Located along the world renowned St. Lawrence Seaway, the Township of Leeds & the Thousand Islands has a lot to offer. Residents and visitors can enjoy a stunning landscape that includes the UNESCO designated Rideau Canal, Frontenac Arch Biosphere, Canadian Shield boreal forests as well as many pristine lakes and rivers. The Township of Leeds & the Thousand Islands is also conveniently located between Toronto and Ottawa and is only minutes from the Thousand Islands International Bridge to the eastern USA.
Leeds and the Thousand Islands is a township located in Southeast Ontario, less than 20 minutes east of Kingston at its westernmost point.
The southern boundary of the township is marked by the border with the U.S. as it winds its way through the Thousand Islands of the St. Lawrence River. The west and eastern boundaries extend inland roughly perpendicular from the river’s shores, ending near Beverly Lake and the small community of Morton.
In all, the township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands covers just over 612 square kilometres, and is home to around 10,000 people.
There are approximately 30 communities in Leeds and the Thousand Islands, the largest of which are Landsdowne, Lyndhurst, Rockport, and Seeley’s Bay. The independent town of Gananoque also falls within the Leeds and the Thousand Islands area.
Leeds and the Thousand Islands falls within the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville (AKA Leeds Grenville). The county includes 9 other townships, villages, and municipalities, including Athens and Rideau Lakes. Brockville is the county seat.
Leeds and the Thousand Islands real estate is not to be missed and offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy life in Canada’s tranquil archipelago surrounded by world-class attractions.
As you move closer to the river, the homes become more established. Some of these are excellent examples of traditional farmhouse or summer homes, complete with tall peaked masses and wood frame construction.
The fertile riverside also offers up a host of bare land and developed farms for those looking for some space to call their own. The mix of wide-open spaces and privacy are difficult to beat, along with the proximity to a number of urban centres for all the conveniences and services you might need.
For the intrepid buyer there are also the many island and coastal properties. As you might expect from the well-known “Thousand Islands” attraction of this area, these properties are at a premium and represent some of the most desirable real estate in Ontario.
Owning property here means being part of legacy, a heritage of stately vacation homes along one of North America’s most important marine thoroughfares.
An opportunity to own land or a home in Leeds and the Thousand Islands is one that must be considered if you’re in the market for a cottage or lake country property.
Things To Do In Leeds And Thousand Islands
Leeds and the Thousand Islands is an area that attracts thousands of visitors each year. The picturesque river, islands, and historic attractions make this a perfect destination for families, adventure seekers, and those looking to get away from it all.
One must-see on the agenda is the Thousand Islands National Park - one of Canada’s oldest. Here you can kayak or canoe the serene waters between the rocky shores, go camping, or take in the abundant natural beauty.
Some attractions in the area include:
- Bellevue House - A living museum offers window into late 19th century life
- Fort Wellington - A British fort built in the early 19th century
- Kingston Fortifications - A network of five fortifications overlooking the St. Lawrence River
- Rideau Canal - A canal system linking many rivers and lakes. The perfect way to explore!
- Laurier House - A mansion that was once home to two Canadian Prime Ministers
The name “Thousand Islands” is a bit misleading for the area on the St. Lawrence river next to Leeds and the Thousand Islands. The reason is simple: there are far more than 1000 islands. In fact, the number is closer to 2000, although many of these fall on the U.S. side of the border. All the same, the variety and beauty of these islands is a great sight to behold and even more of a privilege to explore first-hand. Should you get the chance - don’t pass it up!
