Daily Itinerary: Depart from downtown Ottawa and drive south; approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive will bring you to the main gateway towns of the Thousand Islands region – Gananoque or the historic city of Kingston. Choose one of these towns as your accommodation base and check into your hotel or charming B&B. After settling in, the afternoon's highlight is a Thousand Islands cruise. Both Gananoque and Kingston have several cruise companies offering various tour durations and themes, from 1-hour highlights tours to 3-5 hour in-depth tours that may include Boldt Castle (located in the US, some tours pass by or stop, so check visa requirements if applicable). On the cruise, enjoy the sight of countless islands, distinctive private cottages, historic lighthouses, and the unique experience of navigating between US and Canadian waters.

Highlights: Easy departure from the capital, experiencing a classic Thousand Islands cruise, and admiring unique island scenery and waterside architecture amidst sparkling blue waters.

Suggested Season: Summer offers the widest selection of cruises; spring and autumn scenery is delightful.

Daily Itinerary: In the morning, your activities can vary based on where you stayed overnight. If in Gananoque, stroll through this tranquil riverside town, visit small local museums or art galleries, and soak in its relaxed atmosphere. If staying in Kingston, explore this historic city, visit the beautiful campus of Queen's University (Canada's first university), or head to Fort Henry National Historic Site to witness the changing of the guard ceremony and historical reenactments. For those more interested in natural scenery, opt to visit the mainland sections of Thousand Islands National Park. Mallorytown Landing, for instance, offers a visitor centre and several hiking trails for a closer look at the region's ecology. In the afternoon, weather permitting and if interested, consider a kayaking or canoeing experience (usually requires advance booking) to explore some smaller islands and waterways more intimately.

Highlights: In-depth experience of the Thousand Islands' historical culture or natural ecology, feeling the tranquility of a small town or the gravitas of a historic city, and opting for more interactive water activities.

Suggested Season: Summer is ideal for all water activities and national park hiking; spring and autumn are more comfortable for town strolls.

Daily Itinerary: If time allows, extend your trip by a day. Visitors in Kingston can continue to explore the city in more depth, perhaps visiting Canada's Penitentiary Museum or browsing the Market Square. Alternatively, on your return journey to Ottawa, choose to visit other charming towns along the way, such as Merrickville, known for its crafts and historic architecture. If your schedule is tighter, you can engage in a brief morning activity before leisurely starting your drive back to Ottawa, concluding this charming Thousand Islands tour.

Highlights: Tailoring your trip with a deeper dive into history and culture or exploring charming en-route towns, making your Thousand Islands journey richer and more personalized.

Suggested Season: Year-round, though outdoor activities and some shop hours in smaller towns may be affected by the season.