Thousand Islands National Park in Ontario, Canada - map, photos and visitor information

Thousand Islands National Park protects mainland sites and islands along Ontario's St. Lawrence River between Kingston and Brockville. You can explore mainland trails by road or arrange a boat trip to an island campsite. The national park occupies only part of the wider Thousand Islands region, so check that your destination is park property before planning a landing.

Highlights on the mainland and islands

• Walk forest and wetland trails at Jones Creek.
• Visit Landons Bay for a separate mainland trail outing.
• Plan an island camping trip with your own arranged boat transport.
• Choose a drive-up oTENTik at Mallorytown Landing for a seasonal mainland stay.

Know before visiting Thousand Islands National Park

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Use the official fees to calculate your combination of parking, vessel use, and accommodation. A campsite fee does not cover every boat-related charge.

Prepare for river conditions and island isolation

Shoals, currents, changing water levels, and boat traffic make navigation a central part of an island visit. Carry accurate nautical charts and check marine weather. The constricted river near the international bridge is recommended for advanced paddlers only.

Do not depend on cell reception. Give emergency services the island's posted civic address where available. On land, stay on marked routes to reduce contact with irritating plants and check for ticks after the outing.

Bring drinking water to island camps. Confirm any refill arrangements before departure.

Keep islands clean and prevent forest pests

Buy firewood inside the park. Do not move it into or out of park properties or gather wood from the forest. Use provided fire pits only when restrictions permit a fire.

Keep pets controlled on a leash no longer than 3 m and away from beach areas. Pets are not allowed on most oTENTik sites; Mallorytown Landing units 3B and 3E are the listed exceptions. Keep food and garbage secured against animals.

Park trails do not permit bicycles. Leave plants, animals, and historical objects undisturbed. The park rules also explain vessel permits, quiet hours, and docking restrictions.

Reserve accommodation and arrange your own crossing

The park offers reservable island campsites and some first-come sites. oTENTiks require reservations through Parks Canada or by phone at 1-877-737-3783. Camping and overnight stays are prohibited at Jones Creek and Landons Bay.

Arrange island transport separately. On arrival, follow self-registration instructions and display the required permits. Dock space and mooring buoys cannot be reserved, so a campsite booking does not guarantee a berth. Read the camping information before selecting an island.

Maps, road access, and boat approaches

The mainland sites lie along the Thousand Islands Parkway. Mallorytown Landing is at 1121 Parkway, reached from Highway 401 exit 675. Jones Creek is at 1270 Parkway. Landons Bay is at 302 Parkway, near exit 647. The administration office at 2 County Road 5 is a separate address.

The islands require boat access. Choose a launch or transfer point that matches the specific island and your ability. Do not treat Mallorytown Landing as the automatic starting point for every island.

Use the official directions for access choices. Recreational route maps help with planning, but accurate nautical charts are essential on the river.

Nearby provincial parks for a road trip

• Charleston Lake Provincial Park: A road-access option at 148 Woodvale Road near Lansdowne. Its published 2026 main operating season ended October 18, so check access before making a detour.
• Frontenac Provincial Park: A regional inland option reached at 6700 Salmon Lake Road near Sydenham. It offers year-round backcountry recreation, with separate provincial permits and planning requirements.

Choose mainland hiking or time on the river

Mallorytown Landing has about 2 km of easy and moderate walking loops. Jones Creek offers a 12 km network, while Landons Bay has a 7 km network. These totals describe networks, not single required walking distances. Select a loop that fits your time and ability.

On the water, boating and paddling allow island visits with different levels of commitment. A short mainland walk can suit a visitor who cannot arrange boat transport. Island camping requires time for loading, navigation, and an alternative plan if conditions deteriorate.

Self-guided audio tours provide another way to learn about the area. Download material before leaving reliable reception. Confirm whether any seasonal program is running on your travel dates.

Island amenities and mainland accommodation

Island amenities vary. The park lists docks, composting toilets, trails, and primitive campsites on appropriate properties. Check the intended island individually. A toilet or dock listing does not establish potable water or offseason maintenance.

oTENTiks are available at Mallorytown Landing and on McDonald and Gordon islands during their operating season. They have beds and furniture, but no internal plumbing. Bring bedding, food, water containers, and cooking equipment. Food preparation and storage inside the accommodation are prohibited; use the outdoor storage provided.

Discuss your needs with the park before booking. Drive-up access at Mallorytown Landing does not by itself confirm wheelchair suitability.

About Thousand Islands National Park

From St. Lawrence Islands to today's park

The park was established in 1904 under its earlier name, St. Lawrence Islands National Park. It began with waterfront land provided by the Mallory family for park use.

Indigenous use of the river and islands extends much further back. Archaeological finds record earlier seasonal travel and settlement. Leave cultural objects where they lie and report discoveries to park staff.

Forest habitats, reptiles, and island animals

The Frontenac Arch connects different forest environments and supports varied habitats, including species at risk. Park conservation work includes reptiles and amphibians as well as other wildlife.

Raccoons readily seek unsecured food. Black bears and coyotes can also occur on islands, even though they are more often associated with mainland sites. Keep a safe distance and report concerning encounters.

Contact Thousand Islands National Park

Call 613-923-5261 or email [email protected] for planning. Call 911 for police, fire, or ambulance emergencies. Report wildlife incidents and wildfires to Parks Canada at 1-877-852-3100.