Rockport - Ivy Lea

### **Category: Rockport & Ivy Lea, Ontario** #### **Overview** **Rockport and Ivy Lea**, two picturesque villages in the **Thousand Islands region of the St. Lawrence River**, are known for their **maritime history, shipwrecks, boat tours, and diving sites**. Located between **Gananoque and Brockville, Ontario**, these waterfront communities are part of the **Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve** and provide access to the **St. Lawrence Seaway, Thousand Islands National Park, and numerous historic sites**. #### **Geography & Location** - Located along the **St. Lawrence River**, between Kingston and Brockville, Ontario. - Close to the **Ivy Lea Bridge**, which connects Ontario to New York, USA. - **Rockport** is a major departure point for **Thousand Islands boat tours**. - **Ivy Lea** is home to several **cottages, marinas, and dive sites**, with access to **Thousand Islands National Park**. #### **Maritime & Shipping History** - The area has long been a key part of the **Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway shipping route**, with freighters and ocean-going vessels passing regularly. - **Early fur traders, logging ships, and steamers** once traveled these waters, making it a critical point for trade and commerce. - The construction of the **St. Lawrence Seaway (1959)** transformed the region, allowing large cargo vessels to navigate deep into the Great Lakes. #### **Diving & Shipwrecks** Rockport and Ivy Lea are **top destinations for wreck diving**, offering **clear freshwater visibility, historic wrecks, and preserved artifacts**. Some of the best-known **shipwrecks** in the area include: - **Kinghorn (1897)** – A well-preserved wooden barge that sank near Rockport. - **Robert Gaskin (1889)** – A famous barge wreck near Brockville, often used for diver training. - **A.E. Vickery (1889)** – A deep wreck near Rock Island that sank while carrying lumber. - **Iroquois (1761)** – A British gunboat from the Seven Years’ War, a rare pre-Confederation wreck. These sites make Rockport and Ivy Lea part of the **"Caribbean of the North"** for wreck diving in the Great Lakes. #### **Tourism & Attractions** - **Thousand Islands Boat Tours** – Departing from Rockport, these tours offer stunning views of **Boldt Castle, Millionaire’s Row, and the Thousand Islands**. - **Thousand Islands National Park** – Features **hiking trails, island camping, and kayaking routes**. - **Ivy Lea Campground** – A beautiful riverfront spot for **camping, boating, and fishing**. - **Ivy Lea Bridge** – A vital international link connecting **Ontario and New York**. - **Fishing & Water Sports** – The area is famous for **muskie, bass, and pike fishing**, as well as **sailing and powerboating**. #### **Environmental & Navigational Challenges** - **Strong currents in the St. Lawrence River** can pose challenges for divers and boaters. - **Heavy freighter traffic from the Seaway** requires caution for recreational boaters. - **Winter navigation issues** as the river **partially freezes**, affecting ferry and tourism operations. ### **Why It Matters** Rockport and Ivy Lea are **hidden gems of the Thousand Islands**, offering a blend of **maritime history, diving adventures, and breathtaking river scenery**. Their role in the **St. Lawrence Seaway, shipwreck preservation, and cross-border travel** makes them a **key part of Ontario’s waterfront heritage**.