1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways

Nestled between the majestic St. Lawrence River and 1000 Islands to the south and the historic Rideau Canal to the north, Leeds Grenville is Eastern Ontario’s year-round destination for adventure, culture, and relaxation. Home to charming communities, scenic waterways, UNESCO-recognized heritage sites, and endless opportunities for boating, hiking, cycling, fishing, and exploring, the region offers unforgettable experiences just a short drive from Ottawa, Kingston, Montreal, and Toronto.

1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways

Leeds Grenville is made up of 10 municipalities and three partner communities covering a large geographical area.  Proudly surrounded by the shores of the St. Lawrence River and the 1000 Islands to the south, the banks of the Rideau Canal to the north, Leeds Grenville has four seasons of activity.

Found within a few hours drive of many larger Canadian centres, including Ottawa, our Nation's Capital to the North; Kingston, Quinte Region and Toronto to the west, and Montreal to the east, highways 15, 401 and 416 make it easy to come for a visit.  Two international bridges on our southern shores allow easy access to and from the United States - so close in some spots, many visitors think it's an island.

Our 24 inland lakes and streams attract campers, anglers, hikers, cyclists, road tour enthusiasts and nature lovers.  Our cottage country is known far and wide.

You've heard of the creamy salad dressing named for the 1000 Islands, but we are also known for our Mrs. McGarrigle's mustards, our river cruises, extensive hiking and cycling trails, worlds' best fresh water scuba diving and our shipwrecks.

Leeds Grenville is home to world-renowned UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) sites of significance: the Rideau Canal and Heritage Route and the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve.

There is something for everyone here. Visitors to our region in Eastern Ontario are famous for return visits. Once you experience Leeds Grenville you will see why people who live here feel this is a place where they can both work and vacation.

Plan your trip, and we'll see you soon.  Follow us for more!

 

Self-driving tours: Find your next adventure!

The 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways region is a food lover's paradise!  With local bakeries and quaint cafes, shops and markets filled with local products; and artisanal wine, beer and spirits producers, no matter where your tastes lie, there's a place for you.

An extraordinary region with internationally known landscapes.  Cruise the 1,864 islands or navigate the 202 km passageway through the 47 locks as part of Ontario's only UNESCO World Heritage Destination.  These scenic views can be experienced by water, land or air and can be further combined with visits to historic sites, attractions and the self-driving tours!

Site-Seeing Cruises

Leeds Grenville is home to two world-renowned waterways.

Castles, cottages and grand homes surrounded by the natural beauty of the 1000 Islands await you as you cruise along the shorelines of the St. Lawrence River.  Or cruise through the man-powered lock stations to view the scenic waterways of the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site

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