Johnstown – The 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways is thrilled to introduce Animal Adventures, the newest way to experience the region. This exciting addition to the established self-guided tours invites visitors to explore 10 local farms, sanctuaries, and nature-based destinations, offering the chance to meet alpacas, goats, chickens, donkeys, and other animals while learning about agriculture, conservation, and animal care.
Tourism businesses and stakeholders gathered to unveil the 2026 Adventures Brochure and marketing campaign at Bottle & Barrel Adventures’ King’s Lock Craft Distillery and Windmill Brewery in the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal. The brochure, available in both digital and paper copy, highlights over 70 participating locations. It includes a map to easily assist visitors in planning customized journeys, blending stops at bakeries, gardens, cafés, beverage destinations, and now, fun animal encounters.
“The Adventure Series is an excellent example of businesses and sites collaborating to position our region as a destination of choice. With our iconic Canadian tourism assets of the 1000 Islands and the Rideau Canal, the Tourism Adventures provide visitors with a way to enjoy our culinary delights and immerse themselves in our beautiful scenery while bringing direct dollars into the Leeds Grenville economy,” said Warden Corinna Smith-Gatcke.
“The program aims to boost visitation, encourage longer stays, and capitalize on the rise in domestic travel. Many local small businesses depend on tourists, and that’s exactly what this initiative supports,” added Ann Weir, Manager of Economic Development for Leeds Grenville. “There is a shared desire to see the region evolve into a year-round destination that attracts visitors with a variety of unique, high-quality, and celebrated travel experiences, and we believe this initiative is a key in building that foundation.” said Ann.
Adventures participant Liz Wheeler, founder of Secondhand Stories agrees. “Being part of the Animal Adventures program gives us the chance to welcome more visitors to our chicken rescue and share the stories behind the chickens in our care. It offers a fun opportunity for people to connect with animals while also encouraging them to discover more across the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways region. We’re really happy to be part of a program that highlights places like ours.”
Participating locations proudly display the Adventures window sticker or flag, helping visitors plan their route and explore at their own pace. Whether you’re looking for a hands-on farm experience, a fun family outing, or a unique rural escape, the Adventures in the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways region delivers all the fun and laughter while discovering and to connecting with nature in region’s rural communities.
1000 Island Rideau Canal Waterways Adventures
Bottle & Barrel Adventures entices patrons to sip and savour the best in local, craft-made beers, ciders, wines and spirits of the region at 10 different locations. Sample and enjoy regional flavours at these establishments.
Fresh Baked Adventures introduces visitors to 14 local bakeries and Fresh Baked Café Adventures invites travellers to explore 10 coffeehouses, where they can discover an array of unique and delicious treats and beverages made in the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways region.
Foodie Shop Adventures invites guests to embark on a culinary journey. Discover 12 local specialty food shops, each one presenting a diverse selection of products, ranging from gourmet cheeses to handmade chocolates.
Garden Adventures charms travellers to linger in the region’s natural beauty at 20 sites. From historic gardens to contemporary botanical wonders, each garden displays distinctive horticultural scenery.
The 2026 printed brochure is available at participating partner sites and tourism locations, or digitally online at www.1000islandsRideauCanalWaterways.com/adventures .
Hard copies are also available from the Counties Economic Development Office at 32 Wall Street in Brockville, or call 613-342-3840 ext. 5362. Find up-to-date content on the region’s social media accounts @1000IslandsRideauCanalWaterways on both Facebook and Instagram.
About 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways Tourism Region:
In 2022, Counties completed an Inaugural Regional Tourism Destination Strategy. In moving the strategy forward, the Counties became the Tourism Destination Management Organization for Leeds Grenville, and in 2023 adopted the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways tourism brand. The Counties works collaboratively with Brockville, Gananoque and Prescott in promoting the region toward the common goals of increasing visitor spending and creating a year-round destination.
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