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Planning a trip to 1000 Islands

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Old Jul 30th, 2010, 05:11 AM
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Planning a trip to 1000 Islands

Hello everyone.

I'm planning to visit the 1000 Islands in September and prepared a plan according to advices and information which I found in this forum.
It will be a two-days trip, as we travel from Toronto in the morning of first day, and back to Toronto in the evening of the second day.
I should note that we are a young couple (around 28) and that this is our first visit to America.

Day 1 - The Islands:
- Driving from Toronto to Gananoque or Ivy Lea (about 3.5 hours)
- Renting a small motor boat to tour the islands (about 3 hours)
- Optional: Taking a 1-hour cruise from Ivy Lea or Gananoque.
- Spending the night at Kingston or a motel at the area.

Day 2 - Kingston:
- Fort Henry
- A Martelo tower (I read Fort Frederick in accessable)
- Dine at Chez Piggy
- Strolling the town (city hall area).
- Option: Kingston Penitentiary Museum
- Option: The Wolfe Island ferry
- Driving back to Toronto

My questions:
1. Is my schedule realistic? Is it wise to split the time between the islands and Kingston?
2. Would it be better to rent a motor boat from Gananoque or from Ivy Lea? Can someone recommend about a known place for boat rentals?
3. What are the attractions on Wolfe island? What to see over there?
4. Any more recommendations about restaurants in Kingston, Kingston area and Wolfe island?
5. Any recommendations about inexpensive B&B, a cabin or motel in the area? Should I book in advance in this season?
6. Are there specific night/evening activities that should come to attention?
7. Any more suggestions/advices about the plan?
Luchik is offline  
Old Jul 30th, 2010, 03:13 PM
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I think it is highly unlikely that you will be able to rent a motor boat. Canada has recently introduced new rules for boating and you have to have a licence just like a car licence which you will not have. The fines are very large. The cruise from Ganonoque is more than one hour and should be a good replacement.
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Old Jul 31st, 2010, 05:14 AM
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We went on the 1 hour excursion from Ivy Lea and it's nice.A longer trip would be a bit too much of the sa
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Old Jul 31st, 2010, 05:16 AM
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Sorry, of the same.I dont think you can rent boats in Ivy Lea and I would not advise it. You can get easily lost in those islands.PAul
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Old Aug 1st, 2010, 03:32 AM
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I go to the Thousand Islands and Kingston regularily with visitors since I only live one hour away. I much prefer the boats going out of Rockport as they take you to Boldt Castle. That is the three hour tour. You need a passport as the castle island is in US waters. There is a chance that I could get you a private tour in a boat with a man who does this out of Gananoque. If you are interested, email me at [email protected]

When you take a much smaller boat, you will be able to go around islands that the big tourist boats can't. It is a very beautiful place to visit with much history and I highly recommend it. I will also be able to recommend restaurants in Kingston
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Old Aug 4th, 2010, 06:02 AM
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Thanks everyone for the answers

About almcd remark:
I have read in "transport Canada" site that "The Regulations do not apply to non-residents who operate their pleasure craft in Canadian waters for less than 45 consecutive days."
I couldn't understand HOW the regulations apply to non-residents and what is needed for boating.
I will be glad if someone can bring more insight about this subject. Here is the address:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety...tor-1610.htm#a

TOVARICH: Thanks for the information. I had a feeling that the 3 hours tour is "a bit too much". I will give Ivy Lea a higher priority in the plan.

MsLizzy: I would be glad to hear recommendations about restaurants in Kingston, and also about the other suggestion. I've sent you an email about it.
Luchik is offline  
Old Aug 4th, 2010, 09:41 AM
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re restaurants in Kingston, have lunch or brunch at Panchancho (www.panchancho.com). It's a charming place with a bakery/store at the front and an interesting menu. It's owned by the same people who own Chez Piggy.
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Old May 23rd, 2017, 02:08 PM
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Hi,

I'm new to the forum, not sure if its okay to comment on old threads.

I'm planning a day trip from Toronto to Thousand Islands and Kingston on Thursday, May 25th.

I'd also appreciate any other recommendations that you might have for restaurants or Things to Do in Kingston, Thousand Islands and Prince Edward County. The challenge is that I'm trying to squeeze it in a day. We'll reach Kingston around 10.30 am and need to leave for Toronto by 9 pm.


MsLizzy:
Would you be able to provide details about the private boat tour? I tried emailing the address you listed above but the email bounced back. You could provide me your email address or send details to [email protected].

Luchik:
I was wondering if you'd be willing to share your experience in 1000 Islands and you had recommendations about the boat tours or other things to do in the area.

Thank You!
nsapru is offline  
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