Every fall, the 1000 Islands transform into a majestic display of vibrant red, yellow and orange hues. Crisp mornings, fresh apple cider, festivals, scenic boat tours and charming waterfront communities on both sides of the border celebrate the fall season and create lasting family memories.

The arrival of autumn in the 1000 Islands signals one of the most beautiful times to visit, with the region bursting into brilliant color and cooler temperatures. Visitors are treated to breathtaking scenery, both on and off the water, harvest celebrations across the region and countless opportunities to experience the area’s history and agricultural pride. 

ALEXANDRIA BAY

Boaters get the chance to enjoy the last few nautical weekends on the St. Lawrence River, while taking in breathtaking river views and strolling through the downtown corridor to browse specialty shops and charming restaurants. The farmer’s market occurs each Friday (until early September) at Alexandria Bay Pavilion in Scenic View Park. Uncle Sam’s Boat Tours offers scenic boat cruises and tours to Boldt Castle (to Columbus Day) and Singer Castle (through mid-October). For blues music fans, the Bay transformsinto a music paradise on Labor Day weekend with Blues on the Bay. A week later, car enthusiasts take over James Street with Rollin’ Street Thunder. In nearby LaFargeville,NNY Windy Acres Nursery has an amazing fall event featuring carving pumpkins with goats in early October.

CAPE VINCENT

Where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence River, Tibbets Point Lighthouse provides a spectacular view of fall colors on both sides of the border. The lighthouse grounds are open year-round, but the visitors center stays open until Columbus Day weekend. Every Tuesday until late September, the Cape Street Market offers fresh seasonal produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, jewelry and more. On the Cape Vincent Village Green, classic cars and trucks take over the Saturday of Labor Day weekend for Autos On The River and don’t miss the the 17th Annual Octoberfest on September 27th. The downtown corridor and riverfront adorned in the vibrant fall colors provide photographers amazing opportunities.  

CLAYTON

The fall energy in the quaint village culminates in mid-October with the Pumpkin Chuckin, an annual tradition of engineering as catapults hurling pumpkins hundreds of feet over the St. Lawrence River. Every Thursday to mid-October, the Clayton Farmers Market in the Cerow Recreation Park parking lot offers fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts and other seasonal items. After browsing the market, explore boutique and specialty shops in the business district, grab lunch at a waterfront restaurant or visit the Antique Boat Museum for some nautical nostalgia. In mid-September, classic automobiles take over downtown for the Vintage & Classic Street Meet. Take a boat cruise on Clayton Island Boat Tours to Rock Island Lighthouse State Park on a glass-bottomed boat (to mid-September) or Boldt Castle (to early-October). 

CHAUMOUT / THREE MILE BAY

Known for small farms and roadside stands, Chaumont and Three Mile Bay offer plenty of places to find homemade goods and flowers, including Wagon Blooms, She Likes Milk Farm Stand and Yard By Yard. Wagon Blooms and Yard By Yard feature seasonal flowers and colorful plants for yards, weddings and other celebrations. An Instagram favorite, She Likes Milk shares her farm stand’s weekly offerings, from homemade goods to delicious desserts. The Chaumont Farmers Market at Copley House on Route 12 features local produce, homemade goods and more every Friday through mid-September.

SACKETS HARBOR

The bold autumn colors come alive at the Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic District, with Lake Ontario as a backdrop for those breathtaking views. Autumn is an ideal time to explore the village’s history before lunch or dinner while strolling East Main Street to visit boutique shops, cafes and waterfront parks. Each Saturday, the Sackets Harbor Community Farmstand is rich with local produce and herbs. Just outside the village, Old McDonald’s Farm is a local favorite each fall for its corn maze and pumpkin patch. 

WATERTOWN

During the day, take a walk on the Veterans Memorial Walkway along the Black River or Public Square to see the vivid autumn colors around downtown.  A fall staple is a visit to the Burrville Cider Mill for fresh apple cider and donuts or Zoo New York in Thompson Park. The city has two farmers’ markets, the Watertown Farm & Craft Market each Wednesday along Washington Street and Saturday Farmers Market in the J.B. Wise Pavilion, offering fresh produce, homemade goods and more. In mid-September, experience the region’s Italian heritage with the Bravo Italiano Festival offering homemade Italian favorites and entertainment. 

Crossing the 1000 Islands International Bridges opens the door to equally memorable adventures on the St. Lawrence River in Ontario, Canada.

GANANOQUE

The beauty of Gananoque in autumn has a little something for everyone, including theater at Thousand Islands Playhouse to the weekly Gananoque Farmers Market each Thursday in Town Hall Park. Spend an afternoon exploring the downtown corridor on King Street with specialty and boutique shops, restaurants and cafes. Nearby, the 1000 Islands Tower on Hill Island is a 400-foot observation tower, offering a unique perspective in the fall with sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River and 1000 Islands region. Taking a cruise on 1000 Islands City Cruises to explore the majestic fall scene with colorful islands and stunning views.

BROCKVILLE

The spectacular river views and bustling downtown corridor provide numerous shopping and restaurant options for an amazing day trip. An illuminated experience with the Brockville Railroad Tunnel is a local favorite each fall, along with the weekly Brockville Farmers Market each Saturday until late November on Market Street West. The signature cruising routes offered by Rockport Cruises showcase the peak fall foliage of the 1000 Islands.

KINGSTON

Each October, Fort Fright at Fort Henry brings spine-chilling fun to Kingston, with monsters and frights lurking in the shadows of the historic fort. The Haunted Walk also offers eerie tours through downtown Kingston, Queen’s University and aboard the S.S. Keewatin at the Great Lakes Museum, while the famous Kingston red trolley takes visitors to the city’s haunted sites. At Springer Market Square, the Kingston Public Market offers seasonal produce, homemade goods, handmade crafts and more every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.