Weekend Escape: 1000 Islands – Paradise Found

Epic. The one word I would use to describe the 1000 Islands. I fondly remember trying to count all of the majestic islands dotting the St. Lawrence River when I was a kid – little did I know that there are more than 1,800 of them! The region captivated my imagination back then and continues to fascinate me to this day. The scenery is truly nothing short of spectacular. And although every season has its beauty, the summer and fall months are the most breathtaking in my opinion; the ancient rocks are hugged by deep blue waters and lush green forests that slowly turn into the most vibrant fall canvas one could imagine. This, my friends, is paradise found…

Straddling the Canada-U.S. border, the archipelago is home to a dozen or so communities – each with its own unique character. On our most recent visit, we road-tripped to Gananoque, Ontario: the gateway to the 1000 Islands. Located only 3 hrs from Toronto, the town is the perfect place to escape for the weekend. Here’s how…

Stay At The Gananoque Inn & Spa – This charming, historic Inn is bursting with character and has been welcoming guests on the banks of the St. Lawrence River since 1896. It’s centrally located (so you can park your car and walk just about anywhere), the rooms are cozy and the service is warm and friendly. Oh, and you can’t beat the views: this waterfront property had us smiling from ear-to-ear.

DAY 1

Have Breakfast At The Gananoque Inn & Spa – Roll out of bed and head to Watermark Restaurant on the main floor of the Inn. The breakfast buffet has everything you’ll need to fuel up for the day.

Head To Boldt Castle With Gananoque Boat Line – As the largest and oldest cruise company in the region, these guys offer a range of tours that will suit just about everyone. I highly recommend going on the Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise (5 hrs in length) so you can hop off on Heart Island and explore the grande mansion. I’m certain that you’ll find the history of Boldt Castle as fascinating and heart-wrenching as we did. Make sure you take your passports on this tour – the castle is on US soil!

Grab Lunch At 1000 Island Indian Cuisine  – Do not miss this hidden gem if you’re in the area. In fact, the food is so good that I’d consider driving to Gananoque just to devour the dishes that are lovingly prepared by the husband and wife duo. Having dined at hundreds of Indian restaurants across the province, I can confidently say this is one of the best out there. Be prepared to be whisked away to India with Ben’s secret spices and Bobby’s hospitality. The only drawback is that there’s currently no seating (takeout and catering orders only). But after one bite, you won’t care where you feast — it is that good.

Snap Panoramic Photos At 1000 Islands Tower – A 40-second elevator ride will take you to the first of three observation decks where you can marvel at panoramic views of the 1000 Islands, St. Lawrence River and the TI Bridge. Skip the second observation deck (it can get quite windy) and head to the highest level via stairs to snap photos without a window glare.

Enjoy Dinner At Riva Restaurant – This restaurant is gorgeous: floor-to-ceiling windows, striking chandeliers, an inviting fireplace… I could go on and on. Order the Vitello Picatta and you’ll be a happy camper; the veal tenderloin scallopini is perfectly cooked in a white wine sauce and served with herb-roasted potatoes. The crispy capers add a great flavour profile and texture to the dish. The Gnudi Di Spinaci is a very close second. The spinach and ricotta dumplings are packed with flavour thanks to the sauteed mushrooms, pomodoro sauce and pesto. Make sure you book a reservation – Riva is a popular resto! 

Take In A Play At Thousand Islands Playhouse – Named the most charming theatre in Canada by CBC Radio, the company’s productions have delighted audiences for over three decades. We had the pleasure of watching Dear Johnny Deere at the Springer Theatre and absolutely loved it. I think we went through just about every emotion possible as the musical unfolded! The theatre is perched on the St. Lawrence River so get there a bit early to grab a drink and watch the sun set before heading in for a show.

DAY 2

Have Brunch At The Socialist Pig – Two words: Huevos Rancheros. The best we’ve ever had, that is for sure. These guys use local, farm-fresh ingredients in all their menu items and serve up some solid dishes. The space is beautifully-decorated (we loved the coffee counter made from books and the wallpaper made from encyclopedia pages), the service is on point and the espresso-based drinks are expertly handcrafted (order the pumpkin spice latte – you will not regret it).

Soar Above The Islands With 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours – In my opinion, there is no better way to take in the jaw-dropping scenery than on a heli with these guys. They are highly skilled, super knowledgeable about the area and will take you on an exhilarating ride that you will never forget. They offer three tours – 1000 Islands Tour (10 min), Boldt Castle Tour (20 min) and Both Castle Tour (30 min) – all of which are breathtaking. Trust me, their helicopter adventures are reason alone to head to the 1000 Islands. Oh, and they fly year-round! We can’t wait to head back to see how the area transforms during other seasons.

Take A Walk Around Gananoque – Check out the small boutiques and businesses that dot the quaint streets downtown. Make sure to visit the art galleries, local brewery and small sculpture park too.

Have Dinner At The Purple House Cafe – This place is known for their wood-fired pizzas and for good reason: the crust is thin and crispy, the sauce is rich (but not overwhelming) and the toppings are incredibly fresh. But most importantly, the crust-sauce-toppings ratio is bang on — something that is very difficult to master. The hours at this resto are a bit unpredictable so make sure to check their Facebook page before heading over. The patio is the perfect place to bond with friends over a bottle of local wine (we went with the Sandbanks Baco Noir) and a few ‘zas. Oh, and the owner – Kerry – is an absolute gem.

I still can’t believe that this world-class waterfront destination is only a few hours away from Toronto. Synonymous with luxury and opulence during the Gilded Age (late 19th century), this vacation retreat is as majestic as ever. With castles, fantastic dining and picturesque landscapes, it’s a region I highly recommend exploring. I know I’m certainly heading back — I still haven’t counted all the islands!

The accommodations and most meals and activities were complimentary as part of a press trip to the region. As always, all reviews and opinions are entirely my own.