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Ontario’s chain of 11 emerald islands with sapphire waters and dreamy sand beaches has officially reopened for the 2026 season, offering one of the most scenic and unique road trip destinations in the province. Known as the Long Sault Parkway, this island-connected roadway is once again welcoming visitors looking for a peaceful escape filled with nature, history, and waterfront adventure.
A Rare Ontario Island Destination Connected by Road
The Long Sault Parkway is a rare island destination in Ontario where 11 islands are connected by a 10-kilometre causeway through the St. Lawrence River. Instead of taking a ferry or boat, visitors can simply drive across a scenic route that links all the islands together.
This Ontario chain of 11 emerald islands with sapphire waters and dreamy sand beaches is often described as one of the most beautiful drives in Eastern Ontario. The route sits roughly four hours from Toronto and about an hour from Ottawa, making it an easy weekend escape.
History Behind the Emerald Islands of Long Sault Parkway
The islands that form the Long Sault Parkway were not always islands. They were once part of mainland communities that were flooded in the 1950s during the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Today, these transformed lands are part of a unique island destination in Ontario, blending natural beauty with deep historical significance. The Parkway now stands as a living reminder of the region’s past while offering modern recreational spaces.
Sapphire Waters, Sandy Beaches, and Scenic Views
One of the biggest attractions of this Ontario chain of 11 emerald islands with sapphire waters and dreamy sand beaches is its natural scenery. Visitors are welcomed by clear blue-green waters, soft sandy beaches, and quiet forested trails.
Each island offers something different. Some feature calm beaches ideal for swimming and relaxing, while others provide walking and cycling paths with sweeping river views. The combination of sapphire waters and dreamy sand beaches makes it a standout summer destination in Ontario.
Outdoor Activities Across the Island Chain
The Long Sault Parkway is more than just a scenic drive. This island destination in Ontario is packed with outdoor activities for all types of travelers.
Visitors can enjoy cycling along the islands, hiking through natural trails, or paddling in calm sections of the St. Lawrence River. The area is also popular for camping, allowing travelers to extend their stay and experience the Ontario chain of 11 emerald islands with sapphire waters and dreamy sand beaches under the stars.
Scuba diving is another unique activity here, especially near historic underwater sites that attract experienced divers.
Camping, Beaches, and Nearby Attractions
The Parkway offers multiple campgrounds and day-use areas, making it easy to explore the islands over multiple days. Several beaches across the route are open on a first-come, first-served basis.
Nearby attractions also include the Lost Villages Museum, which highlights the history of the original communities that once existed before the Seaway project.
Even though some areas are under seasonal maintenance work in 2026, most of the island destination in Ontario remains open, with alternative beaches and parks available nearby.
Why Long Sault Parkway Is a Must-Visit in 2026
With its reopening, the Long Sault Parkway once again stands out as one of Ontario’s most underrated travel experiences. The combination of accessibility, history, and natural beauty makes this Ontario chain of 11 emerald islands with sapphire waters and dreamy sand beaches a perfect escape for road trippers.
Whether it’s a quick day trip or a weekend camping adventure, this island destination in Ontario offers something rare: a peaceful, scenic drive surrounded entirely by water, nature, and history.
If you’re planning a spring or summer getaway, the Long Sault Parkway is easily one of the most unique places to explore in Ontario right now.