Frontenac Arch Biosphere


One of 18 Unesco-designated biosphere reserves in Canada, Frontenac Arch encompasses an ancient granite land bridge from the Canadian Shield to Upstate New York's Adirondack Mountains. A towering mountain range has been weathered down to rolling hills and rugged cliffs, still dramatic after driving through flatlands. Archaeological finds in the area indicate that it was once part of a human migration route; knives from the Yellowknife region as well as shells from the Caribbean have been found in the area.

Five forests merge in the region, which is a natural conduit for flora and fauna, creating tremendous wildlife diversity. Incorporating 70% land and 30% water (in the Thousand Islands between Gananoque and Brockville), the 2700-sq-km reserve has ample recreation opportunities, from biking and hiking to canoeing and diving. It's easily accessed from Hwy 401 and the Thousand Islands Pkwy between the aforementioned towns, and you'll find the visitor center just west of the turning for the 1000 Islands Tower. The excellent www.frontenacarchbiosphere.ca will guide you to further entry points.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. 1000 Islands Tower

1.26 MILES

Just east of Ivy Lea, some 20km from Gananoque, a series of soaring bridges links Ontario to New York State, USA, over several islands. Halfway across,…

2. Boldt Castle

3.58 MILES

This Gothic gem, a replica of a German castle, was (partly) built by tycoon hotelier George C Boldt in the late 19th century. In 1904, however, midway…

3. Boldt Castle

3.59 MILES

This lavish turn-of-the-century island castle in the middle of the St Lawrence is only around 25km from Gananoque, but technically in the USA, so you'll…

4. Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

5.03 MILES

A focal point of the Wellesley Island State Park, this nature center includes a museum and miles of hiking trails, including ones to the shoreline, as…

5. Wellesley Island State Park

5.12 MILES

This 2363-acre park, at the southern tip of the eponymous island, is full of wildlife and has a nature center and a beautiful swimming beach. To reach it…

6. Thousand Islands National Park

8.51 MILES

On the Thousand Islands Pkwy south of Mallorytown, you'll find the Mallorytown Landing Visitors Centre for the Thousand Islands National Park, which…

7. Thousand Islands Arts Center

10.26 MILES

This arts center includes a museum dedicated to handweaving and a pottery studio. If you don’t consider weaving an art, you’ll know better by the time you…

8. Singer Castle

10.28 MILES

This stone castle, on Dark Island in the middle of the St Lawrence River, was built in 1905 by American entrepreneur Frederick Bourne. It's full of secret…