Top 10 Things to Do in the 1000 Islands January 2026

1. Soar Above the Frozen River with 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours

Riding in a helicopter over the islands is a peak winter experience. You can choose anything from a quick 15-minute ride to a full hour-long tour. The pilots are also your guides! They narrate the whole flight, pointing out shipwrecks, local history, and the specific geography that you just can’t see from the ground. You’ll get to see the actual heart shape of Boldt Castle’s island, the red rooftops of Singer Castle and the incredible ice patterns on the river. It is a comfortable, heated front-row seat to one of the best views in the province.

Book a Helicopter Ride

2. Try Your Luck at Shoreline Casino Thousand Islands

The Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands Gananoque has slots and table games

Sometimes you just need a night out on the town and a little bit of luck. The Gananoque casino is one of the liveliest spots in the region during the winter. You can play the slots or sit at a table game, but you don’t have to be a high roller to enjoy it. Their in-casino restaurant Windward, is a great place to grab a bite and maybe a cocktail or two.

3. Snowmobile the Thousand Islands Parkway (Trail E63)

If you want to crank up the adrenaline, this is the place to do it. The paved multi-use path along the Thousand Islands Parkway transforms into Trail E63 in the winter. Because it sits on a paved base, it is one of the smoothest groomed runs in the province. You get nearly 40 kilometres of uninterrupted riding with the frozen St. Lawrence River right beside you. Grab your OFSC permit and enjoy the best view you can get from behind a windshield.

4. Hike with a Donkey at Berry Homestead Farm

The Berry Homestead Farm is in Lyndhurst, Ontario

Do you like farms? Do you like donkeys? Berry Homestead Farm offers an experience that is more interactive than a petting zoo. You can actually take a donkey out for a walk on the trails. Because donkeys don’t rush, you can’t either. It forces you to slow down, put your phone away, and just focus on the walk.

5. Get Up Close with Alpacas at The Paca Shack

If you need a dopamine hit, go see some alpacas. They are native to the Andes, so they are in their element in the Canadian winter. You can book a visit to walk right amongst the herd and feed them treats from your hand. Just a heads up: they love food but they actually prefer not to be petted, so stick to the snacks. It is a fun, hands-on stop where you can also grab a pair of cozy socks from the farm store.

6. Explore Winter Trails at Jones Creek (1000 Islands National Park)

If you are craving fresh air and a bit of cardio, the trails at Jones Creek are a great choice! They are part of the 1000 Islands National Park, so they are well-marked and easy to follow, even in the snow. You can hike or fat bike on the packed trails, or strap on snowshoes after a fresh snowfall. It is a safe, accessible way to get deep into the woods where you can spot deer and get a clear view of the landscape from the lookouts. If you want to see what trails are available in the region, check out these 1000 island maps.

7. Ice Fish on the St. Lawrence

When the ice thickens, the bays turn into small villages of fishing huts. It is a true Canadian experience. Just make sure you talk to a local guide or bait shop first. They know the ice conditions better than anyone and will keep you safe.

8. Discover History at the 1000 Islands History Museum

In the late 19th century, the river became the ultimate escape from hot, crowded cities. Travellers arrived by the boatload, and soon the shoreline was dotted with the massive cottages that marked the region’s Golden Age. Image Credit: Library and Archives Canada/PA-057582 

If you are the kind of person who stops to read every historical plaque, this is your spot. The exhibits go beyond the basic tourist facts and dig into the real stories of the river: from the First Nations heritage and the War of 1812 to the Gilded Age cottagers. It is a deep dive for history buffs, but the displays are hands-on enough to keep the kids entertained while you read. Located at 125 Water St., Gananoque ON.

9. Browse Fine Art at O’Connor Gallery

If you appreciate original artwork, O’Connor Gallery on King Street in Gananoque is worth a visit. The gallery features an impressive roster of established Canadian artists working in oil, acrylic, printmaking, and sculpture. You’ll find everything from bold abstract pieces to detailed urban landscapes and figurative work. They also have an Estates and Consignment section featuring notable Canadian and international artists. It’s a warm spot to escape the cold, wander through rotating exhibitions, and maybe bring home something special.

10. Warm Up with Italian Fare at Riva

After a day out in the cold, there’s nothing better than a good meal. Riva is set in a beautifully renovated historic building right on King Street in downtown Gananoque. Inspired by the osterias of Italy, Riva is a modern-day take on a traditional Italian tavern, paired with nautical elements that remind you of what makes the river so special. The restaurant features a fine dining room with a grand fireplace, plus a cozy bar area where you can drop in for a glass of wine and whatever the chef is cooking.