Composing one of Canada’s smallest national parks, and the oldest east of the Rockies, these jewel-like islands and tufted rock islets resemble bits of cork expelled from Lake Ontario’s northeast corner by the pressure of the St. Lawrence River. 

The region’s relatively moderate climate attracts species that would otherwise have reached the northern limits of their range farther south. Certain animal species rarely found in Canada thrive here as well, such as Canada’s largest reptile, the black rat snake.

In summer, hundreds of boats wander among the islands – runabouts, yachts of varying sizes, canoes, kayaks, and oceangoing freighters on their way up the St. Lawrence Seaway, bound perhaps for Toronto or Chicago.

Despite areas of high activity, you can still find a small uninhabited island with a sunny rock outcropping to idle away a few hours, listening to little more than the soul-easing symphony of lapping water, croaking frogs, and whistling shorebirds.