St. Lawrence River, NY
Thousand Islands Weekend Getaway
1,864 islands, one legendary castle, and the clearest river water in the Northeast — 2 hours from Rochester
The Thousand Islands region straddles the US-Canada border where Lake Ontario drains into the St. Lawrence River. There are actually 1,864 islands — anything with at least one square foot of land above water and one living tree qualifies. The result is one of the most scenic waterways in North America, and it is two hours from Rochester.
The anchor attraction is Boldt Castle on Heart Island — a 120-room Rhineland-style castle that George Boldt, owner of the Waldorf-Astoria, began building for his wife in 1900. She died before it was finished and construction stopped overnight. It sat abandoned for 73 years before restoration began. Today it is the most-visited site in the region and worth every minute of the boat ride out.
Quick facts
Best time to go
Most boat tours and attractions open in late May. Water is cold. Good for a quiet visit but limited activity options.
Peak season — all boat tours running, Boldt Castle fully open, kayak rentals available, and the river is warm enough to swim. Book lodging early for July and August.
September is excellent — crowds thin after Labor Day, prices drop, and the islands turn gold. Boat tours run through mid-October. Cooler but beautiful.
Most attractions close after October. The river freezes. Not a practical destination November through April.
What to do
Boldt Castle (Heart Island)
Must-doThe centerpiece of the region. A 120-room Rhineland-style castle built by Waldorf-Astoria owner George Boldt for his wife, abandoned in 1900 when she died, and left untouched for 73 years. Boat tours from Alexandria Bay and Clayton both stop here. Allow 2 hours minimum.
Boat Tours
ClassicUncle Sam Boat Tours (Alexandria Bay) and Clayton Island Tours run 2-hour narrated cruises through the islands with stops at Boldt Castle. The 2-nation tour crosses into Canadian waters. Sunset cruises run in summer. Book ahead for weekends.
Kayaking the Islands
PaddlingThe St. Lawrence is calm between islands and ideal for kayaking. Rent from Clayton or Alexandria Bay and paddle to uninhabited islands, rocky shoals, and hidden coves. The water is remarkably clear — visibility to 20 feet in some spots.
Thousand Islands Museum (Clayton)
HistoryClayton is the more authentic of the two main towns — less touristy than Alexandria Bay. The Antique Boat Museum here has the finest collection of wooden boats in North America, including Chris-Crafts and St. Lawrence skiffs. Worth 90 minutes.
Fishing
FishingThe St. Lawrence is one of the best freshwater fishing rivers in the world. Muskellunge (muskie), northern pike, smallmouth bass, and walleye. Charter guides operate out of Clayton and Alexandria Bay. A New York fishing license is required.
Singer Castle (Dark Island)
Hidden gemLess visited than Boldt but arguably more dramatic — a medieval-style castle built in 1905 on a tiny island, complete with secret passages and a dungeon. Accessible only by private boat tour from Chippewa Bay. Worth the detour if you have a second day.
2-day itinerary
Alexandria Bay + Boldt Castle
Drive from Rochester (2 hrs). Arrive in Alexandria Bay, check in, and walk the waterfront. The village is small but lively in summer — grab lunch at one of the dockside spots.
Take the 2-hour Uncle Sam Boat Tour with a stop at Boldt Castle. Arrive early in the afternoon to avoid the peak crowds. Spend 90 minutes exploring the castle, powerhouse, and gardens.
Return to Alexandria Bay. Rent a kayak for an hour and paddle around the islands near the village — the water is clearest in the late afternoon light.
Dinner in Alexandria Bay. The Riveredge Resort has the best waterfront dining. Walk the dock after dark — the castle is lit up at night.
Clayton + Antique Boat Museum
Drive 20 minutes west to Clayton — a quieter, more authentic river town. Walk the main street and grab breakfast at one of the local spots.
Spend 90 minutes at the Antique Boat Museum. The collection of wooden boats is genuinely impressive — the best of its kind in North America.
Rent a kayak from Clayton and paddle out to the nearby islands. The water around Clayton is calmer than Alexandria Bay and better for beginners. Head home via I-81 S.
Where to eat
Riveredge Resort Restaurant
$$$Alexandria Bay, NY
The best waterfront dining in Alexandria Bay. Deck seating over the river, fresh fish, and a solid wine list. The view of the islands at sunset is hard to beat.
Cavallario's Steak and Seafood
$$Alexandria Bay, NY
A local institution since 1954. Steaks, seafood, and the kind of old-school supper club atmosphere that fits the region perfectly. Best dinner option in town.
Koffee Kove
$Clayton, NY
The go-to breakfast spot in Clayton. Enormous portions, friendly service, and a diner atmosphere that has been feeding river people for decades. Arrive early on weekends.
Clipper Inn
$$Clayton, NY
A classic Thousand Islands supper club on the river. Known for the Friday fish fry and the perch — a regional specialty. Reservations recommended in summer.
Where to stay
Riveredge Resort
$$$Alexandria Bay, NY
Best resortThe best address in Alexandria Bay — a full-service resort directly on the river with a marina, outdoor pool, and restaurant. Rooms with river views are worth the upgrade.
Bonnie Castle Resort
$$Alexandria Bay, NY
Best valueA large resort on the waterfront with a marina, pools, and easy access to boat tours. Mid-range pricing for the location. Good for families.
Thousand Islands Inn
$$Clayton, NY
Best in ClaytonA historic inn in downtown Clayton, steps from the Antique Boat Museum and the river. Quieter than Alexandria Bay. The restaurant is one of the best in the region.
Pine Tree Point Resort
$Alexandria Bay, NY
Budget pickA quieter, more affordable resort on the river with a private beach and dock. Good budget option that still gets you on the water.
What to budget
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel (per night) | $90 | $160 | $280+ |
| Boldt Castle boat tour | $12 | $12 | $12 |
| 2-nation cruise | $28 | $28 | $28 |
| Antique Boat Museum | $18 | $18 | $18 |
| Kayak rental (2 hrs) | $30 | $45 | $60 |
| Fishing charter (half day) | $75 | $100 | $150 |
| Meals (per day) | $35 | $60 | $100+ |
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