If you’re looking for a scenic escape this spring, the Long Sault Parkway should definitely be on your radar.
Located along the beautiful St. Lawrence River near Cornwall, Ontario, this hidden gem offers breathtaking views, outdoor adventures, and a fascinating piece of Ontario’s history — all just a few hours from Toronto!
The Long Sault Parkway is a 10-kilometre route that connects 11 islands, created when the St. Lawrence Seaway was built in the 1950s. Open seasonally, it’s a popular destination during the summer months, offering visitors everything from sandy beaches and picnic areas to campgrounds and nature trails.
The area’s calm waters are also ideal for water sports, such as kayaking, canoeing, and swimming, while anglers will find plenty of great fishing spots. The parkway is also home to the largest public sandy beach on the St. Lawrence River corridor, Mille Roches.
What many people don’t realize is that the parkway and its islands sit atop what was once a bustling series of villages — collectively known as the “Lost Villages.” When the Seaway was built to allow large ships to pass between Montreal and Lake Ontario, several communities were deliberately flooded to build the Moses-Saunders Power Dam, which left behind only the highest points of land.
Interpretive signs along the route share this fascinating piece of Ontario’s history, and the nearby Lost Villages Museum in Ault Park offers an even deeper dive for history buffs to check out, complete with artifacts, photographs, and restored buildings.
The Long Sault Parkway officially reopened for the 2025 season on April 15 and will remain open until mid-November. Day use permits are required for all beach and picnic areas, which can be purchased at all campground registration buildings.
Camping reservations are also now open if you’d like to sleep under the stars in this magical destination! Just be sure to book well in advance as spots fill up quickly.