Canadian Road Trip – Toronto and 1000 Islands

1000 Islands

Just a 3-hours from Toronto (by car), 1,000 Islands were a unexpected discovery for us.

An archipelago of 1,864 islands sat either side of the Canadian/US border along the lower section of the St Lawrence River. This is where 1000 island dressing got it’s name and is the home to islands of all sizes – some just big enough to accommodate a single house.

We stayed in Gananoque, a small town on the St Lawrence that is the perfect jumping off point to discover the islands.

Boat trips depart Gananoque on a regular basis, taking you around the waters with views of some of the imposing properties built on the islands. The trips either stick to the Canadian waters only or, if you complete immigration before getting on board, you can take the longer trip into US waters.

Our Must Dos in Toronto

CN Tower

Torontos skyline is instantly recognizable with its needle-like tower soaring over downtown. The CN Tower was the world’s tallest free-standing structure when it was built in 1976, a title it held for 32 years.

An elevator takes you up to the viewing platform for panoramic views of the city and over the harbour, with a glass floor looking straight down the tower.

Wander around Downtown

Downtown Toronto is a very walkable city, with plenty of interesting architecture, shops, and public spaces. If you smell a strange scent on the air, it is most likely from one of the many small or micro breweries that populate the area near to the harbour. Many of these offer tours and also a bar/restaurant. We found our way to an old favourite for food – The Old Spaghetti Factory.

Jump the Ferry to Toronto Island Park

Just a short ferry ride from downtown Toronto is the car-free Toronto Island Park. This is a great spot for nature, to enjoy a break from the city, and even have a swim in Lake Ontario! Plenty of food and drink options, and a stunning view of the city and CN tower from the water.

Niagra Falls

There are many falls-related activities to enjoy at Niagra, so much so that you can buy a pass which allows entry to all, so be sure to plan your day well to be able to fit everything in. Of course, The Maid of the Mist tour to the foot of the falls is a must, as is the Cave of the Winds walk behind the falls. Each activity provides you with a different colour poncho – although expect to get wet regardless!