1000 Islands – Park Trail

Length – 38 km (one way)

95 % park path
5 % road, detours

Elevation – Flat, gently rolling hills, 3 m-wide path.

Terrain – New asphalt (2014), some loose gravel.

Skill – Easy

Maps – A few maps, signs on the trail; once on the path, you won’t get lost.

Facilities – Beaches, swimming, picnic areas, hiking trails, restrooms, restaurants, lodging, B&B, camping.

Highlights – Scenic views of the islands, swimming, marinas, and Gananoque.

Trail Fee – Free

Phone – 1 800 437 2233

Website – Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, St. Lawrence Parks, Parks Canada

Similar Trails –  Cornwall Waterfront,  Ajax Waterfront,  Hamilton Beach

Local Clubs – Kingston Velo Club

Access – Parking possible at:

Gananoque Harbour and Marina

Mallorytown Landing – Environmental Awareness Centre

Brockville or Brown’s Bay – St. Lawrence Parks Commission

Picnic and parking spots along the 1000 Islands Parkway

If you are looking for a weekend getaway, then this 38 km waterfront trail along the Thousand Island Parkway might suit your fancy.

Not only is it relaxing, scenic bicycle ride, there are also plenty of other things to see and do afterwards.

Starting just outside the town of Gananoque, the path meanders eastward along the St. Lawrence River, ending at Butternut Bay, just as the Parkway meets Hwy  401 again near Brockville.

Listed as a park ride on this site, it has less of a park and more of a road ride feel to it, which has its own dedicated path beside a road.

There are trees on the sides and grass lawn medians on this relatively straight, wide open parkway. I found the lack of landscaping sterile and a little boring.

If prevailing winds are blowing from the west, they might slow you down on this open trail. That said, there is not much shade on this path, so put that sunscreen on.

This paved path follows the Thousand Island Parkway for all of its length on the north side, and at times it is lower than the highway.

If it was on the south side, closer to the river, then you truly get a Waterfront Trail, as it has been called.

Sure, you can get the occasional view of the water on this ride, but not as the name implies. You may find yourself crossing the road to lookouts to take a picture or two. The good news is the…

Read more of this review in my trail guidebook with better maps, and suggested parking available as an eBook or paperback.