BOATHOUSE & BREAKWATER

The Boathouse is a cultural space that enables preservation, display and interpretation of historic watercraft. The space incorporates interactive exhibits that enable audiences to experience, interact with and understand regional Canadian marine history.

The St. Lawrence River was essential to the survival of the people who lived here, and in the early years (circa 1787), boats shaped every aspect of daily life, social interaction and activities.

The history and culture of the St. Lawrence River is in many ways the key to understanding the evolution of modern day Ontario. What began as a tiny French colony surrounded by First Nations was subsequently added to British North America, then became Upper Canada and Canada West, before becoming Ontario. Until little more than a century ago, its main link with the rest of the world was the St. Lawrence River. It was the key portal to the interior of Canada. The roads were seasonal and often impassable, but the River was always accessible.

The Museum’s carefully curated collection of in-water artifacts bring two centuries of stories and heritage to life in this $5M marine legacy.

PHASE 1 – DOCKS AND BREAKWATER

Through the generosity and long-term commitment of the founding Board, private donors, the Thousand Islands Community Development Corporation, the Antique Boat Museum, and local businesses, extensive docks were developed and constructed in 2015/2016 at a cost of $1.8M. In addition, a 24-foot-wide $370,000 floating breakwater was constructed and installed to protect the structure, and to provide a safe environment for in-water activity.

PHASE 2 –THE BOAT PORT

In 2018/2019 a $1.5M roof was added to complete the structure of this in-water cultural center that has become the centerpiece of the TIBM, and a Gananoque landmark.

Together with the community the Thousand Islands Boat Museum has created a sense of place that brings the marine heritage of the region alive!

PHASE 3 – THE EXHIBIT SPACE

The last stage of the Boathouse included walls, completion of the interior ceiling, wide arched openings on the sides and the delivery of electrical service onto the docks for lighting. The structure features interactive exhibits that enable audiences to experience and understand regional Canadian marine history. This phase required a further investment of $1.2M and was completed in 2022.