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Air Travel

Air Travel

Canada

Major Airports & Airlines

Canadian Airports

Closest major airports in Canada. These offer international and domestic flights.

Gateway Options

  • Ottawa International Airport (YOW): Approximately 1.5-2 hours drive north of Gananoque.
  • Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ): About 3-3.5 hours drive west of Gananoque. Canada's largest and busiest airport.
  • Kingston Norman Rogers Airport (YGK): Regional airport, about 30 minutes west of Gananoque. Offers limited domestic flights, mainly to Toronto.

US Airport & Flight Information

Closest major airport in the United States and typical routes.

Cross-Border & Airlines

  • Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR): Approximately 1.5-2 hours drive from the US side of the Thousand Islands. Cross-border documentation is needed.
  • Airlines: YOW/YYZ are served by major international airlines, including Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter Airlines. YGK primarily by Porter Airlines and Air Canada Express.
  • Direct flights to Toronto Pearson (YYZ) and Ottawa International (YOW) are available from major global hubs.

Seasonal Flight Availability

Flights to YYZ and YOW operate year-round. Prices generally rise during peak summer and holidays. Book in advance for better rates. Shoulder seasons offer more affordable fares.

Airport Facilities

YOW and YYZ are full-service international airports with duty-free, diverse restaurants, car rental desks, currency exchange, and lounges. YGK is smaller, with basic services like a cafe and car rentals.

Transfer Options

From YYZ/YOW, renting a car is the most convenient. Private shuttle services can be arranged. Public transit (train/bus) to Kingston is an option, followed by local transport.

Flight Search & Booking

Find Your Flights

  • Consider Dollar Flight Club for deal alerts.
  • Use flight comparison sites like Skyscanner.
  • Plan your land connection from major airports.
  • Book well in advance, especially for peak season travel.

Connecting from Airports

  • Car rental at the airport offers flexibility for exploration.
  • VIA Rail from YYZ to Kingston.
  • Long-distance buses from YOW/YYZ to Kingston.
  • Local taxis or ride-shares from Kingston to smaller towns.

Airport Facilities & Experience

YOW & YYZ Amenities

Full-service international airports. Wide range of facilities: duty-free shopping, diverse restaurants/cafes, car rental desks, currency exchange, lounges.

YGK Services

Kingston Norman Rogers Airport is smaller. Provides basic services: a cafe, car rental services, and limited retail options. Its convenience for regional travel is famous.

Efficient Transfers

Renting a car at major airports offers flexibility. Private shuttles are a comfortable option. Public transit offers a cost-effective route to Kingston for onward local transport.

Land Transportation

Border Crossing & Train Travel

Traveling by land offers scenic routes and flexibility, especially if already in Canada or the northeastern United States.

Crossing & Rails

  • Border Crossing: The Thousand Islands International Bridge connects New York (US) and Ontario (Canada). Carry a valid passport and any needed visas/eTA. Be ready for questioning. Check online for current border wait times, especially on weekends and holidays.
  • Train Services: VIA Rail Canada serves Kingston, Ontario, the closest major station. Regular train services connect Kingston to Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. From Kingston, arrange onward transport to Thousand Islands towns.
  • Driving Requirements: A valid driver's license from your home country. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English or French.

Bus Travel & Driving Conditions

Long-distance bus options and important self-driving considerations.

Road Ahead

  • Long-Distance Bus: Megabus & Greyhound Canada offer intercity bus services to Kingston from Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. From Kingston, direct bus connections to smaller Thousand Islands towns are limited. Rely on taxis or private transport for the final leg.
  • Self-Driving: Ensure vehicle insurance covers driving in Canada. Major highways (like Highway 401) connect to the region. Secondary roads are generally well-maintained. For car rentals, consider DiscoverCars.com.
  • Road Conditions & Safety: Summer/Fall conditions are excellent. Winter (November-March) roads can be snow-covered or icy; winter tires are highly recommended. Watch for wildlife (deer) at dawn and dusk on rural roads.

Sea/River Arrivals

While not a common way for international visitors to arrive, river transportation plays a role in the Thousand Islands experience.

Waterborne Access

  • Ferry/Cruise Ports: No major international ferry services directly operate. Smaller river cruises operate mainly from Kingston, Gananoque, or Brockville as sightseeing tours.
  • River Transportation: Private boats are popular. From the US, boaters must report to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) upon entering Canadian waters. Sightseeing cruises are the main organized river transport for tourists.
  • Immigration at Seaports: For private boaters from the US, call the CBSA telephone reporting center (TRC) upon arrival in Canadian waters, after docking at a designated marine reporting site.

Departure Information

What you need to know for leaving Canada.

Smooth Exit

  • Exit Fees/Taxes: Canada does not levy specific exit fees. Various taxes and fees are typically included in airfare prices.
  • Departure Procedures: For international flights from YYZ/YOW, arrive 2-3 hours before departure. For domestic flights from YGK, 1-1.5 hours. If driving back to the US, check border wait times online.
  • Airport/Station Facilities: Major airports (YYZ, YOW) offer full services. Smaller airports (YGK) and train/bus stations offer basic facilities.

Important Travel Reminders

  • Check border crossing wait times online before driving across to avoid long delays.
  • Always have your passport and US entry documents ready at the border.
  • Allow extra time during peak travel seasons for any departure method.
  • Confirm your airport's specific check-in times to avoid rushing.
  • Pack liquids according to security regulations.
  • Keep essential documents easily accessible during transit.

Connections to Land Transportation

Dockside Access

Cruise docks in Gananoque, Brockville, and Kingston are typically centrally located within their respective towns.

Local Amenities

  • This location allows for easy access to local amenities.
  • Walk to nearby restaurants and shops.
  • Taxis are often available nearby for convenience.

Onward Travel

From the docks, guests can easily arrange for onward travel to hotels or attractions.

Connecting Locally

  • Walk to nearby hotels.
  • Access local attractions by foot.
  • Car rentals or local transfers.

River Travel Focus

River transport is for sightseeing tours rather than direct international arrivals. Private boaters adhere to border agency rules.

Seamless Transitions

The proximity of docks to town centers simplifies transitions from water to land-based activities and accommodation.

General Transportation Tips

Driving & Navigation

Consider vehicle rental for maximum exploration flexibility. This option is ideal for visiting multiple towns and viewpoints.

Road Freedom

  • Rent a car for flexibility to explore at your own pace.
  • Drive the scenic Thousand Islands Parkway.
  • Access hidden viewpoints off the main routes.

Public & Local Transport

While public transportation is limited, taxis and local services bridge the gap for specific needs.

Local Movement

  • Kingston Transit serves the city; limited options for smaller towns.
  • Taxis and ride-shares in Kingston, but limited in smaller Thousand Islands towns.
  • Downtown areas of Gananoque and Brockville are pedestrian-friendly.

Maximizing Your Experience

Pre-booking Benefits

Booking rental cars and major tours in advance often yields better rates and availability, especially during peak season.

Flexibility with Car Rental

A rental vehicle allows spontaneous stops at viewpoints, shops, or trailheads, adding richness to your journey.

Local Insight

Consult with your accommodation or local tourism offices for the most up-to-date transportation advice and local services.