Thousand Islands Hiking Trails: From Epic Views to Easy Strolls
Whether you’re chasing clifftop vistas, forested paths, or a peaceful escape by the water, the Thousand Islands has a trail for every kind of hiker. This region of Ontario boasts countless outdoor activities, from kayaking to cycling, but my favourite is hiking. And I love that the Thousand Islands hiking trails range from short to long and easy to more difficult. So, there’s a trail to suit every hiker’s ability.
Best known for the Thousand Islands National Park, which includes a few mainland hiking trails, there are a few other places to hike in the Thousand Islands area. You’ll find small town trails in Gananoque to other parks in the region like Marble Rock Conservation Area, which is a hidden gem.
After visiting the region, year after year, I have rounded up a list of my favourite hiking trails. In this guide you’ll learn all about each park, the different trails they have, how long they are and some tips for enjoying each.
So, lace up your hiking boots and let’s hit the trails!
Landon Bay Trails
One of the best hikes in the Thousand Islands is the Landon Bay trail to the lookout!
Landon Bay is located 10 minutes east of Gananoque and is part of the Thousand Islands National Park as well as the Frontenac Arch Biosphere.
The park features a number of different hiking trails that range from 15 minutes to 2 hours. My favourite, and the most popular one, is the Landon Bay Lookout Trail. It takes approximately 15 minutes from the parking lot to the lookout.
For the lookout, take the Donevan Trail (blue markers) from the parking lot to the Lookout Trail (yellow markers). It’s mostly uphill, but it’s worth the climb for the panoramic view of the Thousand Islands.
Insider Tip: The lookout is made up of a cliff made up of mostly rock, keep an eye out for five-lined skink with its vibrant blue tail sunning itself on the rocks.
Another great trail to hike is the Donevan Trail. At roughly 4.5 km, the Donevan Trail is a loop that has a number of cool highlights that include a tree dating back to 1850 (called the Wishing Tree), a rock–dubbed the Whale Rock, and a bridge.
Insider Tip: Even though the Landon Bay lookout is one of the top things to do in the Thousand Islands, I rarely meet anyone on the trail when visiting during the week!
Access to Landon Bay hiking trails is from the parking lot off of the 1000 Islands Parkway.
Jones Creek Trails
Some of the best Thousand Islands hiking trails I’ve explored is the Jones Creek Trails in Thousand Islands National Park.
With 12 km of interconnected loops ranging from easy to moderate, this trail system has so much to offer — from mossy wetlands and rugged rock walls to quiet forests.
Plus, the forests are filled with a surprising mix of wildlife. On our hike, we spotted a baby toad, a red-backed salamander, and even a blue-spotted salamander!
Each trail is named after an animal, a thoughtful nod to the clans of the Haudenosaunee people who have called this land home for time immemorial. If you take your time exploring, you can comfortably complete all the loop trails in about two hours.
If you’re short on time and want to visit the lookout, you can do it in under an hour. Follow the Bear Loop to the Heron Loop, which leads to the lookout and loop back via the Turtle and Eel Loops.
It took us about 25 minutes to reach the lookout and another 30 minutes to return. Don’t skip the Parks Canada red chairs at the top — it’s the perfect spot to sit and soak in the wetland views.
Access to Jones Creek hiking trails is from the parking lot off of the 1000 Islands Parkway.
Mallorytown Landing Trails
There are another two trails at the Thousand Islands National Park Visitor Centre. The area is known as Mallorytown Landing is great for those looking for short, easy trails.
Once a farmland, the Smoky Fire Trail, which is just under 1 km, takes you through a scenic red pine plantation. The trail in Mallorytown Landing is Six Nations Trail, which is roughly 1 km.
Please note that the Six Nations Trail was recently closed due to storm damage. Check its status at the Visitor Centre before you go.
Insider Tip: If you want to camp in the Thousand Islands National Park, Mallorytown Landing is the only place on the mainland that you can do so. They have 5 oTENTiks.
Access to Mallorytown Landing hiking trails is from the parking lot off of the 1000 Islands Parkway.
Marble Rock Conservation Area
If you’re searching for hidden gems in the Thousand Islands that go beyond the popular trails, Marble Rock Conservation Area is it.
Just 15 minutes north of Gananoque, this spot feels like your own private slice of wilderness. I hiked it with a friend, and we didn’t pass a single other person the entire time.
With 710 acres to explore, there are two loop trails here — one 7 km and the other 11 km — both offering a mix of rugged terrain, forest shade, and exposed stretches of Canadian Shield.
The trails are moderate to difficult, with some rock scrambling, so make sure you’re up for the challenge. But trust me, the payoff is worth it. When you reach the summit of Marble Rock, the sweeping views are awesome.
Address: Address: Marble Rock Rd, Gananoque (map)
Gananoque Trail System
If you’re looking for free hiking trails in the 1000 Islands, the Gananoque Trails are a hidden gem worth checking out. This 12 km trail system winds through town, along the scenic waterfront, into quiet forests, and follows the Gananoque River — offering a little bit of everything for nature lovers.
The full system includes three separate trails that can be done on their own or linked together for a longer 4-hour hike. Each one showcases a different landscape and vibe.
After countless trips to the region, these trails are one of my favourite things to do in Gananoque.
My favourite is the Lions Loop — it’s an easy, peaceful walk along the river that’s perfect for a laid-back afternoon.
If you’re up for a longer hike, the Rogers Loop is another great option. This trail takes you into the forests in town and includes a lookout. It usually takes around two hours to complete. Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning visitor like me, these trails offer a refreshing way to explore the 1000 Islands on foot — for free
Insider Tips: Trails are marked with blue diamonds with a hiker on them and you can pick up a map of them at the Visitor Centre downtown (map)
Rock Dunder Nature Reserve
One of my favourite fall hikes is in the Thousand Islands – Rock Dunder!
Rock Dunder Nature Reserve is located in Lyndhurst, approximately 20 minutes north of Gananoque. The park sits within the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve and is open seasonally, spring through fall.
Best known for the epic Summit Loop trail, which is nearly 4 km round trip from the parking lot. Taking you through forests, across rocky terrain and up to a stunning view over surrounding forests and lakes.
I highly recommend packing a picnic to eat up on the summit to fully take in the views. Just be sure to pack out your waste. I was blown away, standing atop the rocky summit, 275 feet above Morton Bay. I could have stayed there all day!
The Summit Loop takes roughly 1 hour. But there are two other trails at Rock Dunder. And it’s considered moderate to challenging. But is totally worth it!
Address: 72 Stanley Lash Ln, Lyndhurst (map)
I was hosted by 1000 Islands Tourism but as always, all opinions expressed are my own.
PIN IMAGE FOR LATER REFERENCE!
