Categories: Travel

A chain of 11 islands makes up one of Ontario’s most breathtaking road trips

Photo via Parks of the St. Lawrence on Facebook

Long Sault Parkway in Ontario is one of the most scenic outdoor experiences in the entire country. If you’re looking for the ultimate road trip, this picturesque drive takes you through a chain of 11 islands, all interconnected by one winding road.

Just east of Toronto, past Kingston, Ont., is where you’ll find Long Sault Parkway. According to St. Lawrence Parks, the over 10 km route connects you to 11 islands on the St. Lawrence River between Cornwall and Brockville.

It was created during the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway, and offers a “quiet natural setting that is easily accessible, just minutes from Highway 401.”

History

Per the Park’s site, the Long Sault Parkway was built in the 1950s during the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway. This transformed the St. Lawrence River into a major shipping route.

There were actually several riverside communities that were flooded as part of the project. These were later called the Lost Villages.

“The highest points of land from these communities were saved and carefully linked together to create the Parkway,” adds the site.

“Today, the islands along the Parkway are reminders of the Lost Villages, offering guests a unique connection to the region’s history.”

How to explore this parkway

With its annual opening in April, the parkway serves as a wonderful spring and summer experience. Visitors are able to enjoy beaches, bike paths, nature trails, picnic areas, boat launches, and even scuba diving. On top of that, it’s one of the region’s most popular fishing spots.

If you’re feeling a little adventurous and would love to explore it on a bike, you are free to do so. It is a lengthy ride but definitely worth your while.

But make sure to plan your trip for the summer season, as the parkway closes mid-November.

Now this is what we call a summer road trip!