1000 Nails – Where but in the Islands does an esthetics shop welcome walk-ins?! Located up the street from the Victoria Rose Inn, 1000 Nails delivers quick, thorough manicures and pedicures in a no-fuss setting. Start the day with a fresh pedicure or manicure, (under $40 for both - wow), complete with your choice of the latest OPI colours. The best part – a proper pedicure or manicure will take less than 35 minutes…..
1000 Nails, 107 King Street East, Gananoque. (613) 382-9803
Alexandria Bay, N.Y. – Once a major fueling stop for steam ships navigating the St. Lawrence River during the late 1800s, the community of Alexandria Bay was named after Alexander LeRay, son of landholder James LeRay. Today, the many boat tours originating from the waterfront are a great way to get a close-up view of the islands and their sites, including the famous Boldt Castle and Millionaire’s Row. Wander through this bustling summer town, and find your way to the outside deck of the Dock of The Bay Restaurant, located at the Municpal Docks. Sit with an ice-cold drink, and gaze directly across the bay at Van’s Sun-n-Fun Shoppe (20 Sisson Street). The gas pumps are a front for an amazing selection of designer bathing suits, located in the dim interior behind the cash register – truly a hidden treasure.
From Gananoque, follow the 1000 Islands Parkway to the 1000 Islands International Bridge. Cross to the U.S., and follow the signs for Alexandria Bay.
Remember to bring along a current passport, or a birth certificate and valid driver’s license to meet U.S. entry requirements.
Big Sandy Bay, Wolfe Island – Wolfe Island is the largest of the world-renowned Thousand Islands, located where Lake Ontario ends and the St. Lawrence River begins its flow to the Atlantic. 21 miles long and 9 miles wide, the Island offers scenic pastoral farmland and is home to many year-round residents. Big Sandy Bay is a 404-hectare day-use area on the Island, featuring a rare coastal ecology. Provincially and regionally significant birds, rare trees and other rare plant species flourish here. The beach/dune complex is reached via a 1.3 km walking trail through wetlands and woodlands, where visitors can enjoy the beautiful secluded sand beach. Be sure to bring along water or other drinks and snacks, as no canteen is available on this pristine stretch of undeveloped beach. Wear a hat as there is very little shade on the shore, and don’t forget your camera! More information and fees at www.bigsandybay.ca
From Alexandria Bay, follow Route 12 (The Seaway Trail) to Cape Vincent. Board Horne’s Ferry in downtown Cape Vincent (if time permits, grab drinks and snacks for the beach at Aubrey’s General Store). From the ferry dock on Horne’s Point continue along Highway 95 for approximately 5 miles. Turn left onto Reeds Bay Road. This road is straight at first and then winds left along the south shore of Reeds Bay. Turn left on to the 3rd Line Road and follow it south to the parking lot.
Wolfe Island Ferry to Kingston – The 20 minute crossing offers postcard perfect views of the historic Kingston waterfront, Fort Henry, and the beginning of the 1000 Islands. Grab a seat on the top deck of the ferry and watch the sailboats, motorboats and even the occasional tall ship. There is no charge for the 60 car ferry, which runs every hour all day long. Stop in at Fargo’s for that old-time general store experience (paper bags for penny candy are kept behind the counter), and don’t miss the Wolfe Island Bakery just down the street – great homemade ginger snaps, and Red River Bread too good to resist!
Leave the beach, traveling north – turn right at Reed’s Bay Road and turn left on the main highway. Continue and follow signs to Marysville and the Wolfe Island Ferry to Kingston.
Back to Gananoque – Turn right off of the Ferry Dock in Kingston and follow Highway #2, 28 kilometers back to the Victoria Rose Inn in Gananoque.
Grass Creek Park – Time for one more beach along the way? Grass Creek Park is right on the way, and offers over 50 acres of River park, complete with sandy beach, playground, picnic and barbeque facilities.
The Park is located along Highway #2, about halfway between Kingston and Gananoque. Don’t miss Paula’s Chick Chip Truck on the way – the best fries in the Islands.