One Thousand Islands in two days

It is great being all grown up. Everything is so well planned out. I know what time I have to be at work, when I need to be home for dinner, when the kids get picked up and dropped off. All the spontaneity of my youth has quietly been rescheduled to an undisclosed date.

Then it happened.  I saw a crack in my schedule and I pounced! Two glorious days were handed to me like a gift from above. No schedule no obligations. There wasn’t much time to think so I headed off to one of the corners of Ontario that has always intrigued me – the 1000 Islands of St. Lawrence Islands National Park.

Located smack dab in the middle of Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, the 1000 Islands encompass the stretch of the St. Lawrence River between Kingston and Brockville, Ontario. With camping gear packed, I made the trip from my home town of Peterborough to Gananoque, the “getaway to the 1000 Islands”, in an easy two and half hours.

It was here that I meet up with Scott Ewart of 1000 Islands kayaking. Scott runs the local kayak shop that services the 1000 Islands region. His company offers kayak rentals and a bunch of other programs – including guided day trips, instructional courses and events – right from their headquarters and just steps from the Gananoque marina.  Scott hooked me up with a kayak and gave me some great advice on where to go for the best camping and most scenic islands.

After launching my kayak from their brand new dock, complete with floating kayak ramp, it was only a matter of minutes until I was surrounded by Islands. These were the Admiralty Islands. A group of about 45 Islands that help make up the 1000 Islands, which to be more accurate should be called the 1864 Islands as that is the true number. There are countess routes to paddle and places to explore.Many people choose to paddle this group in a day, then head back to town for a pint and soft bed, but I was looking to camp.

There are three National Park islands in the Admiralty group where camping is permitted – McDonald, Beau Rivage and Aubrey, I chose the latter of the three. The rest are for day use only or are privately owned. Camping is first come first serve and there is no way to make a reservation. If your looking for dock space you better get there early, this area is a Mecca for yachts, houseboats and other motorized watercraft. But if you are like me you can quietly paddle by the sailors, pull ashore and have your pick of campsites – the majority of boaters sleep on their craft, leaving the campsites up for grabs. Most sites are small and in clusters that are scattered around the island. They all have a picnic table and fire pit, are close to a picnic shelter and some of the nicest looking outhouses I’ve ever seen. Several campsites are waterfront or you can choose privacy and take a site further back into the forest. Park staff frequent the islands to check up on campers, sell firewood and provide some interpretation on the area. It’s a far cry from wilderness camping, but I soon discovered – as I sat on a slab of ancient granite watching the sun go down over the river – that there is no better place for a quick escape to island camping rich in history and scenery than St Lawrence Islands National Park.

Geography Lesson

The islands of the St Lawrence Island National Park are actually the remains of ancient mountains that are over 900 million years old. They are the southern most reach of what is called the Frontinac Arch – an extension of a granite ridge that connects the Canadian Shield to the Adirondack Mountains. The Arch is one of only 15 UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves in Canada.

Before You Go

Hands down, the best resource for info on kayaking the 1000 Islands is www.paddle1000.com. This website breaks the region up into 9 downloadable guides that are crammed full of information, including detailed maps.

Next on your planing list should be to check out the Parks Canada website - www.pc.gc.ca – for travel info, fees, events and lots of other good stuff.

Contact a local guide to get some local advice, rent your gear or join a guided trip. There are two in the region:

1000 Island Kayaking – www.1000ikc.com

Misty Isles Lodge – www.mistyisles.ca

Also be sure to pick up the right marine chart for the area from a marina or outfitter.

The Hot Spots

The 1000 Islands is a day trippers paradise. There are countless options for scenic jaunts or short overnighters. If you have the time you can also extend your trip to explore a larger part of the region over 5 to 6 days. Two of the more popular destinations for kayakers are the Admiralty Islands and the Navy Islands, located just a bit further east. Both groups offer several route options, National Park Island camping and easy access from the mainland.

Extend Your Stay

Set up a base camp at Ivy Lea campground operated by Parks of the St. Lawrence – www.parks.on.ca – to do kayak day trips and to explore near by attractions. Georgina Island is a short paddle out from the campground, just be careful of the currents in the area. If you want to keep your feet dry for the day, skip over the Ivy Lea bridge and check out the view from 400 feet above the river on the top of the Skydeck tower. Another option is to hit the trails. There are several in the area, including the newly constructed Jones Creek trail located a couple kilometers east of the the St Lawrence Islands Visitor Centre at Mallorytown Landing.

Join Georgian Bay Airways and over 800 other “Fly & Diners” a year, for an unforgettable lunch or dinner experience at World Famous Henry’s Fish Restaurant on Frying Pan Island in Sans Souci. Departing from their base in Parry Sound Harbour you will fly directly to Henry’s – accessed only by boat or seaplane – where you’ll be fed the best Pickerel (Walleye) you’ve ever had! Enjoy your meal while overlooking magnificent yachts parked at the docks, and beautiful Georgian Bay, then hop back on the plan for your return flight.

Operating from May to October out of Parry Sound’s beautiful downtown waterfront in the Heart of the 30,000 Islands, Georgian Bay Airways Ltd. proudly offers a modern fleet of seaplanes to service your flying needs.

Sightseeing Air Tours, Charters, and Flying Adventures are just a sample of the Georgian Bay Airways experience.

White Squall was born in 1985 with the simple desire to share the outdoors and paddling with others. Beginners of all ages, experience the fun of paddling with us in a quiet and easy way.  The name came from the late Stan Roger’s song “White Squall”, a haunting ballad that captures the mystery and power of Georgian Bay.

Leaders in sea kayak instruction and tripping

White Squall is a leader in sea kayaking and offers a full range of skill and instructor certification through Paddle Canada for keen beginners to experts  – with some of the best teaching staff in Canada.  More than that, they simply love paddling through the islands of Georgian Bay, the largest freshwater island archipelago in the world and a UNESCO world biosphere reserve.

Their trip groups are small, with a strong attention to environmental awareness.  The geological and natural story of the coast is a fascinating tale.  Wholesome, hearty meals are a highlight after being on the water, and you’ll have lots of time to swim, explore and simply take in the solitude of the Bay and her islands. Trips are led by a fully qualified guide and assistant guide and often a third apprentice comes along for training. Friendly staff will guide you on your way even if you have never kayaked before. So come join White Squall in exploring the thousands of windswept pine islands of Georgian Bay for a course or a trip of a lifetime! Learn more on the kayak adventure page.

Glamourous Camping by WildExodus;

Adventure upscale camping and luxury vacations giving you a rich experience in Ontario’s Wilderness Region of Canada’s Boreal Forest. Perfectly personal… parties of four to twelve and never more than one group.

You can choose from a seven-day trip with a focus on outdoor adventure, nature appreciation, and local heritage. Activities on these adventures can be expected to range from, fishing, trekking, survival techniques, canoeing, to learning what lives in the forest, its evolution and mankind’s impact on it, and yes a most luxurious camping environment that will surprise your imagination!

These glamping vacations are all-inclusive and WildExodus’ way of giving you the best value for your money. That means a complete holiday; three meals daily, guide services, all required equipment, accommodations, and trip planning are all taken care of for you. Bring personal gear; clothing, tooth brush, camera and a backpack, special needs etc.

Take an amazing sailing trip through the new Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Preserve from Thunder Bay to Red Rock.

Visit: Sail Superior

It’s the sense of history that draws most visitors to the French River. The moment their paddles dip into the same waterway used by the great Voyageurs of the North West Company the imagination runs wild. It’s a feeling of kinship with these great early explorers – not that lightweight Kevlar canoes match or even compare to their 36-foot birchbark canot du maitre – but the prospect of adventure is identical.

Guests of the Lodge at Pine Cove can experience this adventure and the rich history of the French River by day and enjoy the comfort of a private cottage at night. Leave from our beach or let us drop you off at your put-in spot and paddle the Canadian Shield, were you will find a world of wilderness, magnificence and endless lakes and rivers. Some of the finest canoeing and sea kayaking waters in the world are in our backyard. Explore, swim, fish, camp on an island, run a rapid and return to a luxurious meal and cottage at the end of the day. We will supply equipment, instruction, route planning and guides in any combination you wish.

Hear the stories

Toni Harting – author of French River, Canoeing the River of the Stick-Wavers – will take you on a visual and musical journey down the French River. During his presentation you will see the entire waterway and learn of the Voyageurs, explorers and other fascinating history of the French.

Voyageur Canoeing

Truly re-live the the days of the voyageurs by paddling a 36-foot Montreal Canoe. A guided trip down the river in this magnificent vessel will provide you with the unique opportunity to feel the same currents as the voyageurs did so long ago. Day trips can be had right from the Lodge at Pine Cove.

Visit the Lodge at Pine Cove – www.frenchriver.com

Diamond Key Lodge is located at the mouth of the Key River, in the French River Delta. The range of fishing is outstanding, with Northern Pike, Muskie, Walleye, and Bass all around.  The scenery in northern Georgian Bay is famous; artists often paint the sunsets and the rock and pine tree backdrop are at every turn. The Lodge property faces due West, with views into the islands. The stars at night jump out and the sunsets are some of the prettiest in the world. The lodge offers the feel of a fly-in camp, but with the convenience of boat access.  Located 3 ½ hours North of Toronto, but have a real feeling of being in the wilderness.

While they hope the goal is to get away from it all and enjoy fishing, hospitality and the scenery, they do offer free wi-fi internet access, by satellite, so that you can stay connected if need be. However, you will be too  busy relaxing, fishing, walking, kayaking or paddling and having fun.