Thousand Islands National Park: planning guide
Scattered St. Lawrence islands and mainland parcels east of Kingston. Oldest park east of the Prairies.
Thousand Islands National Park is in ON, Canada. The nearest town is Gananoque — roughly 17.3 km (10.7 mi) out, about 29 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: May through October. Shoulder season: April and early November.
Winter brings cold, shorter days, and reduced services, though lower-elevation trails often stay walkable.
Peak summer weekends and autumn colour weekends fill parking lots early — arrive before mid-morning.
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Gananoque | 17.3 km (10.7 mi) | 29 min |
| Brockville | 34 km (21.1 mi) | 48 min |
| Kingston | 44.3 km (27.5 mi) | 59 min |
| Williamsville | 45.4 km (28.2 mi) | 1 hr 1 min |
| Kingscourt | 45.5 km (28.3 mi) | 1 hr 1 min |
| Strathcona Park | 46.9 km (29.1 mi) | 1 hr 2 min |
| Calvin Park | 47.5 km (29.5 mi) | 1 hr 3 min |
| Polson Park | 48 km (29.8 mi) | 1 hr 3 min |
Where Thousand Islands National Park sits
Official Thousand Islands National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Parks you could combine with it
- Rouge National Park
Canada’s national urban park along Toronto’s Rouge River — wetlands, farmland remnants, and city access.
- Georgian Bay Islands National Park
Small islands in Georgian Bay, with Beausoleil as the main hub. Boat access, Precambrian rock, and forest.
- La Mauricie National Park
Laurentian lakes and hills north of Shawinigan. Canoe routes, forests, and wood turtle habitat.
- Bruce Peninsula National Park
Niagara Escarpment shoreline on Lake Huron with clear water, cliffs, and the Bruce Trail. Part of a UNESCO biosphere.
Common questions
Where is Thousand Islands National Park?
Thousand Islands National Park sits in ON, Canada, and the closest town of any size is Gananoque — about 29 min away.
When is the best time to visit Thousand Islands National Park?
Generally May through October, with April and early November quieter on either side.