Public Transportation: Thousand Islands

Public Transit Overview

The immediate Thousand Islands region, encompassing towns like Gananoque, Brockville, and Rockport, has very limited to no public transit. These communities mainly rely on private vehicles, taxis, or walking.

Kingston, a nearby major urban center (approximately 30 minutes west of Gananoque), operates a comprehensive city bus system known as Kingston Transit. This system serves Kingston itself but does not extend into the smaller Thousand Islands towns.

Kingston Transit & Beyond

Route Maps & Hubs: Kingston Transit's detailed route maps and schedules are online. Major hubs in Kingston include downtown and the Cataraqui Centre. Gananoque and Brockville have no formal public transit routes.
Ticketing & Fares: Kingston Transit offers single ride cash fares (exact change needed) and reloadable Kingston Transit Cards. Multi-day passes are available for longer Kingston stays.
Hours & Frequency: Kingston Transit buses operate from early morning to late evening (typically 6 AM to 11 PM weekdays), with reduced service on weekends. Frequency varies by route.
Accessibility: Kingston Transit buses are generally wheelchair accessible. Accessibility for private taxis or tour services varies; inquire directly with operators.

Limited Regional Transit

For travel within the Thousand Islands region (between towns or exploring the Parkway), relying on public transit is impractical. Distances and lack of service make it unworkable.

Private Transport Needs

A personal vehicle or taxis/ride-shares are for efficient travel between towns and to access most attractions.

Kingston City Travel

If planning time in Kingston, utilize Kingston Transit for city exploration. It provides a way to move around without driving and parking.

Tips for Efficient Navigation

Outside Kingston

Consider renting a car for flexibility.
Pre-book taxis in smaller towns for specific needs.
Plan routes between attractions in advance.

Within Kingston

Use Kingston Transit for easy city travel.
Explore downtown Kingston on foot.
Check transit schedules for weekend and holiday changes.

Taxi & Ride-Sharing

Taxi Availability

Available in Gananoque, Brockville, and Kingston.

Hailing

Call dispatch or find stands at transport hubs/hotels.

Typical Fares

Metered fares, $10-$25 for short in-town trips.

Payment

Most accept cash and major credit/debit cards.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services offer convenient point-to-point transportation within the Thousand Islands region and nearby Kingston.

Services & Booking

Licensed Taxi Identification: Look for cars with roof lights and company branding. Often best to call a dispatch service.
Taxi Stands: Find them at major transportation hubs and large hotels.
Pre-booking: Advisable for specific times, especially for airport or train station transfers.
Ride-sharing Apps: Uber is available in Kingston but limited in smaller Thousand Islands towns. Lyft has very limited or no availability. Some local taxi companies might have their own apps.

Safety & Efficiency

Safety Considerations: Licensed taxis and reputable ride-share services are generally safe. For ride-shares, confirm driver and vehicle details. For taxis, choose clearly marked, licensed vehicles.
Airport/Station Arrangements: Taxis are available at Kingston Norman Rogers Airport (YGK) and the Kingston VIA Rail station. Pre-booking for early/late arrivals might be advisable.
Payment Methods: Most taxis accept cash and major credit/debit cards. Confirm payment options with the driver.
Efficiency Tip: Use a local taxi company in Gananoque or Brockville for more reliable service in smaller towns.

Choosing Your Ride

For convenience within towns or short distances, taxis are a direct option.
Uber in Kingston offers a tech-friendly alternative.
Confirm costs and availability, especially in smaller, less urban areas.

Pre-booking is best for scheduled travel (e.g., to train station).
Always prioritize licensed services for safety.
Have local taxi numbers handy for immediate needs.

Rental Options

Car Rentals

Typically 21+ (some 25+) with valid driver's license. IDP recommended for non-English/French licenses. Major credit card needed for deposit. Book in advance, especially in summer. Companies: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty, Dollar. DiscoverCars.com for options.

Motorcycle & Scooter

Less common in Thousand Islands. Find specialized shops in larger cities (Kingston, Ottawa). Proper license endorsement is needed.

Bicycle Rentals

No widespread sharing programs. Rentals available from local shops in Gananoque and Kingston in summer. Excellent way to explore the Thousand Islands Parkway.

Walking & Cycling

Walking and cycling offer intimate ways to experience the beauty of the Thousand Islands region. They allow for closer interaction with the natural and historical landscape.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

The downtown areas of Gananoque and Brockville are very walkable with well-maintained sidewalks.
Explore shops, restaurants, and waterfront areas on foot.
Both towns feature scenic waterfront paths for pleasant strolls with river views.
The Thousand Islands Parkway offers designated paved cycling and walking paths, separate from vehicle traffic for most of its length.

Walking Tours & Cycling Safety

Walking Tour Options: Self-guided historical walking tours are available in Gananoque and Brockville. Information brochures can be found at local tourism offices.
Bicycle Infrastructure: The Thousand Islands Parkway has an excellent Paved multi-use path (50 km / 31 miles), ideal for cyclists of all skill levels.
Safety: Always wear a Helmet when cycling (mandatory for under 18 in Ontario, recommended for all). Use lights/reflectors if cycling at dawn, dusk, or night. Obey traffic laws.
No-go areas: Major highways (like Highway 401) are not suitable for pedestrians or cyclists. Avoid narrow, unshouldered roads with high vehicle speeds.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses & Hop-on-Hop-off

No hop-on-hop-off bus services in the Thousand Islands towns. Organized coach tours from major Canadian cities often include a Thousand Islands boat cruise as part of multi-day itineraries.

Offers city-to-region transport.

Boat Taxis & Water Transport

Commercial water taxi services are limited, mainly for island residents. Sightseeing cruises are the main form of organized water transportation for tourists, departing from Gananoque, Rockport, and Kingston.

Mainly for sightseeing.

Accessibility Services

Some boat cruise operators have accessible vessels and docks. Contact specific companies (e.g., Gananoque Boat Line) in advance to confirm accessibility. Newer hotels and attractions are generally more accessible.

Inquire for mobility needs.

Mobility Needs & Local Unique Transport

Traveler Accessibility

For those with mobility needs, always call attractions and boat tour operators directly before your visit.
Confirm their current accessibility options to ensure a comfortable experience.
For rental vehicles, larger car rental companies in Kingston or at major airports may offer accessible vans. Book these well in advance.

Unique Transport

The Thousand Islands region does not feature cable cars, funiculars, or other highly unique local transport systems like tuk-tuks or jeepneys.
The region mainly uses standard North American vehicles for land transport.
Focus on conventional methods for getting around.

Road Safety & Regulations

Driving Laws: Drive on the right side of the road. Speed limits are in kilometers per hour (km/h).
Seatbelt use is mandatory for all occupants. Using a handheld device while driving is illegal.
Follow all posted road signs and traffic signals.
Winter Driving: Winter tires are highly recommended for snow and ice.

Wildlife: Be aware of deer, especially during dawn and dusk hours on rural roads.
Parking: Metered street parking or paid lots in downtown areas. Attractions and hotels may provide parking.
Road Conditions: Major highways are excellent. Local roads are generally well-maintained.
Avoid walking or cycling on major highways.

Walking & Cycling Summary

Walking and cycling are immersive ways to experience the Thousand Islands, offering close-up views of its natural beauty and charming towns. These methods support a slower-paced, more detailed exploration.

Pedestrian Experience

Downtown Gananoque and Brockville are highly walkable, with well-maintained sidewalks.
Explore local shops, restaurants, and waterfronts easily on foot.
Enjoy scenic waterfront paths in both towns.
Self-guided historical walking tours are available with local brochures.

Cycling Exploration

The Thousand Islands Parkway features an excellent paved multi-use path, ideal for cyclists.
This path offers a largely separate route from vehicle traffic, making for a safe ride.
Rent bicycles from local shops in Gananoque and Kingston during warmer months.
Always wear a helmet and obey traffic laws when cycling.

Safety and Best Practices

Pedestrian Safety

Stick to sidewalks and designated paths. Be aware of vehicle traffic, especially at intersections.

Use crosswalks.
Stay visible at night.
Avoid distracted walking.

Cycling Safety

Use designated bike paths whenever possible. If sharing roads, ride predictably and use hand signals.

Maintain bike.
Carry water.
Know your route.

Enjoying the Views

These methods allow you to appreciate the intricate details of the islands and waterways at a leisurely pace.

Stop for photos.
Pack snacks.
Bring binoculars.

Areas to Avoid for Pedestrians & Cyclists

High-Speed Highways

Major highways, like Highway 401, are not suitable for pedestrians or cyclists.
These are high-speed routes with no pedestrian infrastructure.
Vehicle speeds pose a significant safety risk.

Unsuitable Roads

Avoid walking or cycling on narrow, unshouldered roads with high vehicle speeds.
Especially avoid such roads if there is heavy traffic.
Prioritize designated paths and quieter local roads for safety.

Public Transportation