Kayak in the Thousand islands, Gananoque, Ontario

Today we are off to Ganonoque about 30 minutes east of Kingston. 

Kayaks on the Ganonoque River

Five months ago when planning this cross Canada trip, the whole Thousand Islands area along the St. Lawrence River seemed like it would be outstanding. We felt if we could kayak amongst the Thousand Islands that would be amazing. Well, here we are in Ganonoque, a prime location as a gateway to the islands for a close up experience. 

We put the kayaks into the Ganonoque River and head under the swing bridge out into the St. Lawrence River and the Thousand Islands. 

St. Lawrence River

The area was aptly named as it is island after island in beautiful clear water. The wind is lightly blowing but it is expected to pick up later this afternoon. 

We really have to keep our eyes peeled as there are other bigger boats out here too. 

This home fills the island 

Many of the islands have personal homes on them..

Cormorants - some with outstretched wings drying them.

Many of the islands have beautiful birds on them. This island is filled with Cormorants, which are known for spreading their wings up in the air to dry them. Since their feathers are not waterproof, they can dive deeper for food but they don't like wet feathers after fishing...lol

Public dock on Aubrey Island

We go through areas that remind us of Belize as the water is shallow with white sand beneath us. As we come out from behind Anchorage Island it is a more open-gap-dash past Mermaid Island towards Aubrey Island, our lunch destination. There are 1-2 foot waves and small whitecaps but we power through and the kayaks feel stable. I've never been in these conditions before and I get through them with each stroke of the paddle saying and seeing-  "Sophie - Gerrit - Beth - Rolo - Barley - Onie - Hankie - Carmie" (Gerrit and Beth's fur family) Over and over paddling hard to the safety of the dock at Aubrey Island where we can get off and go for a short walk to the other side of the island and then have our picnic lunch. 

Picnic lunch on Aubrey Island

Safely back to our start location

When we start our return trip the wind is really getting up there. We are happy we are now heading down wind, which makes the return trip super fast. 

Farthest east for this season

We do a quick trip east down the 401 highway to Rockport. This is the farthest east we will go this year. From here we actually head west to explore more of Southern Ontario. 

USA flag across the St Lawrence River

Right across the water from Rockport is the United States of America...a stone's throw away. My picture isn't clear after I enlarge it,  but you can see the flag of the USA blowing in this wind. 

Mural in Rockport

Poutine and craft beer

It's time to find a pub and try some local craft beer so we head back to Gananoque and find a cute pub. We break down and try a poutine even though we said we wouldn't until in Quebec. At lease now we'll have a comparison.