Thousand Islands National Park
Thousand Islands National Park
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4.0
48 reviews
Excellent
23
Very good
14
Average
7
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Joyyy
Barrie, Canada590 contributions
Oct 2020
Came across this tiny park while biking on the nearby trail. It is really small right on the River, has a few camp sites, a visitor's centre (open only during the summer) and public washrooms (open 8:30-4:30 p.m.). There is paid parking but not really worth a visit unless you plan to spend a day picnicking,boating or camping. Lots of picnic tables and a shelter. A small rocky shoreline that would be nice just to sit and appreciate nature and watch sunsets.
Written October 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arthur M
Hamilton, Canada1,628 contributions
May 2022 • Family
There is no denying that the Thousand Islands are pretty, but I would say the Georgian Bay Islands are much better representation of an archipelago national park than this.
The park itself is pretty disjointed and have to drive through private properties to get in between those sections. As a result, it loses that wilderness vibe that the other national parks show.
Also, the parking fee is a bit of an overcharge. 7.25 a day for parking is overpriced. This should've been covered by Discovery Passes, especially with how disjointed the three mainland sections of the park are.
Hiking is great. Landon Bay lookout is a great recommendation.
The park itself is pretty disjointed and have to drive through private properties to get in between those sections. As a result, it loses that wilderness vibe that the other national parks show.
Also, the parking fee is a bit of an overcharge. 7.25 a day for parking is overpriced. This should've been covered by Discovery Passes, especially with how disjointed the three mainland sections of the park are.
Hiking is great. Landon Bay lookout is a great recommendation.
Written June 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DoverDad
Norfolk County, Canada1,683 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
We stopped here to enjoy the views, but didn't realize you can book a glamping tent here. They look phenomenal! This is a nice spot for a chance to get near the St Lawrence River, and contemplate life.
Written August 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lecdm
Ottawa, Canada35 contributions
Aug 2012 • Friends
PROS
-Renting a kayak from 1000 Islands Kayaking Company in Gananoque is easy and affordable. The kayaks even come with a pass to the national park. The kayaks can fit a lot of gear too (we were going out for 3 days).
-Paddling through shallow parts was really fun. Such a great chance to see sections of the Thousand Islands that larger boats will never see.
-Campsites were clean and well maintained (campsite #2 at Camelot Island and campsite #8 at Aubrey Island both have spectacular views of the water)
-Swimming at Thwartway/Leek Island is great. There's a sandy beach and the water stays shallow for a decent distance.
-The toilets were super clean and built in an environmentally friendly way.
TIPS
-Avoid open water as much as possible. Paddle on the lee sides of the islands to be away from the current & wind. Even if a route through open water seems shorter, It will most likely take more time and be less interesting than if you zig zag through islands
-Campsites are first come first serve. Upon arriving to the island, leave your kayak and your gear but grab a pen and a campsite sheet to quickly grab the best spot. That said, there aren't really any "bad" spots.
-Using cheques to pay for the campsites can be easier to carry than cash.
-For big groups, Camelot has a cluster of 4 campsites.
-Bring a garbage bag since most islands don't have any garbages. Bonus points if you do some shoreline clean up
-Sandals with a heel strap that you don't care about getting wet are ideal footwear. Sneakers or flip flops are not. Neither is going barefoot.
CONS
-Rotting fish (and birds) on some shores can make getting out of the kayak a bit gross. Not really a big deal but not really something you want to step on barefoot.
All in all, it's a great park to visit for either a few hours or a few days! No matter what, it's an adventure.
-Renting a kayak from 1000 Islands Kayaking Company in Gananoque is easy and affordable. The kayaks even come with a pass to the national park. The kayaks can fit a lot of gear too (we were going out for 3 days).
-Paddling through shallow parts was really fun. Such a great chance to see sections of the Thousand Islands that larger boats will never see.
-Campsites were clean and well maintained (campsite #2 at Camelot Island and campsite #8 at Aubrey Island both have spectacular views of the water)
-Swimming at Thwartway/Leek Island is great. There's a sandy beach and the water stays shallow for a decent distance.
-The toilets were super clean and built in an environmentally friendly way.
TIPS
-Avoid open water as much as possible. Paddle on the lee sides of the islands to be away from the current & wind. Even if a route through open water seems shorter, It will most likely take more time and be less interesting than if you zig zag through islands
-Campsites are first come first serve. Upon arriving to the island, leave your kayak and your gear but grab a pen and a campsite sheet to quickly grab the best spot. That said, there aren't really any "bad" spots.
-Using cheques to pay for the campsites can be easier to carry than cash.
-For big groups, Camelot has a cluster of 4 campsites.
-Bring a garbage bag since most islands don't have any garbages. Bonus points if you do some shoreline clean up
-Sandals with a heel strap that you don't care about getting wet are ideal footwear. Sneakers or flip flops are not. Neither is going barefoot.
CONS
-Rotting fish (and birds) on some shores can make getting out of the kayak a bit gross. Not really a big deal but not really something you want to step on barefoot.
All in all, it's a great park to visit for either a few hours or a few days! No matter what, it's an adventure.
Written August 22, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura L
Keswick, Canada11 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
We booked oTentik 3E at Mallorytown Landing for two nights. Overall, the location was convenient, the staff were very friendly and hardworking, they've tried their best to keep the facilities clean and neat. However, here is something you need to consider when you plan your next trip here:
1. There is no shelter for the outdoor eating/picnic area, therefore, your table gets messy (from insects, bugs, and tree fallings, etc) very soon after you clean it.
2. BBQ is the old-school charcoal style, so don't forget to bring in your own charcoal, there is no propane BBQ.
3. Tons of mosquitoes in shower room, so be prepared to be "kissed" when you are most vulnerable. There should be some screen to cover all the openings, don't know why there isn't. There is cold and hot water for both shower rooms, but water temperature can be very inconsistent, especially when the neighboring shower room is occupied. Also it would be better if there is a small sink in the shower room.
4. Otentik 3E is very, very close to the main road - Thousand Islands Pkwy, so if you book this one, noise is something you need to consider. Besides, according to our friends who stayed at 3B, it's not less noisy at theirs too. So I guess the location of the whole site is a main concern, if you want a quiet and peaceful vacation, try to avoid this site.
5. Shower and modern washrooms are relatively far (as compared to some other sites we've stayed before), not situated in between the five otentiks. There is one composite toilet (an outhouse, to be precise) near 3D and 3E. Feel free to try this if your are really interested to experience or you really really need to go, otherwise, I would not recommend this, especially those with very young kids.
6. Water flow/pressure in the washroom is a big problem. No matter how hard the staff is working and cleaning, they couldn't do all. So be prepared to see some unflushed toilets bowls (sorry to have to visualize this again, eww).
7. I understand it's supposed to be an outdoor and natural experience while staying at an otentik, so we brought headlights with us. There are lights in the washroom and shower-rooms, but not in the hallway. Don't understand why. Would recommend Parks Canada to have some motion-sensor lights installed.
8. According to the binder left on the table of each otentik, there is a passcode for using the shower rooms. However, it's not true. The doors can be opened easily, without punching in any code. So I guess non-otentik campers can also share the shower rooms? Just my guess. Hopefully the authority can do something about this.
If you read to this part, I thank you very much for your patience and wish you a wonderful vacation!
1. There is no shelter for the outdoor eating/picnic area, therefore, your table gets messy (from insects, bugs, and tree fallings, etc) very soon after you clean it.
2. BBQ is the old-school charcoal style, so don't forget to bring in your own charcoal, there is no propane BBQ.
3. Tons of mosquitoes in shower room, so be prepared to be "kissed" when you are most vulnerable. There should be some screen to cover all the openings, don't know why there isn't. There is cold and hot water for both shower rooms, but water temperature can be very inconsistent, especially when the neighboring shower room is occupied. Also it would be better if there is a small sink in the shower room.
4. Otentik 3E is very, very close to the main road - Thousand Islands Pkwy, so if you book this one, noise is something you need to consider. Besides, according to our friends who stayed at 3B, it's not less noisy at theirs too. So I guess the location of the whole site is a main concern, if you want a quiet and peaceful vacation, try to avoid this site.
5. Shower and modern washrooms are relatively far (as compared to some other sites we've stayed before), not situated in between the five otentiks. There is one composite toilet (an outhouse, to be precise) near 3D and 3E. Feel free to try this if your are really interested to experience or you really really need to go, otherwise, I would not recommend this, especially those with very young kids.
6. Water flow/pressure in the washroom is a big problem. No matter how hard the staff is working and cleaning, they couldn't do all. So be prepared to see some unflushed toilets bowls (sorry to have to visualize this again, eww).
7. I understand it's supposed to be an outdoor and natural experience while staying at an otentik, so we brought headlights with us. There are lights in the washroom and shower-rooms, but not in the hallway. Don't understand why. Would recommend Parks Canada to have some motion-sensor lights installed.
8. According to the binder left on the table of each otentik, there is a passcode for using the shower rooms. However, it's not true. The doors can be opened easily, without punching in any code. So I guess non-otentik campers can also share the shower rooms? Just my guess. Hopefully the authority can do something about this.
If you read to this part, I thank you very much for your patience and wish you a wonderful vacation!
Written July 3, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Benjamin H
Toronto, Canada14 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
For some time we wanted to take our urban-grown little daughter to experience wilderness and camping. We are not experienced campers so had been looking for sites with fixed tent. This year (2015) we finally found oTENTiks at Mallorytown Landing - and were able to reserve it only because this site did not open for reservation till April 10 while in the mean time, all other provincial or national parks with fixed tent and reasonably close to Toronto were already fully booked by March. We booked oTENTik 3A - one that's closet to shower (at Visitor Centre) as shown on map. We arrived August 14 and stayed for 3 nights. Several pleasant surprises we found: oTentik is spacious and constructed with fine material; hard wood floor; high quality table, chairs, beds, mattress; high quality food locker; and the designated parking for 3A is just literally right outside the entrance of our property. My daughter enjoyed the playground and the exhibits in the Visitor Centre. We enjoyed the beautiful scenary at the site. This site is quite convenient as it is just few minutes drive to HWY 401. The only drawback was noise. Cars and trucks zooming by Thousand Island Parkway definitely interrupted the tranquility of night. There is also a popular boat launch ramp between the oTentiks and the Visitor Centre, and the marine engine of some boats un/loaded sent shock wave to entire site. As 3A is right beside parking lot, the sound of cars/trucks driving on gravel ground were also disturbing in quiet mornings and evenings. This is a dream place for first-time family camping experience.
Written September 27, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HelenaGuerra
Washington DC, DC13,816 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
Cons: no trail signs, visitor center closed during the summer, views are private property.
Almost every corner is private property, especially the waterfront.
There are no trail signs and the visitor center is closed during the summer.
They charge you $6.80 for nothing. They have a lot to learn with the US National Park services.
Almost every corner is private property, especially the waterfront.
There are no trail signs and the visitor center is closed during the summer.
They charge you $6.80 for nothing. They have a lot to learn with the US National Park services.
Written August 30, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michele W
10 contributions
Sep 2016 • Family
At one time you could camp here, not any more. Camping area closed. Beach isn't maintained, over grown... but still has a place to picnic.
Bathroom facilities, boat ramp, children's play area...
Bathroom facilities, boat ramp, children's play area...
Written January 18, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jen J
Toronto, Canada8 contributions
Jul 2013 • Family
My family took a day tour with 1000 Islands Kayaking and then stayed in the park for a couple of nights in one of their oTENTik cabins. It was the best family vacation we have ever taken. The kayking (and guide) was fabulous with tons of interesting sights like sunken ships! The area is simply beautiful and we met some really nice folks. The oTENTik was comfy and kept us out safe from the (few) bugs. We are definitely going back!
Written July 16, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
XploreNature
Ottawa, Canada35 contributions
Jul 2010
This is the closest National Park to my hometown of Ottawa, about 1.5 hours away. We went to kayak the islands. It is a beautiful place, we launched out of Gananoque where it is easy to skip from Island to island for a reasonable cheap beaching pass that can be purchased at the docks on the Park Islands. Managed to find a great campsite as well despite it being a busy weekend. The best time to paddle was right before dusk when the boat traffic dies down a little but when you are out of the main channel it really isn't too bad.
They didn't take credit card for purchasing the beaching pass or camping permit so make sure you bring some cash.
Very different experience from Jasper or Banff because of how many private cottages were nearby, but it was a very beautiful place with each Island having short hiking trails and lots of great spots for swimming and picnics. The bathrooms were cleaner than the ones in my house.
They didn't take credit card for purchasing the beaching pass or camping permit so make sure you bring some cash.
Very different experience from Jasper or Banff because of how many private cottages were nearby, but it was a very beautiful place with each Island having short hiking trails and lots of great spots for swimming and picnics. The bathrooms were cleaner than the ones in my house.
Written May 14, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lee, you might consider googling your information before you answer, clearly you know little about the 1000 Islands, including what defines an island.
Written September 3, 2017
Hello, Im looking at Gordan Island. For me, my wife and 6 year old daughter, it would mean kayaking from the launch site to the island. How far is this? Im trying to find a map but have had no luck.
Thanks for your help.
Written June 17, 2016
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