The 1000 Islands Tower stands on Hill Island, at 716 Highway 137 in Lansdowne, and it is the best way to see the whole archipelago at once. An elevator carries visitors up to the first of three observation decks in about 40 seconds, and from there the river lies some 130 metres, or 400 feet, below, with islands, channels and ships spread out to the horizon. A guide is on hand at the first level to answer questions, and the tower promotes fall foliage viewing, when the shorelines turn red and gold. It has been privately owned and operated since 1965 and describes itself as the only attraction of its kind in the 1000 Islands. Tickets are sold at the counter on the day of your visit, and online booking is not offered. The tower is a seasonal attraction, so check its website for opening dates and hours before you drive out.
What to do
Ride the elevator to the first observation deck and take in the panorama, then use the upper decks if the weather suits. On a clear day the view takes in the winding St. Lawrence, the Thousand Islands International Bridge, the dotted islands and the American shore. Take your time at the railings, since the scale of the archipelago is hard to grasp from the water.
The guide at the first level can explain what you are looking at, and the tower works well as a first stop that helps you decide where to cruise or paddle. Bring a camera with a good zoom, and a layer, because it is much windier at the top than on the ground.
Seasons and planning
The tower is open in the warm months and into the autumn, and the season ends in the fall, so a visit in winter is not possible. Hours are not fixed on the site's main page, so confirm them before you set out, and check the weather, as low cloud or fog can hide the view.
Tickets are purchased at the ticket counter on arrival rather than online, and prices are on the counter, so we do not quote them. The tower is a short distance from the Thousand Islands Bridge, which crosses to the United States, so if you plan to cross, carry a passport or NEXUS card, and allow extra time at the border in summer.
Fitting it in
Allow about an hour, including the elevator queue in busy periods. Hill Island is roughly a 20 to 25 minute drive east of Gananoque and about 50 minutes from Kingston, so it works best combined with a Gananoque day or a stop on the way east. Good partners are the cruise from Gananoque, a walk along the river and a meal in town.
For the best colour, visit in the second half of October on a clear day, when the shoreline foliage is at its peak, though the weather turns cooler then. Families will enjoy the elevator ride and the sense of height, though younger children should be supervised at the railings.
A few practical notes
It is often windier at height than on the ground, so dress warmly even on a sunny day, and hold your hat and camera strap tightly. Allow extra time on weekends in October, when visitors flock to see the autumn colour and queues for the elevator can build. If you have a fear of heights, start at the first deck and ask the staff what to expect. Binoculars add a lot to the view, helping you spot ships on the seaway, the bridge spans and the islands' cottages and boathouses.
What to expect
The experience
A self-paced visit to a tall observation tower with a quick elevator to observation decks and wide views over the 1000 Islands.
Best time
A clear morning in summer, or a bright day in October for autumn colour; the tower is closed in winter.
How long
About an hour including the elevator and time at the railings.
Tips
Check the season dates, buy tickets at the counter, bring a layer for the wind and a camera with zoom, and watch for fog or low cloud.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Photographers and first-timers who want the big view of the islands before they cruise.
- Families
- Children enjoy the elevator and the height, but they need supervision on the decks.
- Couples
- Go on a clear day near sunset if the hours allow, or pick an October day for the autumn colours.
- Pair with
- The 1000 Islands cruise from Gananoque and a meal in Gananoque fit the same day.
- Time needed
- An hour on site, plus 20 to 25 minutes' drive from Gananoque.
Good questions
Where is the 1000 Islands Tower?+
At 716 Highway 137 in Lansdowne, on Hill Island, near the Thousand Islands Bridge to the United States.
How do I get to the top?+
An elevator takes about 40 seconds to reach the first of three observation decks, where a guide can answer questions.
How high is the view?+
The tower's site gives the river views as about 130 metres, or 400 feet, below the decks.
Can I book online?+
No. Tickets are sold at the ticket counter on the day of your visit, and online booking is not offered.
When is the tower open?+
It is a seasonal attraction that runs through the warm months into the autumn colour season. Check the website for the current opening dates and hours.
