Visit Leeds and the Thousand Islands, a charming township made up of hamlets and villages spread across bucolic terrain. As its name suggests, it comprises a range of islets dotted along the Saint Lawrence River, a little northeast of Lake Ontario. Travel through the area to see its various bays, golf clubs and parks.
If you’re going to navigate the islands and riverside hamlets, you’ll need a way to get around. Drive along the Thousand Islands Bridge, which is maintained by the U.S. and leads from Ontario into New York state. Appreciate the exceptional views, as you consider switching between the two countries on this historic bridge, which dates back to the 1930s.
Come off the bridge on Hill Island and ride the elevator up to the observation deck of the 1000 Islands Tower near the town of Lansdowne. From up high, see the waterways and green terrain separating Canada and the United States. Purchase ice cream to keep your kids entertained. Take a break and practice your swing at nearby Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course, enjoying vistas of Ash Island and Stave Island.
Much of this scenic land is part of Canada’s Thousand Islands National Park. Follow hilly nature trails and ride a boat to the granite islands. Chat with guides in the visitor center and spot the turtles and birdlife outdoors. Rent scuba gear to explore underwater with Thousand Island Pleasure Diving and inspect a sunken shipwreck.
The township is along the northeastern corner of enormous Lake Ontario in eastern Canada. Find it on the Saint Lawrence River, beyond the eastern suburbs of Kingston. Drive south from Ottawa for about 90 miles (145 kilometers) to get here in less than two hours. While in this region, visit the Ottawa districts of Hull, Gloucester and the ByWard Market.
