Thousand Islands National Park

Thousand Islands Overview

Thousand Islands National Park, known in French as Parc national des Mille-Îles, is a small yet ecologically significant protected area in southeastern Ontario, Canada. Covering approximately 9 square miles (23 square kilometers), the park is located along the St. Lawrence River, near the U.S.-Canada border.

It is part of the larger Thousand Islands region, a scenic archipelago consisting of over 1,800 islands stretching between Ontario and New York State. Established in 1904, it is one of Canada’s oldest national parks and is managed by Parks Canada.

The park’s unique geography, shaped by ancient glacial activity, features a mix of rugged granite islands, towering pine forests, and rich wetlands that provide a diverse range of habitats for flora and fauna.

The park’s landscape is characterized by rocky shorelines, dense woodlands, and numerous waterways that weave through the islands. The granite formations, remnants of the Canadian Shield, create a striking contrast against the vibrant greens of mixed forests dominated by white pine, oak, and maple trees.

Wetlands and marshes add to the park’s ecological diversity, supporting a variety of plant species, including rare orchids and water lilies. The presence of shallow bays and aquatic vegetation makes this region particularly important for fish and amphibian populations.

The St. Lawrence River itself, a defining feature of the park, offers clear waters and strong currents, with deep channels that have played a significant role in the area’s history as a transportation route for Indigenous peoples and European settlers.

Thousand Islands National Park is home to a rich array of wildlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. Among the notable mammals that inhabit the park are white-tailed deer, red foxes, beavers, and river otters. The park is also known for its reptile and amphibian populations, including the rare Blanding’s turtle and the northern map turtle, both of which rely on the park’s wetlands for survival.

Birdwatchers will find the park particularly rewarding, as it supports a variety of species such as ospreys, great blue herons, bald eagles, and common loons. During migration seasons, songbirds and waterfowl pass through the region in significant numbers, adding to the park’s appeal for birding enthusiasts.

A popular destination for outdoor recreation, Thousand Islands National Park offers a variety of ways for visitors to engage with its stunning natural surroundings. Boating and kayaking are among the most popular activities, as the park’s numerous islands and waterways provide endless opportunities for exploration.

Paddlers can navigate through channels and around islands, encountering scenic shorelines and abundant wildlife along the way. Hiking trails on the mainland portion of the park, such as the trails at Mallorytown Landing, offer opportunities to explore the diverse landscapes on foot.

For those interested in camping, the park provides both traditional campsites and oTENTik accommodations—semi-permanent structures that offer a comfortable alternative to tent camping. Fishing is another popular pastime, with the waters of the St. Lawrence River teeming with species such as northern pike, bass, and muskellunge.

Conservation efforts in Thousand Islands National Park focus on preserving its fragile ecosystems and protecting species at risk. The park plays a key role in habitat restoration, particularly for reptiles, amphibians, and shoreline vegetation.

Invasive species management is an ongoing challenge, with efforts aimed at controlling non-native plants and aquatic invaders that threaten the region’s biodiversity. Despite these challenges, the park has seen successes in conservation, including the protection of critical turtle nesting sites and the reintroduction of native plant species.

Through careful management and visitor education, Thousand Islands National Park continues to serve as a vital sanctuary for wildlife while offering a remarkable natural experience for those who visit.

Park Map

Thousand Islands National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Thousand Islands National Park, located along the St. Lawrence River in Ontario, Canada, is home to a diverse range of wildlife. The park’s unique mix of land and water habitats supports many fascinating species, from mammals and reptiles to amphibians and fish. Here are some of the more popular species you might encounter in the park:

Eastern Wolf
A top predator in the park, the Eastern wolf is an elusive and intelligent species that plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. They are often mistaken for coyotes but have distinct reddish-brown and gray fur patterns.

White-tailed Deer
Commonly spotted in forested areas, the white-tailed deer is an agile and graceful species. With their distinctive white tails that flash when they run, these herbivores are a vital part of the park’s ecosystem.

North American River Otter
These playful mammals can often be seen swimming or sliding along the riverbanks. River otters have sleek fur that repels water and strong tails that help them navigate the waterways of the Thousand Islands.

Common Snapping Turtle
As one of Ontario’s largest freshwater turtles, the common snapping turtle is known for its powerful jaws and prehistoric appearance. These turtles are often seen basking near wetland areas or slowly moving across roads in search of nesting sites.

Blanding’s Turtle
Recognizable by its bright yellow throat and domed shell, Blanding’s turtle is a threatened species that relies on the park’s wetlands for survival. Conservation efforts are in place to protect their declining populations.

Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake
Ontario’s only venomous snake, the Eastern massasauga rattlesnake, is a rare but vital part of the park’s ecosystem. It prefers wetland habitats and is shy, typically avoiding human encounters.

Fisher
A member of the weasel family, the fisher is a medium-sized carnivore with sharp claws and a long, sleek body. It is one of the few predators capable of hunting porcupines successfully.

Beaver
As nature’s engineers, beavers play an essential role in shaping wetland ecosystems. Their dams create important habitats for many other species in the park, and their flat tails and webbed feet make them excellent swimmers.

Northern Watersnake
This non-venomous snake is often mistaken for more dangerous species due to its aggressive defense behavior. It thrives along the park’s waterways, feeding on fish and amphibians.

Mink
Mink are semi-aquatic predators with soft, dark fur and a strong hunting instinct. They are often seen along the riverbanks, searching for fish, frogs, and small mammals.

Birds

Thousand Islands National Park is a paradise for bird watchers, with its rich mix of water, forest, and island habitats attracting a variety of bird species. Here are some of the most popular birds found in the park:

Osprey
Also known as the “fish hawk,” the osprey is a skilled hunter that dives into the water to catch fish. These birds build large nests on treetops and platforms along the St. Lawrence River.

Bald Eagle
Once rare in the region, the bald eagle has made a strong comeback thanks to conservation efforts. These majestic raptors can often be seen soaring over the water in search of fish.

Great Blue Heron
This tall, elegant bird is commonly seen wading through shallow waters, waiting patiently to strike at passing fish. Its slow, deliberate movements make it a fascinating sight for visitors.

Common Loon
With its haunting calls and striking black-and-white plumage, the common loon is a symbol of Canadian wilderness. These expert divers can stay underwater for extended periods while hunting fish.

Peregrine Falcon
One of the fastest birds in the world, the peregrine falcon is a skilled predator that hunts other birds in mid-air. Its population in the region has rebounded after conservation efforts.

Double-crested Cormorant
Often seen perched on rocks with their wings spread out to dry, cormorants are excellent fishers that dive deep into the water to catch their prey.

Wood Duck
One of the most colorful waterfowl species in the park, the wood duck is known for its iridescent plumage and preference for nesting in tree cavities near wetlands.

Red-tailed Hawk
A common sight in open areas, the red-tailed hawk is a powerful bird of prey with a distinctive red tail and keen eyesight for spotting rodents and small mammals.

Belted Kingfisher
This energetic bird can be seen hovering over the water before plunging in to catch fish. Its rattling call and striking blue-and-white coloration make it easy to identify.

Black-capped Chickadee
A small but bold bird, the black-capped chickadee is often seen flitting through trees in search of insects and seeds. Its cheerful “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call is a familiar sound in the park’s forests.

These species help make Thousand Islands National Park a remarkable destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Whether on land, in the water, or in the air, the park is full of incredible animal encounters.