Thousand Islands Playhouse
1 / 10

Thousand Islands Playhouse

4.8
·596 reviews·Gananoque, Canada

A waterfront gem in Gananoque, offering Broadway-caliber plays and musicals with a talented cast in an intimate setting.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Summer evenings

Pleasant weather for waterfront enjoyment

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Thousand Islands Playhouse

Thousand Islands Playhouse

Best Time

Spring & Summer evenings

Pleasant weather for waterfront enjoyment

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A waterfront gem in Gananoque, offering Broadway-caliber plays and musicals with a talented cast in an intimate setting.

4.8
(596 reviews)

"Outstanding productions and a beautiful waterfront location make this a must-visit theatre."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking is scarce; aim to arrive 1.5-2 hours early to find a spot on side streets.

🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance

Popular shows sell out quickly. Secure your seats online to avoid disappointment.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Waterfront Views

Waterfront Views

Gananoque Waterfront

Enjoy stunning views of the St. Lawrence River before the show. Mooring spots available for boaters.

Outstanding Productions

Outstanding Productions

Main Theatre

Experience Broadway-caliber plays and musicals with incredibly talented casts.

Intimate Theatre Setting

Intimate Theatre Setting

Main Theatre

No bad seats in this venue; enjoy a clear view and great acoustics for every performance.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for the Best Experience

Book tickets in advance, especially for popular shows like '9 to 5' or 'Mary Poppins'. Arrive early to secure parking, as it's limited and often on side streets. Consider the season; boat cruises typically start later in spring.

Accessibility and Amenities

The venue is generally accommodating for those with mobility issues, with staff offering assistance and walker storage. While drinks are available, snack options are limited to popcorn, so plan accordingly.

Best Times

When
Spring & Summer evenings
Why
Pleasant weather for waterfront enjoyment
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Most popular show times
Crowd
High
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Quebecker wanting to check out Thousand Islands, is it worth it in April and by car?

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking is scarce; aim to arrive 1.5-2 hours early to find a spot on side streets. Reddit

🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance

Popular shows sell out quickly. Secure your seats online to avoid disappointment. Reddit

reddit.com

Thousand islands.

♿ Accessible Seating & Aid

Staff are very helpful for those with mobility issues, offering assistance and storage. Reddit

🎶 Acoustics Check

Some visitors noted difficulty understanding dialogue; consider seating location. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking is scarce; aim to arrive 1.5-2 hours early to find a spot on side streets. Reddit

🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance

Popular shows sell out quickly. Secure your seats online to avoid disappointment. Reddit

♿ Accessible Seating & Aid

Staff are very helpful for those with mobility issues, offering assistance and storage. Reddit

🎶 Acoustics Check

Some visitors noted difficulty understanding dialogue; consider seating location. Reddit

🚤 Arrive by Boat

If you have a boat, utilize the convenient mooring spots right at the venue. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(596 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Thousand Islands Playhouse for its outstanding, Broadway-caliber productions and the intimate, welcoming atmosphere of the venue. The waterfront location adds to the charm, and staff are noted for their exceptional helpfulness, particularly with accessibility needs. Some minor drawbacks include limited snack options and challenging parking.

"A true gem on the Gananoque waterfront. Beautiful theatre, very clean, the staff are welcoming, and the play we watched (9 to 5) was outstanding... engaging, and hilarious! They sell wine, beer and other nonalcoholic drinks at the theatre, and for snacks they only had popcorn, which is understandable, but I wish they had a sweet option as well. In any case, this was really a wonderful night out, fully recommended."

Liv L.

"It was my first time visiting and I wasn't sure what to expect. We saw Mary Poppins and absolutely loved it. It was every bit as goox as any broadway show I've seen in Toronto or NYC. I had a hard time understanding the speaking, i thought it was me, but my daughter and granddaughter both said the same thing. The acoustics, or our location close to the speakers, perhaps. We've purchased tickets to another show, so i will update if we have the same problem. The band is downstairs, so you can't see it, but they were great as well. The location is beautiful, and we had enough time before the show to enjoy the scenery. The staff was friendly and helpful, telling us which line would be best for our seats. We had to ask some people at the other theatre by the road where to go, our show was down the driveway to the left and in behind. There is no parking except for patrons, we were there nearly 2 hours early, and we still got the last spot at the end of one if the side streets. Overall it was a great experience and I'm looking forward to seeing 9 to 5 in a, few weeks."

Monique Byrne

"I just got home from the Springer Theatre after seeing 9-5. Both my husband (who generally doesn’t love musicals!) and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Many of the scenes actually caused me to laugh so hard, I had tears in my eyes! Extremely talented cast….the singing, the dancing and the dialogue were extremely well done. So much fun! What a great way to spend an evening. Absolutely recommend it."

Agnes R

What People Like

Talented casts and productions
Beautiful waterfront location
Intimate theatre setting

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Basic snack selection

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Thousand Islands Playhouse is located on the Gananoque waterfront. If driving, be prepared for limited parking and consider arriving early. For those arriving by boat, there are mooring spots available directly at the venue. Reddit

Parking is very limited and is generally not available except for accessible spots. Visitors are advised to arrive early and look for legal parking on nearby side streets. Reddit

While you can visit by car, some attractions like boat cruises may not be operating in April. Check the schedule for specific showtimes and seasonal activities. Reddit

The drive along the St. Lawrence River offers scenic views. While there isn't a designated 'scenic route' specifically to the Playhouse, the general area is picturesque. Reddit

Gananoque is accessible by car. Public transportation options might be limited, so driving or arranging a carpool is often the most convenient. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets can be purchased online through the official Thousand Islands Playhouse website or at the box office. It's recommended to book in advance, especially for popular shows. Reddit

The Thousand Islands Playhouse hosts a variety of plays and musicals throughout its season. Check their official website for the most up-to-date Thousand Islands Playhouse schedule and event listings. Reddit

Ticket prices vary depending on the show and seating. It's best to check the Thousand Islands Playhouse tickets section on their website for current pricing information. Reddit

Information on discounts, such as group rates or senior pricing, is usually available on the venue's website. It's worth checking for any special offers. Reddit

While possible for some performances, it's highly recommended to purchase Thousand Islands Playhouse tickets in advance, as popular shows often sell out. Reddit

🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience

The venue features a range of performances, including plays and musicals, often described as Broadway-caliber. Shows like '9 to 5' and 'Mary Poppins' have been highly praised. Reddit

Yes, reviewers consistently mention that there are no bad seats in the theatre, offering excellent views for all attendees. Reddit

The theatre sells wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks. Snack options are typically limited to popcorn, with some wishing for a sweet option. Reddit

The venue is known for being accommodating to visitors with mobility issues, with staff providing assistance and offering services like walker storage. Reddit

The atmosphere is generally described as welcoming and enjoyable, with friendly staff and a beautiful waterfront location that enhances the overall experience. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Thousand Islands Playhouse can be a fantastic outing for families. Shows like 'Mary Poppins' are often adapted from beloved stories, making them engaging for younger audiences. While the venue offers a professional theatre experience, it's important to note that the primary snack option is popcorn, so you might want to bring a small, quiet snack for very young children if needed. Reddit

Families will appreciate the venue's commitment to accessibility, ensuring that everyone can comfortably attend. The intimate theatre setting means children will have a good view of the stage, and the talented casts often captivate audiences of all ages with their performances. Arriving early for parking is crucial, especially with children in tow, to avoid any last-minute rush. Reddit

🚗 Day-Trippers

♿ Visitors with Mobility Issues

The Thousand Islands Playhouse is highly recommended for visitors with mobility challenges. Staff are exceptionally accommodating, offering direct assistance and ensuring a seamless experience from arrival to seating. They are prepared to store mobility aids like walkers during the performance and make them readily available afterward. Reddit

While parking is limited for everyone, the venue's proactive support for accessibility means that the focus can remain on enjoying the high-quality performances. The intimate theatre design also ensures that seating is comfortable and offers excellent sightlines, making the overall experience enjoyable and stress-free. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Magic of the Productions

The Thousand Islands Playhouse is renowned for its high-quality theatrical productions. Visitors frequently compare the shows, such as '9 to 5' and 'Mary Poppins,' to professional Broadway or Toronto/NYC standards. The casts are consistently praised for their exceptional talent, delivering engaging singing, dancing, and dialogue that leaves audiences thoroughly entertained. Many reviewers highlight how the performances evoke strong emotions, from hearty laughter to tears of joy, making for a truly memorable night out. Reddit

Despite the stage sometimes appearing small, the performers manage to create dynamic and expansive performances. The music, often provided by a band located downstairs, is also a significant contributor to the show's success. The intimate size of the theatre ensures that every seat offers a great view, allowing patrons to fully immerse themselves in the storytelling and artistry on stage. Reddit

For those seeking top-tier live theatre, the 1000 Island Playhouse consistently delivers. The dedication to producing polished and impactful shows makes it a must-visit for theatre enthusiasts. Planning your visit around their schedule is key to experiencing these acclaimed performances. Reddit

Navigating Your Visit: Parking and Accessibility

A common point of discussion among visitors to the Thousand Islands Playhouse is the parking situation. Due to its prime waterfront location, dedicated parking is scarce, with only accessible spots typically reserved. This means that attendees often need to arrive well in advance of the show to find legal parking on surrounding side streets. Many recommend arriving at least 1.5 to 2 hours early to alleviate stress and ensure a timely arrival for the performance. Reddit

Despite the parking challenges, the venue excels in its commitment to accessibility. Staff are frequently commended for their helpfulness and attentiveness towards patrons with mobility issues. Services such as immediate assistance upon arrival and secure storage for walkers are provided, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free experience. This thoughtful approach allows everyone to enjoy the performances without undue concern. Reddit

The 1000 Island Playhouse aims to make the theatre experience enjoyable for all. While parking requires foresight, the venue's dedication to accessibility and the quality of the performances make it a worthwhile destination for a night of entertainment. Reddit

The Venue's Charm and Location

The Thousand Islands Playhouse boasts a unique and charming setting right on the Gananoque waterfront. This picturesque location offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy beautiful St. Lawrence River views before the show begins, adding an extra layer of appeal to the overall experience. For those who prefer to travel by water, the venue conveniently provides mooring spots, allowing for a truly unique arrival by boat. Reddit

Inside, the theatre is designed to be an intimate space, with reviewers consistently noting that there are no bad seats. This ensures that every audience member has a clear and engaging view of the stage, enhancing the theatrical experience. The size of the venue, combined with the quality of the productions, creates a special atmosphere that many find superior to larger, more impersonal theatres. Reddit

The combination of its stunning waterfront location and its thoughtfully designed interior makes the 1000 Island Playhouse a standout venue. It offers not just a performance, but a complete, enjoyable outing enhanced by its beautiful surroundings. Reddit

You may also like