Gananoque: Waterway Adventure Guide

South Eastern Ontario / Sud-est de l'Ontario

The story of Gananoque is inextricably bound up with the story of its rivers. According to some experts, the very name “Gananoque” means “water rising over rocks.” In the 1800s, the town’s economy depended on industries—lumber, grain milling, carriage making—powered by waterfalls on the Gananoque River. During the War of 1812, an invading American force crossed the St. Lawrence River from upstate New York.

In the centuries that followed, Gananoque boat builders turned out countless versions of the sturdy little rowboat known as a St. Lawrence skiff, as well as finely crafted wooden powerboats. (You can learn more about them at the excellent Thousand Islands Boat Museum.)

Gananoque is a great jumping-off point for exploring the St. Lawrence River and the 1000 Islands. You can rent a kayak or join a tour with 1000 Islands Kayaking, take a sightseeing trip with City Cruises or cast a line with 1000 Islands Fishing Charters. You can even see the islands from above with 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours.

Back on land, the St. Lawrence is a constant presence in Gananoque. You can watch passing boats while enjoying dinner at Muskie Jake’s or basking on the beach at Joel Stone Park. The river even laps up to the front door of the Thousand Islands Playhouse’s Springer Theatre, built in 1909 as the Gananoque Canoe Club.

Places to stop

The Gananoque River winds through town on its way to the St. Lawrence, meaning there are countless places in Gananoque to enjoy the water. You can relax over a meal, check out a museum, see a play or take a scenic drive while savouring beautiful river views. Go a little further inland, and the fun includes a casino and a drive-in movie theatre. 

A FEW SUGGESTIONS

Logistics

Whether you want to swim, paddle or set out on the water in a motorboat, the St. Lawrence River is easy to access in Gananoque. Read on to find out how.

Beaches

Located on Water Street—naturally enough! Joel Stone Heritage Park in downtown Gananoque offers a sandy St. Lawrence River beach and a deep-water swim dock. Other park amenities include a splash pad and washrooms.

Boat Launches

Several boat launches in Gananoque provide easy access to the water for your motorized boat or paddle watercraft.

Other Paddling Put-Ins

You can also launch small paddle watercraft at the River Street Canoe and Kayak Launch (165 River Street).

Cautions and Notes

When paddling among the 1000 Islands, be aware that this is a busy shipping route. It is also a popular recreational powerboat channel. Do advanced research to avoid danger.

Water Services

Whether you want to explore the St. Lawrence River in a rental boat, with a fishing guide or on a kayaking tour, you can do so in Gananoque. If you’re in your own boat, you’ll find lots of marinas where you can get gas, supplies and repairs, or dock your boat for the night. For an experience that is sure to become a highlight of your vacation, book a spot on a 1000 Islands sightseeing cruise.

Boat Cruises

People come from all over the world to marvel at the beauty of the 1000 Islands. Sightseeing trips with City Cruises allow you to see these gorgeous islands up close and learn about the region’s history. Trips of various lengths are available, and you can buy snacks and drinks on board the boat. Bring your passport if your itinerary includes a visit to Boldt Castle, a jaw-dropping mansion on the U.S. side of the border that was built for a New York City millionaire. Rockport Boat Cruises, just a short drive away, also operates daily cruises from May to October with various options to discover the 1000 islands.

Discover Cruise Options

Boat Rentals

Whether you’d like to get out on the St. Lawrence River for a few hours in a kayak or canoe, or for a few days on a houseboat, you can rent the watercraft you need in Gananoque. No need to bring your own!

Marinas

When you’re out on the water and need fuel, marine supplies or a place to dock for the night, point your boat toward one of Gananoque’s marinas. (Note that not all services are available at all listed marinas.) 

Fishing Charters and Guides

If you’ve dreamed of casting your line for large northern pike and muskie, you’ve come to the right place. You can charter a boat with a skilled fishing guide from 1000 Islands Fishing Charters to discover the spots you’re most likely to land a big one! Note that most fishers need an outdoors card and/or a fishing licence from the Government of Ontario to fish in Gananoque. 

Paddling Tours

The waters around the 1000 Islands can be tricky for paddlers to navigate. As well as renting out kayaks and camping gear, 1000 Islands Kayaking offers half-day, whole-day and overnight kayaking tours. Experienced guides take kayakers to hidden corners of the islands they might not discover otherwise.

Plan your paddle

Other Services

Gananoque’s economy revolves around tourism, so it offers all the services you’ll need for an unforgettable holiday. Along with gas stations, grocery stores and banks, you’ll find a wide selection of restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops serving everything from scones to schnitzel. King Street East and surrounding streets are lined with independent shops stocking books, local foods, shoes, jewellery, clothing, art, gifts and more.

Accommodations

As a popular tourism hub, Gananoque offers a wide range of accommodations. If you’d like a water view, here are a few places to consider.

WORTH CHECKING OUT

Visitor Information

Downtown, you can find maps, guides, brochures and more at the Gananoque and the 1000 Islands Visitor Centre (10 King Street East). It is open year-round; check the website for hours.Online, Travel 1000 Islands has visitor information for Gananoque and surrounding communities. The South Eastern Ontario regional tourism organization promotes the entire waterfront from the Bay of Quinte to the Ontario-Quebec border. 

Pop by the visitor centre

Plan more fun!

Gananoque’s events calendar and the links below may provide lots more inspiration for your adventures in Gananoque.

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