1000 Islands, Gananoque
Parks & Trails
There are many ways to explore the natural beauty that surrounds the Town of Gananoque and the 1000 Islands.
Take a leisurely stroll through one of our many parks discovering the natural habitat or breathtaking sculptures displayed at many of these areas.
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For the more adventurous hiking and cycling has become very popular in our region because of the vast amount and unique trails available for these experiences.
Area Parks
Joel Stone Heritage Park and Splash pad
Located on Water Street, on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, this park provides an excellent view of the St. Lawrence and some of its famous islands. Bring your bathing suit and a picnic lunch and enjoy a dip in the river at the Joel Stone Beach. A great way to spend a warm summer afternoon.
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Bluff Park
Located on Windsor Lane, “The Bluff” is one of Gananoque’s hidden treasures. A perfect vantage point view the islands. Enjoy a quiet picnic and enjoy the view of the river and islands.
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Kinsmen Park
Located on Stone Street North on the shores of the Gananoque River, this park is a favorite picnic stop for many visitors to our community.
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Town Park
Located in the centre of town at 30 King Street East, this beautiful Heritage Park is host to numerous summer events, from craft fairs to community celebrations. Enjoy the sounds of big bands and Dixieland every Thursday evening throughout the summer months from the band shell. Playground facilities are available in the park. Washroom facilities are available at the Chamber of Commerce.
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Confederation Park
Located at 2 King Street East, on the shores of the Gananoque River this park is home to Gananoque’s Famous Sculpture Park. The Gananoque Sculpture Committee is pleased to announce the arrival of its newest acquisition. “The Pitch Pine”, crafted by artis Rick Lapointe of Kingston, Ontario is a wonderful addition to the park and we invite everyone to take the time to stop by the park and see it.
Cycling in the 1000 Islands
Walking & Hiking Trails
1000 Islands Parkway Trail
Renowned as one of the province of Ontario’s best trails, the picturesque paved stretch of the 1000 Islands Parkway provides an excellent opportunity to see the islands by being in the midst of their beauty and fascinating geological history. Visitors may hike or bike along the 37 km paved path that skirts the shoreline’s coves and bays on the waterfront. The 1000 Islands Parkway runs between Gananoque and Brockville and also forms a section of Ontario’s Waterfront Trail that will take you through small port hamlets like Ivy Lea and Rockport.
Frontenac Arch Biosphere
Exploring from the seat of a bicycle is an ideal way and pace to experience the diversity of the landscape and communities. Roads here, particularly the roads less travelled, twist and turn, with hills and valleys, bordering fields and wending through shady woodlands. No grid-patterns of roads here! Road builders followed the lay of the land, where granite ridges and lakes, wetlands and streams shaped the pattern of highways and byways.
Gananoque Trails
The Gananoque Trail System is made up of a 12 km perimeter hike that may be divided into three returns to Trailhead loops, each offering an enjoyable hiking experience. Lions Loop is both bicycle and wheelchair accessible. If you are looking for something a little more rustic try out the Rogers or River Loops. Gananoque can also boast 6 km of being connected to The Waterfront Trail, which has been an instrumental part of Lake Ontario’s regeneration.
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Heritage Walking Tours
Like many of the communities on the northern shore of the St. Lawrence River, Gananoque was first populated by United Empire Loyalist families. Its’ founder, Joel Stone, came here from Connecticut in 1792.The Gananoque River, named by the Iroquois, provided a location which had the advantage of water transportation. Discover the heritage of our region on this self-guided walking tour.
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Frontenac Arch Biosphere
The Frontenac Arch is the ancient granite bridge from the Canadian Shield to the Adirondack Mountains. Its incredibly rich natural environment and history was recognized in 2002 when it became a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, part of a world-wide network of 610 Biosphere Reserves in 117 countries. The Frontenac Arch Biosphere contains hiking trails for all levels.
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Mallorytown Landing
When you arrive at Mallorytown Landing, your children will receive an Xplorers booklet filled with fun activities that will guide your discovery of each unique place you are visiting. Discover rare species of turtles and birdlife alongside undulating hiking trails.
When the kids have completed the requested number of activities they will be recognized as an official Xplorer with a certificate and a special collectible souvenir!
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1000 Islands Parkway Trail
Renowned as one of the province of Ontario’s best trails, the picturesque paved stretch of the 1000 Islands Parkway provides an excellent opportunity to see the islands by being in the midst of their beauty and fascinating geological history. Visitors may hike or bike along the 37 km paved path that skirts the shoreline’s coves and bays on the waterfront. The 1000 Islands Parkway runs between Gananoque and Brockville and also forms a section of Ontario’s Waterfront Trail that will take you through small port hamlets like Ivy Lea and Rockport.
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Landon Bay Trail
Enjoy a hike on any one of the 5 trails found at Landon Bay. The grassy Garden Loop Trail runs by the raised gardens which are wheelchair accessible. Enjoy a breathtaking view of Landon Bay and the St. Lawrence River from the top of the Lookout Trail. Here you can see for miles over the St. Lawrence. The newer Bay Trail winds its way along Landon Bay itself so watch for loons or the occasional fish splashing in the bay.
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Marble Rock Conservation Area
Much of the trail is on or near exposed bedrock, which is part of the Canadian Shield. Marble Rock Conservation Area gives hikers challenging and picturesque terrain, featuring breathtaking views at the lookouts along both the North and South Trails. The diversity of the biosphere is evident at Marble Rock Conservation Area which is rich with flora and fauna.
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