Gananoque – The Gateway to the Thousand Islands
This peculiarly named place, occupies a scenic place on the St. Lawrence shoreline. Tracing back its name to its first nation origins, Gananoque in fact means the “town on two rivers”, and from there it only grew! The tiny Loyalist settlement is one of the most quaint along the St. Lawrence corridor and is touted for its tourist potential.
Fun Fact: The town’s name is a first nations word that signifies the “town on two rivers” and is in fact pronounced as Gananoq-way. In fact some locals go as far as to shorthand the towns name as to simply be “Gan”
Table of Contents
- A Brief History and Geography
- What to do in Gananoque?
- Explore Residential Gananoque’s Victorian Masterpieces
- Walk Along the Gananoque River at Confederation Park
- Grab a Pint at the Gan Brewing Company
- Stop by the Visitors Center, City Hall and Visit the Town Park Bandstand
- Walk the Busy Main Street and Downtown Quarter
- Experience the Vibrant Waterfront
- Day Trips
- Conclusion
A Brief History and Geography
Located in the township of Leeds and Grenville, Gananoque was constructed along the St. Lawrence River. This natural wonder flows from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic, outlasting just past Quebec City. The watercourse presents a natural barrier between Canada and the United states, a position that has influence the city development throughout the years. The people of the small town refer to themselves as Islanders due to their geographic proximity to the region called the Thousand Islands, a grouping of 1800 islands in the St. Lawrence (thus Thousand islands is a bit of a misnomer! There are more then advertised). The town lies between the important port cities of Brockville, to the east and Kingston to the west making it ideally located for day trips, many even complete visits from the inland city of Ottawa located 2 hours to the north-east.
Despite its prime waterfront location on the Gananoque river, a permanent settlement was not established here until 1789, when the Loyalist Joel Stone built a mill here. Its most significant moment came in the War of 1812 when it was burned down by the American army. In retaliation troops stationed at Prescott crossed the St. Lawrence and burned Ogdensburg to the ground! Today the town is located at the backbone of Canadian commerce, with the St. Lawrence being a major shipping route and the, 401 Highway corridor, the CN Rail Mainline and the Passenger Via Rail all running along that famous river and passing just north of the town.
What to do in Gananoque?
This quaint village has more things to see packed within its confines then expected. Take a full day to enjoy the place! Here are a few things to do while spending your time here:
Explore Residential Gananoque’s Victorian Masterpieces
The suburban area of Gananoque located west of the river are a pristine example of the architectural prowess exerted by important members of the county during the Loyalist years.
Although there are a few mansions, there are also plenty of pretty modestly sized masonry homes as well. What sets the m apart is their attention to detail, with beautiful gables and stunning porches.
One of the most impressive buildings in this part of town is an stone old inn called Beaver Hall, dating from 1820.
Walk Along the Gananoque River at Confederation Park
In the center of town you will find Confederation Park, longing the Gananoque River. The park is adjacent to the old the visitors center, where a monument to Gananaque’s railway heritage now stands.
Down by the water you will find a plaque indicating the location of the long demolished Jones Shovel Factory, an important local industry during the 1850’s.
On the upstream section of the river, to the north-east of the park you will find a dam controlling a set of pretty falls.
You can walk across the bridge for a fantastic view of the river.
Grab a Pint at the Gan Brewing Company
One of the many fine establishments in the the Gan is a family tun establishment in the heart of the town.
Located in an old stone building, this scenic location is home to great brews!
Stop by the Visitors Center, City Hall and Visit the Town Park Bandstand
As previously mentioned the visitors center is located right beside the park. This beautiful building is worth a quick look in its own right. It is opposite to the Gananoque brewing company.
Adjacent to the center you will find a park with a beautiful gazebo/bandstand as well as the city hall.
The town hall is diminutive in statue but makes up for it due to its simple beauty. In front of it you will find a statue dedicated to those citizens of the town lost in the Great War.
Walk the Busy Main Street and Downtown Quarter
Downtown Gananoque, is composed of a main street with a typical 19th century streetscape but in better condition and with better shops then in many surrounding towns. On the perpendicular street leading down to the waterfront along the Gananoque river you will find a trio of beautiful stone churches including St. John’s the Evangelist Catholic Church, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and Grace United Church.
Yet the most recognizable structure in this stretch the Gananoque Clock Tower, a dare I say it… towering masonry structure looking over the town. This is a symbol of the city and is beloved by locals.
Experience the Vibrant Waterfront
The focal point of life in Gan is found at the waterfront. It is here that ships sail for the Thousand Island Cruises. For a relaxing stroll along the river check ou Joel Stone Heritage Park with its lighthouse and cannons looking onto the river.
For culture vultures you should stop in on the Thousand Islands History Museum to learn more about the history of the region. Located in a beautiful oblong building right on the water, it is hard to miss.
Finally either stay, or stop by for lunch at the stunning Gananoque Inn & Spa located across the Gananoque River. Originally conceived as the Gananoque Carriage Works in the 1870s it was reworked into a hotelier establishment in 1896 having survived fires and a swath of different owners it is a pride of the city.
Across the way is charming Stonewater Pub, an affordable place to grab a pint and occasionally hosting live music.
Day Trips
From the port of Gananoque, you can sail to Bolt Castle a stunning island home built by a wealthy American man on one of the thousand islands for his wife. The unfinished masterpiece is one of the most impressive attractions in the Thousand Islands.
Conclusion
Quaint as it is, Gananoque is mostly a destination for day trippers, yet when the night falls and the tourists leave the real town comes alive. Stay and you will discover what life is like for the real “Islanders” that trickle out to the bars and restaurants. Then you will truly be able to immerse yourself in the Gan locals know and love!
