Kingston 
Nestled between the St. Lawrence River and the Rideau Canal, with lots of lakes in between, many of the activities suggested are based on enjoying or admiring the water or the creatures that live in it. Hinging on the communities of Kemptville, Gananoque, Brockville and Prescott, Leeds & Grenville offers bountiful outdoor recreation to soak up the summer months.
(Admission to each location is free unless otherwise noted.)
For more activities, see: 20+ Things to Do in Brockville During Summer
1. 1,000 Islands from the sky
If you want a bird’s-eye view of the famous islands in this region, take the 40-second ride to the top of the 1000 Islands Tower for memorable photos. The ride costs $17 for adults and $9 for children over age five. Details
Address: 716 Highway 137, Lansdowne
2. Go deep
Dive into the St. Lawrence to see the creatures from that habitat without getting wet. The Aquatarium at Tall Ships Landing also shows you the sunken Keystorm cargo steamer pilothouse. Guided tours cost $14.99 and you need to buy your tickets online in advance. Details
Address: 6 Broad St, Brockville
3. Explore 1000 Islands Park
1000 Islands National Park welcomes paddlers and hikers for a day-long visit or a chance to camp overnight in the oTENTik cabin. For $102 a night you get a little cabin with a verandah nestled. The rate drops to $92 per night after Labour Day. For day visitors, Parks Canada charges $7 for parking for cars and $19.60 for a vehicle with a boat trailer. Details
Address: 1088 Thousand Islands Parkway, Mallorytown
4. Go wreck diving
If you enjoy scuba diving, there are countless shipwrecks to explore, from freighters to schooners, in the so-called Canadian Caribbean. You can go as shallow at 25 feet or deep as 140 feet to see these historical giants underwater. Details
5. Cruise the islands
If you want to see the area above the sealine, you can take river or canal cruises. Take a guided tour with 1000 Islands and Seaway Cruises for $15 to $60, depending on the length of the tour, the speed of the boat and if dinner is included or not.
Address:
- 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises, 30 Blockhouse Island Parkway, Brockville
- City Cruises Gananoque, 280 Main Street, Gananoque
- Rockport Cruises, 23 Front Street, Rockport
6. Charming Charleston Lake
Charleston Lake Provincial Park gives you the option of enjoying the beach, the boat launch or seven different trails to hike from a level 1.8-kilometre trip through a majestic forest to 10 kilometres across meadows and rocky fields. Day passes range from $10 to $18.60. (Free admission during select days in summer)
Address: 148 Woodvale Road, Lansdowne
7. Sink a line in the waters of the St. Lawrence
The St. Lawrence River and the nearby lakes boast more than 20 species of sport fish, including walleye, pike and bass. While the whole region is rich in fish habitats, the pros recommend Gananoque and the Thousand Islands as prime locations to drag out dinner.
8. Nature comes to life in sculpture
The Sculpture Park in Gananoque features large herons, trees and leaves created by artists as part of Canada’s largest outdoor art exhibit. Walk through the downtown to find each one in a fairyland setting. Details
Address: 2 King Street East, Confederation Park, Gananoque
9. Unforgettable view from Foley Mountain
The steep hike or climb up this slope rewards you with an amazing view of Upper Rideau Lake and the lovely village of Westport from the granite ridge. The site also offers nature programs, seven trails and group camping. Day passes cost $7 while a season’s pass will be $50. Programs and camping cost extra. Details
Address: Foley Mountain Lane, Westport
10. Bike!
Set off on two wheels to explore the seven different cycling routes that range from long and level to thrillingly hilly: Brockville West Collection, Howe Island Loop and Marble Rock Roll, Desert Lake Loop, Charleston Lake Loop, Portland-Westport-Perth Loop, Edge of the Arch and Jones Falls Tour, River and Ridges and Transit (along the waterfront). For nature lovers, the Edge of the Arch takes you through the Frontenac Arch Biosphere. Details
11. Feel the flower power
Follow the Garden Trail around the region to visit 13 different private and public gardens to showcase unique perennials, shrubs and trees to inspire your own green thumb. You can also admire the fountains, ponds, art and the bees and butterflies that come with them. The Healing Circle Labyrinth requires an appointment. Details
12. Brockville’s beautiful beach
St. Lawrence Park has a beautiful safe sandy beach alongside its camping area right along the river. You can launch your canoe or kayak from here or just grab a snack from the canteen. Details
Address: 525 King St W, Brockville
13. Sun and swim at Lyn Valley
The sandy beach at Lyn Valley Conservation Area sits at the edge of a spring-fed lake to really cool off the kids. Pack a picnic lunch and walk the trail at this intimate but popular destination. Details
Address: 156 Lyn Valley Road, Lyn
14. Splash at Joel Stone Heritage Park
Tucked into an inlet, Joel Stone Heritage Park has a beach with a fabulous view of the St. Lawrence River, a splash pad, and a lighthouse all amidst a natural setting. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see some steamer ships go by while you are there. Details
Address: 135 Water Street, Gananoque
15. Moor among the mallards
The Rideau Migratory Bird Sanctuary is nestled on the Rideau River near Merrickville. You can stop and moor your boat overnight or paddle your canoe or kayak to get closer to the ducks and geese who take refuge there. The trails amid the 800-hectare property are level and easy to enjoy. Details
Address: Lanark 43 Road, Merrickville
16. Splash and shop in Brockville
The Brockville Rotary Park and Splash Pad sprinkles kids with cooling drops as they play amid the colourful spray nozzles. Sitting close to the riverfront and the downtown area, you can see the best of the town after your play session.
Address: 10 Gilmour Street, Brockville
16. Enjoy a little Limerick
The Limerick Forest offers a range of activities, including 180 km of trails for hikers and ATVers. Check in at any information kiosks at various trailheads for maps and aerial photos to guide you through. Details
Address: 1175 Limerick Road, Oxford
https://www.instagram.com/p/CQytLUKlYVU/
17. Mountain biking at Mac Mills
Join a group ride or go out on your own along these 35 kilometres of spectacular trails in MacIntosh Mills near Mallorytown. Conditions are updated regularly on the website to advise which routes are in the best shape, saving you from time-consuming detours. Details
Address: 112 Marsh Rd, Mallorytown
18. See the swans
The Mac Johnson Wildlife Area bears the name of a conservation pioneer in the area, opening up this 532-hectare paradise of forest, fields and wetlands for birds and wildlife, including Trumpeter Swans. You’ll find 11 kilometres of easy trails, including the Wildflower Loop. Details
Address: Debruge Road, Brockville
19. Cool off at eQuinelle Park
Fill a fun day at the splash pad and playground in this lovely park in Kemptville. Have a picnic in the covered shelter then walk along the nature trail. Details
Address: 163 Royal Landing Gate, Kemptville
20. Lookouts on the Canadian Shield
For a rugged experience, plan a trek at Marble Rock Conservation Area. Its trails for hikers best suit medium or advanced outdoorsmen as you are climbing up rocky trails. You will be rewarded with fabulous views from lookouts on both the north and south trails within the Frontenac Arch Biosphere. Details
Address: Marble Rock Road, Gananoque
21. Relax on Sand Bay
Escape to this popular beach and picnic pavilion on Charleston Lake, where you can even barbecue! The Sand Bay County Park swimming area is clearly marked with buoys for your safety. Details
Address: County Park Road, Athens
22. Walk on the level
The North Grenville Rail Trail is an easy trek on an even-to-traverse surface that travels seven kilometres. It will take you through the sights of the town of Kemptville, including the Ontario Agricultural College grounds. You can park off Bedell Road and walk from there or choose another entry point along the way. Details
23. Holy Toledo, what a great park!
Bellamy Park, on the shores of Bellamy Lake, can entertain you all day with the sandy beach, ball field, horseshoe pit and picnic area. With 100 acres of woods to explore and a boat launch, you have a range of options. Day passes cost $3 for anyone over age 10 or $10 for a carload of people. Details
Address: 450 Lake Eloida Road, Toledo
24. A trek through history
When you take the Tip to Tip Trail in Burritt’s Rapids, you learn the value of the construction of the Rideau Canal and how it changed more than the physical landscape. This exploration takes about an hour as you cover four kilometres along the way. Details
Road Trip From Ottawa to Kingston: Drive the Rideau Canal National Historic Site
25. Tunnel vision in Brockville
The Brock Trail wends its way along an eight-kilometre route from the St. Lawrence River north to the Buell’s Creek Reservoir. In between, you’ll see the picturesque waterfront, Canada’s oldest railway tunnel, Blockhouse Island and a series of parks. Enjoy the city’s architecture as you explore. Details
26. Walk atop the trees
Go on a guided tour high among the forest canopy at Treetop Trekking. You’ll hike through a series of unique games, including bridges, swings, nets and zip lines, as you go from one treetop platform to the next. Details
Address: 1278 Thousand Islands Pkwy, Mallorytown
