If the desire to see something other than your own part of the country bothers you, but you can’t afford to travel abroad, road trips in Quebec and Canada are alternatives that can be cheaper and very interesting. Just under a three-hour drive from Montreal is Gananoque, an Ontario town with scenic countryside that might convince you to pack your bags for a weekend or a few days of adventure.
Dubbed the “Gateway to the Thousand Islands,” this city is recognized as one of eastern Ontario’s most beautiful coastal communities. While not exactly a European getaway, the fact remains that the architecture of the buildings, as well as the activities to do in the area, risk getting lost and giving the impression that you are located in the old continent, especially from the outset of the castle, surrounded by water.
Enough comparison, the place itself is romantic and intriguing, which is reason enough to plan a visit to this corner of the stunning Thousand Islands archipelago in the Saint Lawrence River.
There are a few essential things to put on your bucket list during the summer season, including historic sites, shows and water sports activities, not to mention local events. So you could book a night at the Thousand Islands Playhouse, which is right on the water and where you can see plays and musicals like The Sound of Music, Intimate Apparel and Bittergirl.
If you’d rather catch a movie under the stars, you can always head to the 1000 Islands drive-in movie theater and get your hands on the funnel cake fries with ice cream they sell.
To learn more about this region during your visit, a trip to the 1000 Islands History Museum or the Thousand Islands Boat Museum should be included in your itinerary. The first museum lets you discover a thousand years of Canadian history that took place in the Thousand Islands archipelago, while the second focuses on the river and boats with stories and exhibits.
If you want to delve into the past, why not schedule a moment at the magnificent Boldt Castle, located on Heart Island in the United States and accessible from Gananoque. The 1900 building, intended as a competitor to those who beautify Europe, hides a story of love and sadness, and a visit to this award-winning site is a must. Cruise options of approximately five hours including two hours on the island are available so you can organize everything.
To continue your exploration, Confederation Park, also known as Sculpture Park, features Ontario’s largest outdoor exhibition of contemporary art. All you have to do is prepare a picnic lunch on site, then have the option to view pieces from the Ottawa Art Bank and local artists for as long as you like.
The area’s beauty doesn’t stop there though, as the Thousand Islands National Park is about thirty minutes from town and you can hike, camp or kayak in its crystal clear waters. The beaches are not to be missed as you can walk on the sand or at the water’s edge and swim in the river while enjoying breathtaking views of Joel Stone Beach, Landon Bay and Grass Creek Park.
When it comes to food, don’t hesitate to try local spots like Riva, a restaurant with Italian flavors that will enhance your sense of being in Europe, or the café with a romantic and French atmosphere, Panaché Bakery. To immerse yourself in Ganaroque, spend a Thursday afternoon at the fresh and local food market that takes place in front of the beautiful town hall, or take advantage of the events organized throughout the summer such as concerts, cider or wine tastings, fairs, etc.
So, if you have a thirst for travel but airline ticket prices are not currently within your budget, you can quench your thirst in this city that has so much to offer.
Before you embark on your adventure, read our Responsible Traveler Guide to staying informed, safe, smart, and most importantly, respectful during your trip.