Things to Do in Gananoque, Ontario
Last updated: September 22, 2026
Gananoque is the main Canadian gateway to the 1000 Islands, 29 km east of Kingston on Highway 401. Most visitors come for three things: a 1000 Islands cruise from the town dock, a show at the Thousand Islands Playhouse downtown, and the free parks and beach along the St. Lawrence. Below are 15 things to do, grouped by on the water, in town, free, and with kids, each with its 2026 price and season. Several close in October, so check the dates first.
What are the top things to do in Gananoque?
The five things most people plan a Gananoque day around are a boat cruise, the Playhouse, Joel Stone Park and beach, the 1000 Islands History Museum, and a paddle among the islands.
- 1000 Islands cruise from the dock at 280 Main Street.
- Thousand Islands Playhouse, two theatres at 185 South Street, running to November 7.
- Joel Stone Park and beach, free, at the end of Water Street.
- 1000 Islands History Museum, open all year at 125 Water Street.
- Kayaking from 110 Kate Street, until October 12, 2026.
This is a planning list, not a ranking.
October heads up. Gananoque is a summer town. Here is what closes in fall 2026:
| Attraction | 2026 season ends | What stays open after |
|---|---|---|
| 1000 Islands Kayaking | October 12 | Free launches at your own risk |
| Thousand Islands National Park, Mallorytown Landing and islands | October 12 | Parkway lookouts |
| 1000 Islands Tower | October 18 (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays from September 1) | |
| 1000 Islands cruises | October 31 (1 and 3 hour cruises); last Boldt Castle stopover October 12 | |
| Thousand Islands Playhouse | November 7 (Come From Away, Springer Theatre) | |
| 1000 Islands History Museum | Open all year | Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm, October to June |
| Festival of Lights | Starts November 27 | Candy Cane Lane lit through the holidays |
For the full list across the region, see the 1000 Islands fall closing list.
What can you do on the water in Gananoque?
You can take a sightseeing cruise, rent a kayak, launch your own boat free from a town ramp, or swim at Joel Stone beach in summer.
1000 Islands cruises (City Cruises Gananoque). The boat line formerly known as Gananoque Boat Line now runs as City Cruises Gananoque from 280 Main Street. It sails a 1 hour loop, a 3 hour cruise past Boldt Castle and Millionaire's Row, and a 5 hour trip with a 2 hour stopover at Boldt Castle on Heart Island. The castle is in the United States, so everyone getting off clears US customs on the island. Bring a passport or NEXUS card (City Cruises also accepts an enhanced driver's licence, and a birth certificate for children under 16). Fares change by date and only show in the booking calendar, so check current rates. In 2026 the 1 and 3 hour cruises run to October 31, and the last Boldt Castle stopover is October 12. Drawback: the dock lot fills on summer weekends (parking options are in Getting to Gananoque).
Kayak rentals and guided tours (1000 Islands Kayaking). Based at 110 Kate Street, by the town's free kayak launch. 2026 rentals: a single kayak is $45 for 2 hours, $65 for a half day and $85 for a full day, plus tax and fees. Guided half day tours are $85 for adults and $65 for kids plus HST, three hours, with a two-person minimum. Minimum age 6. Season: May 9 to October 12, 2026. Bookings inside 48 hours are by phone only.
Launch your own boat, canoe or kayak. The Town has five launches and all are free to use, at your own risk:
| Launch | Address | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Municipal Marina launch | 21 Bay Street | Boats under 24 feet |
| Lions boat launch | Kate Street at St. Lawrence Street | Boats over 24 feet (15 minute parking at the ramp) |
| Day dock and kayak launch | 110 Kate Street | Kayaks and canoes, 3 hour day docking |
| River Street boat launch | North end of River Street | Small boats, kayaks, canoes |
| River Street canoe and kayak launch | 165 River Street | Kayaks and canoes, limited free parking |
The Municipal Marina at 21 Bay Street takes transient boats up to 48 feet at $3.62 per foot per day in 2026, and it is a CBSA telephone reporting site for boaters arriving from the US side. See Getting to Gananoque.
Swimming. Joel Stone Beach has sand, a deep water swim dock and a splash pad. Grass Creek Park, west on Highway 2, is the other town beach. Water testing runs late June to Labour Day, so in October it is a walk, not a swim.
Thousand Islands National Park. Parks Canada's mainland base is Mallorytown Landing, 2 County Road 5, on the Parkway; the islands are boat access only. 2026 fees: $9.50 day parking, $19.50 a night for island camping, youth 17 and under free. Open to October 12, 2026.
- 1000 Islands History Museum125 Water Street, Gananoque, ON K7G 3E3(613) 382-2535
- 1000 Islands Kayaking110 Kate Street, Gananoque, ON K7G 1G0(613) 463-9564
- 2 Rivers Inn350 Stone Street South, Gananoque, ON K7G 2A4(416) 899-8715
- Best Western Plus 1000 Islands Hotel & Suites777 King Street East, Gananoque, ON K7G 1H4(613) 382-8338
- Chrysler House75 King Street West, Gananoque, ON K7G 2G2(613) 382-4590
- City Cruises Gananoque280 Main Street, Gananoque, ON K7G 2M2(613) 382-2144
- Colonial Resort780 King Street West, Gananoque, ON K7G 2H5(800) 267-9497
- Comfort Inn & Suites Thousand Islands Harbour District22 Main Street, Gananoque, ON K7G 2L7
- Imperial Inn Thousand Islands555 King Street East, Gananoque, ON K7G 1H1(613) 463-8999
- Pangea House112 First Street, Gananoque, ON K7G 2J1(613) 463-9595
- Riviera Inn and Suites 1000 Islands650 King Street East, Gananoque, ON K7G 1H3(613) 382-1453
- Stonewater Manor490 Stone Street South, Gananoque, ON K7G 2A4(613) 382-2542
- The Gananoque Inn & Spa550 Stone Street South, Gananoque, ON K7G 2A8(613) 382-2165
- The Woodview Inn250 King Street West, Gananoque, ON K7G 2G6
- Thousand Islands Playhouse185 South Street, Gananoque, ON K7G 1A1(613) 382-7020
- Travelodge by Wyndham Gananoque785 King Street East, Gananoque, ON K7G 1H4(613) 382-4728
- Trinity House Inn90 Stone Street South, Gananoque, ON K7G 1Z8(613) 893-5555
What is there to do in Gananoque town?
In town you can see a show at the Playhouse, spend an hour at the history museum, and walk King Street and the waterfront. The Tower and the Parkway are a short drive east.
Thousand Islands Playhouse. 185 South Street, downtown. Two stages: the Springer Theatre and the Firehall Theatre. 2026 regular adult tickets are $54.50 for a Springer musical, $45 for a Springer play and $40 for a Firehall play; youth under 20 pay $24. Add HST and fees. This fall: Wonderful Joe at the Firehall to October 4 and Come From Away at the Springer to November 7. It's a Good Life If You Don't Weaken (October 22 to November 8) is a Playhouse show staged at the Kingston Grand Theatre, not in Gananoque. Free parking at 300 Arthur Street, a 6 minute walk.
1000 Islands History Museum. 125 Water Street, on the old Thousand Islands Railway station site. About 10,000 years of local history, from First Nations to the War of 1812 and the island estates. Daily 10 to 4 through September, then Tuesday to Saturday 10 to 4 October to June. Admission: check current rates.
King Street and downtown. Most of the shops, cafes and restaurants are on or just off King Street. Every Gananoque listing is on the Gananoque hub.
- 1000 Islands Trading Co.95 King Street East, Gananoque, ON K7G 1E8(613) 382-4012
- Becker Shoes Gananoque180 King Street East, Gananoque, ON K7G 1G3(613) 382-2633
- Dockside Restaurant & Gift Shop280 Main Street, Gananoque, ON K7G 2M2(613) 318-5105
- Slate’s Marine Construction Gift Shop and More16 Reynolds Road Unit 4, Leeds and the Thousand Islands(613) 802-1971
- The Gananoque Inn & Spa550 Stone Street South, Gananoque, ON K7G 2A8(613) 382-2165
- The Woodview Inn250 King Street West, Gananoque, ON K7G 2G6
Skydive Gananoque. Tandem jumps, operating since 1971. Check current rates and dates on its site.
1000 Islands Tower. On Hill Island at 716 Highway 137, Lansdowne, east of town off the Parkway or 401 exit 661. An elevator runs to the first deck, 130 metres up, with two open decks above. 10 am to 4 pm, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays from September 1, season ends October 18. Kids five and under free; check current rates. Hill Island is Canadian (the CBSA post is on the island), so you do not cross into the US.
The 1000 Islands Parkway. The Parkway starts at the 401 split just east of Gananoque (exit 647) and runs 39 km along the river to Butternut Bay. Landon Bay, on the Parkway, has a lookout.
- 1000 Islands History Museum125 Water Street, Gananoque, ON K7G 3E3(613) 382-2535
- Thousand Islands Playhouse185 South Street, Gananoque, ON K7G 1A1(613) 382-7020
What free things are there to do in Gananoque?
Joel Stone Park, the town boat launches, Landon Bay and the November Festival of Lights are all free.
- Joel Stone Park. Beach, swim dock, splash pad and washrooms (8 am to 9 pm in season), at the end of Water Street.
- Town launches. All five are free if you bring your own boat.
- Landon Bay. A lookout and a flat rock swimming spot on the Parkway.
- Festival of Lights. The tree lighting and the opening of Candy Cane Lane are Friday, November 27, 2026, 6 to 8 pm, at Town Hall Park, 30 King Street East. Food bank donations welcome. The Santa Claus Parade is Saturday, November 28, at 5:30 pm, and Candy Cane Lane stays lit through the holidays. More in Christmas markets and holiday events in the 1000 Islands and Winter in the 1000 Islands.
What can you do in Gananoque with kids?
With kids, the easy wins are the splash pad and beach at Joel Stone Park, the 1 hour cruise, a guided kayak tour (kids $65), the hands-on museum and the Tower.
- Splash pad, free, 8 am to 8 pm in season.
- 1 hour cruise, the shortest sailing.
- Tandem kayak, $35 for a child for a half day (age 6 and up).
- History museum, which offers hands-on children's activities.
- Playhouse, $24 for anyone under 20.
- 1000 Islands Kayaking110 Kate Street, Gananoque, ON K7G 1G0(613) 463-9564
- Gananoque Golf & Country Club211 Golf Club Lane, Gananoque, ON K7G 2V5(613) 382-1670
- Greene Acre Golf Club230 County Road 32, Gananoque, ON K7G 2V3(613) 382-4653
- Skydive Gananoque258 Airport Road, Gananoque, ON K7G 2V3(844) 586-7426
Is Gananoque worth visiting?
Yes, for a day or an overnight from May to mid October, when the cruises, kayaks and Playhouse are all running. After that it is a quiet river town with the museum, shops, restaurants and November holiday events, and no big-city nightlife in any season.
Staying over? See Where to Stay in Gananoque. Thinking of moving? See Living in Gananoque, Ontario.
What is Gananoque known for?
Gananoque is known as the Gateway to the 1000 Islands. It is where the island cruises leave from on the Canadian side, the Thousand Islands Playhouse has been staging shows there since 1982, and it sits at the west end of the 1000 Islands Parkway.
Where is Gananoque and how do you get there?
Gananoque is on the St. Lawrence River in Leeds and Grenville, 29 km east of Kingston and about 52 km west of Brockville on Highway 401.
| From | Distance or time | Highway 401 exit |
|---|---|---|
| Kingston | 29 km, about 30 minutes | Exit 645 (County Road 32 into town) |
| Brockville | About 52 km, 35 to 40 minutes | Exit 648 (Highway 2, King Street) westbound, or exit 645 |
| Ottawa | About 2 hours | Exit 645 or 648 |
| Toronto | About 3 hours | Exit 645 or 647 |
| Montreal | About 3 hours | Exit 645 or 648 |
| US border (Thousand Islands Bridge) | About 15 minutes | Exit 661 (Highway 137) |
Train, bus, parking, the bridge toll and border rules are in Getting to Gananoque.
Things to do in Gananoque compared
| Activity | Type | Season (2026) | Price (2026) | Time needed | Listing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 Islands cruise (1, 3 or 5 hours) | Water, kids | May into fall, check calendar | Check current rates | 1 to 5 hours | See listing |
| Thousand Islands Playhouse | Town | To November 7 | $40 to $54.50 adult, $24 youth, plus HST and fees | 2 to 3 hours | See listing |
| Joel Stone Park, beach and splash pad | Free, kids | Beach and splash pad in summer; park all year | Free | 1 to 3 hours | |
| 1000 Islands History Museum | Town, kids | All year | Check current rates | 1 hour | See listing |
| Kayak rental | Water | May 9 to October 12 | From $45 (2 hours, single) | 2 hours to multi-day | See listing |
| Guided kayak half day | Water, kids | May 9 to October 12 | $85 adult, $65 child | 3 hours | See listing |
| Town boat and kayak launches | Water, free | Season | Free | Your call | |
| Thousand Islands National Park | Water | To October 12 | Parking $9.50; youth free | Half day | |
| 1000 Islands Tower | Kids | To October 18 | Kids 5 and under free; check current rates | 1 hour | See listing |
| 1000 Islands Parkway drive | Free | All year | Free | 1 to 3 hours | |
| Landon Bay lookout | Free | All year | Free | 30 minutes | |
| Skydive Gananoque | Town | Check site | Check current rates | Half day | See listing |
| King Street shops and cafes | Town | All year | Free to browse | 1 to 2 hours | Gananoque listings |
| Festival of Lights and Santa Claus Parade | Free, kids | November 27 and 28 | Free | Evening |
FAQ
Is Gananoque worth visiting?
Yes, for a day or a night between May and mid October, when the cruises, kayak rentals and Playhouse are all running. In late fall and winter it is quiet: the museum, restaurants, shops and the November Festival of Lights are the draw.
What is Gananoque known for?
It is known as the Gateway to the 1000 Islands. The Canadian island cruises leave from its dock, the Thousand Islands Playhouse has staged shows there since 1982, and the 1000 Islands Parkway starts at its east end.
Where is Gananoque?
Gananoque is on the St. Lawrence River in Leeds and Grenville, Ontario, 29 km east of Kingston on Highway 401. The Thousand Islands Bridge to New York is about 15 minutes east.
Is there a beach in Gananoque?
Yes. Joel Stone Beach, at the end of Water Street east of the marina, has sand, a deep water swim dock and a splash pad. The health unit tests the water weekly from late June to Labour Day. Grass Creek Park, west on Highway 2, is the other town beach.
See all Gananoque businesses · 1000 Islands events · Where to stay in Gananoque · Getting to Gananoque
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