Two countries. One unforgettable destination. The 1000 Islands region of New York and Ontario invites you to discover waterfront communities, island adventures and fresh perspectives on both sides of the St. Lawrence River. With a little advance planning, crossing the U.S.–Canada border can open up even more possibilities for your vacation.
Cross by Car: Thousand Islands International Bridge
The Thousand Islands International Bridge, often called the TI Bridge, connects Interstate 81 in northern New York with Ontario’s Highway 137 and Highway 401. Located near Alexandria Bay, New York, and Ivy Lea and Lansdowne, Ontario, the crossing is a convenient gateway for exploring both sides of the 1000 Islands. Passenger border services operate 24 hours a day, year-round.
Make the crossing part of your adventure; the 1000 Islands’ two-nation experience is what sets it apart from other destinations. Spend a morning exploring New York’s river communities, then head to Ontario for waterfront dining and another view of the islands or build a longer getaway with overnight stays in both countries.
Before You Cross
A few simple preparations will help you spend more time enjoying your trip:
• Check everyone’s travel documents. A valid passport is a widely accepted option. Other documents may be accepted for land and water crossings, depending on citizenship and traveler circumstances such as passport cards, enhanced drivers’ licenses and NEXUS cards. Review the requirements for entering each country and returning home.
• Have your plans handy. Be ready to explain where you’re going, how long you’ll stay and what you’re bringing across the border. It’s most often a quick process while seated in your vehicle.
• Check border wait times. Allow flexibility in your itinerary, especially when you have a cruise, tour or dinner reservation.
• Review bridge toll information. Check current rates and payment options before your drive.
Helpful TI Bridge Crossing Links
• Thousand Islands Bridge tolls and crossing information
• Border wait times entering Canada—look for Lansdowne (Thousand Islands Bridge)
• Border wait times entering the United States—look for Alexandria Bay
• Canada Border Services Agency visitor information, 613-659-2301 (Port of Lansdowne, ON office)
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection travel information 315-482-2261 (Alexandria Bay, NY office)
Crossing By Water: Boating Between New York and Ontario
Exploring the 1000 Islands by boat brings you closer to the scenery that makes this destination special. If your itinerary includes visiting the other country, plan your customs reporting along with your route. When boating, you’re considered to have entered another country once you land ashore. For boat tour passengers taking two-nation cruises, you do not need border crossing documents unless you plan on getting off of the boat during the tour. Mostly, this occurs only on Canadian tour boats that stop at the Boldt Castle on Heart Island, near Alexandria Bay, NY. New York-side boat tours do not stop in Canada, so border crossing documents are not needed.
Entering Canada by private boat: Review CBSA’s private-boater reporting requirements. For visits involving going ashore, use an open designated marine reporting site. At telephone reporting sites, call 1-888-226-7277 and follow clearance instructions. Only the operator may leave the boat to make the reporting call; other passengers must remain aboard until entry is authorized. Specific reporting exceptions apply to some trips that remain on the water.
Entering the United States by private boat: Review CBP’s Northern New York boating guidance for reporting options, locations and contacts. The free CBP ROAM app allows pleasure boaters to submit arrival information using a smartphone or tablet; an officer may conduct a video inspection or require further inspection.
Video Phones, Reporting Tablets and CBP ROAM
Looking for a customs video phone in the 1000 Islands? Start with CBP’s current Northern New York reporting-location list. It lists ROAM tablets at locations including Alexandria Bay Public Docks, Bonnie Castle Marina and Clayton Harbor Municipal Marina. Confirm access and operating hours before relying on a location. You can also learn about and download CBP ROAM for your own device.
Plan a Vacation on Both Sides of the River
Whether you cross the TI Bridge for a day trip or arrive by boat for a waterfront getaway, leave room to explore. Another community, another meal and another island view await across the border.
Check official border-agency guidance before traveling for current requirements and reporting procedures.
Regulations regarding exemptions and restrictions for belongings or merchandise brought into across the international border exist. There are certain variable restrictions for taking alcohol, tobacco products, certain foods, etc. across the border. Please be prepared to declare all belongings and show receipts for purchases when reporting to border agents for entry.
Immigration and customs requirements are subject to change without notice. We recommend you obtain and review current literature published by Canadian and U.S. Border Protection Agencies prior to your visit.