1000 Islands

1000 ISLANDS ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

From pirates and bootleggers to the 19th century’s fashionable elite, the 1000 Islands have seen more than their fair share of visitors—and for good reason. Straddling the border between northern New York and southeastern Ontario, this region features stunning shorelines, rich history, and unique activities. Whether you’re looking to experience historic castles, maritime museums, charming downtown shopping, or a relaxing waterside meal, 1000 Islands is happy to oblige. Here, we created a four-day itinerary, spotlighting some of the best the 1000 Islands have to offer.

BorckvilleTunnel-credit George Fischer Photography

Enjoy These Great 1000 Islands Attractions and More:

1000 Islands boat tour aboard Uncle Sam Boat Tours
Thousand Islands Winery
Antique Boat Museum
1000 Islands Tower
and more

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Boldt-Castle-credit George Fischer Photography

1000 Islands DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1: TAKE A 1000 ISLANDS BOAT TOUR

Arrive in Alexandria Bay to begin your 1000 Islands adventure. No visit to the 1000 Islands would be complete without a traditional 1000 Islands boat tour aboard Uncle Sam Boat Tours. These narrated, scenic cruises traverse the waterways and recant the legends of the region’s founders, famous summer residents, and hearty year-round citizens. Hear the tragic tale of George Bolt and Boldt Castle, his 120-room Rhineland-style castle which was never finished due to the untimely death of his wife in 1904. After more than 30 years of restoration, the castle is finally the dreamland vacation home envisioned by Boldt and is open for tours.

Pre-dinner, stop at the Thousand Islands Winery for a tasting and tour. This winery was the first in the region and their vineyard of hearty grapevines is a showplace on this 1830s farm. After dinner, explore the shops and boutiques of Alexandria Bay.

Fort-Henry Credit Dwayne Brown

DAY 2: VISIT THE ANTIQUE BOAT MUSEUM

Experience the history and culture of Clayton as you enjoy a leisurely day visiting three heritage centers. Begin at the Thousand Islands Museum and get a complete background of this waterfront village’s diverse history. A short distance away is the Thousand Islands Arts Center, best known for its outstanding collection of hand-woven fabrics, pottery, paintings and sculptures, most of which are made by locals and inspired by the scenic beauty of the 1000 Islands. Situated on a picturesque harbor, Antique Boat Museum is known for its large collection of freshwater watercraft.

After lunch, relax aboard Clayton Island Tours as you learn about the ecology of the St. Lawrence and work your way toward a tour of Rock Island Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses on the St. Lawrence River. Great views of the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Thousand Islands Bridge can be seen from there. Back on shore, stroll along James Street and Riverside Drive to take advantage of the great shopping and one-of-a-kind restaurants.

Rock Island Lighthouse credit Andrew Kane

DAY 3: MAKE A STOP AT THE FORT HENRY NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

Now it’s time to explore the culture and history of southeastern Ontario. A short drive island hopping via the Thousand Islands International Bridge puts you on Hill Island, Ontario, home to the 1000 Islands Tower. (Just beyond Canada Customs border station. Border crossing identification required). A high-speed elevator takes you 400 feet into the air to one of two viewing decks for an amazing morning view of nearly 200 islands.

Next head to the Fort Henry National Historic Site in Kingston. As you pass through the large wooden gates into the fort, you are transformed to another place and time. Costumed interpreters guide you to the many facets of the massive structure, including the schoolroom, artillery rooms and parade grounds. Witness the precision of the Fort Henry Guard during their daily military marches and drills demonstrations. Or if you prefer more time on the water, Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises provides fun and entertainment while exploring the larger islands at the mouth of Lake Ontario.

Afterwards, explore the historic downtown of the “Limestone City” filled with great restaurants, boutiques and amazing architecture. After dinner, an exceptional performance at the Thousand Islands Playhouse, known as Canada’s prettiest little theater awaits. This restored historic building houses professional productions for evening performances and select matinees. Intermission is held on the dock, overlooking passing boats at sunset on the St. Lawrence.

TI BridgeandTower-credit George Fischer Photography

DAY 4: LEARN ABOUT HISTORY AT THE FORT WELLINGTON NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

Continuing eastward, the City of Brockville provides the first glance at the Gilded Age. Fulford Place is an eclectic and elegant mansion, built for Senator George T. Fulford, the creator of “Pink Pills for Pale People.” Downtown boasts a myriad of great shops and restaurants. But the center of it all is the Brockville Railway Tunnel, Canada’s first rail tunnel, that runs beneath the city to the waterfront. Enjoy an easy walk through the well-lit tunnel.

Continue your quest of the past moving west to Fort Wellington National Historic Site. Interpretive guides in period costume share the life of soldiers and their families in the 1840s and end your tour

with a visit to Upper Canada Village, which offers a view into the 1860’s lifestyle on the St. Lawrence. While strolling the streets of this working village you see log homes, farmhouses, churches, workshops, the schoolhouse and much more.

This is just a quick glimpse of the possibilities for an amazing tour of the 1000 Islands.

For more itineraries, see our Group Itinerary Ideas

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