If you’re looking for a boating destination that feels like a true getaway without leaving Canada, the Thousand Islands is hard to beat. Stretching along the St. Lawrence River between Kingston and Brockville (and into the U.S. side near Alexandria Bay), this region is a mix of granite islands, historic cottages, quiet bays, charming waterfront towns, and big-water scenery that still feels intimate when you find the right anchorage.

It’s one of those places where you can do a little bit of everything—easy day cruising, dock-and-dine stops, swimming coves, island hikes, and sunset anchor nights—often all in the same weekend.

Why boaters love it

1) Endless route options (for every comfort level)
You can keep it simple with short hops between marinas and towns, or build a multi-day loop that feels like a mini expedition. The islands create natural “breaks” in the water, so even when the St. Lawrence is moving, you can often find more protected stretches depending on your route.

2) It’s scenic without being remote
You get that “escape” feeling—pine trees, rock shorelines, and open-water views—while still being close to services, fuel, and great stops for food and supplies.

3) It’s a destination that rewards slow boating
This is not a “race to the next spot” area. The best days here are unhurried: a calm cruise, a swim, a walk ashore, and a relaxed evening on the hook or at the dock.

Don’t miss: classic experiences

• Cruise past Boldt Castle / Heart Island area (even if you’re not stopping, it’s a bucket-list view)
• Dock-and-dine in a waterfront town (Kingston, Gananoque, Brockville all make great bases)
• Anchor for a swim in a protected bay (the islands offer plenty of pockets out of the main channel)
• Sunset cruise when the river goes glassy and the islands light up

What to know before you go (practical + safety)

The Thousand Islands are gorgeous—but they’re also real working water with current, traffic, and navigation considerations.

1) Current is part of the experience
The St. Lawrence moves. That affects docking, slow-speed handling, and anchoring. If you’re newer to boating in current, plan your approach early, take your time, and don’t be shy about doing a second attempt rather than forcing a landing.

2) Stay alert for traffic and tight channels
You’ll share the water with cruisers, fishing boats, tour boats, and sometimes larger commercial traffic. Give yourself extra room, avoid cutting corners in channels, and keep a sharp lookout—especially in busy summer windows.

3) Navigation matters here
Between rocks, shoals, and narrow passages, this is a place where you want to be “chart-smart.” Use your chartplotter, keep an eye on markers, and don’t rely on memory from last season—water levels and conditions can change.

4) Plan your fuel and your “Plan B”
Even in popular destinations, things happen: weather shifts, a battery issue, a line fouls the prop, or a small mechanical problem becomes a bigger one. Before you leave the dock, it’s worth doing a quick mental check:

• If the engine doesn’t start, what’s the next step?
• If the weather turns, where’s your nearest safe stop?
• If you need help, do you have your phone charged and your location sharing ready?
• Is my C-Tow Membership up to date?

Best time to go

Late spring through early fall is prime, but mid-summer weekends can be busy. If you can swing it, consider:

• June for comfortable cruising and fewer crowds
• September for warm days, cooler nights, and that “end of season” calm

Make it a “C‑Tow-style” trip: smoother, safer, more fun

The Thousand Islands are exactly the kind of destination where peace of mind pays off. When you’re hopping between islands, anchoring out, and exploring new channels, having a support plan means you can relax and enjoy the day instead of worrying about the “what if.”

Wherever you boat this season—close to home or somewhere bucket-list worthy—our goal is the same: help you spend more time boating and less time stressing. Be sure to have your C-Tow membership up to date!

The C-Tow promo boat in the 1000 Island Poker Run 2025