galleries, Confederation Park with its large outdoor art display, trails, kayaking and cycling on the 1000 Islands Parkway. A farmers market runs on Thursdays from 4 to 7 pm, June through October, at Town Park. Many of these activities are seasonal, and most visitors come between late spring and early autumn.
What to do
Start on the waterfront with a cruise, then spend an hour walking the downtown, where shops and galleries line the main street, and take the heritage walking tour if you like local history. The town's own list adds Thousand Islands National Park for hiking and overnight stays, a theatre scene that centres on the Thousand Islands Playhouse and the Royal Theatre, and a wide choice of water activities including kayaking, boat and sea-doo rentals, swimming and muskie fishing. Cyclists can ride the 1000 Islands Parkway, with bike rentals available.
Seasons and planning
The town's guide gives season dates only for the farmers market, which runs Thursdays from 4 to 7 pm from June through October. Most other activities are warm-season by nature, so in November the town is much quieter and some businesses are closed, while the shops, restaurants and trails that remain open give a calm, off-peak visit. Check individual operators for the days they run, and book the theatre and cruises ahead in July and August. The town is about three hours from Toronto by road and two hours from Ottawa.
Fitting it in
Treat Gananoque as a half-day or a full day from Kingston. Drive east in the morning, take the cruise, have lunch beside the water and walk the waterfront in the afternoon. If you want to stay overnight, the Gananoque Inn and Spa sits right on the river and puts the cruise dock and the town centre within walking distance. The town is also the natural stopover between Kingston and Ottawa or Montreal.
What to expect
The experience
A walkable riverside town with a waterfront, shops, museums, a theatre and the departure point for the cruises.
Best time
Late spring to early autumn, when the cruises, theatre and Thursday farmers market operate; November is quiet.
How long
Half a day for the waterfront and downtown, or a full day with a cruise.
Tips
Check opening days for individual venues, book the cruise and any theatre tickets ahead in summer, and bring a windproof layer for the waterfront.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want a relaxed riverside base and an easy launch point for the 1000 Islands.
- Families
- Parks, a splash pad, a skateboard park and the cruise give children plenty to do in season.
- Couples
- Dinner on the water and an evening stroll along the waterfront, ideally after a theatre night.
- Pair with
- The 1000 Islands cruise and, in season, Boldt Castle fit around a day in town.
- Time needed
- Half a day in town, plus about 30 minutes each way from Kingston.
Good questions
How far is Gananoque from Kingston?+
It is about 30 minutes by road east of Kingston along the St. Lawrence. It is about three hours from Toronto and two hours from Ottawa.
What is there to do in Gananoque?+
The town's guide lists cruises, theatres, two museums, heritage walks, downtown shops, Thousand Islands National Park, trails, kayaking and cycling on the 1000 Islands Parkway. Many are seasonal.
When is the farmers market?+
The market runs on Thursdays from 4 to 7 pm at Town Park, from June through October. It is not open in November.
Is Gananoque worth visiting outside summer?+
It is much quieter, with some seasonal businesses closed, but the downtown shops, restaurants and trails remain. Check each venue before you go.
Where should I stay?+
The Gananoque Inn and Spa is on the river within walking distance of the downtown and waterfront. Kingston offers more hotels and is 30 minutes away.
