1. Visit Alex Bay
It’s easy to see why Alexandria Bay is one of the most popular 1000 Islands destinations. Perfect for family vacations, couple’s retreats, and weekends with friends, it’s not just one unique experience, it’s hundreds. Enjoy unparalleled views of the St. Lawrence River on a boat cruise. Explore Boldt Castle, golf on exquisitely manicured greens, or satisfy your need for speed on a go-kart course. Add incredible dining and a luxury stay and you have the Thousand Islands getaway of a lifetime.
2. Tour the Antique Boat Museum
Browse the largest collection of antique and classic boats in North America at the Antique Boat Museum. An unforgettable experience for boat enthusiasts and aspiring sailors alike, the museum goes well beyond providing a history of boating. It offers the chance to row a St. Lawrence skiff in French Bay, an exclusive tour of George Boldt’s two-story houseboat, and a speedboat ride through the St. Lawrence River islands in a triple cockpit runabout!
3. Explore the Outdoors
When it comes to natural beauty and wildlife, the 1000 Islands region has the best of it. The naturally beautiful region offers plentiful opportunity for outdoor recreation. From wild, boat-access only islands with sandy beaches to shoreline campsites and densely wooded trails, you will find something unique every time you venture outdoors. And, with several NYS Parks in the region, you can explore freely on preserved public lands while still enjoying the added benefits of bathhouses, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Want to get up and close and personal with unique wildlife in the region? Walk the trail system at the NYS Zoo at Thompson Park and experience a variety of species native to the Empire State including mountain lion, lynx and elk!
4. Discover Sackets Harbor
The Village of Sackets Harbor is an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing riverside escape. Relive history at the Sackets Harbor Battlefield, browse a wide selection of local boutiques, or reel in something big from the public or docks. Dine al fresca at a riverside restaurant, or embrace the warm, welcoming atmosphere of a local coffee shop. It’s the kind of place you picture when you think of cozy Bed & Breakfasts and ice creams by the river.
5. Live Like a Local
Enjoy a local’s vantage of the Thousand Islands when you visit Clayton, NY. Once a major shipbuilding port, this small riverside community now holds much of the history of the St. Lawrence River. Visitors are drawn by the stunning 1800s’ architecture, excellent fishing, and a very active community. Dine at delicious waterfront restaurants and dance to live music by the river on warm summer nights. And, though the year-round population is small, their knack for hospitality is unparalleled!