1000 Islands Tower
1000 Islands Tower
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
The 1000 Islands Tower (formerly known as 1000 Islands Skydeck) is a unique tourist attraction located between the spans of the 1000 Islands International Bridge on Hill Island. Running continuously, the elevator takes only 40 seconds to reach the first of three observation decks and provide visitors with a spectacular photographic opportunity as they enjoy the panoramic view of the 1000 Islands and St Lawrence River stretched out 400' below. The first deck is glass enclosed. Our friendly Tour guide is always available to answer questions and point things out. In addition visitors can browse our Gift shop and exchange Currency.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
7 within 5 kms
Attractions
23 within 10 kms
See what other travellers are saying
- DeemedBrampton, Canada1 contributionHidden treasurePlace worth visiting but not much known. Beautiful view of 1000 islands from the top of tower. I came to know about the place only from hotel reception. There is potential to further develop the area to have more attractions while conserving the nature. For us it was great as there were hardly any people perhaps due to pandemic but tower was open so we got ample time and almost private visit to the top of tower. The person on the tower provided an excellent narration of the view from tower. Having a bit more shops including Tim Horton and eating places around will attract more tourists.Visited July 2021Written July 7, 2021
- Maria DMontreal, Canada79 contributions30 minutes from KingstonA great place to take lovely pictures. Even when it's not sunny the place is great. We had the chance to find a great guide who was able to answer our questions and suggest other activities around. The place is open during the weekends and you may want to reserve in advance. Due to COVID there are limits to the number of people at the same time.Visited September 2021Written September 14, 2021
- Stefan P1 contributionOld tower, great viewHeard about it from CTV Ottawa, but they forgot to mention the mud wasps. Got to the level covered in glass, was greeted by a gentleman, sort of a guide, he told me about a cottage for sale for five million dollars on an island in view from the tower near the bridge on Canadian side. There was a Raid spray on a table, lots of handouts, posters and other info around. Was not told if I could grab some. He said the wasps were harmless, unlike other wasps, but my dad began to feel itchy on his hand as if bitten, even though we were told these wasps did not bite. Old tower, old elevator, entry through the gift shop. Great view.Visited September 2021Written October 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
238 reviews
Excellent
120
Very good
82
Average
29
Poor
3
Terrible
4
Emily D
2 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Solo
What a beautiful view over all the islands, you can see everything. You enter via the gift shop and it’s a quick escalator ride up, which takes you to the (undercover) observation deck. There are also two more levels, the third level is outside. The employee was a great story teller and is local so knew everything about the area, including what to see/do. I was one of the first ones up so it wasn’t too busy that I spent about an hour taking it all in. Would highly recommend going at 10:15 to avoid all the crowds. Overall it was really great, definitely a “must do” experience if you’re visiting the 1000 islands.
Written August 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jess L
Montreal, Canada13 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Family
Beth & Jolene are amazing - friendly, knowledgeable, helpful. They really made the history of the tower & islands come alive, gave helpful tips on enjoying & exploring the area.
Written July 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie B
Newmarket, Canada8 contributions
Sep. 2022 • Couples
Even though the weather was slightly wet, it was still a truly amazing view from the top of the tower. Well with the money and the people running it are very knowledgeable.
Written September 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Guy987654
Skipton, UK15 contributions
Jul. 2022
Loved this place. A bit of a (not very well) hidden gem in thousand islands. Not many people seemed to visit (Monday afternoon in July), no queues or crowds which was great. The views from the top were fantastic. The proximity to the border also make it very interesting.
It looks unchanged since it was built in the 1960's - which for me gave it a real attractive quirkiness and reminds me of my visits to Canada many years ago.
The cost was also very fair for what you get. You even get a guide at the top for no extra cost.
It looks unchanged since it was built in the 1960's - which for me gave it a real attractive quirkiness and reminds me of my visits to Canada many years ago.
The cost was also very fair for what you get. You even get a guide at the top for no extra cost.
Written July 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mizdot
Brockville, Canada192 contributions
Oct. 2021 • Family
It’s great! Staff were friendly, quick service, clean restrooms, excellent view. We precooked our time and tickets online. The gift shop interior is outdated and in need of some tlc but it does t take away from the view from the tower! Highly recommend the experience especially when the leaves change colour in the fall. Bring money for the toll bridge to get onto the island.
Written October 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stefan P
1 contribution
Sep. 2021
Heard about it from CTV Ottawa, but they forgot to mention the mud wasps. Got to the level covered in glass, was greeted by a gentleman, sort of a guide, he told me about a cottage for sale for five million dollars on an island in view from the tower near the bridge on Canadian side. There was a Raid spray on a table, lots of handouts, posters and other info around. Was not told if I could grab some.
He said the wasps were harmless, unlike other wasps, but my dad began to feel itchy on his hand as if bitten, even though we were told these wasps did not bite. Old tower, old elevator, entry through the gift shop. Great view.
He said the wasps were harmless, unlike other wasps, but my dad began to feel itchy on his hand as if bitten, even though we were told these wasps did not bite. Old tower, old elevator, entry through the gift shop. Great view.
Written October 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria D
Montreal, Canada79 contributions
Sep. 2021
A great place to take lovely pictures. Even when it's not sunny the place is great. We had the chance to find a great guide who was able to answer our questions and suggest other activities around.
The place is open during the weekends and you may want to reserve in advance. Due to COVID there are limits to the number of people at the same time.
The place is open during the weekends and you may want to reserve in advance. Due to COVID there are limits to the number of people at the same time.
Written September 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suryaveer
Mumbai, India1 contribution
Sep. 2021
Very friendly staff, the guide is funny and knowledgeable, breathtaking view. Worth a visit and spend some time.
Written September 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ron J
Oakville, Canada13 contributions
Aug. 2021 • Couples
Go for the view, stay a bit longer for the stories. The tour guide was very informative about the area and the history. Go here first in your visit the area, and the tour guide will tell you all the other local places the visit
Written August 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lebeauceronintrépide
Saint-Basile-le-Grand, Canada48 contributions
Aug. 2021 • Family
Great quick stop, really worth it. The view is breathtaking and there’s lot to see. The guide at the top of the tower is really knowledgeable and fun
Written August 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a hilicopter tour?
Linda B
Toronto, Canada13 contributions
No..not at this location. I think perhaps from Gananoque or Kingston maybe.
ZapCa
Toronto, Canada970 contributions
Hi! Can somebody tell me (if they travelled there in May on Victoria Day (around May 21st) - are the trees usually already green on 1000 islands? Most of them? Or there's not much to see there during this period? Thank you
Do I need a passport if I'm just driving over the bridge to the tower and back to Alexandria Bay
Robby G C
Toronto, Canada78,235 contributions
Yes, you will need a passport. I hope I was of help to you.
Robby G C
Toronto, Canada78,235 contributions
Good afternoon,
I have heard that going to the 1000 Islands Tower could take quite a lot of time, as cars have to go through the border. In July how much time does it take to go from Lansdowne to the 1000 Islands Tower? What about going back to Canada? Thank you so much for your help.
Heidi L
Lansdowne, Canada
Hello Robbie,
the 1000 Islands Tower is located on Hill Island, Canada. Therefor to visit the Tower coming from Lansdowne you do not have to cross the border. However you have to cross a Toll Bridge to come to Hill Island. Bridge Traffic is never predictable but if you account for 10 minute waiting time, you should be fine. Also Bridge Traffic always depends of the day and time with weekends (especially Saturday mornings) being busier than in the afternoon.
I hope this help and we are looking forward to welcoming you at the 1000 Islands Tower.
Kind regards
Heidi Linckh
369StatenIslandSue
Staten Island, NY45 contributions
Does anyone know long a drive or how many miles 1000 Island Tower is from Ottawa ?
GoneAgain
West Valley City, UT887 contributions
It is about 90 miles or 1.5 hrs.
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Claim your listing1000 ISLANDS TOWER - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about 1000 Islands Tower
- 1000 Islands Tower is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- We recommend booking 1000 Islands Tower tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 4 1000 Islands Tower tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near 1000 Islands Tower:
- (5.41 km) The Ledges Resort & Marina
- (7.39 km) Bridgeview Motel
- (5.54 km) Rock Ledge Motel
- (5.04 km) Capt. Thomson's Resort
- (14.59 km) Seaway Manor Bed and Breakfast
- Restaurants near 1000 Islands Tower:
- (0.23 km) Border Coffee and Gifts
- (14.88 km) Purple House
- (14.89 km) Sushi Sun
- (15.29 km) Koffee Kove Restaurant
- (14.69 km) 1000 Curry
- Attractions near 1000 Islands Tower:
- (3.82 km) Heart Island
- (4.55 km) Boldt Castle and Yacht House
- (6.46 km) Thousand Islands
- (15.60 km) 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours
- (5.11 km) Uncle Sam Boat Tours