Drives Ontario Toronto, Niagara and Southern Ontario
Thousand Islands Parkway
Thousand Islands Parkway, 1000 Islands Parkway · Gananoque → Brockville
The drive
The Thousand Islands Parkway follows the north shore of the St. Lawrence River through the Frontenac Arch, where granite outcrops rise beside the road. This drive starts at Gananoque, the end nearer Kingston and Toronto, and runs east past Ivy Lea and Rockport to Brockville.
The parkway was built in the late 1930s as the St. Lawrence River Road and opened with the Thousand Islands Bridge in 1938. Highway 137 meets it near Ivy Lea and leads to that bridge. The never-paved second carriageway now serves as a recreational trail beside the road.
The 21.7 miles take about 30 minutes. The curves are gentle and the river carries the drive.
Along the way
- Gananoque
- Rockport
- Brockville
Good to know
- Cyclists and walkers use the recreation trail beside the road, and the road is close to the water, so slow down where it narrows.
- Expect more traffic in summer.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Ontario 511.
Questions about this drive
How long does the Thousand Islands Parkway take to drive?
The Thousand Islands Parkway from Gananoque to Brockville is 21.7 miles and takes about 30 minutes.
Does the Thousand Islands Parkway go to the Thousand Islands Bridge?
Highway 137 meets the Thousand Islands Parkway near Ivy Lea and leads to the bridge to New York.
Is the Thousand Islands Parkway twisty?
No. It is rated Leisurely, with gentle curves beside the St. Lawrence.
What you get in the app
Free on iPhone and Android. CarPlay and Android Auto come with Apex.
More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.