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 - it is the Thousand Islands Natural National Park. It is located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, hence its other name - St. Lawrence Islands.
History of origin
The length of the river itself, which separates Canada from the United States, is 3.5 thousand kilometers, and the park is located in the most picturesque place - on an 80-kilometer stretch between the cities of Kingston and Brockville. Here the river seems to be strewn with islets formed after the water from the glaciers filled and eroded the mountain system that was there - the so-called Canadian Crystal Shield: the tops of the rocky hills that were here were on the surface.
[tp_search_shortcodes id = 4 origin = ”MOW” destination = ”YVR” type = ”avia” subid = ”parktysyachaostrovov”]
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 cease to be at odds with each other, arranged a paradise here, called the Garden of the Gods.
However, 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: he put it in a string bag and carried it to heaven, but the net broke, the earth fell and crumbled into a great many fragments, which then became islands.
How many islands are there in the National Park
It was possible to calculate the islands scattered along the river: there are 1864 of them on the river - part belongs to Canada, and part to the United States. Almost all of them are of natural origin. The only exception is Long View. It is formed of four shallows, now there is a boat station on it. Some islets are completely "bald", some are covered with vegetation, and the larger ones even have forests. There are islands with an area of about 100 sq km, and there are very tiny ones, where only one person can fit - up to 0.1 sq m.The depth of the river between the islands reaches 65 m.
Interesting articles:
- Sights of Canada
- Lake Louise in Canada
- Niagara Falls in Canada
- Banff National Park in Canada
- Mysterious Sable Island
- Capilano Bridge in Canada
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 privately owned. On those of them, where the territory allows, there are residential buildings: someone lives here permanently, someone uses houses as summer cottages.
The largest islands have names: Wolf Island (the largest in the national park), Hat Island (Heart). By the way, a sad romantic story is connected with the latter. It has a castle named after its creator, the multimillionaire George Boldt.
Boldt started this construction for his beloved wife at the beginning of the last century. However, the woman died suddenly, her grief-stricken husband lost all interest in the further continuation of the work and left these places forever. Several years ago, this unfinished building, together with the island, was redeemed for $ 1.
The new owner completed the business started by Boldt, and now the building houses a museum. True, only those who have a US visa (this island belongs to the United States) can get into it: there is a department of the US Immigration Service at the pier, which no one can pass by.
An interesting story is told about another island - Deer. It went into private hands in 1876 for $ 175. Then the owner of Oleniy presented his real estate to the Masons, who belong to the most closed lodge "Skull and Bones". Entry to the island is strictly forbidden to outsiders, from the river you can see only a lonely cottage, and from the air - a few more estates, which are in a rather neglected state.
Things to do in the National Park
The National Park is a blessed place for those who do business. The Thousand Islands is a favorite vacation spot for tourists from all over the world. Many hotels and motels have been built on both banks of the river, there are places for lovers of noisy companies, and there are quiet corners for those who wish to fully experience their detachment from the world and relax alone and away from the noise of big cities.
Travelers are offered a boat excursion along the river. Numerous islands can be admired from the ship, and some of them can be visited. A village has been rebuilt on one of the islands - in the form in which it existed in the middle of the 19th century: with old houses, outbuildings, household utensils. Another is the castle of the Singer corporation, which is also open to tourists. The cruise lasts 2.5 hours and starts at $ 30.
Additionally, we suggest you read our article about one of the most memorable castles in Canada - Hatley.
However, the most stunning view, according to many, comes from the giant International River Bridge that connects 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 through this bridge promised themselves to 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 a chef at a local hotel in 1912 to advertise the area. 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.
The Thousand Islands is also a favorite spot for divers. The fact is that at the bottom of the St. Lawrence River there are numerous ships that sank in the 19th century. during a fierce war between the United States and Canada over the ownership of these islands (Canada was the winner). Nowadays, historical reconstructions of past battles are held here every year.
Since 2002, the Thousand Islands National Park has been protected by UNESCO as a unique biosphere reserve. This is the most visited place for green tourism lovers from all over the world.
