1000 Islands Rideau Canal: Waterway Adventure Guide

South Eastern Ontario / Sud-est de l'Ontario

There’s water, water, everywhere in 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways—and all of it beckons you to explore. Paddle a kayak or canoe among the 1000 Islands on the St Lawrence River, then pitch a tent or stay in a well-equipped oTENTik in Thousand Islands National Park. Cast a line for walleye, pike, smallmouth bass and other freshwater fish. Pilot a houseboat along the serene Rideau River and through hand-operated locks along the Rideau Canal National Historic Site (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Swim or test your standup paddleboarding skills in pristine lakes in provincial parks. Participate in friendly competitions, such as the Spencerville Mill Canoe Poker Run.

Life on shore is as much fun as life on the water here. Enjoy stunning water views from your car or bike along the 1000 Islands Parkway. Hike trails high above lakes at Foley Mountain Conservation Area in Westport and Rock Dunder Nature Reserve in Lyndhurst. Have dinner overlooking a river at Cornwall’s Pub in Rockport or CC’s on the Rideau in Rideau Ferry, or beside a lake at The Galley in Portland, or at The Opinicon or the Hotel Kenney in Elgin. You can get nut-free baked treats at the Hotel Kenney, too!

Whizz from tree to tree at Treetop Trekking 1000 Islands aerial park in Mallorytown. Polish your culinary skills with a cooking class at Maison Maitland. Shop for handmade glass, caramels, candles and clothing in Merrickville’s independent boutiques, or browse seasonal waterfront stalls at Prescott Pop-ups. See wheat being ground into flour at the Old Stone Mill National Historic Site in Delta. Visit one of the many wineries or craft breweries for a locally made beverage. And don’t forget your dog—the spacious Ferguson Forest Dog Park in Kemptville welcomes canines of all kinds. (P.S.: You can launch your canoe or kayak onto Kemptville Creek in nearby Anniversary Park.)

Places to Stop

Nothing says summer like enjoying a meal and a refreshing beverage by the water. Fortunately, the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways region has lots of restaurants where you can do just that! Other amusements include provincial and national parks, a lookout tower with sweeping views, an aerial adventure park, historic sites, and a scenic parkway. You’ll also find beautiful villages such as Merrickville and serene lockstations along the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

WORTH CHECKING OUT

Logistics

Life in 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways revolves around rivers and lakes. This section gives you the information you need to get your boat or paddlecraft into the water, or hit the beach.

Beaches

WORTH CHECKING OUT

Here are just a few of the many spots in 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways with a boat ramp or other easy means to launch your motorized boat onto a lake or river. They are all feasible places to put a canoe, kayak or standup paddleboard into the water, too.

Other Paddling Put-Ins

In addition to the boat launch sites listed above, these places are also good locations for launching paddlecraft. Note that there is a fee to lock through any watercraft at Rideau Canal Waterway lockstations, so paddlers may wish to portage around these locks instead.

Cautions and Notes

Water Services

There are so many ways to get out on the water in 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways: you can rent a boat, take a scenic cruise, go scuba diving or book a fishing guide. You can also sail your own boat to one of the many marinas. This section offers all the details you need to know.

Boat Cruises and Boat Tours

Visitors come from near and far to cruise the world-famous Thousand Islands, which actually number 1,864 islands in total! Step aboard a tour boat for a jaw-dropping voyage among some of the prettiest islands. Many islands are home to picturesque cottages, and you may also see a “castle” or two. Learn about the region’s history and ecology from onboard narration and guides. Purchase snacks and beverages to enjoy inside or on deck. Feel the fresh river breeze and marvel as you sail below an international bridge.If paddling is more your style, you can also book a day trip on the Rideau Canal in an eight-metre (26 foot) canoe that can seat up to 10 people. It evokes the days when French voyageurs plied Canada’s rivers in search of furs and other valuable resources.Ivy Lea: City Cruises Rockport: Rockport Cruises

Looking to rent a canoe or a kayak, a motorboat or a houseboat, a standup paddleboard or a pontoon boat? You’re in luck, as just about every community of any size in 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways has at least one business that will happily rent you a boat. Not all types of boats are available at all locations, so check the links to find the best boat for you.

 

Boat Vacations

Looking for a vacation that blends city energy with peaceful natural beauty? Discover Southeastern Ontario from the unique perspective of the water with Le Boat, the world’s leading provider of luxury houseboat vacations.Cruise the historic Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching 202 km from Ottawa to Kingston. As the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America, the Rideau offers a scenic journey through lakes, rivers, charming towns, and vibrant cities, all from the comfort of your own private boat.Departing from Le Boat’s Smiths Falls base, you will be the captain of your own adventure. No boating license or experience is required. With over 50 years of expertise, Le Boat’s team will show you everything you need to know to cruise safely and confidently.

Cruise with Le Boat

Dive Shops

With its 61-metre (200 foot) granite wall and wide variety of shipwrecks, the Rockport area of the St. Lawrence River attracts advanced scuba divers looking for adventure. Local dive shops can provide you with gear and guide you to the best spots. The area is so popular with divers that several companies from outside the region also offer dive trips here.

The 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways region is a fantastic place to cast a line. Depending on the particular lake or river you’re on, you can angle for trout, walleye, large and smallmouth bass, northern pike, crappie, muskie and more. Note that most fishers need an outdoors card and/or a fishing licence from the Government of Ontario to fish in 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways.

Rideau River

1000 Islands

When you need repairs, fuel, boating supplies or a place to dock for the night, these marinas in 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways are ready to help. (Note that not all services are available at all listed marinas.)

Other Services

In small towns and pretty villages across the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways region, you’ll find all the services you need for a memorable vacation. As a bonus, you may even find yourself chatting with the business owner as you pay for your purchase! Amenities such as gas stations, bank ATMs and grocery stores are plentiful. It’s easy to find restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy a delicious meal after a day on the water. Independent boutiques and homey gift shops are charming places to browse.

While just about every community has at least a few services, you’ll find a particularly wide selection in Athens, Delta, Kemptville, Mallorytown, Merrickville, Portland, Prescott, Smiths Falls and Westport.

Accommodations

A wide range of accommodation is available across the region, from campgrounds and vacation rentals to bed and breakfasts, small inns, and national brand hotels. Here are a few with waterfront locations: 

Visitor Information

You can find more information about this region at 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways. You may also enjoy their Self-Guided Driving Adventures, which include Gardens, Bottle & Barrel, Foodie Shops, Fresh Baked and Cafes. View the map. The region is also part of the South Eastern Ontario regional tourism organization, which promotes the entire waterfront from the Bay of Quinte to the Ontario-Quebec border.

 Plan More Fun!

This calendar of events offers lots of ideas for your vacation. You can also check out the following websites for more inspiration for your adventures in 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways.

  Cataraqui Conservation Boat Launches

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This content was created in partnership with Ottawa Road Trips and is current as of June 2025.