What Is 1000 Islands Parkway

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Last updated: April 11, 2026

Quick Answer: The Thousand Islands Parkway (1000 Islands Parkway) is a scenic 40-kilometre (25-mile) parkway in Ontario, Canada that runs along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River between Gananoque and Brockville. Originally constructed in the late 1930s and designated as Highway 2S (Scenic), it now operates as a major recreational and scenic route managed by the St. Lawrence Parks Commission since 1970.

Key Facts

The parkway extends 40 kilometres (25 miles) along the St. Lawrence River between Gananoque and Brockville in Ontario
Constructed during the late 1930s and opened in 1938 alongside the Thousand Islands Bridge
Originally designated Highway 2S (S for Scenic) until 1970 when it was transferred to the St. Lawrence Parks Commission
Provides access to Thousand Islands National Park's three inland properties and passes through eight communities
Features a fully paved, traffic-free recreational cycling trail with camping, lodging, and service facilities along the entire route

Overview

The Thousand Islands Parkway, commonly referred to as the 1000 Islands Parkway, is a scenic highway in Ontario, Canada that stretches for 40 kilometres (25 miles) along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. Located in Eastern Ontario between the communities of Gananoque and Brockville, this picturesque route connects with Highway 401 at both ends and serves as one of Canada's most visually stunning scenic byways.

The parkway was originally constructed during the late 1930s as a divided highway and was formally designated as Highway 2S (with the "S" standing for Scenic). It was developed alongside the iconic Thousand Islands Bridge, which opened in 1938. In 1970, jurisdiction over the parkway was transferred from the provincial government to the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, which continues to manage and maintain this important corridor today.

How It Works

The Thousand Islands Parkway functions as both a scenic transportation route and a recreational destination in multiple ways:

Scenic Route: The parkway provides motorists with a peaceful, well-maintained alternative to the busy Highway 401, offering stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and the famous thousand islands throughout the journey.
Recreational Trail: A separate, fully paved and traffic-free cycling trail runs parallel to the parkway, allowing cyclists to safely enjoy the landscape without competing with vehicle traffic.
Access Point: The route provides direct access to three inland properties of Thousand Islands National Park, allowing visitors to explore protected natural areas and conservation zones.
Community Connection: The parkway passes through eight distinct communities including Gray's Beach, Halsteads Bay, Ivy Lea, Darlingside, Rockport, Narrows, La Rue Mills, and Mallorytown Landing.
Service Hub: Numerous camping facilities, lodging options, and service stations are distributed along the entire length of the parkway to support visitors and travellers.

Key Comparisons

Aspect	Thousand Islands Parkway	Highway 401
Length	40 kilometres (25 miles)	Extends 1,600+ km across Ontario
Primary Use	Scenic recreation and local travel	High-speed commercial transport
Traffic Volume	Light to moderate traffic	Heavy commercial truck traffic
Views	River views and island landscape	Urban and industrial corridors
Facilities	Camping, cycling trails, parks	Service stations and truck stops

Why It Matters

Tourism Significance: The Thousand Islands Parkway is a major draw for domestic and international tourists seeking scenic Canadian landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities along the St. Lawrence River.
Cycling Destination: The dedicated, traffic-free cycling trail makes the parkway one of Canada's premier routes for recreational cyclists and active tourism, attracting riders of all skill levels.
Conservation Access: By providing access to Thousand Islands National Park's inland properties, the parkway supports conservation efforts and allows the public to experience protected natural ecosystems.
Economic Impact: Local communities along the parkway benefit from tourism spending on accommodations, restaurants, attractions, and recreational services throughout the year.

The Thousand Islands Parkway represents a successful example of balanced transportation planning that prioritizes scenic beauty and recreational value alongside practical connectivity. Since its transfer to the St. Lawrence Parks Commission in 1970, it has evolved from a simple scenic highway into a comprehensive recreational corridor that serves millions of visitors seeking authentic Canadian experiences. The parkway's combination of accessibility, natural beauty, and recreational infrastructure makes it an essential component of Eastern Ontario's tourism economy and a cherished destination for Canadians and international visitors alike.