Things to do in Gananoque: Cruise, play, eat and stay
Ontario’s Thousand Islands region is a fantastic destination for a getaway. There are so many ways to explore this picturesque stretch of the St. Lawrence River, from boat tours to helicopter rides, kayaking and more. You can take in live theatre, enjoy a great meal from a world of cuisines, and grab a drink on a patio on a warm summer evening. Whether you have a day, a weekend, or longer, there are plenty of things to do in Gananoque.
Looking for the best things to do in Gananoque, where to stay, what to eat and more? You’re in the right place! Here’s our ultimate guide to Gananoque, Ontario, the gateway to the Thousand Islands.
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The 7 most popular things to do in Gananoque, Ontario
In Canada, the Thousand Islands region stretches from roughly Kingston to Brockville, with the town of Gananoque in the middle acting as a centrepiece. A boat tour, helicopter ride, and a visit to the theatre are just a few of the essential itinerary items for a first-time visit to Gananoque.
Take a cruise through the 1000 Islands
Although this region is known as the Thousand Islands, there are actually 1,864 islands to explore along this stretch of the St. Lawrence River. This means whether it’s your first time in the area or your hundredth, taking a boat tour is one of the most essential things to do in Gananoque and the Thousand Islands region. You’ll get the most out of your visit by spending some time on the water!
Various cruises are available in the region, from shorter one-hour tours to three-hour or five-hour experiences. Longer excursions typically cross into American waters and include a sail around the famous Boldt Castle. On some tours, you may even be able to disembark at Heart Island to walk through Boldt Castle and see it up close. (If you want to do this when departing from the Canadian side of the river, be sure to remember your passport!)
City Cruises Gananoque leaves directly from the town’s waterfront. You can also find 1000 Islands boat tours that depart from Kingston, Ivy Lea, Rockport, and Brockville.
How to choose the right Thousand Islands cruise >
A helicopter tour is one of the top things to do in Gananoque
If you’ve seen the Thousand Islands from the water, try taking in the views from the air! 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours offers a 10-minute experience, a 20-minute flight with views of Boldt Castle, or alternate itineraries up to an hour in length. This is one of only a handful of things to do in Gananoque that’s open year-round. A winter visit to see the Thousand Islands covered in snow from above remains on our bucket list!
Learn more about how to see Boldt Castle in the Thousand Islands from Canada >
Join a kayaking tour with 1000 Islands Kayaking
If you really want to get on the water and satisfy your sense of adventure, pay a visit to 1000 Islands Kayaking. They offer guided half-day or full-day sea kayaking excursions on the St. Lawrence River. You’ll paddle to a shipwreck, spot wildlife like herons and turtles, and visit Half Moon Bay, a historic spot where outdoor religious services have been held for well over a century.
Experienced kayakers can rent a boat and paddle out to some of the nearby islands of Thousand Islands National Park, including for overnight stays.
Take in live theatre at the Thousand Islands Playhouse
Catching a play or musical at the dockside Springer Theatre is a beloved tradition for many long-time visitors to Gananoque. The Thousand Islands Playhouse calls this facility home and offers a rotating lineup of plays and musicals every season.
Hike to spectacular views at Landon’s Bay Lookout
Thousand Islands National Park protects land on 21 islands within the Thousand Islands region, most of which are accessible to the public. But there’s more to the park than islands: it also has three mainland sections located along the Thousand Islands Parkway with networks of hiking trails.
The closest sector to Gananoque is Landons Bay, which is home to the popular Lookout Trail. Climb the hill to the lookout and take in the spectacular views! You’ll find additional trails to explore in the park’s mainland sectors at Mallorytown Landing and Jones Creek.
Explore more of Ontario’s beautiful Thousand Islands Parkway >
Be on top of the world at the 1000 Islands Tower
Follow the Thousand Islands Parkway east from Gananoque, then take Highway 137 onto Hill Island to reach the 1000 Islands Tower. At a height of 130 metres (400 feet), the 1000 Islands Tower offers some of the best and most unobstructed views in the Thousand Islands region. Note there is a toll to access the Thousand Islands Bridge and Hill Island.
Things to do in Gananoque: the top 6 lesser-known spots
If you’ve been to the Thousand Islands region before, you may be interested in finding things to do in Gananoque outside of the traditional. Several of the town’s museums make great rainy day activities in Gananoque. Here’s a look at some of our favourites.
Visit the Thousand Islands Boat Museum
Gananoque has a rich history of boatbuilding, which you can explore in detail at the Thousand Islands Boat Museum. Its private dock right on the water is home to several watercraft with a direct connection to the Thousand Islands. You’ll have a chance to learn about the boat makers and step on board a classic wooden cruiser for a guided tour. You could even take to the water yourself in a vintage speed boat, a Voyageur canoe, or onboard Little Toot the miniature tugboat!
Learn about Gananoque’s past at the 1000 Islands History Museum
Located just next door to the Thousand Islands Boat Museum, the 1000 Islands History Museum examines the multifaceted history of Gananoque and the surrounding area. Downstairs, you’ll find a gift shop and a hall housing rotating exhibits that change two to three times each year. Upstairs, a permanent exhibit explores the region’s natural history as well as its Indigenous peoples, the War of 1812, Gananoque’s colonial golden age, and much more.
Grab a drink at Gananoque’s Bar Petunia
Bar Petunia is one of Gananoque’s newest additions. Opened in October 2023, it meets the definition of a hole-in-the-wall bar in the very best way possible. With a hand-picked selection of local wines, a widely varied cocktail list, and upscale snacks like pickles, olives, and grazing plates, Bar Petunia has perfected after-dinner vibes in the Thousand Islands. If you’d rather not imbibe, you can pick from a selection of craft sodas to enjoy inside or on their 25-seat patio.
Stroll through the Sculpture Gallery at Confederation Park
Confederation Park is home to an outdoor art gallery right on the shores of the Gananoque River. Not only are there sculptures to admire amid the beautiful backdrop of water cascading from the town’s dam, but this park is also amazing for wildlife spotting. We’ve seen turtles basking on rocks along with swans, ducks, geese, and herons. We even spotted a groundhog on our most recent visit!
Find Gananoque’s own oversized roadside attraction
Fans of oversized roadside attractions will be delighted to discover Gananoque has one of its very own. Find the 1000 Islands Muskie at the east end of town, on the front lawn of the Ramada by Wyndham 1000 Islands/Gananoque. Nearby, King Street East merges with the Thousand Islands Parkway.
Head just outside Gananoque to kayak the Rideau Canal
Kayaking the St. Lawrence River is a popular activity in the Thousand Islands region, but there’s another kayaking opportunity nearby that’s just as special to experience. Rideau Tours is based in Chaffey’s Lock, a small community 45 minutes north of Gananoque that shares its name with its lock station along the Rideau Canal. This fascinating waterway linking Kingston and Ottawa is both a national historic site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Through Rideau Tours, you can rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard and paddle on the canal’s waterways. Along the way, you’re likely to see wildlife like herons and turtles. You may even hear Ontario’s signature summer soundtrack, the call of the loon. Rideau Tours also offers bike rentals for riding along the Cataraqui Trail, a section of the Trans-Canada Trail.
The best places to eat in Gananoque, Ontario
One of our favourite things to do in Gananoque is eat! Gananoque is home to cuisine from around the world. You’ll find options ranging from fine dining to pubs, casual fare, and even authentic Indian cuisine. Here’s a look at some of our top picks, in alphabetical order.
(As a bonus for those who need it, every Gananoque restaurant featured below has safe gluten-free options as of June 2024.)
1000 Curry: Fresh and authentic Indian cuisine in Gananoque
The Indian dishes at 1000 Curry are so fresh and authentic that you’ll find fresh herbs growing on the patio in the summer that go directly into their dishes. Try the chicken biryani — we’re still drooling over it!
Anthony’s: Casual Italian dining in Gananoque
Anthony’s Restaurant in Gananoque serves up Italian dishes in a casual atmosphere. The expansive patio is a great place to spend time during the summer months.
The Ivy: Fine dining just outside Gananoque
With its expertly crafted dishes and spectacular views of the river, The Ivy vies for the title of best restaurant in the Thousand Islands. Located just outside Gananoque on the grounds of the exclusive Ivy Lea Club, this is an ideal destination for a celebratory dinner — even if that celebration is simply the joy of being in such a beautiful part of Ontario.
Laverne’s Eatery: An eclectic eatery in Gananoque
Come for the character, stay for the tacos! Laverne’s Eatery is a Gananoque favourite any day of the week. But if you can only visit once, make it Friday night. Their Fiesta Friday, featuring tacos, birria, and other Mexican fare, is a can’t miss!
Maple Leaf Restaurant: Eastern European fare in Gananoque
Looking for schnitzel, borscht, perogies and rouladen in Gananoque? Maple Leaf Restaurant is the place to find them! This Thousand Islands classic has been serving up homestyle Czech food for more than 30 years.
Muskie Jake’s: Gananoque’s casual pre-theatre destination
With its casual bites and spectacular sunset views, Muskie Jake’s is a go-to pre-theatre dinner destination in Gananoque. It’s located inside the Gananoque Inn, just steps from the dockside Springer Theatre.
The Old English Pub: Classic pub fare and burgers in Gananoque
Whether you fancy a pint or you’re seeking out the best burgers in Gananoque, you’ll find what you’re looking for at The Old English Pub. Sit inside for a classic British pub experience, or enjoy streetside dining on the picturesque patio.
The Purple House Café: Gananoque’s best wood-fired pizza and salads
The Purple House Café is located just up the street from the dock for City Cruises, so it’s a natural spot to grab a bite to eat before a boat tour in Gananoque. The beautiful outdoor space is more garden than patio, and people flock for the wood-fired pizza and decadent salads. Reservations are not available and it gets very busy, so get there early to ensure you can board your cruise on time.
Riva: Italian fine dining in downtown Gananoque
If you catch a heady whiff of garlic and tomatoes just outside the Comfort Inn on King Street, you can bet it’s coming from Riva. This beautifully renovated historic building in downtown Gananoque is an idyllic setting for a delicious traditional Italian meal at the end of a busy day in the Thousand Islands.
The best places to stay in Gananoque, Ontario
Gananoque offers accommodations that range all the way from convenience to adventure. Here’s a look at where to set up your home in Gananoque.
Comfort Inn & Suites Thousand Islands Harbour District
Of the Gananoque accommodations where we’ve stayed, the Comfort Inn & Suites Thousand Islands Harbour District offers the greatest convenience factor. It’s within walking distance of City Cruises, 1000 Islands Kayaking, the town’s museums, and downtown. On top of the clean and cozy rooms, the complimentary hot and cold breakfast buffet is an added benefit.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Comfort Inn & Suites Thousand Islands
Harbour District
✅ Excellent location
✅ Hot and cold breakfast
✅ Indoor pool
Ramada by Wyndham 1000 Islands/Gananoque
The Ramada by Wyndham 1000 Islands/Gananoque is at the east side of Gananoque, making it well-situated for those who will spend most of their time exploring the Thousand Islands Parkway. The rustic rooms are arranged in rows of connected cabins, giving it a camp-like feel.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ramada by Wyndham
1000 Islands/Gananoque
✅ Convenient to highways
✅ Rustic cabin-like rooms
✅ Breakfast included
Camping in the Thousand Islands
If you have your own boat or arrange a paddle-out excursion, you can camp on some islands within Thousand Islands National Park. The primitive campsites and oTENTik permanent camping structures on McDonald Island are the most accessible from Gananoque. We’ve paddled out with a kayak rental from 1000 Islands Kayaking to stay in an oTENTik on McDonald Island, and it’s one of our most memorable national park experiences yet!
If you’d prefer to stay on the mainland, oTENTiks are also available next to the Thousand Islands National Park visitor centre at Mallorytown Landing. Further out, there are even more oTENTiks at Gordon Island, and several more islands within the park have primitive campsites.
Learn more about camping on an island and elsewhere in the Thousand Islands >
We’ll add accommodation options to this list as we get more opportunities to explore!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Gananoque
When is the best time of year to visit Gananoque?
Autumn is an ideal time to visit Gananoque and the Thousand Islands. The turning leaves add to the scenery, and you’ll find it less crowded. Mid to late spring is another great option. If the timing of your visit restricts you to the summer, consider weekdays for more affordable accommodations and better access to activities.
What is Gananoque known for?
Gananoque is Ontario’s gateway to the 1000 Islands. It offers multiple ways to explore the islands, including boat tours, kayaking, helicopter tours, and more. Gananoque also serves as the western access point for the Thousand Islands Parkway and Thousand Islands National Park.
Where is the Thousand Islands region in Canada?
On the Canadian side of the St. Lawrence River, the Thousand Islands region spans between the cities of Kingston and Brockville in Ontario. The town of Gananoque is between these two points and is known as the Gateway to the 1000 Islands.
What does the name Gananoque mean?
The name Gananoque is Indigenous in origin. According to the town website, it has two meanings: “water rising over rocks,” and “garden of the Great Spirit.”
How do you pronounce Gananoque?
Gananoque starts with a hard G sound, as in gas or gum. Say GAH-nah-NAW-kway to get the emphasis correct. Or, if your prefer, do as the locals do and simply call it Gan.
Is Gananoque worth visiting?
As one of the top weekend getaway destinations anywhere in Ontario, Gananoque is absolutely worth visiting for its spectacular views, diverse activities and cuisines, and relaxed riverside town vibe.
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