Thousand Islands National Park in Canada – photo, description, map
On all continents of the Earth and in all countries of the world you can find unique places, getting into which every time you are convinced of how beautiful our planet is. One of these wonderful places is located in Canada – a natural national park Thousand Islands (Thousand Islands). It is located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, hence its other name – the St. Lawrence Islands.
History of occurrence
The length of the river itself, separating Canada from the United States, is 3.5 thousand km, and the park is located in the most picturesque place – on an 80-kilometer section between the cities of Kingston and Brockville. Here the river seems to be strewn with islands, formed after the water from the glaciers filled and eroded the mountain system located there – the so-called Canadian Crystal Shield: the tops of the rocky hills located here turned out to be on the surface.
The local Indians have their own version of the origin of the “1000 Islands”: according to legend, so many islands were formed here, because at first the creator, in the hope that people would stop quarreling with each other, arranged a paradise here, called the Garden of the Gods.
However, the hopes were not justified – people continued to behave vilely – they lied, killed, fought, did not comply with the laws. Then God decided to take this land away: he put it in a string bag and carried it to heaven, but the mesh was torn, the earth fell and crumbled into a great many fragments, which then became islands.
How many islands are in the National Park
It was possible to count the islands scattered along the river: there are 1864 of them on the river – part belongs to Canada, and part to the USA. Almost all of them are of natural origin. The only exception is Long View. It is formed from four shoals, now there is a boat station on it. Some islets are completely “bald”, some are covered with vegetation, and those that are larger even have forests. There are islands with an area of u200bu200babout 100 square kilometers, and there are very tiny ones where only one person can fit – up to 0.1 square meters. The depth of the river between the islands reaches 65 m.
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The development of this part of the planet began in the 19th century, and it became a National Park in 1914. Since that time, the islands began to be sold, and now almost everyone is in private ownership. On those of them, where the territory allows, there are residential buildings: someone lives here permanently, someone uses the houses as summer cottages.
The largest islands have names: Wolf Island (the largest in the national park), Hat Island (Heart). With the latter, by the way, a sad romantic story is connected. It has a castle named after its creator, multimillionaire George Boldt.
Boldt started this construction for his beloved wife at the beginning of the last century. However, the woman died suddenly, heartbroken husband lost all interest in further continuation of work and left these places forever. A few years ago, this unfinished building, along with the island, was bought out for $1.
The new owner completed the work started by Boldt, and now the building houses a museum. True, only those who have a US visa can get into it (this island belongs to the United States): there is a US immigration office on the pier, which no one can pass by.
An interesting story is told about another island – Deer. It passed into private hands in 1876 for $175. Then the owner of Olenye donated his property to Masons belonging to the most closed lodge “Skull and Bones”. It is strictly forbidden for outsiders to enter the island, only a lonely cottage is visible from the river, and from the air – a few more estates that are in a rather neglected state.
Entertainment in the National Park
The National Park is a blessed place for those who do business. The Thousand Islands is a favorite holiday destination for tourists from all over the world. Many hotels and motels have been built on both sides of the river, there are places for lovers of noisy companies, and there are quiet corners for those who want to fully experience detachment from the world and relax alone and away from the noise of big cities.
Travelers are offered an excursion along the river on a motor ship. Numerous islands can be admired from the ship, and some of them can be visited. On one of the islands, a village has been built in the form in which it existed in the middle of the 19th century: with old houses, outbuildings, and household utensils. Another is the castle of the Singer corporation, which is also open to tourists. The cruise lasts 2.5 hours and costs from $30.
Additionally, we invite you to read our article about one of the most memorable castles in Canada – Hatley.
However, the most stunning view, according to many, opens from the giant International Bridge across the river, connecting the two countries. This building itself, by the way, is also worthy of attention. This natural placer is perfectly visible from a height, and most of those who passed over this bridge promised themselves that they would definitely return and step on at least one of them.
According to the reviews of tourists who have been there, the Thousand Islands National Park is an amazing resort. By the way, the well-known Thousand Islands sauce, offered for meat in almost all catering establishments, was invented in this blessed place. It was compiled by the cook of one of the local hotels in 1912 to advertise the local places. Then it was called Russian sauce. Note that all buildings (even on small islands) are electrified, have sewerage and are connected to the telephone network.
Thousand Islands is also a favorite place for divers. The fact is that at the bottom of the St. Lawrence River lie numerous ships that sank in the 19th century. during a bitter war between the United States and Canada over the ownership of these islands (Canada turned out to be the winner). Now, historical reconstructions of past battles are held here every year.
Since 2002, the Thousand Islands National Park has been under the protection of UNESCO as a unique biosphere reserve. This is the most visited place for green tourism lovers from all over the world.