There is no better way to unplug and reconnect as a family than spending some quality time together during a family vacation. Beat the heat and chill with a fun – and affordable – vacation in the 1000 Islands. River and lake towns, farmers’ fields and real, authentic fun await. Add value by giving the family something real, something that they won’t forget, something that means something.

Steer and Clear

At Uncle Sam Boat Tours, kids get to take a turn at the wheel and receive a certificate making them a St. Lawrence River captain! Prefer a deeper look? The Glass-Bottom Tour from Clayton Island Tours lets passengers peer down at a shipwreck, see scenes beneath the water and even includes a stop at the Rock Island Lighthouse.

Love Your Family in the Heart of the 1000 Islands

Alexandria Bay is centrally located on the New York side of the 1000 Islands and is a great “home base” for your team. Swim in the St. Lawrence River – which is actually warmest in early fall – from Scenic View Park with a playground and footbridge to Casino Island, the perfect spot for an on-the-water picnic. Alexandria Bay caters to young and young-at-heart with oversized public chess boards, shuffle boards and bean-bag toss at downtown Rotary Park. A tank of local fish supplied by local guides can be seen at lower James Street and no walk downtown is complete without an ice cream of special treat. Family-style dining abounds.

Plow into History and the Farm Life in Sackets Harbor

Located on the shores of Lake Ontario and near long sandy beaches and dunes at two state parks open to the public, Sackets Harbor, New York, is your stop for fun on the farm at Old McDonald’s Farm featuring more than 1,000 animals, a petting zoo and farm tours. Don’t forget the homemade ice cream while there! Head to downtown Sackets Harbor for a taste of history including the open grounds of the Sackets Harbor Battlefield, where the whole family is immersed in history at the Navy Yard.

Perfectly Protected

Joel Stone Heritage Park is located in a protected cove on the St. Lawrence River in Gananoque, Ontario. This beach, art park and splash pad site make it the perfect place to spend a day on the river out of the prevailing winds. Walk over to 1000 Islands Kayaking for a guided tour or the nearby islands or stroll by the Thousand Islands Boat Museum to learn about the history of boating with interactive exhibits. Spend a day on the river in “Gan” at Joel Stone Park! Have a small group? Consider an unforgettable experience aboard 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours…you’ll have the best vacation pics!

Boats and Buoys

Scenic Clayton, New York, is home to the Antique Boat Museum, where the whole family can ‘ride the river” on an antique speedboat or try your hand at sailing a real St. Lawrence Skiff or piloting a small sailboat! Don’t worry…instructors provided! Don’t just show your family the river…get them out on it! Walk across the street from the museum and hit the Wood Boat Brewery for awesome craft beers and brick-oven pizza popular with the whole family. Kids welcome!