1000 Islands - Unparalleled Natural Beauty Rich in History

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. 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.

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 great area and have your very own 1000 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 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.

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 - This park is composed of 21 islands and mainland base at Mallorytown Landing and reflects the natural beauty of 1000 Islands. Granite islands speckle the St. Lawrence River in a transition zone between Canadian Shield and Adirondack Mountains. Explore by boating, paddling, or hiking. St. Lawrence Islands National Park celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2004.

This region is also 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.

You can also 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. There are several golf courses within the area. For information contact Visitor Information Office.

Visit 1000 Islands - A great website by 1000 Islands International Tourism Council with searchable database that includes events and attractions that meet your interests. You will also find a lot of information on the region's accommodations, communities and history. This region is unique, offering a wonderful recreation experience that spans two nations and can make a very special vacation.

Great Places Nearby:

Visit Kingston - Kingston, once the first Capital of Canada, has evolved into a vibrant city and the largest port within the world famous Thousand Islands region. Culture and the arts abound, along with fabulous shopping, dining and limitless recreational experiences.

Charleston Lake Provincial Park - Located on beautiful Charleston Lake, this park offers everything from a wilderness experience to organized recreational activities for the family. The park includes hiking trails, swimming areas and campgrounds. The lake includes a number of islands and has an irregular shoreline which makes it an interesting location for canoeing and kayaking.

Fort Wellington National Historic Site - At Fort Wellington, one of the fortified posts the British built to defend its colonies against American invasion in 1812 and 1838, you can relive this precarious period when the fate of Canada hung in the balance.

Kingston Fortifications National Historic Site - Kingston Fortifications National Historic Site is located in and around the harbour area of Kingston, Ontario. Situated at the mouth of the Cataraqui River, and overlooking the confluence of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, the fortifications consist of five separate 19th-century military installations.

The Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve - 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.

Rideau Canal National Historic Site - An historic 19th century military waterway linking rivers and lakes across Eastern Ontario’s countryside, the Rideau Canal is now a popular natural playground, perfect for boating, paddling, fishing, camping, hiking and cycling the canal’s wooded pathways.

Gananouque - Gananouque, visitor's delight within the picturesque 1000 islands is 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.

1000 Islands Tower (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.

Rockport - Don't forget to visit quaint village of Rockport... the true heart of the 1000 islands. You will enjoy this well kept secret jewel of the St. Lawrence River.

Rockport Cruises - Discover and experience the Heart of the 1000 Islands, majestic castles and whispers of a thousand legends, as you cruise the breathtaking 1000 Islands with Rockport Cruises. This wonderfully lush landscape is dotted with luxurious cottages and vast estates.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Maya Gavric, entrepreneur, consultant, former realtor, writer, web developer, artist and marketing coach has been working, researching and reporting on the Internet for years. Her numerous articles offer valuable insight and tips on wide variety of topics. In recent times she has paid particular attention to knowledge management on the Internet and environmental problems, exploring how our attention to hot issues might best transform current situation into better practice.

The article "1000 Islands - Unparalleled Natural Beauty Rich in History" reprinted with permission.