^{1000 Islands International Bridge}

U.S. visitors can access the region at any of three international bridge border crossings. Plan to explore the communities within this region including Gananoque, Brockville, Rockport and the 1000 Islands Parkway and Prescott. Take a 1000
Islands cruise available from Gananoque, Rockport or Brockville and cruise among
the more than 1800 Islands and see the spectacular island homes up close.  

And of course, the 1000 Islands and St. Lawrence Seaway are a great place to enjoy the water - boating, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, jet skiing, scuba diving, water taxis, charters, casino and cruises are all here. 

                            ^{Photos by 1000 Islands Kayaking Co.} 


The St. Lawrence River is a major inland
water route for majestic ocean-going ships. The 1000 Islands and St. Lawrence Seaway - a world class destination waiting to be explored. - Source Real Ontario.ca

^{Freighter on the St. Lawrence Seaway}


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The diversity of the terrain is reflected in the distinct communities along the shore. Each town and village along the way has been shaped by the canal, the landscape and its own unique inhabitants. They all have a story of their own to share with visitors.

The communities of the Rideau Heritage Route welcome visitors to explore the corridor by land or by water. Taste the bread made from stone ground flour; seek out the treasures made by the artists and artisans who dwell in this area of inspirational beauty. Investigate the history of the Rideau Canal in a museum, or
at the lockstations where gates and sluices are still operated by hand. Trace
Canada´s political history from Bellevue House in Kingston, the home of Sir John
A. Macdonald, Canada´s first prime minister, to the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa
at the northern entrance of the canal. Enjoy canoeing, cycling, fishing, golfing, theatre and festivals.

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• Down to Earth Gardens
• Esmonde-White Gardens and Evergreen Farm
• Meadow Wood Nurseries and Annie´s Art Studio
• Rideau Woodland Ramble (RWR)

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Township of Athens

Established in the late 1800´s by Benoni Wilste, this small town was once know as Farmersville. Athens draws tourists with its unique display of 13 hand painted murals throughout the village. Each of the murals provides a background into the Village's history, people and events. 




Train Station
By Lorrie Maruscak, 1987
 
 
 

The Old Hartley Saw Mill, 
Springtime At Last 
By Pierre Hardy, 1988 

 






Farm Life 
By Cathie McGuire, 1990 

Step Into The Past 
By Sheila Ballantyne 
and Sergio Lopes, 1997
  







The Village Bandstand 
By John Hood, 1987
   


              
^{Photos by Athens District High School, Athens Murals}

Charleston Lake Provincial Park is located to the west of Athens. It has 3 campgrounds, Meadowlands, Bayside and Shady Ridge with a total of 238 campsites, 86 with electrical service. There are 10 interior campsites that are accessible only by water and trail. Friends of Charleston Lake Park

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Township of Augusta
 

 
^{Photos of the shipwreck Rothesay}

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Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal

Cardinal orginally known as Point Cardinal before the expansion of the St. Lawrence Seaway is the site of the shipwrecked 252 ft. long steamer Conestoga. On May 22nd, 1922 the Conestoga sank outside Lock 28 of the Old Galop Canal. The steamer´s steeple engine sits above the rivers surface, marking the site. 



^{Photos of the Steamer Conestoga Then and Now}

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Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley


On November 21, 1941 the Henry C. Daryaw
struck a shoal and sunk almost immediately
approximately 6 miles west of Brockville.


^{Photo of the shipwreck Henry C. Daryaw 
by Sea N' Sky Scuba}


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Township of Front of Yonge


Established in 1904, St. Lawrence Islands National Park now includes 21 islands and 90 inlets between Kingston and Brockville.   


^{Photo of 1000 Islands Seaway 
by Barbara Winstone}


"Enjoy fresh country air as you are guided through the great outdoors on an all terrain vehicle. Bring the family, friends or coworkers to have an experience second to none. We also encourage ATV enthusiasts to come with your ATV and have a great day of riding and a stop at Tim Horton's." - Vanridge ATV Tours & Trails

^{Photos by Vanridge ATV Tours & Trails}

Mainland headquarters for Canada's smallest national park, St. Lawrence Islands National Park, Mallorytown Landing has a Visitor Centre and historic Gunboat on display. There is also nature trails, a playground, picnic area and kayak rental concession. 


On October 26, 1912 this steel freighter struck a shoal on its starboard side and sunk quickly.


^{Photos of the shipwreck Keystorm by Sea N' Sky Scuba}

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by Barbara Winstone 

Township of Rideau Lakes

Rideau Lakes is truly the hub of eastern Ontario, with Provincial Highway 15 and the scenic historic Rideau Waterway running through its Centre. The many tourism attractions in Rideau Lakes, including historic trails and the Rideau Waterway, are an important part of the Township's economy.

The Township is blessed with an abundance of lakes. Rideau Lakes has 500 km (310 miles) of shoreline, excluding the Rideau Waterway. The Waterway itself traverses the Township, from the towering granite cliffs at Chaffeys Locks to the more gentle and pastoral areas of the Lower Rideau Lake. The Waterway represents an important link with the past. With island-studded lakes, man-made channels, flowing rivers and pastoral sites along its length, the Waterway offers excellent water for canoeing, sailing, boating and fishing. The pleasure boating that took root and spread along the Waterway over its history created a vacation paradise within Rideau Lakes.




The Cataraqui Trail which is part of the Trans-Canada trail follows the path of the old Napanee, Tamworth and Quebec railway across the Township of Rideau Lakes from Smiths Falls to beyond Chaffeys Locks. The railway was built in 1879 and connected the Bay of Quinte to the Ottawa Valley. The trail is maintained year-round by the Cataraqui Trail Managment Board for the enjoyment of local outdoor enthusiasts. 



The Rideau Trail begins near Chaffeys Locks where it links with the Cataraqui Trail. This cross-country trail which runs 300 kilometres from Kingston to Ottawa. This trail goes through Foley Mountain Conservation Area and along the north shore of Upper Rideau Lake.  

Village of Westport  

Incorporated in 1904, the Village of Westport is part of the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville in Eastern Ontario.  Known as the "Heart of Rideau Lakes", it is found at the west end of Upper Rideau Lake on the historic Rideau Canal waterway between Kingston and Ottawa - which was recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is celebrating its' 175^th anniversary this year!  Westport is also part of the UNESCO-recognized Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve, an ecosystem promoting solutions to the conservation of biodiversity with sustainable use.

Framed by serene Westport Pond to the north and beautiful Westport Sand Lake to the northwest, the picturesque setting is only one of the Village's many charms.  With a population of approximately 700, Westport is one of the smallest municipalities in Ontario and an enchanting destination for adults and children alike.

Throughout the Village visitors will find a wide range of things to see and do.  Walk the historic streets of Westport and discover numerous shops offering everything from antiques and original artwork to unique fashions and jewelry.  Take a step back in time with a visit to the captivating Rideau District Museum, or discover the natural beauty of Foley Mountain Conservation Area where you can find a breathtaking view of the entire Village from atop Spy Rock.  Time your visit to coincide with one of our many art and heritage festivals, holiday celebrations, studio tours or the ever-popular Westport Antique Show - all great ways to experience the ambience and hospitality of the Village.

A day of shopping and sight-seeing can really work up an appetite!  Tempt your taste buds at the many restaurants, bakeries, gourmet coffee shops and ice cream parlours that the Village has to offer.  After lunch or dinner, take a relaxing stroll down to the shores of Upper Rideau Lake and enjoy the sights and sounds of bustling Westport Harbour.  Those who choose to wander off the beaten path and explore the residential streets of Westport are rewarded by lush, manicured gardens and majestic old homes.

You may find that one day or one weekend is simply not enough time to fully immerse yourself in the magic of this beautiful Village.  No matter what your accommodation needs, you will find a host of friendly and hospitable establishments in Westport and the surrounding area to make your stay a memorable one.  B&B's, campgrounds, cottages, inns and motels can all be found within walking distance or a short drive of Village amenities.  Come and see for yourself what makes Westport such a special place to live, work and play! 

Visit www.village.westport.on.ca for more information.  

The Separated Municipalities Within Leeds & Grenville

City of Brockville

Tourists visit Brockville "City of the 1000 Islands" for its historic charm and scenic beauty. Some of the most famous attractions in Brockville are:

• Brockville Museum
• Canada´s First Railway Tunnel
• Gibbons Family Farm Maple Sugar House and Museum
• Brockville Arts Centre
• Brockville Ontario Speedway

 
The Brockville Tunnel located beneath the City of Brockville is Canada's First Railway Tunnel. It was designed to give Brockville and Ottawa railway access to the riverfront. Construction of the tunnel began in September 1854, on December 31st in 1860 it was first opened. The rail line through the tunnel was abandoned in the 1980's. 

^{Old CP Train beside the Brockville Tunnel}


Built in 1842, the final touch to the Courthouse was the statue ´Sally Grant´ carved by Master Carpenter William Holmes in 1844. It is a figure of a blind-folded woman, holding the scales of justice. The original ´Sally Grant´ statue was replaced in 1982 with a replica carved by Robert Kerr.


^{Brockville Courthouse}
 

Fulford Place has 35 beautiful period rooms, filled with the original furnishings and lovely Italianate gardens. Visitors can visit the gift shop, tea room and seasonal exhibits. Enjoy guided tours of this Edwardian mansion designed by New York architect Alfrew W. Fuller in 1899-1901.


 


Dive the schooner Robert P. Gaskin which is located across from Centennial park. This is not a shore dive. This schooner sunk September 18, 1889.   
            
                                                                     ^{Drawing of the R. Gaskin 
                                                                                     by Adam Henley}


The tug Muscallonge sunk
east of Brockville August 15, 1936. 


^{Photo of the Muscallonge by S.O.S.}                                 



The Lillie Parsons a 200 ft. sailing vessel sunk August 15, 1963 and is located in the Brockville Narrows. 
                                                     
                                                     
                                                      ^{Drawing of the Lillie Parsons 
                                                                                              by S.O.S.}
                                                                       

Town of Gananoque


Thousand Islands Charity Casino

With 450 slot machines and over 18 table games including Roulette, Caribbean Stud Poker, Blackjack and Spanish 21 this Charity Casino offers complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and coat check. It is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 am Monday to Wednesday and 24 hours a day from Thursday 11:00 am to Sunday 4:00 am. 



 

 



^{Photos by 1000 Islands Kayaking Co.}

"The 1000 Islands are now becoming a world class Sea Kayaking destination. The 1000 Islands provides a rich paddling destination with endless day trips and extended trips through quiet back bays, meandering channels and thrilling open waters.

The natural charm of this area comes directly from the island clusters. The possibilities for exploration are endless. Kayaking is the ideal way to see these islands. By kayak we can navigate our way though the narrowest of passages, deepest set marshes or alongside sheer granite cliffs. Our kayaks can take us directly to areas rarely seen by motorized crafts.

This is the way to discover the islands...up close and intimately."
(Source: www.1000islandskayakingco.com)

^{Photos by David Hatherley}

"Gananoque Sport Parachuting Centre is the longest running skydiving centre in Canada under the same ownership. With qualified instructors and a safe diving environment Skydive Gan offers the most advanced method of making your first jump: Tandem Skydiving. This method dramaticaly increases safety margins because of the direct presence and assistance of the in air instructor. It also allows the opportunity for persons with disabilities to experience the thrill of skydiving. Tandem Skydiving is the most efficient and progressive means of transitioning to advanced training and becoming a skydiver." (Source: www.skydivegan.com)

Town of Prescott

The Town of Prescott has many historic attractions. It was established in 1784 and is one of the oldest settlements in Ontario. Significant attractions include the Fort Wellington National Historic Site of Canada (built during the war of 1812), the Rotary Light House, the Battle of the Windmill, the Forwarders Museum and the Blue Church. 

Fort Wellington's original purpose was to defend the St. Lawrence shipping route between Montreal and Kingston from the threat of the United States. Fort Wellington was also used in 1838 when there was another threat of invasion by the United States.


^{Fort Wellington National Historic Site of Canada} 



In 1925 Fort Wellington became a National Historic Site. It is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily mid-May to September 30th annually. Explore the original buildings, costume guides and site visitor centre with exhibits and a gift store. 

^{Cannon Fire at Fort Wellington}




Winter scuba diving in Prescott on the SS. Prescott.

^{Photo of Scuba Diving in Prescott
by Sea N' Sky Scuba}


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Tourism Links

For more information on what to do and see in the Leeds and Grenville area, visit the following websites.  

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*For more information or to report an issue with this page please contact the Regional Economic Development Co-ordinator at econdev@uclg.on.ca.