“This area is one of the signature tourism spots in Eastern Ontario and in Canada. The natural beauty is astounding with rock outcrops and the beauty of the thousands of islands.”
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Museums & Galleries
The region’s unique culture and intriguing history will amaze you.
6+
the number of galleries in Gananoque
10+
the number of museums in the 1000 Islands
20+
years local artist Heather Haynes has dedicated to “The Wall of Courage”
Overview
Here, you can learn about inmates with notorious pasts, traverse the storied grounds of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and soak in the works of a renowned local artist. And you can do all of it in one day.
Museums
This is your ticket to summer fun. Based in Gananoque, the Boat Museum is located a waterfront park featuring live boatbuilding exhibits, a dockside Cafe, and in-water boats to climb aboard and explore. From paddle carving to boat tours, the Museum has something for every river rat, whether young or simply young at heart.
Here, you’ll uncover the fascinating history of Canada’s Federal penitentiary system through a variety of collections.
Take advantage of guided tours and make sure you enjoy the scenic views. You can also enjoy heart-pounding musical performances and precision military demonstrations by the Fort Henry Guard.
Since 1995, this museum has been telling the story of Gananoque’s varied history, from glaciers and muskies to pirates and picnickers.
The MacLachlan Woodworking Museum holds the most extensive, nationally-significant collection of woodworking tools in Canada.
This museum hosts more than 1,000 domestic and military artifacts for you to discover.
Learn about all things steam-related. Check out two model train sets, as well as a recently-restored steamboat. You can also spot two late-19th-century steam-powered pumps.
Galleries
Discover original works by established Canadian artists in a welcoming King Street space. O’Connor Gallery features paintings, prints, and sculpture across a range of styles, plus rotating exhibitions.
The Barn House Gallery overlooks the stunning St. Lawrence River in the small village of Rockport. Displaying original oil paintings produced by Kristine Huck, the gallery is spacious and warm.
Discover work that invites you to become a part of something bigger than yourself. Local artist Heather Haynes, known internationally for her paintings, will leave you feeling inspired.
Canada’s largest outdoor contemporary art exhibit. You can enjoy a scenic walk, ponds, views of swans and a beautiful fountain during your visit.
Want to make the most of your time in the 1000 Islands?
Check out these other great ideas and get your adventure on.
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“This is the most beautiful place on earth. This is where heaven meets earth. You can visit is a hundred different ways and enjoy it just the same. Come by water, air or land. Enjoy a day paddling, swimming or fishing.”
Anonymous
“We didn’t really know what to expect, but our family was enchanted by the town, the scenery, and the region. We had planned a quick overnight stay, but ended up staying two nights and could have stayed longer.”
James
“What a beautiful part of Ontario. We drove along the Ivy Lea Parkway, stopped and had a picnic lunch, took a boat cruise out of Gananoque, and strolled along the waterfront in Gananoque.”
Andrew
« Cette région a quelque chose pour tout le monde. Il y a d’excellentes possibilités de baignade et de navigation de plaisance, de bonnes randonnées pédestres et des pistes cyclables, des routes panoramiques à proximité et des tonnes de beaux endroits où passer du temps sur l’eau. »
“This area has something for everyone. Excellent swimming and boating, good hiking and cycling trails, scenic drives are nearby and tons of beautiful places to spend time on the water.”
Michael A.
“I could go back over and over again and still be amazed by this beautiful scenery. Not only can you go there to relax but there is so much to do such as kayaking, biking, walking, discovering, etc. It is a must!”
Catherine
“There is no place like the 1000 Islands.We travel a lot and we are always trying to find a better place for the view but we have never been able to find it.”
Julie
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