If you’re bored with your daily life and want to enjoy your time with your family and friends. Visit the Thousand Islands National Park in Canada. It is a one-day trip and you can enjoy weekends here.
This national park is the main visitor center for tourists. It has rocky mountains, granite islands speckle, shoreline cliffs, St Lawrence river, Landon bay, McDonald island, Adirondack mountains, rugged shorelines, a transition zone, campsites, trails, and picnic tables.
You can enjoy many activities here. In just one place you can do hiking, camping, picnicking, sea shores visiting, swimming, and a lot of fun and adventure. This national park is situated near the thousand islands parkway. Lawrence river is also accessible from here.
The amazing locations help you to overcome daily stress and feel free and energetic. This national park was established in the year 1904. Earlier, it was known as St. Lawrence Islands National Park. It was the first Canadian national park. The governing body of this national park is Parks Canada.
1. History of Thousand Islands National Park
Just have a look at the history of the people of Thousand Islands National Park. They spend their lives fishing and hunting. In the early 17th century, people started summer encampments on the riverbanks.
This helps them to get more fish from the river. After that, they started trading fur with the French explorers. The American invasion takes place in the 18th century and the American revolution started.
Europeans started visiting here for trading purposes. In the year 1812, both America and British are involved in a war. At the end of the war American invasion is defeated by the Britishers and the park was gone under the British government.
This national park is formed in 1904. It was the first Canadian national park east of the rocky mountains. Its name was St. Lawrence islands national park in 2013. In 2013, its name was changed to Thousand Islands National Park.
2. Geography of Thousand Islands National Park
Thousand Islands National Park is located at the top of the ancient mountains. This national park connects the Canadian shield with the Frontenac axis region and the Algonquin park. It also connects the paths of the Adirondack Mountains in New York.
This park consists of a total of 21 islands having many small islets. It has two main mainland properties and its main visitor centre is in Mallorytown, Ontario. The location of this national park is accessible by boat.
It has five Otentiks facilities, a boat launch, picnic, camping, hiking, campsites, transition zone, granite islands speckle, and thousand islands parkway facilities. This national park is located in the region of Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve. It is one of the most biodiverse regions of Canada.
3. Features of Thousand Islands National Park
- Thousand Islands National Park has much ecological importance. It has many mainland properties and islands between Brockville and Kingston. It is home to many endangered and extinct species of plants and animals.
- If you are new to the place then there is a visitor centre which provides you with information about the park, accessible routes, hiking trails, boating areas, picnic areas, campsites, services provided by the park, and interpretive programs.
- This park plays an important role in encouraging sustainable lifestyles, protecting vegetation and wildlife, and saving various ecosystems. The Biosphere Reserve was established by United Nations in 2002 in collaboration with the governing body National Parks Canada.
4. The Climate of Thousand Islands National Park
The climate of Thousand Island National Park is moderate due to the presence of great lakes and valleys. The temperature from Jan to Feb remains around -8 degree celsius. These are the coldest months. You can also see snowfall during these months.
In the month of April and May, the temperature reaches 12 to 13 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature remains is 21-degree Celsius. The average frost-free period on this island is 160 days a year.
The best time to visit this national park is from March to May and from September to November. If you want to enjoy the snowfall here ten you can visit in December, January and February.
5. Vegetation of Thousand Islands National Park
Thousand Islands National Parks is very rich in vegetation. In the year 1997, it was named the highest ecological impairment level. It owns many different species of herbs, shrubs, plants, trees, bushes, climbers, and creepers.
The most common species of plant which you can explore are meadow buttercup, wild radish, yellow mignonette, prickly wild rose, sweetbrier, American blackberry, curly dock, red elderberry, purple pitcher plant, side flowering skullcap, Canadian buffalo berry, summer savoury, and many more.
6. Wildlife of Thousand Islands National Park
Thousand Islands National Parks is very rich in biodiversity. You will see many animals here during hiking or camping. This national park is home to deer, squirrels, grey rat snakes, foxes, northern leopard frogs, weasels, coyotes, chickadees, raccoons, porcupines, skunks, and beavers.
You can see many birds as well. The list contains the names of northern flicker, eastern screech owl, belted kingfisher, hairy woodpecker, black-billed cuckoo, Virginia rail, wild turkey, solitary sandpiper, common gallinule, ruffed grouse, downy woodpecker, red-eyed vireo, and many more.
7. Famous Trails of Thousand Islands National Park
There are many famous trails in Thousand Islands National Park. These trails have thrilling routes which pass through the rivers and camping sites. Let’s discuss these trials in detail.
7.1. Mallorytown Landing Trails
Mallorytown landing trail is an amazing trail having well-maintained and clearly defined paths. Some of its routes pass through rivers and forests. You will find yourself in between nature and natural beauty.
This trail is for day visit purposes. You can also see this trail from the air with the help of flightseeing. Here is a visitor centre for the help of visitors. You will take a few hours to complete this trail.
7.2. Camelot Island Loop
Camelot Island Loop Trail is a less challenging trail. The length of this trail is 1.3km. This trail is the best place for hiking and camping. This trail is kid friendly so you can explore it with your family.
You can also do boating here if you want to reach Camelot Island because you can reach this island only by boat.
7.3. Mermaid Island Loop
Mermaid Island Loop Trail is the best place for watching wildlife and wildflowers. There is no elevation in this trail. This is a short trail with no challenges. People complete it in just 30 minutes by walking.
7.4. Deadman Bay to Cedar Island Paddle
Deadman Bay to Cedar Island Paddle is a moderately challenging route trail. It has some campsites and it is located near Ontario. The visitors get some services from the help centres in completing the trail.
It has a picnic area near it. This trail is a little longer so you can enjoy many adventure activities during this trail. If you are a wildlife photographer then you must visit this place because you will get many amazing photographers of animals.
7.5. Gordon Island Loop
Gordon Island Loop is well known for its paddle sports. The route of this trail passes through a forest. The path of this trail is not well maintained. People feel some difficulty in completing this trial. People who want to do more adventure must visit this place.
8. Things to do in Thousand Islands National Park
There are many things that you can enjoy at Thousand Islands National Park. You can enjoy camping, hiking, biking, kayaking, and exploring the river by boating, fishing, swimming, and walking.
This national park has many trails and walking tracks. The use of sleeping bags during camping gives a different level of excitement. You can also enjoy cycling here.
This place is completely surrounded by nature. It has several mountains, islands, forests, rivers, and many more natural attractions. So, you can easily keep quiet in a place and can do meditation as well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q 1. Do Thousand islands national park have nearby accommodations and parking facilities?
Ans. Yes, you will get parking and nearby accommodation facilities so, that you can enjoy your trip well.
Q 2. Are there any daily visitor fees for the tourists?
Ans. Yes, there is a daily visitor fee for tourists. The youth up to 17 years can visit free of cost and the people of 18+ age have to pay the fees for visiting here.
Q 3. Are there any mooring fees for boating at the St Lawrence river?
Ans. The mooring facilities are upgraded at the St Lawrence river. So, they are charging the mooring fees for a few hours of service.
Q 4. Which is the largest island in Thousand Islands National Park?
Ans. Wolfe island is the largest island in Thousand Islands National Park. It is 27 miles long island and its width is 9 miles. The second largest island is Howe island whose length is 9 miles and width is 3 miles.
Q 5. Which is the largest waterbody in Thousand Islands National Park?
Ans. St. Lawrence River is the largest waterbody in Thousand Islands National Park. This river is the main visitor centre in this national park.
Final Note
In this article, we have discussed Thousand Islands National Park. This is an amazing location for not only Canada but also the world. This national park has several islands and beautiful audience insights.
This Canadian national park east is accessible from many nearby cities such as Ontario, Toronto, and many nearby locations. You can enjoy many activities here. You can also do your own boat launch.
This national park gives free admission to the youth till 17 years old. You can discover many new activities here such as camping, kayaking, hiking, camping, boating, and many more. You can also explore the other sites of the national park.
If you want more information about the national park, you can visit the Canada website. On the website, the queries are solved by the governing body Parks Canada.
