Activity Guide
Local Area Guest Activity Guide
Thousand Islands, Ontario · Open May through October
Welcome to the beautiful Thousand Islands region! This guide offers a curated selection of activities and attractions to help you make the most of your stay. Whether you're seeking adventure on the water, exploring historic sites, dining at local restaurants, or simply relaxing in nature, you'll find something perfect for your getaway.
On-Property Amenities
Enjoy these amenities right at your cottage:
Private hot tub at each cottage
Fire pit
Weber BBQ grill on your deck
Direct waterfront access to the St. Lawrence River
Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards for rent, or bring your own
Scenic shoreline walks
Water Activities
Boat Tours & Cruises
City Cruises Gananoque (6 Water St, Gananoque)
1-hour and 3-hour cruise options through the islands
5-hour Boldt Castle tour, including 2 hours to explore the castle and grounds
Spectacular views of island cottages and mansions
Onboard bar and snacks available
Bilingual narration with fascinating history
City Cruises Ivy Lea (95 Ivy Lea Rd, Lansdowne)
Convenient location near Watermark (15-minute drive)
1-hour cruise with views of Boldt Castle from the water
1.5-hour extended tour option
Free parking included with ticket
Food available on-site before departure
1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises (Brockville, ON)
90-minute scenic cruise along the St. Lawrence River
Views of waterfront mansions and distinctive island architecture
Bar and snacks on board
Departures from Brockville waterfront (45 minutes from Watermark)
Kayaking & Paddling
1000 Islands Kayaking (110 Kate St, Gananoque)
Guided day tours (3 hours) and multi-day camping trips
Single and tandem kayak rentals (half-day or full-day)
All safety equipment and maps included
Certified guides for tours
Open 7 days a week, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (extended summer hours)
Peck's Marina (near Ivy Lea Bridge)
Close to Watermark Cottages
Fishing boat and pontoon boat rentals
Launch ramp available
Gas dock and full marina services
Historic Attractions
1000 Islands Tower (Hill Island)
400-foot observation tower with 360° views
Three viewing decks overlooking the Canadian islands and St. Lawrence
Knowledgeable staff at the top to answer questions
Gift shop on-site
Hours: 10 AM to 4 PM daily
1000 Islands History Museum (125 Water St, Gananoque)
Free admission by donation
Beautiful exhibits on Thousand Islands history
Extraordinary model ships
Friendly staff with guided tours available
Hours: Tue to Sat, 10 AM to 4 PM (closed Sun and Mon)
Thousand Islands Boat Museum (125 Water St, Gananoque)
Guided tours of preserved luxury boats
Learn about St. Lawrence River boat-building history
Boatshop Café on-site for refreshments
Outdoor Recreation
Parks & Beaches
Joel Stone Heritage Park (125 Water St, Gananoque)
Beautiful waterfront park with walking paths
Small beach and splash pad for children
Playground and amphitheater
Open 24 hours
Confederation Park (10 King St E, Gananoque)
Sculpture park with water fountain
Picnic tables and benches
Wildlife viewing (herons, turtles, groundhogs)
Perfect for photos on the bridge over the Gananoque River
Charleston Lake Provincial Park (148 Woodvale Rd)
30 minutes from Watermark
Hiking trails with varied difficulty levels
Swimming, paddling, and fishing
Rock formations and geology exhibits
No-motor boat areas for quiet paddling
Landon Bay Centre (302 Thousand Islands Pkwy)
Close to Watermark (just down the parkway)
Donovan Trail with a Thousand Islands lookout
Easy to moderate hiking
Parking: $6 for 12 hours (cash or credit envelope system)
Grays Beach Lookout (1000 Islands Parkway)
Small beach right off the parkway
Quick stop for a dip (water shoes recommended)
Benches and picnic spot
Thousand Islands National Park
21 islands with camping, hiking trails, and docking
Accessible by kayak, canoe, or boat
Mooring permits required (available at the islands)
Camping: $15.70 per night per site (some reservable, some first-come)
Arts & Entertainment
Thousand Islands Playhouse (185 South St, Gananoque)
Professional theatre on the waterfront
Broadway-quality productions and musicals
Wine, beer, and concessions available
Hours: Tue to Sat, 11 AM to 4 PM (performance times vary)
Dining Recommendations
Fine Dining
Graydon's at The Woodview Inn (250 King St W)
Upscale dining in a Victorian setting
Exceptional beef tenderloin and pan-seared pickerel
Friendly, knowledgeable service
Hours: Wed to Sat, 5 to 9 PM; Sun, 5 to 8 PM (closed Mon and Tue)
Riva Italian Restaurant (45 King St W)
Rustic Italian cuisine
Outstanding calamari, pasta, and tiramisu
Charming courtyard patio
Hours: Mon to Tue, 5 to 8 PM; Wed to Thu, 11:30 AM to 8 PM; Fri, 11:30 AM to 9 PM; Sat, 11 AM to 9 PM; Sun, 11 AM to 8 PM
Casual Dining & Pubs
Stonewater Pub (490 Stone St S)
Amazing live music
Great fish & chips, pulled pork poutine, and dumplings
Screened porch seating upstairs
Hours: Wed to Thu, 5 to 10 PM; Fri to Sat, 11 AM to 11 PM (closed Sun to Tue)
The Old English Pub (124 King St E)
Authentic British pub atmosphere
Steak and ale pie, fish and chips
Good beer selection
Hours: Mon, Tue, and Thu, 11:30 AM to 8 PM; Fri to Sat, 11:30 AM to 9 PM; Sun, 11:30 AM to 8 PM (closed Wed)
Laverne's Eatery (21 King St E)
Charming brunch spot with excellent coffee
Unique menu items and stuffed croissants
Outdoor patio seating
Hours: Mon, Tue, and Thu to Sun, 8 AM to 3 PM (closed Wed)
Visitor Information
Gananoque 1000 Islands Visitor Centre (10 King St E, Gananoque)
Friendly staff with boat tour advice
Brochures and area information
Free parking and clean restrooms
Hours: Mon to Fri, 10 AM to 4 PM (closed weekends)
Planning Tips
Best Times to Visit
Peak season: July and August (busy boat traffic, warm weather)
Quieter months: June and September (less crowded, pleasant temperatures)
Fall colors: Late September to early October (stunning scenery)
Booking Recommendations
Book boat tours and kayak rentals in advance during peak season
Make restaurant reservations, especially for fine dining
Check weather forecasts before water activities
Island camping permits can be reserved or are first-come, first-served
What to Bring
Water shoes for rocky beaches
Sunscreen and sun protection
A light jacket for boat tours (it can be windy on the water)
A camera for the stunning scenery
Binoculars for wildlife viewing (eagles, herons, turtles)
Cash for some parking areas and small vendors
We hope this guide helps you create wonderful memories during your stay at Watermark Cottages. The Thousand Islands region truly is the "Garden of the Great Spirit," with its crystal waters, lush forests, and endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
Enjoy your stay!
