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 |
| Smiths Falls | 61.9 km (38.5 mi) | 1 hr 18 min |
| Perth | 65.6 km (40.8 mi) | 1 hr 22 min |
| Sharbot Lake | 75.1 km (46.6 mi) | 1 hr 32 min |
| Greater Napanee | 80.3 km (49.9 mi) | 1 hr 38 min |
| Napanee | 80.3 km (49.9 mi) | 1 hr 38 min |
Where Thousand Islands National Park sits
Official Thousand Islands National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Drive times from Thousand Islands National Park
Thousand Islands National Park sits close enough to Rouge National Park, Georgian Bay Islands National Park, and La Mauricie National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Rouge National Park | 266 km (165 mi) | 4 hr 22 min |
| Georgian Bay Islands National Park | 316 km (196 mi) | 5 hr 6 min |
| La Mauricie National Park | 358 km (222 mi) | 5 hr 43 min |
Parks close by
- 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. Gananoque, about 17.3 km (10.7 mi) away — roughly 29 min of driving.
When is the best time to visit Thousand Islands National Park?
Generally May through October, with April and early November quieter on either side.