Explore the Saint Lawrence

Locations: Thousand Islands National Park, Fort Wellington, Fort Henry and Bellevue House National Historic Sites
Roundtrip: 410 km round trip from Ottawa

Take a 3-day getaway along the Saint Lawrence River near Ottawa. Join the Royal Artillery to learn how to fire a cannon, explore Thousand Islands, visit the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ontario, and visit the former home of the first Prime Minister of Canada.

 

Day 1

Location: Fort Wellington National Historic Site, Prescott
Distance: 95 km from Ottawa

Visit Fort Wellington National Historic Site, which played a pivotal role in both the War of 1812 and the raids that followed the 1837 Rebellion in Upper Canada. Enlist as cannon crew in the Royal Artillery; dress up in military regalia and learn how to fire a 19th century muzzle-loading cannon!

After this adrenaline rush, take a stroll along the water to Prescott where you can grab a bite by the harbour or have a picnic in the park to plan your next stop: Thousand Islands National Park.

Recommended accomodation: oTENTik, Mallorytown landing, 45 km from Prescott

 

Day 2

Location: Thousand Islands National Park, Ganoque
Distance: 30 km from Mallorytown Landing

Join a guided kayak expedition with one of Parks Canada's travel adventure partners, or go solo. Paddle through waters past a wonderland of carefully preserved treasures: shipwrecks, historic castles and wind-carved natural features.

If you prefer a more leisurely pace, step on board a cruise and let the area's bucolic natural beauty and fascinating history unfold over an afternoon.

Recommended accomodation: oTENTik, Mallorytown landing

 

Day 3

Location: Fort Henry National Historic Site, Kingston
Distance: 65 km from Mallorytown Landing

Nothing tastes better than breakfast cooked over a campfire! Pack up and make tracks for Kingston, home of Ontario's only UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fort Henry National Historic Site. Visit the fort and step back in time to 1867, the year of Confederation.

Location: Bellevue House National Historic Site

Back in town, explore Kingston's charming streets, visit the excellent public market and browse local growers and artisan's produce and crafts. Have a picnic on the waterfront or lunch at a local restaurant. Before heading back home, stop by Bellevue House National Historic Site, the home of Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister.

Return to Ottawa, 200 km