Thousand Islands Travel Hacks. Money Saving, Time Saving, Local Secrets

Money-Saving Strategies

Explore the The Thousand islands archipelago without going over budget.

Discount Cards and Passes

Consider a Parks Canada Discovery Pass for visits to multiple National Parks, including The Thousand islands archipelago National Park.
Locate local coupon books or tourism brochures. Find these at visitor information centers, hotels, or attractions.

Free Activities

Enjoy many beautiful features of the Thousand Islands for no charge. Drive the scenic Thousand Islands Parkway.
Walk in the charming downtown areas of Gananoque and Brockville.
Visit public parks and riverside areas for picnics.
Explore the Brockville Railway Tunnel; admission is free.

Dining Deals

Some pubs and restaurants in Gananoque and Brockville may feature happy hour specials.
Search for early bird dining discounts or fixed-price menus. These often hold good value.
Ask locals for recommendations on affordable, quality dining.

Transportation Savings

If traveling as a group, carpooling for day trips conserves funds on gas and car parking.
For longer distances, consider buses between cities (to Kingston) for a more budget-friendly choice in contrast with trains.

Accommodation Alternatives

Different lodging options fit various budgets.

Camping and B&Bs

Camping at provincial parks or private campgrounds often costs less than hotel stays.
A Bed & Breakfast stay can be more economical than a mid-range hotel.
A Lot of bed and breakfasts include breakfast.

Kitchenette Lodging

Consider lodging with kitchenettes or shared kitchens.
Prepare your own meals to majorly lower food expenses.

Other Accommodation Details

Seek out deals during the shoulder seasons for better rates.
Booking in advance, especially for popular times, typically secures preferred options.

Additional Considerations

For groups, look into short-term rentals for more space and value.
Read testimonials to find lodging that aligns with your travel style and budget.

Local Insights

Gain insights from local customs and common travel experiences.

Common Tourist Mistakes

Underestimating distances for excursions to cities like Ottawa or Prince Edward County. Plan travel time realistically.
Not booking high season accommodation and popular tours well ahead.
Forgetting bug spray or sunscreen for outdoor activities.
Not checking border requirements for US side visits like Boldt Castle.

Local Customs

Canadians appear polite, friendly, and helpful. "Please" and "thank you" are well-received.
People generally be mindful of personal space and privacy.
Littering is frowned upon. Keep the environment clean.

Unofficial Rules & Social Norms

Queue politely. Canadians typically form orderly lines and wait their turn.
Do not litter. Use provided trash bins and recycling containers.
Be patient at border crossings. Customs officials ask questions for security.
"Eh?" is a Canadian stereotype, some use it. You need not use it, but grasp it if heard.

Phrases that Impress Locals

Learning a few basic French phrases is always appreciated.
Say "Bonjour" (Hello) and "Merci" (Thank you).
It signals respect for Canada's bilingual heritage.

Solo, Family & Group Advice

Tailor your trip with advice for different types of travelers.

Solo Traveler Safety & Social

The The Thousand islands archipelago region has a good safety record for solo travelers. Practice common sense.
Residing in a B&B brings more social interaction.
Joining guided tours creates chances to meet other travelers.
Consider dining at pub bars for a more social atmosphere.

Family-Friendly Adaptations

Many boat tours suit all ages. The Aquatarium in Brockville works well for kids.
Look for accommodations with swimming pools. Vacation homes provide more space for families.
Pack snacks, drinks, and entertainment for kids during tours or car drives.
Do not overschedule. Permit downtime and flexibility, especially with young children.

Managing Group Logistics

Book accommodation and tours well ahead for groups to be certain space is there.
Clearly communicate itinerary details and meeting points to all group members.
Decide how to manage shared expenses (e.g., a shared fund, splitting bills).

Accessibility Considerations

Always confirm accessibility directly with tourist spots, tour operators, and accommodations.
Ask about ramps, elevators, accessible washrooms, and the team assistance.
Service animals are generally welcome.

Smart Packing Tip

Pack a cooler with snacks and drinks. This lowers money spent on impulse purchases, especially during boat tours or extended road trips.

Time-Saving Tips

Make the most of your time and experience more during your Thousand Islands visit.

Skip Lines

Book boat cruises and major attractions online in advance. This may bypass lines at places to buy tickets.

Pre-Book Required

For popular tours like Kingston Penitentiary, pre-booking is a must, sometimes months ahead.

Best Visit Times

Go early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and better light for photography.

Other Time Savers

Efficient Routing

Group activities by geographical location. This shortens travel time.
Plan your boat cruise early in your trip. This offers an overview of the islands.

Pre-Booking

Accommodation booking for high season is a must.
Highly consider popular boat cruises, notably those with specific itineraries like the Boldt Castle stopover tour.
Pre-book specialized tours, like the Kingston Penitentiary Tour, far in advance due to strong demand.

Booking for Speed

Book popular boat tours online. This lowers wait times at the ticket counter, especially on busy summer days.

← Previous

Thousand Islands Itineraries

← Back to Thousand Islands

Next →

Thousand Islands Travel Resources

Next Up: Thousand Islands Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts

Continue to Thousand Islands Travel Resources