An Epic Summer by the River is within Reach with St. Lawrence Parks Commission
Plan your waterfront adventure along the St. Lawrence by exploring one-of-a-kind heritage, incredible nature and discovering the remarkable character of the land.
With waterfront campgrounds, scenic parkways, sandy beaches, historic attractions, cycling routes, and nature trails, guests can enjoy the full beauty of Eastern Ontario without travelling far.
Immersive natural experiences await as Parks of the St. Lawrence welcomes guests to 10 waterfront campgrounds along the pristine river, known for their sandy beaches, cycling routes, paddling, lookouts and island life.
Discover a gem along the St. Lawrence, loved by generations: Ivy Lea Campground. It’s perfectly poised for summertime core memories, in the heart of the renowned 1000 Islands region. Spectacular waterfront views give way to discovering a closer relationship with the stunning beauty of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere - cozy cabins and peaceful forested sites are ready to elevate the river experience. Scenic vistas and easy access to stunning waterfront beaches and sites meld together at Ivy Lea Campground for an unforgettable 1000 Islands escape.
Slow your pace and appreciate shaded tent sites tucked beneath towering pines, or premium sites with the river lulling you to sleep as it laps at the shoreline. For comfort-loving campers, cabins and roofed accommodations are available. The campgrounds encourage all to enjoy the spaces surrounded by nature, whether families, seniors, first-time campers or seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.
Adventure is around every bend in the trail and in every ripple of the river at Ivy Lea Campground. It’s the perfect jumping-off point for hiking, biking, scuba diving, fishing, or even just relaxing by the water. Paddle between islands and sheltered coves! Cyclists often find such Parks of the St. Lawrence Campgrounds to be a good home base or stopover while exploring the 1000 Islands, as they are conveniently situated along the Waterfront Trail, Long Sault Parkway, and Thousand Islands Parkway, offering convenient rest stops and flexible camping options. Recharge along the river!
Travel hack: Add an immersive heritage experience to your camping getaway! To sweeten your stay, every camping reservation with Parks of the St. Lawrence includes two complimentary adult/senior tickets to Upper Canada Village (Morrisburg) or Fort Henry (Kingston).
Similarly, camping permits include admission to all Parks of the St. Lawrence Day-Use areas - including nearby Brown’s Bay Beach!
Spend the day by the water: Brown’s Bay Beach
This is the area’s largest sandy beach on the St. Lawrence River, located between Brockville and Mallorytown Landing. Brown’s Bay Beach has a long history of being a perfect picnic spot with prime river views. This spacious waterfront day-use park was recently rejuvenated with a combination of a modern perched beach elevated by the limestone seawall, plus a natural beach, giving guests several ways to enjoy the water.
Add that to shaded picnic areas, outdoor rinse showers, sandy volleyball courts, , a , play structure, accessible beach access, and loads of green space, and it’s a place where memories are made. Whether celebrating a family picnic or a casual afternoon with friends, the accessible open greenspace creates a comfortable spot to spend the day enjoying the river.
This is the ideal road‑trip stop: travellers can stretch their legs between Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal - and enjoy the only licensed patio within SLPC’s day‑use system. In fact, Parks of the St. Lawrence offers many day-use locations with water access, picnic facilities, and recreational amenities across Eastern Ontario, including on the Long Sault Parkway and the Thousand Islands Parkway.
Travel hack: Parks of the St. Lawrence offers an annual day-use pass for easy seasonal access! The annual permit offers unlimited entry for one vehicle to all SLPC day-use areas. Do the math - it’s a super value for folks who fall in love with St. Lawrence Parks’ riverside beaches and natural areas and plan to return again. Frequent visitors enjoy the ease of the pass, embracing a summer by the river.
Postcard perfect road trip: Thousand Islands Parkway
Looking for a unique river route? The Thousand Islands Parkway fits the bill. Whether driving or cycling, the Parkway provides panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River - see lush emerald islands and cobalt blue waters from new perspectives.
Hit the Parkway on two wheels! A 37-kilometre paved multi-use recreational pathway runs adjacent to the river, offering cycling enthusiasts spectacular long stretches of waterfront views along the way. It’s smooth-surfaced, separate from the roadway and even runs alongside Landon Bay, part of Thousand Islands National Park. A short forest walk here rewards hikers with a tribute to the region’s natural elements - a breathtaking view from a high lookout showcasing the islands and ribbon of river stretched out below! Keep an eye out for osprey here, too. It’s just one of the sprawling forests and trail networks along the natural paradise of the Parkway.
The Thousand Islands Parkway also includes numerous small areas to pull off the road and sit by the water, take photos, bird watch or simply marvel at the majestic St. Lawrence River.
Witness the event blending history, music and performance that has become a Fort Henry tradition! Watch, mesmerized, as the Parade Square comes to life. Combining the talented Fort Henry Guard’s impressive marching manoeuvres, intricate rifle drills, live drumming and thunderous cannon fire, the evening culminates in a stunning fireworks finale! The Sunset Ceremony transports guests back in time, immersing them in the power and precision that define the Fort Henry experience.
Opt to enjoy an elevated experience with reserved seats, comfortable high-back chairs with armrests, and even a cookie on the house from the on-site historic bakery. Book tickets in advance for one of the six Sunset Ceremonies taking place on select Wednesday evenings throughout the summer!
Kingston Pen Express Tour Tickets
Step inside a place that was hidden from the public eye for well over a century - Canada’s oldest maximum-security prison! Kingston Penitentiary (Pen) Tours offer an in-depth look at life behind the walls of the National Historic Site. See site highlights, including the North Gate, a cell range, the canteen and social services area to hear about the 1971 riot, and more. Today’s guided tours, supported by stories from retired corrections staff, provide guests with a never-before-seen tour complete with insider details about this storied institution.
Several remarkable tours delve into different aspects of prison life and the penitentiary's history, including the people who lived and worked there, the landmark’s unique architecture, and its current role as a cultural asset and filming location. One such tour is the Express Tour, a fully accessible, guided tour offering an introduction to Kingston Penitentiary.
Learn about real-life stories from the daily lives of Canada’s best-known offenders, drama inside the penitentiary, daring escapes, legends and lore, all while guided by knowledgeable storytellers. Marvel at the enduring limestone buildings, cell blocks and guard towers that are a testament to 19th-century craftsmanship. Touring Canada’s oldest maximum security is a truly rare experience 180 years in the making!
No matter where you’re planning to visit along the St. Lawrence River, it’s sure to be filled with remarkable stories, memories of sun-drenched days waterside, intriguing natural places to rest your head, and animated heritage spaces to explore!
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