Every year in early May and then again in late October I do a week of paddling (mostly alone) in the Canadian Thousand Islands. This link has a wealth of information: http://www.paddle1000.com/paddling.htm
Maps: Waterproof nautical charts are a must. Most of the area is well covered by Chart #78 (The Thousand Islands) http://www.waterproofcharts.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=169 . If you want to paddle the Bateau Channel, between Kingston and Bishops Point, Chart #141 (Kingston to Wolf Island Cut) is another chart to purchase.
Waterproof fishing maps can also be helpful. They have less detail clutter (e.g. no underwater electric cables) yet at the same time show more shoreline depth detail than nautical charts. I mostly use the Fishing Hot Spots series Map # S278 (St. Lawrence River - Central)
http://www.fishinghotspots.com/e1/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=0&idproduct=480 The two other maps in this three map series you might need are: Map #S277 (St. Lawrence River – West) and Map #S279 (St. Lawrence River – East).
Guides: I began paddling in the Canadian Thousand Islands with Scott Locorini, an ACA certified kayak instructor and the owner of Adirondack Exposure http://adirondackexposure.com/guided/exp.htm#ti Scott's teaching skills and generous sharing of information on the area have allowed me to progress both as a paddler and as a paddler in the Canadian Thousand Islands.
Books: Guide to Sea Kayaking on Lakes Huron, Erie & Ontario, by Sarah Ohmann and Bill Newman, 1999.
Deer ticks and the Lyme disease they bring are definitely present in the Canadian Thousand Islands, and are moving up the St. Lawrence River. I spoke this May while on McDonald Island with the person (I believe he lives in Alberta) who has designed and has been buidling the world's best and most "cool" looking - you could be proud to have a wedding reception at the outhouse on Mulcaster Island -solar powered outhouses for Canada Parks.
A couple of years ago, while he was working on this ongoing outhouse construction program, one of this gentleman's young children was the first person to be diagnosed with Lyme disease in the Canadian Thousand Islands.
Only good news in all this, for me at least, is that since I only paddle here in early May and late October, I am wearing a dry suit most of that time; thus the deer ticks have a somewaht harder time getting a meal.
The Candaian Thousand Islands is a big piece of water, and it is often very windy, with the added bonus of wind funneling effects caused by the islands. Many places, often where least expected are shallow. All these factors can combine to provide the boater with an "interesting" ride on very confused water. Kayaks are the boat of choice.
If you paddle here, other than early (i.e. May) or late (i.e. October), the power boat traffic, especially around Kingston, Gananoque and Brockville, gets pretty intense - stay out of the marked channels!
Depending on the time of year, and especially in the Spring, paddling in the Canadian Thousand Islands is cold water paddling - water temperatures are below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. So dress accordingly. For a weather and water temperature reality check, try this link http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/SL/022.html
Landings and launches are mostly rocky. Come psychologically prepared to put some "character" marks on that nice glass boat. Last year the water levels were especially low, and I was very glad that I had a poly boat in my fleet.
I have both camped on Canada Parks Islands http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/on/lawren/visit/index_e.asp and on Sugar Island http://sugar.islandertalk.com/ Now I prefer, due to the often changeable wind and weather, my age, and the recent appearance of deer ticks and Lyme disease, to paddle out of cottages. I have stayed at , Spencer's Cottages http://www.1000islandscottages.com/ for several years - Lynn and Chris are great people. At Misty Isles Lodge http://www.mistyisles.ca/ you can pay to park a car, and Misty Isles’ central location opens up many shuttle and other trip possibilities. The preceding are only two of several other possibilities for lodging http://www.paddle1000.com/accomodations.htm
A place to paddle if the weather gets bad is the Bateau Channel. Spencer’s Cottages are located right on the Bateau Channel, about a two mile paddle from the Admiralty Islands, which makes for great paddling without the hassle of having to load, unload and transport boats. A place to paddle if the weather gets really bad is Jones Creek. It’s a steep carry down a hillside from the Thousand Island Parkway to the put in.
Invasive Species: The water in the Canadian Thousand Islands is crystal clear. This has happened "thanks" to the zebra mussel. Please clean your boat to help slow the the spread of zebra mussels and other unwanted species:
http://www.protectyourwaters.net/
http://www.adkinvasives.com/
Photo Gallery: Scanned color photographs taken using Kodak, single use, water resistant cameras. Time of year is mostly fall and spring. Sorry no particular order, but if you wade through them, you'll get a feel for the place.
http://www.paddling.net/photography/gallery/viewGallery5.html?gid=115
Crossing US-Canadian Border: Rebecca and I have had passports for so long, that I originally neglected to mention the potential issue of crossing the US-Canadian border.
http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/crossingborders/
In addition, before 9/11, paddling across the US-Canadian border, and then landing, was no big deal. After 9/11, it a VERY BIG DEAL up here - don't do it!
I carry my passport in a waterproof pouch when paddling on the St. Lawrence River - when I paddle on either side of the border.
GPS Waypoints: Route numbers correspond to the same numbers used to designate routes on Thousand Islands Water Trail web site:
http://www.paddle1000.com/paddling.htm
Caveat is that though these waypoints have been field checked and Google Earth Version 5.0 checked, the GPS unit should never be a substitute for having a map and a compass and the skills to use them.
I confess to being a gear head and lover of technology, but I also paddle mostly alone at times of the year when you cannot pull up to an island dock and ask bikini clad sunbathers your exact location. I carry two compasses, one on the deck and one attached to my PFD. I also carry a GPS unit; and in addition, a second, identical, completely programmed back-up GPS unit, plus extra batteries. If you use any technology, it can and sometimes will fail. I occasionally consult my GPS unit because it can get real confusing for us old folks when paddling around among endless islands.
CANADIAN THOUSAND ISLANDS WATER TRAIL: ROUTES 1 & 2
1. City of Kingston: Cataraqui Canoe Club (Public Launch Site)
N 44° 14.577’ W 76° 28.795’
2.Cedar Island: N Corner
N 44° 13.745’ W 76° 27.055’
3.Milton Island: E Corner
N 44° 14.700’ W 76° 23.800’
4.The Spectacles: N Corner
N 44° 14.650’ W 76° 23.100’
5.Treasure Island: NE Corner
N 44° 15.600’ W 76° 22.100’
6.Treasure Island: Marina (Private Launch Site)
N 44° 15.815’ W 76° 22.642’
7.Howe Island Ferry Dock: Mainland
N 44° 16.657 W 76° 19.623’
8.Chipmans Bay
N 44° 17.300’ W 76° 18.900’
9.Grass Creek Park (Public Launch Site: Sandy Beach)
N44° 17.472’ W 76° 18.614’
10.Grass Creek: Mouth
N 44° 17.630’ W 76° 18.100’
11.Trident Yacht Club: Pee Stop After
N 44° 18.108’ W 76° 16.980’
12.Trident Yacht Club (Private Launch Site)
N 44° 18.270’ W 76° 15.468’
13.Johnson Bay: Mouth (Landing Spot NE Shore)
N44° 17.660’ W76° 15.370’
14.Grog Island: N Corner
N 44° 18.280’ W 76° 14.930’
15.Thompsons Point
N 44° 18.185’ W 76° 14.447’
16.Firmans Point
N 44° 18.357’ W 76° 14.203’
17.Howe Island: Direct Crossing from Spencer’s Cottages
N 44° 18.090’ W 76° 13.824’
18.Spencer’s Cottages (Private Launch Site)
N 44° 19.274’ W 76° 13.382’
19.Edwards Point
N 44° 18.727’ W 76° 12.479’
20.Bishops Point Beach (Public Launch Site: No Parking)
N 44° 18.333’ W 76° 11.654’
21.Cable Ferry From Bishops Point To Howe Island:DANGER
N 44° 18.250’ W 76° 11.657’
CANADIAN THOUSAND ISLANDS WATER TRAIL: ROUTES 3, 4 & 5
1.Spencer’s Cottages (Private Launch Site)
N 44° 19.274’ W 76° 13.382’
2.Edwards Point
N 44° 18.727’ W 76° 12.479’
3.Bishops Point Beach (Public Launch Site: No Parking)
N 44° 18.333’ W 76° 11.654’
4.Cable Ferry From Bishops Point To Howe Island: DANGER
N 44° 18.250’ W 76° 11.657’
5.Beau Revauge Island: SE Corner
N 44° 18.134’ W 76° 11.325’
6.Aubrey Island: N Corner
N 44° 17.850’ W 76° 11.510’
7.Mermaid Island: NW Corner
N 44° 17.738’ W 76° 11.268’
8.Bostwick Island: SE Corner
N 44° 17.670’ W 76° 11.050’
9.Leek (AKA Thwartway) Island: SW Corner
N 44° 17.270 W 76° 09.366’
10.Channel Between Juniper Island
And Leek (AKA Thwartway) Island
N 44° 17.812 W 76° 09.194
11.Huckleberry Island: E Corner
N 44° 18.007’ W 76° 08.961’
12.Hay Island: NW Corner
N 44° 18.898’ W 76° 08.795’
13.Trement Park Island: SE Corner
N 44° 18.913’ W 76° 09.342’
14.Gananoque: Rotary Beach (Public Launch Site:
Clarence Avenue)
N 44° 19.416’ W 76° 10.002’
15.McDonald Island: SE Corner
N 44° 18.712’ W 76° 10.399’
16.Campbell Island: SE Corner
N 44° 18.230’ W 76° 10.450’
17.Grindstone Island (United States): SW Side
N 44° 17.322’ W 76° 08.440’
18.Punt Island Group: S End
N 44° 17.854’ W 76° 07.850’
19.Camelot Island: W Side (Good Landing)
N 44° 18.103’ W 76° 06.808’
20.Camelot Island: NE Corner (Rocky Landing)
N 44° 18.160’ W 76° 06.630’
21.Endmyon Island: SE Corner
N 44° 18.005’ W 76° 06.148’
22.Bloodletter Island: SW Corner
N 44° 18.378’ W 76° 06.459’
23.Psyche Island: SE Corner
N 44° 18.756’ W 76° 06.249’
24.Axman Island: N Corner
N 44° 18.917’ W 76° 05.649’
25.Sugar Island: W Side (Rocky Landing)
N 44° 19.118’ W 76° 05.870’
26.Sugar Island: W Side (Good Landing)
N 44° 19.110’ W 76° 05.860’
27.Corn Island: N Corner
N 44° 19.200’ W 76° 07.670’
28.Squaw Island: W Side
N 44° 19.317’ W 76° 05.943’
29.Gordon Island: NE Corner
N 44° 19.942’ W76° 06.075’
30.Misty Isles Cabins (Private Launch Site)
N 44° 20.890’ W 76° 05.662’
31.Sugar Island: NE Corner
N 44° 19.098’ W 76° 05.491’
32.Prince Regent Island: SW Corner
N 44° 19.188’ W 76° 05.419’
33.Princess Charlotte Island: SE Corner
N 44° 19.207’ W 76° 04.875’
34.Stave Island: SE Corner (Gananoque Narrows)
N 44° 19.577’ W 76° 04.825’
35.Downie Island: SE Corner
N 44° 20.125’ W 76° 03.650’
36. Channel Between Owen Island And Spellings Island
N 44° 20.496’ W 76° 02.434’
37.Popham Island: W Corner
N 44° 20.710’ W 76° 02.450’
38.Mulcaster Island: SE Corner
N 44° 20.523’ W 76° 02.946’
39.Ninette Island: NW Corner
N 44° 20.682’ W 76° 03.126’
40.Hickey Island: NE Side
N 44° 20.481’ W 76° 04.006’
41.Stave Island: W Side
N 44° 20.095’ W 76° 04.650’
42.Halsteads Bay (Public Launch Site: Exposed, Rocky)
N 44° 21.127’ W 76° 04.597’
43.Ivy Lea Camp Ground (Public Launch Site: Good Landing)
N 44° 21.959’ W 75° 59.185’
CANADIAN THOUSAND ISLANDS WATER TRAIL: ROUTE 7
1.Rockport (Public Launch Site: Limited Parking
N 44° 22.731’ W 75° 56.047’
2.Tar Island: W Side
N 44° 22.751’ W 75° 55.390’
3.Thousand Island Parkway: Pull-Off (Public Launch Site: Boat Carry Down Moderate Hillside)
N 44° 22.509’ W 75° 56.833’
4.Club Island: NW Side
N 44° 22.352’ W 75° 56.394’
5.Tar Island: S End
N 44° 22.736’ W 75° 55.458’
6.Grenadier Island: SW Corner
N 44° 23.116’ W 75° 54.360’
7.Grenadier Island: Unnamed Small Island Off NW Corner
N 44° 26.243’ W 75° 50.541’
8.Larue Mills: Thousand Island Parkway
N 44° 26.060’ W 75° 52.397’
9.Across From Poole’s Resort Road (Public Launch Site)
N 44° 25.335’ W 75° 53.496’
10.Squaw Island (AKA Indian Island): W Side
N 44° 25.135’ W 75° 52.550
11.Grenadier Island: Fermans Point
N 44° 26.015’ W 75° 51.316’
12.Grenadier Island: Vansittart Point
N 44° 25.543’ W 75° 50.341’
13.Grenadier Island: Pitch Pine Point
N 44° 23.835’ W 75° 52.780’
14.Shanty Island: E Side
N 44° 23.400’ W 75° 53.250’
15.Hooper Island: E Side
N 44° 23.330’ W 75° 53.640’
16.Little Grenadier Island: E Side
N 44° 22.905’ W 75° 54.560’
17.Mallorytown Landing (Public Launch Site: Good Facilities)
N 44° 27.171’ W 75° 51.584’
18.Adelaide Island: E Side
N 44° 26.123’ W 75° 50.241’
19.Browns Bay Picnic Area (Public Launch Site: Exposed)
N 44° 29.246’ W 75° 49.422’
20.Jones Creek (Public Launch Site Off Road): Boat Carry Down Steep Hillside)
N 44° 30.209’ W 75° 48.364’
See you on the water.
Mike
-- Last Updated: Apr-16-09 5:44 PM EST --
nice area to paddle in
even in July. Never had a powerboat problem north of Grindstone though Gananoque is busy and you have to watch boat traffic very closely.
Always just used one waterproof chart mit compass… no GPS.
http://www.waterproofcharts.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=169
Kayakmedic, your comments
– Last Updated: Jun-29-08 5:09 PM EST –
have served once again, as an editorial impetus for my long, occassional GPS-waypoint-laden posts.
Thanks
MikeT
Sugar Island
Sugar Island makes a great base camp for sea kayaking the 1000 Islands. It is a rustic camping island owned by the American Canoe Association since 1903. It gets pretty crowded during the ACA’s annual encampment which is held during the last week in July and the first week in August. Always room for more though, great paddling camaraderie and a good way to network and learn the ropes of the 1000 Islands. The rest of the season offers more solitude. We do require an ACA membership, reservation and small user fee. See the Sugar Island link above
now posted on
"Places 2 Paddle" with some added links and detail - plus a couple of pictures.
Once again thanks to Kevin, who did a great job of layout and picture selection.
Added a Photo Gallery to Original Post
Scanned color photographs taken using Kodak, single use, water resistant cameras.
Time of year is mostly fall and spring.
Sorry no particular order, but if you wade through them, you’ll get a feel for the place.
http://www.paddling.net/photography/gallery/viewGallery5.html?gid=115
Updated GPS Points
May is coming, and it will be a great time to paddle in the Candadian Thousand Islands.
See you on the water.
Mike
Crossing US-Canadian Border
Rebecca and I have had passports for so long, that I neglected to mention the potential issue of crossing the US-Canadian border.
http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/crossingborders/
In addition, before 9/11, paddling across the US-Canadian border, and then landing, was no big deal. After 9/11, it a VERY BIG DEAL up here - don’t do it!
I carry my passport in a waterproof pouch when paddling on the St. Lawrence River - when I paddle on either side of the border.
Mike