Fall Waterfront Fun in 1000 Islands Gananoque & Kingston

Get ready to make a splash

The days are getting shorter and the temperature is getting cooler, but Canadians know that as long as there is still time to get out on the water it will keep the winter blues at bay! Lucky for you, 1000 Islands Gananoque and Kingston are premiere waterfront destinations any time of year! So pack a bag, and your life jacket, and get ready to make a splash in South Eastern Ontario!

Start Here:

If you’re looking for a feisty way to kick start your morning, head to Laverne’s Eatery. Located at 21 King Street East in Gananoque and opening at 8AM Thursday-Tuesday, their expertly crafted coffees, lattes and teas at their espresso bar and paired with a savoury or sweet pastry will get your day off to a great start. Make an event of it by choosing to eat in and enjoy one of their every day breakfast items like the breakfast burritos or sourdough toasts!

Next up

A short drive from Gananoque on the Thousand Islands Parkway will take you to the quaint village of Rockport. Here you will hop on board with Rockport Cruises to take in the sights with the backdrop of the fall colours from the water. Running until October 31st, their one-hour “Heart of the Islands” cruise will take you weaving through the 1000 Islands and circling around stunning Boldt Castle on Heart Island.

Explore history

Return to Gananoque and find yourself along the waterfront at the 1000 Islands History Museum, located at 125 Water Street on the shores of the St. Lawrence River. Learn the history of the region and discover more about the wildlife that calls the area home. If you feel like stretching your legs, download their heritage walking tour and step into the past with side-by-side comparisons of how the Town has changed.

Experience Live Theatre

Enjoy the evening charm of the River with a dockside beverage and performance at the Thousand Islands Playhouse. Nestled directly on the shore of the river at 185 South Street, the Playhouse produces high quality Canadian theatre that will take your breath away. After the show, spend the night riverside in Gananoque at Pangea House Bed & Breakfast or the Gananoque Inn & Spa, or take a quick drive down the road to Kingston to enjoy one of their many waterfront accommodations.

Day 2

Treat yourself to a sit down breakfast at the Australian inspired Northside espresso + kitchen at 281 Princess Street in Kingston. Go savoury with their avocado smash or enjoy a sweet treat with their indulgent baked french toast. To go more your speed? Check out Crave Coffee House & Bakery at 166 Princess Street for a coffee and treat to get your day going.

Step into the Past

Head over to 560 King Street West and step behind the walls of Canada’s oldest penitentiary – the Kingston Pen – located right next to the Portsmouth Olympic Harbour. Hear the tales of the daily lives of infamous inmates, riots, escapes and everything in between during your tour. It isn’t just the tales of the people that make the Kingston Penitentiary so interesting, the building itself has a few stories to share with its curious visitors.

Get Cozy on the Waterfront

Score yourself some warm beverages and a fireside adirondack chair on the patio of AquaTerra, situated along the Kingston waterfront at 1 Johnson Street. Get warmed up with some hard hot cocoa or mulled wine and some shared eats like their locally sourced charcuterie board. Finish off your meal with a sweet treat – including self-roasting s’mores platters! Their waterfront patio is certain to give you all the cozy fall vibes!

Put a Spring in your Step

Springer Market Square is the heart of Downtown Kingston. This historic public square at the corner of King and Brock Streets is where the community meets to shop at the public market that’s been running continuously since 1801. Springer Market Square is the perfect spot to kick up your feet, set down your bags and indulge in some delicious takeout. Come for a relaxing lunch spot or a cozy dinner date. Patios will be set out when the weather allows it. The market is open in Springer Market Square Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, 9 am – 6 pm, April through November. It’s also a great rink for skating in the winter!

Scare-Your-Pants-Off

Once the night falls and things are feeling spooky, head up to 1 Fort Henry Drive to historic Fort Henry. With stunning views overlooking Lake Ontario, the fall weather triggers the transformation of the site into Fort Fright – a hair raising haunted house experience through the limestone walls of Fort Henry. Stay safe with a scare amulet, or dare to take on your darkest fears with the “Dark Night Thursday” offering of being plunged into complete darkness with only a flashlight to light your way