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Operated by Parks of the St. Lawrence, the Long Sault Parkway is one of Eastern Ontario’s most scenic and distinctive destinations. Stretching across 11 islands connected by causeway through the St. Lawrence River, the Parkway offers vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians a mix of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and powerful history.
Originally formed during the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway in the 1950s, the islands that make up the Long Sault Parkway were once the hilltops of communities that were flooded to create the Seaway. Today, the Parkway stands as both a recreational escape and a place of remembrance, closely tied to the story of the Lost Villages. Each year, the Long Sault Parkway draws sightseers from across Ontario, Quebec, and beyond, thanks to its scenic route, waterfront access, beaches, camping, fishing, cycling, and renowned scuba diving opportunities.
SLPC also operates the Thousand Islands Parkway, another iconic scenic driving and cycling route that winds through the world‑famous 1000 Islands along the St. Lawrence River. Easily accessed from Highway 401 (exit 647 or 685), the Thousand Islands Parkway is home to day‑use beaches, waterfront picnic areas, hiking trails within the Frontenac Arch Biosphere, camping, and adventure attractions including an aerial zip‑line park, making it both a popular destination and a scenic route or convenient stop for travellers between Toronto, Ottawa, and Montréal.
The Long Sault Parkway is easily accessed from Highway 401 (exit 770 or 778) and is located just over an hour from Ottawa, under two hours from Kingston and Montréal, and minutes from the communities of Ingleside, Long Sault, and Morrisburg.
Why Guests Love the Long Sault Parkway
A drive like no other: A 10‑kilometre scenic parkway crossing 11 river islands, offering panoramic views in every direction
- Water at every turn: Beaches, picnic areas, fishing access, and calm bays ideal for paddling, boating, and relaxing
- Rich and moving history: The islands are remnants of communities submerged during the creation of the St. Lawrence Seaway, an experience closely connected to SLPC-operated Upper Canada Village and the Lost Villages story
- A scuba diver’s bucket‑list site: Lock 21, off Macdonell Island, offers rare access to submerged remnants of the old lock system and former Highway 2; the clear waters of the St. Lawrence River are globally recognized in the diving community for exceptional water clarity
- Outdoor exploration: Popular for cycling, walking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and photography; hiking trails are located on Hoople Island of the Long Sault Parkway
- Camping on the river: The Long Sault Parkway is home to several Parks of the St. Lawrence campgrounds with waterfront campsites, offering an ideal base for exploring Eastern Ontario
- A geographic curiosity: A stone monument on Macdonell Island marks the location of the 45th Parallel, exactly halfway between the Equator and the North Pole (5001 kilometres in each direction)
2026 Season: Important Information
- In 2026, SLPC is beginning a major infrastructure investment on the Long Sault Parkway to enhance guest amenities and long‑term environmental sustainability.
- While the Long Sault Parkway will remain open all season, users may encounter brief single-lane delays near active construction areas. SLPC is working closely with construction crews to minimise disruption by scheduling work primarily during weekday daytime hours, and limiting traffic delays where possible. Users are encouraged to allow extra travel time and follow posted signage.
- Mille Roches Day Use Beach & Campground will be unavailable for the 2026 season while major revitalization takes place at those sites, re-opening in 2027. While the Mille Roches properties are unavailable, guests are invited to explore other nearby Parks of the St. Lawrence properties, including:
- Alternative beaches are available at Woodlands Day Use & Beach, Crysler Park Beach, Farran Campground Beach, Glengarry Campground Beach, and Brown’s Bay Beach & Day Use area.
- Alternative campgrounds in a 20-minute radius include Woodlands, McLaren and Crysler Park campgrounds, and Farran, Riverside‑Cedar, and Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary campgrounds are within 30 minutes of Mille Roches Campground.
- All day-use areas are first‑come, first‑served; reservations are not available for day use. Day-use permits (annual and daily) for the Parks of the St. Lawrence (beaches and picnic areas) can be purchased directly at all campground registration buildings.
- Beaches are unsupervised. Guests are responsible for their own safety and supervision.
- Driving through the Parkway is free, but daily day-use fees (beach/picnic areas) and camping fees apply from mid-May to October.
For more information about the Long Sault Parkway and other spring openings, visit www.parks.on.ca
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