Quaint towns and villages are nestled along the shorelines of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River while over 1,800 islands decorate the waterway itself. This combination of woods and water create a scenic region full of beauty and recreational opportunities. Sightseeing boat tours, historic home tours, fishing and paddlesports, museums, agricultural attractions, and War of 1812 sites provide a variety of ways to spend your time here.
From Sackets Harbor to Alexandria Bay, Kingston to Brockville, our communities offer ample accommodation, unique dining experiences and distinctive shopping. Specialty boat tours, Boldt Castle, 1000 Islands Tower, Fort Henry and more await exploration. More active groups can enjoy whitewater rafting, cycling, hiking, tree-top adventures and helicopters tours.
The Thousand Islands Bridge island hops across the St. Lawrence River to connect New York, USA, to Ontario, Canada. Each side offers amazing opportunities but together, unique two-nation itinerary ideas provide memorable tours for groups of all sizes and interest.
1000 Islands Tourism Council
315-482-2520, ext. 318
visit1000islands.com
DISCOVER
Home to a tragic love story, Boldt Castle, a 120-room Rhineland-style castle was built as a gift to George Boldt’s wife. He walked away after four years of construction and close to completion when his beloved Louise passed away. It laid in ruins for over 70 years. Now available for tours, it has become the region’s featured attraction. Be sure to include Boldt Yacht House for an even more in-depth view into the Boldt lifestyle.
CRUISE
For nearly 100 years, boat tour companies have provided scenic, narrated cruises of the 1000 Islands. Popular sightseeing choices include stops at Boldt Castle, Singer Castle or Rock Island Lighthouse. Meal, entertainment and craft beverage tasting cruises round out a great schedule of touring opportunities from morning to evening and specialty charters can be arranged. Cruises are available from Alexandria Bay, New York; Clayton, New York; Gananoque, Ontario; Rockport, Ontario; or Brockville, Ontario.
LEARN
For a peek into the importance of the St. Lawrence River, a visit to the Antique Boat Museum (ABM) is a must. Beyond looking at an immaculate collection of personal watercraft from native dugout canoes to spectacular race boats, ABM provides insight into why the region was settled and how the waterway provides commerce as well as recreation. The six-building complex has a static collection as well as revolving exhibits. Specialty tours include a visit aboard George Boldt’s opulent houseboat La Duchesse or a ride aboard an antique cruiser.
TOUR
Kingston Pen Tours offers a unique opportunity to explore Canada’s oldest and most intriguing maximum-security prison. Now a National Historic Site, this historical building dating back to the 1830s is full of interesting stories from former staff. Stories of escapes, riots and more are heard as you experience life beyond the stone walls. Beyond the standard tour, 2021 offers extended tours, as well as architectural and film tours.
