I booked The Gananoque Inn & Spa because of its beautiful waterfront location and its reputation as a historic landmark in the Thousand Islands area. Unfortunately, my stay revealed how far the property has declined from what it once was.
The Inn still enjoys a prime location by the water, with a large front yard offering relaxing views of the river. The staff were reasonably friendly, and the surrounding area is peaceful, with a small park and the river cruise terminal nearby.
The warning signs started at the entrance. The front door is covered with award stickers from various travel organizations — but most are from 2014 or earlier. The first clue that the property’s glory days are long gone.
Despite calling itself a “Spa,” the spa has been closed. The carpets in both the corridor and my room looked and smelled dirty. The Samsung 32” TV was an first-generation flat screen with a four-inch frame, paired with a broken remote held together by Scotch tape. The cabinet designed for a minibar was empty, while a small fridge was awkwardly placed under the desk instead.
It feels like the rooms haven’t been updated in at least a decade. Breakfast was included, but the omelette was paper thin.
The area around the Inn is very quiet. Aside from the nearby river cruise terminal, there isn’t much within walking distance except a large, deserted industrial building.
This property clearly once had character and charm, but it’s now stuck in time and in serious need of renovations.