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 go hiking, camping, picnicking, visiting sea shores, swimming, and have 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 1904. Earlier, it was known as St. Lawrence Islands National Park and 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 occurred in the 18th century, and the American Revolution started.

Europeans started visiting here for trading purposes. In 1812, both America and Britain were involved in a war. At the end of the war, the American invasion was defeated by the Britishers, and the park was gone under the British government.

This national park was 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 with many small islets. It has two main mainland properties, and its main visitor center 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, a visitor center provides information about the park, accessible routes, hiking trails, boating areas, picnic areas, campsites, services provided by the park, and interpretive programs.
• This park encourages sustainable lifestyles, protects vegetation and wildlife, and saves various ecosystems. The United Nations established the Biosphere Reserve 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 January to February remains around -8 degrees Celsius. These are the coldest months. You can also see snowfall during these months.

In 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 September to November. If you want to enjoy the snowfall here, you can visit in December, January, and February.

5. Vegetation of Thousand Islands National Park

Thousand Islands National Park is very rich in vegetation. In 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 that 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 savory, and many more.

6. Wildlife of Thousand Islands National Park

Thousand Islands National Park 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 that 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 with 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 center 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 go 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 to watch 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 centers to complete 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, you must visit this place because you will get many amazing photographs 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 are having some difficulty completing this trial. People who want to have more adventures 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 surrounded by nature. It has several mountains, islands, forests, rivers, and other natural attractions. So, you can easily keep quiet in a place and can do meditation as well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q 1. Does Thousand Islands National Park have nearby accommodations and parking facilities?

Ans. You will get parking and nearby accommodation facilities to enjoy your trip.

Q 2. Are there any daily visitor fees for the tourists?

Ans. Yes, there is a daily visitor fee for tourists. Youths up to 17 years can visit free of cost, and people 18+ 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 at the St Lawrence River have been upgraded. So, they are charging the mooring fees for a few service hours.

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 center in this national park.

Final Note

Thousand Islands National Park is an amazing location not only for Canada but also for the world. This national park has several islands and beautiful audience insights.

This Canadian National Park East is accessible from nearby cities such as Ontario, Toronto, and many nearby locations. You can enjoy many activities here. You can also do your boat launch.

This national park gives free admission to the youth until they are 17 years old. You can discover many new activities here, such as camping, kayaking, hiking, boating, etc. You can also explore the other sites of the national park.

You can visit the Canada website for more information about the national park. The governing body, Parks Canada, solves the queries on the website.

Last Updated on March 7, 2024 by Narayani Bhardwaj