Whether it’s paddling a canoe or kayak in the calm waterways and bays of the St. Lawrence River or rafting Class III to Class IV rapids on the nearby Black River, visitors to the 1000 Islands area have plenty of adventurous on-the-water options.
In recent years, stand-up paddling (SUP) and wake boarding have become as popular as traditional favorites like swimming, diving and fishing. Dive shops on both sides of the U.S./Canada border cater to various skill levels and offer an opportunity for visitors to explore preserved shipwrecks.
Whitewater rafting companies guide visitors three seasons of the year through the rapids of the Black River near Watertown, New York. From the high-water of spring to the stunning foliage of fall, Black River whitewater is atop thrillseekers’ lists.
Back on land, bicycling is a popular 1000 Islands pastime. The terrain is friendly and the possibilities are endless; here are a few route ideas:
Follow the lake shore south from Cape Vincent to Henderson Harbor and its sand dunes. Bike the Long Sault Parkway (Canada) which crosses a series of islands and parks. Explore an island: Wolfe and Howe islands (Canadian)are accessible by ferry. Bike a section of the 1000 Islands Parkway (Canada), which has a dedicated paved bike path. Tour the historic sites in Sackets Harbor (USA) by bike.
