Where to eat, stay, shop and explore in Gananoque.
Valais, Switzerland
Valais, Switzerland
Mini Guide
Where to eat, stay, shop and explore in Gananoque.
Eat
Offering comfort food with a healthy twist, Laverne’s Eatery attracts residents of Gananoque who love the fresh-baked goods and locally sourced ingredients. The eatery features an open-kitchen concept, vegetarian-friendly options, and breakfast/lunch service, making it a popular, cozy spot. It’s the perfect first-stop if you’ve done the drive from Toronto because you’ll arrive just in time for brunch. Laverne’s Chef Ray loves the small-town, inclusive vibe that Gananoque provides for locals and visitors alike and he shows that same welcomeness through his food.
Let’s set out on the town a bit…the main street in Gananoque is a treasure trove of galleries, bookshops, craft stores, souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants. Plus an old cinema, the Town Hall and a waterfront park with the perfect photo op. Ontario’s Gananoque (pronounced Gan-an-ock-way) is known as the “Gateway to the 1000 Islands.” The historic waterfront town is situated at the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Gananoque rivers. Famous for its boat cruises, 19th-century charm, and proximity to the Thousand Islands National Park, it serves as a tourism hub with a population of just around five thousand people. Be sure stop by these spots:
Beggars Banquet Books, 126 King St E
Pistachio Cafe, 90 King St E
Riva Restaurant, 45 King St W
Joel Stone Heritage Park, 125 Water St
Just like its US counterpart, Gananoque has a boat museum. The St. Lawrence River has made boating culture prominent here, and you can get a little history lesson at the 1000 Islands History Museum. Located on the Gananoque waterfront, the 1000 Islands History Museum (founded 1995) explores 10,000 years of regional history through interactive, family-friendly exhibits on local heritage, rum runners, and river life. Housed in the historic former Thousand Islands Railway station, the museum operates by donation and is open year-round with rotating exhibits and a gift shop. The museum features interactive displays on river rats, rum runners, local flora and fauna, and the history of Boldt Castle. Open daily (10am-6pm) from May to August, with reduced hours during off-peak months. Admission is by donation.
VISIT
The O’Connor Gallery serves as a cultural hub led by Dennis O’Connor, who transitioned from a long career in major cities to establish the local space seven years ago. Dennis focuses on creating a meaningful arts experience, prioritizing political and emotional expression over purely commercial outcomes.
— SEE A PLAY
The Thousand Islands Playhouse is known as “Canada’s Dockside Theatre” due to its unique setting on the edge of the St. Lawrence River. During the summer, many people tie up their boats to have post-play celebrations right on the dock. It operates two heritage venues—the 348-seat Springer Theatre and the 140-seat Firehall Theatre—producing musicals, comedies, and dramas from May to October. Known as the largest theatre company between Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal, it attracts 40,000-plus attendees annually. Approximately 80% of the content is written by Canadian writers, and nearly 100% of the talent (actors, designers, directors) is professional Canadian talent. Book your tickets well in advance, as the shows are known to sell quickly, especially for very popular adaptations.
— Take
A helicopter ride over Gananoque and the 1000 Islands is not only adventurous, it’s breathtaking. It gives you a chance to see so many islands, bridges, foliage if you’re there during the fall, and to really see that it truly is one destination spanning two countries.Book your helicopter tour with Fly 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours. They have several flight options to choose from, but nothing compares to seeing the fall foliage and islands and bridges from way up high.
