Whether it’s your first time or your 1,000th visit, there’s no better way to experience the 1000 Islands than cruising among them on a boat tour.
Clayton Island Tours, Clayton, New York, gets closer to the islands than any other company to see the lavish island mansions, castles and nature. Cruise both sides of the border, venture out in a glass bottom boat to see beneath the water or take the Ultimate Sightseeing Tour including all of the 1000 Islands highlights: Boldt Castle, Rock Island Lighthouse, Millionaire’s Row and more.
Uncle Sam Boat Tours, Alexandria Bay, New York, has the largest fleet of boats on the St. Lawrence River and options for any length or interest. The most popular is the Two-Nation Cruise venturing into Canadian waters but no passports are needed! All day-time tours from the 1-hour Millionaire’s Row to the Lunch Cruise include an optional stop at historic Boldt Castle on Heart Island. Dinner Cruises, the relaxed evening Sip N’ Sail cruise with live music and a regular shuttle to Boldt Castle are just some of the options that also includes trips to the mysterious Singer Castle on Dark Island!
1000 Islands isn’t in the GPS, so where to stay?
Alexandria Bay, New York, is the Heart of the 1000 Islands. Centrally located, this small riverfront community is the quintessential visitor town with hotels and B&Bs to fit any budget with food options from the great to the easy and specialty shops from nautical retail to distilleries and art galleries. Walk along the water and gaze across the St. Lawrence River at historic Boldt Castle. Head to the docks and be part of the boater culture or stop in for a drink to catch live music. It’s all part of living in “The Bay.”
Looking for a place to stay? Bonnie Castle Resort and Marina is located right on the water with sweeping views of the river, massive steel ships, historic Boldt Castle and the Sunken Rock Lighthouse. On-site dining, waterfront bar and a summer-long entertainment calendar make Bonnie Castle the ideal home base for your 1000 Islands visit.
Be sure to check out Clayton, New York, a gorgeous waterside village that really immerses everyone, visitors and locals alike, in the “river life.” Beautiful streetscapes, downtown waterfront sunsets, shops and treats everywhere…Clayton is truly one of New York State’s most beautiful communities with places to stay, dine and play all summer long. The Antique Boat Museum brings the river to life, with on-water experiences for everyone throughout its waterfront campus.
What about Lake Life?
Sackets Harbor, New York, is almost too picturesque to be real. The historic downtown on the shores of Lake Ontario has some of the best dining options in the region ranging from local coffee shops and quickie lunch spots to artisan entrees and even some craft beverage stops that kick up the fun. Quaint, modern retail mixes with antique shops to ensure everyone enjoys. A downtown hotel and surrounding B&Bs let Sackets become your low-key, high-love homebase while visiting.