Toronto 
One of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of the Thousand Islands on the St. Lawrence is from above the trees and water. And among the many islands of the Thousand Islands National Park, one location offers such an opportunity.
Credit: 1000 Islands Tower
The 1000 Islands Tower, while not technically part of the National Park, is on Hill Island, part of which is in the park boundaries. These are 360-degree views from the 1000 Islands Tower; so in addition to getting incredible views of the National Park, you’ll also see the American side, and way off into the Canadian mainland.
Visiting the 1000 Islands Tower
Get your tickets online and in advance to save a bit of time when you arrive on Hill Island. Once you arrive, you’ll travel 130m (400ft) above the ground on an elevator up to the three observation decks (no climbing involved!).
The 360-degree view from the decks provides views of all the notable nearby landmarks: the St. Lawrence River, the famous castles on the islands, the Thousand Islands Bridge, and all the nearby communities.
The experience starts at the lowest deck, which is fully enclosed. The second deck is up a short staircase and brings you out into the open air but surrounded by guard rails. The final short flight of stairs leads to the top deck, also open air, but no guard rails to obstruct the views.
More to See & Do around the 1000 Islands Tower
These attractions and experiences around the Hill Island area will get you several more ways to see and enjoy the 1000 Islands.
- Pack in a picnic for Batterman’s Point on Hill Island. This section of the 1000 Islands National Park has docking space for those wanting to paddle in, as well as road access from the Tower. The area has amenities like picnic shelters, firewood, firepits, washrooms, and garbage cans.
- The City Experiences provides boat tours which depart from Gananoque and Ivy Lea. These tours are 1, 3, or 5-hours, and are available until late October. The Rockport Cruises depart a little closer to the 1000 Islands Tower and Hill Island; Rockport are open until October 31.
- The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail continues from Lake Ontario and along the St. Lawrence River. In total, there are 326km. A visit to the 1000 Islands Tower is a great time to explore this section of the extensive trail. Here, the Waterfront Trail follows the 1000 Islands Parkway from Ivy Lea’s waterfront to the Rockport Marina.
- The easiest-to-access part of Thousand Islands National Park for day use or a picnic is the Mallorytown Landing day use area. The area offers several picnic amenities, a Visitor’s Centre for more information on the park, and access to trails.
Paddling the Thousand Islands
Whether going it self-guided or guided, the paddling opportunities around Hill Island and the rest of the Thousand Islands are endless. Hill Island specifically has a Parks Canada operate docking station for small craft on the northeast shores closer to the mainland.
- Guided trips are available in the area, too, and well into the fall season. Book a trip or rent equipment with 1000 Islands Kayaking, or Misty Isles Lodge.
- Many local paddling companies or outfitting companies have suggested routes around the 1000 Islands.
- Almost all of the National Park’s Islands have docks that are better suited to canoes and kayaks.
Accommodations near Hill Island
Between the parks, waterfront cottage country, private rentals, and a handful of resorts, this St. Lawrence shoreline area offers several ways to stay.
- The mainland closest to Hill Island (on the Canadian side) has a great variety of private rental options, including waterfront cottages, single rooms, or guest houses.
- Enjoy a summer or fall stay with the Ivy Lea Campground, which offers mini cabins and electrical RV sites. The nearby 1000 Islands KOA Campground offers similar options, as well as deluxe cabin rental options.
- Choose between numerous waterfront hotels, inns, and motels around the St. Lawrence and Hill Island: Glen House Resort are on a championship 18-hole golf course (with stay and play packages), while the Watermark Cottages provide fully equipped glamping and cottage experiences.
- The Parks Canada oTENTik glamping sites at Mallorytown Landing in Thousand Islands National Park are open from May to October. These are also located on the islands of Gordon and McDonald.
Planning your Trip – 1000 Islands Tower
What: The 1000 Islands Towers, formerly the Skydeck, is a 130m-tall observation tower on Hill Island. The tower is open to the public with one glass-enclosed observation deck and two open-air observation decks at the top, all accessible by an elevator.
The 1000 Islands Tower was built in 1965 and continues as one of the top 1000 Islands experiences today. The Tower is also considerably close to the National Park, with part of Hill Island under the National Park boundary. Many of the islands surrounding Hill are also part of Thousand Islands National Park.
Best time to go: Open: May 15 to October 19, 2025; Late September & October for Fall Colours
Location and how to get there:
716 Highway 137, Lansdowne
Use Highway ON-137 south from the 401 or Thousand Islands Parkway; cross the bridge and follow Skydeck Road to the Tower.
Located about:
- 40 min (52 km) drive from Kingston
- 2 hr 30 min (~ 270 km) drive from Toronto
- 1 hr 30 min (152 km) drive from Ottawa
Cost: Admission Adults: 19.50 plus HST
Kids 6-12 years: 9.50 plus HST
For more information:
Thousand Islands National Park
