The fourth largest of the 1000 Island chain, Howe Island is a unique place to explore.
Howe Island offers varying scenery from north to south, making each side look a little different than the next. It is a quiet island that offers a peaceful summer escape with access via two ferries: one from the Kingston side and one from Gananoque.
The important thing to remember about visiting Howe Island is to bring in what you need for your cottage stay, day trip, and picnics. While there are no services or shops on Howe Island, there is still plenty of room for summer adventures.
Access and how to get there:
Howe Island is accessible by two ferries. The ferries connect Howe Island Ferry Rd in Kingston, and Gananoque to Howe Island. Kingston side crossing takes 8 minutes while the connection to Gananoque is 3 minutes.
From 2991 Howe Island Drive, you can take a ferry to Gananoque.
Scenic Drive / Cycling Howe Island
Embark on a scenic drive around Howe Island. Ride the Howe Island ferry across Bateau Channel, then drive along Howe Island Ferry Road. Board another cable ferry to Gananoque for a scenic drive without retracing your path as Howe Island Drive connects the two ferry docks. One fee covers both ferries, allowing you to arrive on Howe Island with one ferry and depart with the other at no extra cost.
This is a perfect way to see the Island by bike or car at 15km!
There will be three main viewing areas and lookout points over the river along the drive. At the end of Lighthouse Lane, a small park offers wide views of the channel between Howe and Wolfe Islands. Lower Side Road Lookout provides another excellent river view. At Quinns Bay, numerous openings provide excellent birdwatching opportunities during migration periods, despite limited parking.
Much of Howe Island is privately owned land, making it important to keep to the marked trails and roads.
Rockin’ the Rock Summer Festival
Make your trip to Howe Island for the annual Rockin’ The Rock festival held each July. The music festival includes a full day of rock performances. Enjoy the concerts lakeside and picnic-style while enjoying the food and drink vendors on-location. The festival also runs a shuttle bus for ticketholders that departs from Kingston and takes you on the ferry right to the festival.
Water Adventures
One of the best ways to see Howe Island is from the water! While the ferry ride will provide great river scenery on the short cruise, boaters can take advantage of the Bateau Channel for excellent river boating experiences and scenery.
- Canoers, kayakers, and paddlers can take advantage of the calmer St. Lawrence waters of The Bateau Channel.
- For first-timers or less-experienced paddlers, 1000 Islands Kayaking provide guided trips and excursions. All of these depart from their store in Gananoque and will, therefore, pass by Howe Island as you travel the river. These tours bring you even further to see the islands of 1000 Islands National Park, with a camping trip also available.
Where to Stay on Howe Island
Howe Island is cottage country. There are numerous private rental options on the island, many of which are waterfront, and include incredible amenities. Choose between places with pools or hot tubs, docks on the river, watersports equipment, or places with incredible views that are all yours for the weekend.
- Use Airbnb to find yourself a quiet, small, and quaint cabin on Howe Island, or a large home suited to groups and families. Many of these rental options are right on the water, too!
- Plus, VRBO accommodations on Howe Island include a luxury home, a waterfront cottage, and several more on the mainland.
Food in Kingston or Gananoque
There are no retail stores or restaurants/cafes on Howe Island. However, Kingston and Gananoque both offer everything you need to load up the coolers or picnic baskets. Additionally, Howe Island accommodations like cabins or cottages will usually include a full kitchen, making it easier to bring your eats from these two cities.