Marine Safety - Marine Conditions

Many visitors enjoy Thousand Islands National Park by boat. In fact, the region is known around the world for spectacular boating opportunities. While boating in the Thousand Islands is generally safe, there are a number of factors of which to be aware.

Boat traffic can be very busy during the months of June-September and during weekends with seasonal island residents and tourists present. Marked channels are narrow in certain sections of the river and many boats often navigate across channels to access summer properties or anchorages. Be sure that you are aware of the rules of navigation before going on the water, lower your speed near properties and other boats, and always maintain vigilance in busy areas.

Water levels fluctuate throughout the year, but often peak in June and July and decline into the fall. Reduced water depths are present around many park docks in late summer. As water levels change, ensure you are on watch for marked and unmarked hazards, especially if you are navigating outside of navigation channels. Those in small vessels and paddlecrafts should be especially aware of wind conditions as lake breezes are a common occurrence in late summer and can create rough water.

There are many resources available to help you safely navigate a great day on the water.

For those enjoying the river by kayak please visit www.adventuresmart.ca for great safety tips.

For more information on Boating Rules and Boating Safety visit the Canada Office of Boating Safety.

For more information on water conditions and forecasts visit theEnvironment Canada Marine Forecast for the park area.

For more information on current water levels see theFisheries and Oceans Tides website.

For information on specific nautical hazards please visit the Canadian Coast Guard Notices to Mariners or Notices to Shipping websites.