Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
St. Lawrence Islands National Park, located in Ontario, Canada, comprises over 20 islands and parts of the mainland on the St. Lawrence River. Spanning approximately 2,300 hectares, the park preserves a rare freshwater archipelago ecosystem that hosts a diverse range of plant and animal life, including many species native to the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence forest region. Established in 1895 as one of Canada's earliest national parks, it was originally known as Thousand Islands National Park, reflecting the region’s extensive island system. Visitors can explore rocky shorelines, sandy beaches, and mixed hardwood forests while enjoying activities such as boating, kayaking, canoeing, and camping at various island sites. The park is particularly noted for its birdwatching opportunities, including sightings of bald eagles, ospreys, and migrating waterfowl. The island-based campsites allow a unique back-to-nature experience accessible primarily by boat, fostering a peaceful environment away from urban centers. Historical features include remnants of old settlements and cultural sites linked to Indigenous peoples and early European settlers. St. Lawrence Islands National Park attracts outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers with its combination of aquatic recreation, wildlife habitat, and remote island landscapes, making it a distinctive destination on the St. Lawrence River corridor.
