If you’re anything like me and have explored the Thousand Islands region in Canada numerous times, you might be eager to find some fresh experiences on your next visit. While the renowned boat cruises and popular hiking trails never disappoint, there’s so much more waiting to be uncovered in this stunning area. In this post, I’m excited to share some of my favorite hidden gems in the Thousand Islands that will enhance your next trip.
During my recent adventure, I delved deep to uncover unique activities in the Thousand Islands, such as walking with alpacas and enjoying breathtaking aerial views. I also found lesser-known hiking trails, a solar-powered brewery, and fantastic dining spots. So, if you’re planning a getaway to this beautiful region, I’ve got a wealth of fun suggestions to help you experience the Thousand Islands in a whole new light!
Hidden Gems in the Thousand Islands
Goat Ridge Farm
While many of Ontario’s best-known animal experiences feature alpacas, I have a special fondness for goats! I was thrilled to discover Goat Ridge Farm, a charming spot in the Thousand Islands where I could spend time with these delightful animals.
Goat Ridge Farm spans a picturesque 300 acres of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere, located in Seeley’s Bay, about 20 minutes north of Gananoque. The highlight is that you can book a goat walking experience!
Upon my arrival, I met Lindsay, the owner, at the barn, where I was warmly welcomed by her adorable farm companions—a playful tabby named Murray, a lively group of chickens and ducks, and two Indian Runner ducks, affectionately named Hans and Franz, who would undoubtedly star in their own reality show!
After getting acquainted with the farm’s charming residents, we set off on the goat walk. Surrounded by around 30 Nubian goats, I couldn’t help but smile from ear to ear, as each of these quirky creatures has its own unique personality.
The goat walk usually lasts about 45 minutes and covers approximately 1 to 2 kilometers, depending on the group. There’s plenty of time for memorable photo opportunities, including selfies with Winkie or cuddly moments with a baby goat.
Lindsay is dedicated to regenerative farming practices and sells organically grown garlic and free-range eggs. Plus, she’s a talented potter with a lovely shop in the barn—consider picking up a pottery piece as a delightful souvenir or a goat-themed T-shirt!
Ivy Restaurant
As a self-proclaimed foodie, I am constantly on the lookout for restaurants that celebrate local ingredients. It turns out one of the best dining spots in the Thousand Islands is an undiscovered treasure!
Ivy Restaurant, located within the Ivy Lea Club, just off the Thousand Islands Parkway, features a stunning dining room and an extraordinary patio that overlooks the picturesque St. Lawrence River.
Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, the restaurant offers different menus for each meal. For brunch, you can savor dishes like lemon blueberry French toast or eggs Benedict. I enjoyed a delightful lunch on the patio, where the menu included tacos and burgers.
Their commitment to using local ingredients is commendable! Additionally, if you’re in search of a great coffee to take on your journey back, they have a charming shop called Coach House Creamery, where you can find baked goods, various coffee drinks, and local products like maple syrup.
Hidden Meadows Alpacas
Another hidden gem in the Thousand Islands is Hidden Meadows Alpacas! Although Google Maps almost led me to believe it was cloaked in endless forest, I eventually discovered the entrance a short distance away.
Hidden Meadows Alpacas is one of the most enchanting places you can visit in the Thousand Islands for absolutely no charge! Mike and Karen graciously welcome visitors to their farm simply out of kindness. You can schedule a free alpaca experience and learn about the fascinating quirks of these unique creatures.
Karen, who has multiple sclerosis, shares interesting stories about the alpacas, including their names and personalities. Understanding the significance of accessibility, she and her husband Mike have made sure it’s easy for individuals with wheelchairs or mobility devices to access the alpaca yard and meet these adorable creatures.
The farm is situated in Seeley’s Bay, a picturesque 20-minute drive north of Gananoque, and is home to about 30 alpacas along with a few baby goats.
I instantly fell for Daisy, a playful alpaca who loved to pose for selfies with me! The baby alpacas were incredibly cute, reminding me of little Ewoks!
While there, we also learned about how alpaca fiber is processed, from the animal to the finished products. They collaborate with local Ontario mills and community knitters to create an array of items available for purchase in their little shop, The Paca Shack, which features everything from colorful yarn to warm mitts.
Travel Tip: If you’re using Google Maps to find them, it may direct you close to the end of Simpson Side Road, stating it’s on the left. However, the entrance is actually off Back Street. So, make sure to turn left at the end of Simpson Side Road, and you’ll soon spot their small sign on the left-hand side.
ARBRU Solar Brewery
Another hidden gem in the Thousand Islands is ARBRU, located in Mallorytown. This solar-powered brewery offers a unique experience for beer enthusiasts visiting the area.
ARBRU is Canada’s first solar-powered brewery and is an excellent stop on your Thousand Islands road trip. The brewery features a lovely patio that overlooks the hop yard and solar panels, or you can enjoy a flight in their eclectic tasting room.
Open from Wednesday through Sunday, this brewery also boasts wood-fired pizza, which pairs perfectly with any flight of beer. To learn more about the brewing process, consider booking a brewery tour that includes a tasting flight.
I love that this environmentally conscious brewery operates entirely on solar energy, and they have a remarkable initiative where a tree is planted for every beer purchased.
Travel Tip: Be sure to check out their special event nights before planning your visit, as they often host trivia, open mic nights, and wing nights.
Gananoque Art Walk
During my visit, I stumbled upon another hidden gem—the Gananoque Art Walk. At the O’Connor Gallery, a downtown art gallery, I had a conversation with the owner, Dennis, who shared information about this exciting event that started in the spring of 2024.
Gananoque boasts a thriving arts community. If you’re searching for unique experiences in the Thousand Islands, try to arrange your visit for the last Friday of the month. On that day, local galleries, studios, and businesses come together to showcase the town’s impressive arts scene. This self-guided walk is a fantastic way to meet local artists and explore their work.
Visit Lansdowne
The quaint village of Lansdowne is peppered with hidden treasures within the Thousand Islands region. Located about 20 minutes east of Gananoque, just before Rockport, it’s most celebrated for the Lansdowne Fair—an agricultural event that’s been thriving for 160 years every July.
One of my favorite spots in Lansdowne is the Tipsy Goat Market & Social House. This eye-catching purple building is filled with delightful finds. The shelves boast a mix of local products and international items; I particularly loved the local soaps and beautiful pottery. The market also features a café where you can grab a coffee to enjoy while you browse.
Another fantastic shop is Sara’s Boho Vintage. This sustainable gem showcases everything from vintage décor and furniture to unique clothing and jewelry pieces. There’s a style for everyone, whether you prefer vibrant colors or earthy tones, and you’ll likely leave with a delightful treasure!
Travel Tip: Keep an eye out for the impressive train mural located on the side of a building at the intersection of Prince Street and Grand Trunk Avenue.
Ridgway Confections
In the charming village of Seeley’s Bay, located 20 minutes north of Gananoque, you’ll find a whimsical chocolate shop that truly stands out! Set within a Victorian house, Ridgway Confections is a delightful treat for chocolate lovers.
As we approached, we were greeted by the chocolatier, Derek, strumming his guitar on the front porch. He welcomed us inside and offered us a complimentary chocolate truffle; I was thrilled by the variety of flavors and chose the Cinnamon Whisky—it was divine!
Ridgway Confections specializes in hand-crafted Belgian chocolates and a wide selection of other delightful treats, from chocolate bars and barks to truffles. They offer an impressive range of flavors, including classics like hazelnut and unique combinations like lime and coconut.
If you’re visiting during the summer or early fall, make sure to try their Frosticles, which are delicious ice cream bars dipped in exquisite chocolate—my favorite was the strawberry shortcake!
Insider Tip: Don’t forget to explore the back room, which houses their tea selection, as Derek’s wife is a tea expert. You can also find local products for sale and even a small museum!
Unique Things to Do in the Thousand Islands
Enjoy a Helicopter Ride
For an unforgettable perspective of the region, consider taking a helicopter tour! This experience is a must-do when visiting Gananoque.
Just a short five-minute drive north of downtown Gananoque, you’ll find 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours, offering several tour options at varying price points. You can choose to soar over the stunning islands of Thousand Islands National Park or get a unique view of the iconic Bolt Castle.
These helicopter tours operate throughout the year, but I highly recommend scheduling your journey for the fall to witness the spectacular autumn colors from above.
If you’re feeling anxious about flying, don’t worry! The friendly staff, from the check-in to the pilot, will help ease your nerves with their welcoming demeanor and humor. Once you’re airborne, the breathtaking views will captivate your attention.
I was thrilled that the pilot also acted as a tour guide, sharing interesting facts and stories about the sights we soared over. We experienced the Bolt Castle helicopter tour, which offered a uniquely captivating view that’s quite different from the boat tours. Observing the diverse hues of the water from above was a delight!
Do a Creative Workshop
If you’re an arts enthusiast or simply looking to do something creative while visiting Gananoque, check out the Gananoque Arts Network. This fantastic organization hosts a range of free events and paid workshops.
Located in a purple building on King Street in downtown Gananoque, GAN Arts shares space with the Painted Turtle Café. While the café occupies the front, the back area features an art gallery and a workshop space for pottery and other creative activities.
Every week, GAN Arts hosts a knitting circle and an acoustic jam session. Additionally, from October to June, families with children can enjoy free art time on Saturday mornings. They also organize monthly events like GAN Urban Sketching on the second Wednesday of each month at various locations around town.
Be sure to check their website for upcoming events and workshops prior to your visit!
Take an Antique Boat Tour
If you’re seeking an alternative to the classic Thousand Islands boat tours, like the renowned Bolt Castle tour, I have a secret to share! There’s a lesser-known tour that many overlook, which takes you out on an antique boat.
The Thousand Islands Boat Museum is located just steps away from the boarding area for other Gananoque boat tours. Alongside its unique gallery space, the museum hosts several antique boats, and you can book a tour on one of them!
During my visit, my father and I boarded a beautiful antique boat called Limit Up and enjoyed a private tour that allowed us to explore interesting sights along the St. Lawrence River. One of the best aspects of this tour is that you can get much closer to the landmarks, offering a totally different perspective than the large cruise boats provide.
Hike the Gananoque Trails
If you’ve visited the area multiple times and have explored all the well-known hikes, it’s time to check out the Gananoque Trails!
The town features a trail system consisting of three loops, totaling around 12 kilometers. These trails are among the best hidden gems in Gananoque, taking you along the waterfront, through the town, and alongside the beautiful Gananoque River.
If you’re up for a longer hike, you can complete all three loops in roughly four hours. However, my personal favorite is the Lions Loop. It follows the Gananoque River and offers an easy hiking experience. For a slightly more challenging hike with a lookout point and some forested trails, I recommend the Rogers Loop, which takes around two hours to complete.
Gananoque Trails are perfect for those seeking unique and free activities in the Thousand Islands.
Climb the 1000 Islands Tower
One of the tallest attractions in the Thousand Islands often goes unnoticed: the 1000 Islands Tower. It offers some of the best views in the area for a very reasonable fee.
The tower is situated between Ivy Lea and Rockport, so if you’re traveling along the Thousand Islands Parkway, just take Highway 137 south. Note that there is a toll of around $5 to access the road leading up to the tower.
Standing at over 400 feet above the St. Lawrence River, I love that the tower provides 360-degree views from multiple levels. While there are stairs winding around the tower, visitors are primarily brought to the top via an elevator.
The elevator takes you to the first of three observation decks. Enclosed in glass, the first deck includes informative plaques and books detailing the area’s history and the sights you’re seeing, as well as information about the tower itself.
The two next observation decks are accessed via a series of stairs. These open-air decks offer incredible views over the entire region and into New York state!
Travel Tip: The tower is open seasonally from May through October.
Hike Marble Rock Conservation Area
If you’re looking for a less crowded hiking experience in the Thousand Islands, consider Marble Rock Conservation Area. Located less than 15 minutes north of Gananoque, this park offers a unique hiking landscape.
Spanning 710 acres, Marble Rock Conservation Area features two loop trails—one is 7 kilometers and the other is 11 kilometers. Both trails are considered moderate to difficult, with various terrains and rock scrambling, so evaluate your skill level before you hit the trails.
The park is named after the striking rock formations. Once you reach the summit, you’re rewarded with stunning lookout views. Additionally, many parts of the trails expose sections of the Canadian Shield and feature shaded paths through the forest.
This park is great for those seeking quieter hiking trails, and during my visit with a friend, we encountered not a single other hiker!
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With such a vast region, there are countless hidden gems in the Thousand Islands waiting to be explored! If you, like me, visit often and are searching for alternatives to the well-trodden paths and main attractions, this guide is perfect for uncovering unique experiences to incorporate into your upcoming Thousand Islands itinerary.
I was hosted by 1000 Islands Tourism, but as always, all opinions expressed are my own.
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