The waters of the St. Lawrence River are the heart and soul of Gananoque. Whether it's on a canoe, sailboat, powerboat, kayak or jet ski, the surrounding Thousand Islands region offers plenty of room for water play or the simple joy of cruising. The area is also a gentle Canadian enclave against the cold. A remarkably mild local climate harbours plants otherwise relegated far to the south, a treasure kept intact in the St. Lawrence Islands National Park. For a trip down tragedy lane, visit Boldt Castle, a short distance from Gananoque on Heart Island. A 19th century hotel magnate had nearly completed this island-bound mansion as a gift for his wife when he ordered all work stopped in the wake of her untimely death. Today it has been restored and offers a panormic view of the surrounding waterway and is one of Canada's most famous castles.