Which way are we headed?
North + Northeast
Drive just north of Kingston to discover boutique shopping in unique stores, talented makers and artist studios – all in picturesque settings like Sharbot Lake, Newboro and Westport.
Sharbot Lake
Located on two beautiful, clear lakes that offer great swimming, canoeing, boating and fishing – Sharbot Lake features an authentic Farmers Market, the famous Seed to Sausage General Store (open seasonally), and Cardinal Handmade Shop & Café with uniquely crafted home goods including candles, coffees bowls and more.
Newboro
Newboro is home to Kilborn’s on the Rideau, open 7 days a week – it’s a sprawling store filled with a massive shoe department featuring international brands, ladies and men’s fashion, home fashions, furniture and accessories. An ice cream parlor, small café and grocery store make it a great pit stop on your journey.
Westport
Westport is nestled below Foley Mountain on the Upper Rideau Lake, and its quaint downtown features unique shops with art-works, crafts, jewelry, clothing and more. For a bird’s eye view of the entire basin, walk to the peak of Spy Rock – or join a guided tour of Foley Mountain Park, the highest conservation area in the Rideau Valley.
Frontenac Provincial Park
Frontenac Provincial Park is located near the town of Sydenham and is a natural environment park. The park lies on the Frontenac Axis, a topographic extension of the Canadian Shield, which connects to the Adirondack Mountains, and consists of mixed forest, lakes, wetlands, and granite outcrops – perfect for an afternoon hike or paddling session.
Charleston Lake Provincial Park
Charleston Lake Provincial Park is a favourite family camping destination and offers excellent swimming, boating, fishing and wildlife viewing. An extension of the Canadian Shield, the park features a rocky lake and forest landscape and great hiking trails including a vantage point from the highest peak in the county.
Sydenham Village
Sydenham Village is a quaint historic village nestles in a valley north of Kingston. It features a few authentic restaurants, gift shops and a wonderful beach and community park (locals call it ‘The Point’) great for sports, boating and swimming; it’s a great place to make a pit stop!
East
Just a short drive along scenic Highway 2 following the St. Lawrence River lays Gananoque and the World Famous 1000 Islands – a stunning destination perfect for spending the day exploring.
1000 Islands Kayaking
Get on the river with nationally-certified expert guided full-day and half-trips, recreational paddling clubs, fitness programs, kids camps and more with 1000 Islands Kayaking. Leisurely adventures of this historically charming and ecologically rich area is the closest way you can get to the river and islands!
1000 Islands Helicopter Tours
1000 Islands Helicopter Tours offer the most spectacular views with six unique tours. Lift off and fly away on a journey of a lifetime and become mesmerized by the richness and beauty of the 1000 Islands only seen from the air. The magnificent sights are a perfect photographic opportunity, so cameras are a must for each flight!
Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course
Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course is situated in the Thousand Islands, and the course design takes full advantage of the rugged Canadian Shield landscape of high granite cliffs, tall white pines, and interesting scenic elevated tee offs. The generous fairways and gently contoured greens set in a lush forest environment make for great golf!
Artists of the Islands
Experience the shops, artists and artist studios of the 1000 Islands – with many local artisans showing off their talents through a series of studio tours where you can meet the makers all year long (usually on weekends) and experience first hand the colourful thread in the fabric of this vibrant community.
Balleycanoe & Co.
Balleycanoe & Co. is known in the region for carrying a large quantity of doors, hardware, tin, porch posts, gingerbread, windows, stair parts, fireplace mantles, trim, and plenty of unique decorative items that just don’t fit any particular category – plus original paintings and artwork! Happy treasure hunting!
Ivy Lea Club
The Ivy Lea Club offers guests a truly one of a kind dining experience. Housed in a former Inn, the Restaurant’s newly renovated building facilities are perfectly paired with its natural surroundings, allowing guests to take in the breathtaking vistas and feel right at home in a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere – no membership required.
Skywoods Treetop Trekking
Skywood Eco Adventure is Canada’s largest aerial adventure and zip line park. Set in the scenic 1000 Islands, Skywood offers outdoor enthusiasts a wide range of experiences like zip lines, canopy tours, aerial games and a large children’s treehouse play area suitable for children to advanced level participants.
Brown’s Bay Beach + Picnic Area
Brown’s Bay is the oldest of all of the Parks of the St. Lawrence, and continues to be a popular stopping point for travellers looking to enjoy the nice beach, a picnic and the magnificent scenery while en route between Toronto and Montreal.
Thousand Islands Playhouse
The Thousand Islands Playhouse produces professional theatre that entertains, engages and inspires audiences, while resonating throughout Eastern Ontario and across Canada. Their work is interpreted with a uniquely Canadian perspective and always strives for artistic excellence.
Southeast
Southeast of Kingston lays Wolfe Island – the largest of the 1000 Islands and waiting to be explored. Hop on the free ferry from the downtown waterfront to spend a leisurely day golfing, relaxing on the beach, or enjoying legendary butter tarts.
West + Southwest
Head west or southwest from Kingston and there’s plenty to be discovered just a short drive away – from talented craft brewers and wine producers to the world’s largest fresh water sand bar and dune system.
Picton
Picton in Prince Edward County offers excellent shopping facilities, live theatre, fine heritage homes and public buildings, a beautiful harbour with full service marina as well as six municipal parks including the grand Macaulay Heritage Park.
Village of Bloomfield
The quaint Village of Bloomfield is located on the Loyalist Parkway in the centre of “The County”, and some of the finest artisans/craft shops, antique shops, restaurants and bed and breakfasts are located here –and it’s a quick trip to see the region’s many wineries.
Wellington
Located on the north shore of Lake Ontario, Wellington is in the heart of beautiful Prince Edward County. It boasts a central position amongst the many wineries in Canada’s newest VQA wine region, and features many kilometres of waterfront plus the Drake Devonshire Hotel.
Sandbanks Provincial Park
Sandbanks is the world’s largest baymouth barrier dune formation and features three expansive sandy beaches that some say are among the best in Canada. The Outlet Beach is perfect for families, with shallow waters and a gentle drop off, and the walking trails allow visitors to experience the dune and wetland habitats of the park.
Mackinnon Brothers Brewery
Located in Bath, Mackinnon Brothers Brewing established a farm-based brewery on land settled by their ancestors in 1784. They’ve renovated century-olds barns to house the equipment, and planted hops and malting barley in the surrounding fields. The character and history of the place shine through in every glass.
Bergeron Estate Winery
Bergeron Estate Winery has become more than a space for wine – family and friends can gather to enjoy one another’s company amongst a peaceful and natural landscape – all over exquisite beverage, authentic Italian flavours and down to earth staff who love food and wine as much as you and your family does.
