In this second of three pieces about great motorcycle routes in Ontario that also happen to be parkways, we continue our journey by riding the Thousand Islands Parkway, one of the best ways to travel the shores of the St. Lawrence River by motorcycle…

THE MAIN ATTRACTION: THE THOUSAND ISLANDS PARKWAY
Gananoque and the 1000 Islands are a paradise for boaters, fishermen, hikers, cyclists, and motorcyclists. There’s a waterfront adventure around every curve and stretch along the almost 40-km route of the Thousand Islands Parkway, and it’s easy to see why the area is regarded as one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

Featuring two world famous UNESCO designated sites, the Frontenac Arch Biosphere and Rideau Heritage Route, and situated amid the spectacular scenery of the deep greens of the woodlands, the spectacular rock formations, and the dark blue of the water, the 1000 Islands (in fact 1,864 islands) truly live up to their reputation as a world-class waterfront destination.

No matter your starting point (it's 1.5 hours from Toronto and 2.5 hours from either Ottawa or Montreal), the Thousand Islands Parkway is a heavenly diversion from the 401 and the more leisurely—and enjoyable for entirely different reasons—Highway 2. Whether you ride through the Parkway on your way to another destination or use one of the many campgrounds (including Thousand Islands National Park and Ivy Lea Campground) as a "home base" and spend several days exploring the region, the Thousand Islands Parkway truly is a place to make some great memories.