|
THE ISLANDS
The 1000 Islands International Tourism Council strives to enhance and promote tourism in the 1000 Islands Region, which encompasses communities in both Southeastern Ontario and Northern New York State. Loosely defined the 1000 Islands Region consists of New York’s Jefferson County, where Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River meet, and the area downstream along the St. Lawrence River from Kingston to Cornwall in Ontario, Canada.
Ranging in size from 40 square miles to smaller islands occupied by a single residence, to even smaller outcroppings of rocks that are home to migratory birds, there are said to be 1,874 islands straddling the U.S. – Canadian border in the St. Lawrence River. To be included in the count and defined as an island, it must be above water level for 365 days a year and support at least two living trees or shrubs.
Around twenty of the islands form the St. Lawrence Islands National Park. With about 9 square kilometers of land area, it is the smallest of Canada’s national parks. The U.S. islands include numerous state parks including Robert Moses State Park and Wellesley Island State Park.
|
 |
| Antique boat passes Boldt Castle, Alexandria Bay. Photo credit: George Fischer |
|
|
THE RIVER
Frequently traveled by large freighters on their way in to and out of the Great Lakes shipping lanes, the St. Lawrence joins with the Atlantic Ocean in the Gulf of St. Lawrence at the rugged shores of the tip of the Gaspe Peninsula in the province of Quebec, some 600 nautical miles from Kingston, Ontario.The waterway along the 1000 Islands Region features several shipwrecks and offers a great environment for diving.
|
Popular among vacationers, boaters and campers, the region is often referred to as the “fresh water boating capital of the world.” The Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, NY houses one the world’s largest collections of recreational freshwater boats.
Many visitors choose to experience the river and see the islands up close and personal with a tour boat excursion. Several companies in both the U.S. and Canada offer sightseeing and dining cruises of the region in varying lengths. Fishing charters are another popular way of spending a day on the river.
|
THE LAKE
The eastern-most of the Great Lakes, Lake Ontario is the 14th largest lake in the world, with 712 miles of shoreline. Its primary inlet is the Niagara River (from Lake Erie) and primary outlet is the St. Lawrence River. Lake Ontario is popular among anglers with its population of salmon, steelhead, lake trout and walleye. Charter boat captains abound in lake shore communities like Henderson Harbor, NY.
|
 |
| Association Island, site of a popularRV Park & Marina, located on Lake Ontario in Henderson Harbor, NY |
|
|
 |
| Vintage postcard featuring Dark Island |
|
| THE HISTORY
Distinguished visitors flocked to the 1000 Islands in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, and the area became widely known as a summer resort. Steamboats offered extensive tours of the islands, and grand hotels provided luxurious lodging. Summer homes were built by middle-class residents.
Two masonry castles remain as international landmarks and major tourist attractions.
|
|
The most famous of these is Boldt Castle, located on Heart Island in Alexandria Bay, NY. Millionaire George C. Boldt, proprietor of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, began construction in 1900 on the six-story, 120-room castle for his beloved wife Louise. Construction was halted four years later when Louise unexpectedly died. Today Boldt Castle is owned and operated by the 1000 Islands Bridge Authority (Alexandria Bay, NY) who over the course of more than 30 years has restored various parts of the castle, which is one of the area’s largest tourist attractions.
Singer Castle is located on Dark Island, a 7-acre granite island, one mile from Chippewa Bay in the American waters of the St. Lawrence. The 28-room castle was maintained as a private residence for 100 years until 2003 when the owners opened it up to the public.
|
THE BRIDGE
New York State and Ontario are connected by the 1000 Islands International Bridge, a unique multi-span bridge that includes a soaring 4,500-foot suspension bridge over the American Channel. It touches down on series of islands and crosses the international border between American Wellesley Island and Canadian Hill Island where several island communities and parks are located.
|
 |
| Canadian Span of 1000 Islands International Bridge Photo credit: George Fischer |
|
|
 |
| Tibbetts Point Lighthouse at Cape Vincent, NY |
|
| THE COMMUNITIES
With its rich history, natural beauty and international flavor, the communities of the 1000 Islands Region have much to offer. Each community offers a unique experience that is sure to keep you returning from year to year.
Numerous communities on the U.S. side are all within close proximity of one another. The angler will enjoy Henderson Harbor, located on the shores of Lake Ontario, with access to nearly every freshwater fish known and a plethora of experienced charter captains. History buffs flock to its neighbor to the northeast, Sackets Harbor, which was headquarters to the U.S. Navy during the War of 1812 and site of one of the most crucial battles of the war. A bit further east is Cape Vincent, where the Lake and River meet and home to Tibbett’s Point Lighthouse. From there, it’s a short drive to the communities of Clayton and Alexandria Bay, where shopping, attractions, boat tours and fun abound. The mighty Black River runs through the City of Watertown, which lies one-half hour to the south. With seven miles of whitewater and 14 sets of class III and IV rapids, the adventure seeker is sure to revel.
A visit to the Canadian side of the region is no less inviting. At the foot of the Canadian span of the International Bridge are the many marinas and docking services of the 1000 Islands Parkway which attract the boating enthusiast. To the west, Gananoque is home to a wide variety of outdoor activities, including sea kayaking, scuba diving, swimming and nature walks. Slightly to the west, sitting at the junction of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River is historic Kingston, the first capital of Canada. Kingston is the home of Fort Henry National Historic Site, where visitors can experience the life of a soldier in the 1860s. Back in an easterly direction, at the very center of the 1000 Islands, is the community of Brockville, with historic buildings and beautiful waterfront. More history is yours to discover in Prescott, with Fort Wellington National Historic Site of Canada, featuring original buildings and grounds from the 1830s. Continue east along the St. Lawrence and you’ll stumble upon Cornwall, dubbed the “Friendly Seaway City” and home to the Cornwall Historic Jail and a short drive to Upper Canada Village in nearby Morrisburg.
|
 |
| City Hall, Downtown Kingston, Ontario. Photo credit: George Fischer |
|
|
THE COUNCIL
For a more comprehensive description of the communities and tourist-related businesses of the 1000 Islands Region, turn to the official Travel Guide and web site for the region. The 1000 Islands International Tourism Council publishes an annual International Travel Guide and maintains a consumer web site, both of which feature extensive information about the region. Community profiles, event calendars and regional tourist-related businesses are available at www.visit1000islands.com. The International Travel Guide can be perused online or obtained hard copy by phoning 800-847-5263.
Whatever your passions - boating, camping, sailing, diving, sightseeing, fishing or reliving history - the 1000 Islands Region offers the experience of a lifetime. Come visit the region noted to inspire writers and photographers alike.
|
 |
| Millionaires Row, St. Lawrence River, Alexandria Bay, NY |
|
|
|
