Hiking Thousand Islands National Park - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Thousand Islands National Park: trails, map and practical info

South Eastern Ontario • Ontario

4.7 Appreciated by 44 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 20/06/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
14 km
Elevation
50 ft
Duration
3h30

This easy 14 km trail network in southeastern Ontario uniquely combines forest hiking with island exploration across the St. Lawrence River. Expect 3.5 hours of gentle terrain with water-based access to over 20 scattered islands near Brockville.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Thousand Islands National Park? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

{
"trail_network_section": "The park's trail system spans 14 kilometers of interconnected paths that cater to different hiking preferences and abilities. You can tackle the full network in about four and a half hours, or break it into shorter segments for a more leisurely experience."
}

Services and amenities

Parking Icon Parking

This information may vary by season.

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
1121 Thousand Islands Pkwy, Mallorytown, ON K0E 1R0, Canada
GPS coordinates
44.3425804, -76.0507921
Phone
(613) 923-5261

Starting Point

The thousand islands national park is located in Ontario, Canada. The best way to get to the start of the trails is to drive to Brockville, which is located about an hour and a half from Toronto. From there, you can take the Thousand Islands Parkway east to the park.

When?

Opening hours
No information
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
44.3425804, -76.0507921
Center
(613) 923-5261

Hikers' opinions

4.7
14 Reviews
L
Lisa
Feb 28, 2026
Wonderful park that showcases the unique landscape of granite islands and wetlands. The hiking trails are accessible for all skill levels and offer diverse scenery from forested areas to waterfront views. The park's location makes it convenient for day trips from Toronto or Montreal. Facilities include parking and restrooms, though both come with fees. The trails connect to various lookout points providing spectacular views of the famous Thousand Islands. A great place to spend a few hours immersed in Canadian natural heritage.
D
David
Jan 14, 2026
Outstanding location for experiencing the natural beauty of the Thousand Islands. The trails provide excellent access to viewpoints overlooking the St. Lawrence River and surrounding islands. Despite being close to major roads, the park maintains a peaceful atmosphere perfect for hiking and wildlife observation. The facilities are clean and well-maintained, including the visitor center which has informative exhibits. The combination of easy trails, beautiful scenery, and historic significance makes this a must-visit destination in southeastern Ontario.
J
Jennifer
Dec 8, 2025
Explored several trails in the park and found them to be easy and family-friendly with gentle elevation changes. The mix of dirt pathways, rocky outcrops, and boardwalks keeps the hiking interesting. Great spot for photography with panoramic views of the Thousand Islands region. The park offers good access to waterfront areas and the trails are clearly marked. Be prepared for entrance and parking fees, but the scenic beauty and well-maintained facilities make it worthwhile for nature lovers.
M
Michael
Nov 22, 2025
Nice park for a day visit with excellent facilities including picnic areas and restrooms. The trails offer good views of the islands and surrounding waterfront, though some areas had overgrowth that limited water visibility. Parking requires a fee and the park charges admission, which might deter some visitors. The location is convenient being close to Highway 401, making it an easy stop during longer trips. Would recommend planning extra time to fully explore the area and get the best views.
S
Sarah
Sep 15, 2025
Visited the park during peak fall foliage and was impressed by the scenic waterfront views of the St. Lawrence River. The trails are well-maintained and mostly flat, making them perfect for families. The visitor center provides helpful information and the parking facilities are convenient, though there is a fee. The historic setting with its granite islands creates a beautiful backdrop for hiking. Only downside was some road noise from the nearby parkway, but the natural beauty more than compensates for it.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
50.00
3h30
No
No
The Thousand Islands National Park trail covers 14 km and takes approximately 3h30 to complete. The actual time may vary depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.
Yes, Thousand Islands National Park is rated as easy difficulty, making it suitable for beginners and families. With only 50 m of elevation gain over 14 km, the trail is relatively flat and accessible.
No, dogs are not allowed on the Thousand Islands National Park trails. Please plan accordingly and make alternative arrangements for your pets.
Yes, there is a fee to access Thousand Islands National Park. Additionally, parking is not free at the park. Check the current rates and payment methods with Parks Canada before your visit.
To reach Thousand Islands National Park, drive to Brockville (about 1.5 hours from Toronto), then take the Thousand Islands Parkway east to the park. The park is located in South Eastern Ontario, Canada.
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Update : June 2026