When you set off on the Waterfront cycling path in Ontario, you can treat yourself to a dessert, like a reward for having covered all those kilometres.
This treat is called Howe Island.
Located near Kingston, it is 31 square kilometres large and is part of the Thousand Islands that lie in the St. Lawrence River, just upstream of Lake Ontario.
One can say that Howe Island is a hidden gem for cyclists!, undoubtedly the highlight of a day between Kingston and Gananoque. It’s a true haven of peace where car traffic is almost non-existent, a real paradise for cyclists!
Two Ferries
You access and leave it by ferries (24 hours a day, seven days a week), which adds a unique touch of adventure to the itinerary. The ferries await vehicles coming from Highway 37 on the east point, or via Highway 16 on the west of the island.
Bicycles are accepted on board. The price is symbolic: $2.
It takes a few minutes to cross, depending on the boat’s load.
Despite its unassuming nature, this fourth-largest island in the archipelago is a must-visit for enthusiasts of cycling, peace, and picturesque landscapes.
The main road is Howe Island Drive (Highway 22), which is approximately 35 kilometres long and runs along farmland, forests, and often the river itself. It will be possible to take other secondary roads to extend the pleasure.
Escape and Slow Down
In addition to very little car traffic, its route offers beautiful views of the river and the Thousand Islands archipelago. Its slightly hilly terrain is perfect for intermediate cyclists.
It is ideal for escaping, slowing down, seeing the Thousand Islands differently, far from classic tourist circuits.
You mainly meet locals, fishermen, a few vacationers… and birds, many birds.
It’s also a small fishing paradise. It is recommended for those who enjoy fishing to bring their equipment for hours of relaxation by the water.
There are no retail stores on Howe Island. It is therefore preferable to stock up before going to the island. There are no hotels or campsites either.
The Gateway to the Thousand Islands
Once you arrive in Gananoque (about a 15-minute drive from the ferry to the east), several options are available to those who want to extend the pleasure.
This small town is known as the gateway to the Thousand Islands. You can notably enjoy a boat cruise to discover this chain of small islands in the St. Lawrence River.
Lasting three hours, it offers a visit enhanced with audio commentary in English and French recounting the history of the region. Passengers can admire, among other things, the famous Boldt Castle and the sumptuous residences of rich and famous people on “Millionaire’s Row.”
You can learn more about the technical feats required to build the St. Lawrence Seaway and the 1,000 Islands International Bridge.
For accommodation, there are four excellent choices on site: the Woodview Inn, the Comfort Inn, the Gananoque Inn and Spa, and the Holiday Inn Express.
To make this adventure in this region of Ontario more concrete, you can consult, The Saint-Laurent by Bike.
For luggage transport to accommodation points, you can rely on the Voyager à vélo team.