Set between the major cities of Kingston and Montreal is the Long Sault Parkway, a 10-kilometre long road that connects a collection of eleven islands on the St. Lawrence River. The parkway is visually beautiful and has significant history surrounding it, and a drive around the area allows you to explore the wonders and stories of the attractions along the way.
The area surrounding the parkway was flooded in the 1950s to construct Moses-Saunders Power Dam and to expand St. Lawrence Seaway. The 11 islands in the Long Sault Parkway are the highest points that remained after the flooding.
Here are 7 of the best things for your road trip across the Long Sault Parkway.
1. The Lost Villages Museum
Before you start your drive along the parkway, visit Lost Villages Museum. Explore the buildings from the villages that were submerged when the area was flooded. The Lost Villages Museum features ten heritage buildings that have been restored and assembled into an immerse village-like setting at Ault Park.
Address: 16361 Fran Laflamme Dr, Long Sault
2. Drive or Bike Long Sault Parkway
Explore this beautiful 10 km parkway that traverses 11 islands on the St. Lawerence River by car or by bike stopping to enjoy some of the activities to augment your visit. The roads are paved with large shoulders for cyclists.
Access the parkway from Highway 2.
3. Paddle Long Sault Parkway
Spend quality time on the water gaining new perspectives of the Long Sault Parkway area and enjoy the beautiful outdoors, small inlets and rivers around the eleven islands, and the shoreline.
Mike and Jenny’s Paddle Fit:
Join for paddle fit classes at Mike and Jenny’s Paddle Fit. They also offer hourly and daily rentals of canoes, single and tandem kayaks and sup. They also have life jackets.
2023 Rates:
Address: 15890 Long Sault Parkway
Long Sault
Phone: (613) 361-2032
4. Laze around the Beach
Woodlands Beach: Enjoy the sun and the sand at Woodlands Beach, a popular place to picnic! You may even find some precious nesting turtles.
Address: 15174 Long Sault Parkway, Ingleside
The Mille Roches Beach: The Mille Roches Beach is the largest of beaches on the St. Lawrence corridor and has a long bay with a snack bar, campgrounds, mature trees, and opportunities for watersports.
Address: 15805 Long Sault Pkwy, Long Sault
5. Fish
Choose a spot and drop a line for perch, rock bass, catfish or bass. St. Lawerence Parks also offers Learn to Fish programs at McLaren Campground for free.
The Hoople Creek Basin is one of the largest natural Pickerel fish hatcheries in the area and is a peaceful and down-to-earth spot to relax and go fishing.
6. Hike
Hike the trails of Hoople Island, like Chipmunk Nature Trail or Butternut Nature Trail.
What about discovering lost roads to the lost villages?
7. Dive for lost treasure
Well, you now know that there are villages submerged under the waters of the seaway. The dive site, ‘Lock 21’ is supposed to be one of Canada’s best surface dives. Located just off Macdonell Island, the dive will take you to the remnants of Lock 21 and the Lost Villages.
8. Camp
Stay awhile to enjoy fabulous sunsets and glorious twinkling dark skies. The Islands are also home to a multitude of beachfront campsites near Mille Roches and Woodlands beaches. If you want more luxury, stay in cabins and lodges.
Plan Your Trip to Long Sault Parkway
Located less than two hours from Ottawa (~ an hour) and Kingston, a trip exploring the Long Sault Parkway is a great day trip or an ideal weekend getaway close to home.
When:
~Mid to Late April to Mid to Late November (Weather dependent).
Beaches:
~ Early June to Labour Day
2023 – June 24 (delayed opening) to September 4, 2023
- Woodlands Beach and Picnic Area: 15174 Long Sault Parkway, Ingleside
- Mille Roches Beach and Picnic Area: 15890 Long Sault Parkway, Long Sault
Camping:
McLaren (and Hoople): Victoria Day Weekend to Thanksgiving weekend
Woodlands: Victoria Day to Labour Day Weekend
Mille Roches (and Lock 21): Victoria Day Weekend to Thanksgiving weekend
Parkway closes in winter.
Where:
Between Morrisburg and Cornwall. Access the parkway from County Road 2
Exits 770 and 778 on Highway 401
Phone: +1 800-437-2233