The 1000
islands region
is a 50-mile stretch of international waters that offers boating for
every
taste. It includes the greatest fishing in the world, the best diving
outside
of the Caribbean, the most interesting boat cruising
anywhere, and island after island of magnificient beauty and
fascinating
history. Known by the many as the Caribbean of the North for the
clarity
of the water and many interesting ship wrecks.
The 1000
Islands townships
are blessed with a great natural beauty in their setting along the
magnificient
shores of St. Lawrence River, Rideau Canal and nearby lakes. They will
offer you the perfect balance of heritage, services and contemporary
lifestyles.
You will also find many unique shops and wonderful entertainment with
opportunity
to explore the Thousand
Islands experience. A wealth of activity awaits those who vacation
in the 1000 islands. The only challenge is deciding how to fill your
days.
The St.
Lawrence River have
long been a destination for serious anglers and it is home to 88
species
of fish including such well known game species as muskellunge, northern
pike, both large and smallmouth bass and pickerel. Guides, boat and
motor
rentals, and live bait is available throughout the area.
St.
Lawrence Islands National Park is Canada's smallest national park,
celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2004. Composed of 21 islands and
mainland
base at Mallorytown Landing, the park reflects the natural beauty of
1000
Islands.
This region
is recognised
by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation
as a biosphere reserve and is visited by hundreds of thousands every
year.
There is a
bicycle path that
parallels the 1000 Islands Parkway for more than 22 miles (37 kms). It
also hugs the shoreline of the St. Lawrence River and offers picnic and
rest areas at strategic locations. The hills are gentle, the pathway is
paved and the scenary is spectacular. If you want to try something
different,
hire a water taxi to take you and your bike to Grenadier Island, part
of
St Lawrence Islands National Park and cicle much of the length of this
island for real naturalist's delight. The road is well defined, but it
is not paved.
There are
also several golf
courses within the area. Gor information contact Visitor Information
Office.
Charleston
Lake Provincial Park offers everything from a wilderness experience
to organized recreational activities for the family.
The
Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve - is a narrow corridor of granite
linking the Canadian Shield to the north to New York's State's
Adirondack
Mountains to the south. The
1000 Islands form part of the arch and serves as a land bridge
across
the St.Lawrence River for migration of plant and animal species. There
are some 400 biosphere reserves around the world; 12 are Canadian.
Biosphere
reserves are special areas where the conservation of biodeversity is
reconciled
with sustainable use, The Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve is Ontario's
third.
Visit Gananouque,
visitor's delight within the picturesque 1000 islands. Surrounded by
beautiful
lakes, vast provincial and national parks, the unique Frontenac Arch
Biosphere
Reserve and award winning gardens.
Explore
the lakes and rivers by kayak, canoe or boat or spend time hiking or
cycling
along trails and shoreline hugging the 1000 Islands Parkway. Enjoy cruises,
summer theatre, art shows, craft fairs, golfing, swiming, fishing,
curling,
and more. If you are historically-minded, there is pleanty of history
to
be discovered.
For natural
beauty, with
easy accessibility, there is no other place like the 1000 islands. Rent
a house boat and sail along to enjoy unique scenery and your freedom.
Canadian
classic ships offer
the widest variety of 1000
islands cruises of magnificient waterfront and islands. You could
view
palatial homes of the rich and famous of a bygone era... cruise the
St.Lawrence
Seaway past ocean going vessels. See where the famous river pirate
"Bill
Johnston" hid from the British during the war of 1812.
Visit
beautiful
city of Kingston, once the first Capital of
Canada. Today, Kingston has
evolved into a vibrant city and
the
largest port within the world famous Thousand Islands region. Culture
and
the arts aboung, along with fabulous shopping, dining and limitless
recreational
experiences. Kingston is conveniently located
half-way between Montreal to the east, Toronto
to the west, Ottawa to the north and Syracuse, New York to the south.
Make sure
to take a boat cruise
to Boldt Castle on Heart Island
located in Alexandria Bay, an eternal
monument
to the memory of a man's love for his wife. Take
Boldt
Castle Virtual Tour
NOTE:
Identification required
to visit Boldt Castle (for Canadian and U.S. Customs and Immigration)
The
original inhabitants
called the 1000
Islands Manitouana, the "Garden of the Great Spirit" and truly it
is
fit for the gods. Actually there are over 1800 registered islands. They
are home to seasonal cabins as well as sprawling multi-million dollar
family
homes.
Wolfe
Island is the largest of the world renowned Thousand Islands. It is
located where Lake Ontario ends and the St. Lawrence River begins.
Beautiful
sunrises, breathtaking sunsets and spectacular night-time skies are
part
of its charm. Marysville, the islands village has a Post Office, 2
general
stores & LCBO, a bakery, 3 restaurants, a hair salon, a library, 2
art studios and a gallery, a Town Hall and a Tourist Information
Centre.
Accommodation is available as well as a marina. The island is an ideal
location for those interested in fishing, golfing, scuba diving,
cycling
and bird watching. The prevailing winds offer superb summer sailing and
winter kite boarding opportunities.
The Island
Offers:
-Year-round
ferry service
to Kingston, Ontario
- A seasonal
ferry port
of entry from Cape Vincent, New York
Yearly
events: Wolfe
Island Classic 5K-10K Run, Horse Shows, Family Baseball Tournament,
Church
Suppers, Music Festival, Crime Writers' Festival, Kite Flying Festival,
Chili Fest, Art in the Garden Tour, Santa Claus Parade, Christmas Art
&
Craft Show and more.
Don't
forget to visit quaint
village of Rockport... the true heart of the 1000 islands.
Skydeck
- Take a high speed elevator and enjoy a spectacular, breathtaking view
of the 1000 islands and St. Lawrence River from the 3 Observation
Decks,
400' above the St. Lawrence River. High powered binoculars available on
the decks.
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