When people think of summer vacations in New York, places like Lake George, the Finger Lakes, or the Adirondacks usually come to mind. But if you ask me what I think one of the most underrated destinations in the entire state is, my first thought is the Thousand Islands!
With charming waterfront towns, incredible restaurants, scenic boat cruises, historic castles, and endless opportunities to get out on the water, it’s the kind of place that’s perfect for a summer getaway! After spending a few days exploring the region myself, I completely understood why so many people return year after year. If you’re looking for a destination that feels both relaxing and adventurous, let me introduce you to one of New York’s best-kept secrets.
What Makes Up the Thousand Islands?
Despite the name, there aren’t actually just 1,000 islands; there are 1,864! The Thousand Islands region stretches for roughly 50 miles along the St. Lawrence River. It actually forms the international border between New York and Ontario, Canada. Because of this, the islands are split between both countries, making it one of the most unique landscapes in North America.
The islands themselves come in all shapes and sizes. Some are large enough to have roads, hotels, and entire communities. Others are just big enough for a single cottage perched on a rocky shoreline. In fact, for a piece of land to officially be considered one of the Thousand Islands, it must remain above water year-round and support at least one living tree.
How to Get to the Thousand Islands
One of the best things about the Thousand Islands is how accessible it is! I don’t think many people realize how close it is, which makes it even easier for a weekend getaway or adding onto a longer New York road trip. The heart of the region is around Alexandria Bay and Clayton, NY.
Here are approximate driving times:
Buffalo, NY – Approximately 4 hours (240 miles)
Rochester, NY – Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes (165 miles)
Syracuse, NY – Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes (95 miles)
New York City, NY – Approximately 6–6.5 hours (360 miles)
Burlington, VT – Approximately 3 hours (150 miles)
Ottawa, ON – Approximately 1.5 hours (75 miles)
Toronto, ON – Approximately 3.5–4 hours (220 miles)
Montreal, QC – Approximately 2.5 hours (160 miles)
If you’re coming from Canada, remember that you’ll need to cross the international border, so be sure to bring a valid passport or other approved travel document.
If you’re flying, the closest airports are Watertown International Airport (ART), about 30 minutes from Alexandria Bay, and Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR), roughly 1½ hours away. Syracuse typically offers the most flight options and rental car availability, making it the most convenient airport for many visitors.
Where to Stay: 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel
If you’re looking for the perfect home base for your Thousand Islands getaway, I can’t recommend the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel enough! Located right on the shores of the St. Lawrence River in Clayton, this beautiful waterfront hotel puts you in the heart of everything while offering some of the best views in the area.
One of my favorite parts of the property was the outdoor space. There’s a gorgeous patio where you can enjoy a meal or a cocktail overlooking the river. There are also cozy fire pits and plenty of Adirondack chairs lining the waterfront! It’s the perfect place to relax and soak in the scenery. And I’ll also say, it’s one of the best places to catch the sunset!
The hotel has an on-site restaurant and bar, a well-equipped fitness center, and even a charming gift shop if you’re looking to pick up a souvenir from your trip.
The rooms themselves are spacious, beautifully decorated, and incredibly comfortable. After long days of exploring the region, it was always nice coming back to such a relaxing space.
One of the biggest perks of staying here is the location. The hotel is just a short walk from downtown Clayton. There’s even a scenic waterfront path that connects the property directly to the village. Within just a couple of minutes, you can be browsing local shops, grabbing ice cream, enjoying dinner, or hopping aboard a boat tour without ever having to move your car!
Get Out on the Water
One thing you must do while visiting the Thousand Islands is get out on the water! It’s quite impossible to appreciate the scale and beauty of the region from land alone. Cruising between the islands gives you a completely different perspective. It’s one of those experiences that makes you realize just how special this place really is. During my visit, I took two very different boat tours, and I would highly recommend both!
Ride the River at the Antique Boat Museum
The first was the Ride the River experience offered by the Antique Boat Museum. While I’ll talk more about the museum itself later in this guide, I have to mention this experience because I think it’s one of the area’s best hidden gems.
You’ll hop aboard a beautiful vintage wooden boat that feels like something you’d see cruising across Lake Como. Because the boat only holds a handful of passengers, it feels incredibly personal and intimate compared to a larger sightseeing cruise. As you make your way along the St. Lawrence River, the captain shares some interesting facts and stories about the islands, historic homes, and boating culture that have shaped the region.
If you’re already planning to visit the Antique Boat Museum, don’t skip this! It’s one of the most unique ways to experience the Thousand Islands.
Clayton Island Tours: Rock Island Lighthouse Cruise
The second tour I took was the Rock Island Lighthouse Cruise with Clayton Island Tours. This was definitely another highlight of my trip.
The tour takes place aboard one of their famous glass-bottom boats, allowing you to look beneath the surface of the St. Lawrence River as the captain points out interesting underwater features along the way. Even if you don’t spot everything through the glass, it’s a fun and unique addition that makes this cruise different from many others.
During this tour, you’ll get to stop off at Rock Island Lighthouse State Park. Here, you’ll have time to explore one of the oldest lighthouses on the St. Lawrence River. Inside, you’ll learn about the lighthouse keepers who once lived here, and you’ll get to climb to the top of the tower. The panoramic views overlooking the surrounding islands are absolutely beautiful and well worth the climb!
Other Thousand Island Boating Options
While these are the only two boat experiences I can personally recommend from firsthand experience, there are so many ways to get out on the water in the Thousand Islands.
Some of the most popular options include Uncle Sam Boat Tours in Alexandria Bay. This one offers everything from short sightseeing cruises to trips that stop at the iconic Boldt Castle. The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour with Clayton Island Tours combines highlights like Boldt Castle, Millionaire’s Row, and Rock Island Lighthouse into one unforgettable excursion. If you’d rather be your own captain, you’ll also find plenty of opportunities to rent kayaks, paddleboards, boats, and jet skis throughout the region.
What to Experience on Land
While getting out on the water is a must, there’s just as much to discover back on land. From fascinating museums and historic landmarks to charming downtowns and scenic parks, here are some of my favorite experiences to add to your Thousand Islands itinerary.
Visit Cape Vincent
While Clayton is often the town that gets all the attention, Cape Vincent should not be overlooked. Located about 15 minutes from Clayton, this charming waterfront village may be smaller and quieter, but it’s absolutely worth adding to your itinerary.
One of my favorite things about Cape Vincent is just how peaceful it feels. The waterfront is beautiful, and there are plenty of places to slow down and enjoy the scenery. East End Dock and Village Park were two of my favorite spots! Both offer gorgeous views of the St. Lawrence River and plenty of Adirondack chairs where you can sit back, relax, and simply take it all in.
After soaking up the views, spend some time wandering through the village. You’ll find locally owned shops, restaurants, and that classic small-town charm that makes the Thousand Islands region so special.
Go to Tibbetts Point Lighthouse
Located just a short drive from downtown Cape Vincent, Tibbetts Point Lighthouse is one of those places that immediately makes you feel like you’ve been transported to the New England coast. With its classic white lighthouse, rugged rocky shoreline, and endless views of the water, it captures everything I love about summer by the lake. It’s peaceful, picturesque, and such a photogenic spot!
Beyond the scenery, Tibbetts Point has an interesting story to tell. Originally established in 1827, the lighthouse marks the point where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence River, serving as an important navigational beacon for ships entering the river. The current lighthouse dates back to 1854 and is still an active aid to navigation today. It also houses the only original Fourth Order Fresnel lens still operating on Lake Ontario. It’s a remarkable piece of maritime history that’s over 170 years old!
Explore the Antique Boat Museum
Earlier, I mentioned the incredible Ride the River experience you can take from the Antique Boat Museum. But the museum itself is just as worthy of a visit. And honestly, you don’t have to know much about boats to appreciate it!
As I wandered through the exhibits, I quickly realized this museum is about so much more than antique boats. It’s really about telling the story of the Thousand Islands and how the St. Lawrence River has shaped life here for generations. Boating has always been a huge part of the region’s history and culture, and the museum does an incredible job bringing that story to life.
The museum is spread across a beautiful waterfront campus with multiple exhibit buildings to explore. Each showcases a different piece of boating history. You’ll see everything from elegant wooden runabouts and sleek racing boats to handcrafted skiffs, canoes, and one-of-a-kind vessels that are true works of art. The craftsmanship is honestly incredible! And even someone with little interest in boats can appreciate the amount of detail and care that went into building them. The museum is home to one of the largest collections of freshwater boats in North America, with more than 320 historic watercraft and thousands of boating artifacts.
Walk around the TI Arts Center
If you appreciate local art, be sure to make a stop at the Thousand Islands Arts Center while you’re in Clayton.
I actually visited at a pretty unique time. The Arts Center had just completed a major expansion and was preparing for its grand opening the day after I left town. Although they weren’t officially open yet, the staff kindly allowed me in for a quick sneak peek. They mentioned they were still putting the finishing touches on everything, but honestly, I could barely tell! The space looked absolutely incredible.
I was immediately blown away by the artwork. So many beautiful pieces, created by talented regional artists, and several had already sold before the grand opening even took place. It’s easy to see that this will be a special place for both locals and visitors alike.
The newly expanded Arts Center is much more than just an art gallery. It features rotating exhibitions, classrooms for workshops and creative programs, and is also home to the nation’s only museum dedicated to North American handwoven textiles. The expansion has created a vibrant community space where visitors can experience local art, learn new creative skills, and connect with the region’s thriving arts scene.
Marvel at Boldt Castle
No trip to the Thousand Islands would be complete without visiting Boldt Castle. Often considered the crown jewel of the region, it’s one of the area’s most iconic landmarks and one of the main reasons people travel here in the first place.
Since the castle sits on Heart Island, the only way to reach it is by boat. From the Boldt Yacht House, boats depart approximately every 15 minutes throughout the day. The ride itself is incredibly quick- less than five minutes, but arriving on the island feels like stepping into another world. Or at the very least, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Europe.
As breathtaking as the castle is, I found its history just as fascinating. Construction began in 1900 when hotel magnate George C. Boldt commissioned the castle as a six-story summer home for his beloved wife, Louise. Tragically, Louise passed away before it was completed, and George was so heartbroken that he ordered all construction to stop immediately. The unfinished castle sat abandoned for more than 70 years before the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired the property in 1977 and began an extensive restoration that continues today.
One recommendation I can’t stress enough is to watch the 15-minute film in the theater on the second floor. It’s incredibly well done and provides so much context about the castle’s history, George and Louise Boldt’s story, and the massive restoration effort that’s brought the property back to life. After watching it, I appreciated everything I was seeing so much more!
Where to Eat in the Thousand Islands
The Thousand Islands has a fantastic food scene, and you will be spoiled for choice. Here are several places I had the experience of dining at, and you cannot go wrong with any of these!
Bella’s
If you’re looking for the perfect place to start your day in the Thousand Islands, you really can’t go wrong with Bella’s. Located right on the waterfront in Clayton, it’s such a cozy, charming spot. One of my favorite touches was the self-serve coffee station right when you walk in the door, so you can grab a cup while you’re waiting for your table.
The menu is filled with all of the breakfast favorites, from pancakes and French toast to hearty omelets and fresh-baked pastries. If the weather is nice, be sure to grab a table outside overlooking the St. Lawrence River. The atmosphere here is just perfect, and I can absolutely see how people living in the area would become regulars here.
Cape Vincent Brewing Company
If you’re spending an afternoon or evening exploring Cape Vincent, be sure to head to Cape Vincent Brewing Co! It’s a fun spot with beers on tap, live music, and a great menu. I had their marinated chicken wrap and it was so yummy!
What really stood out to me was how welcoming the staff was! I grabbed a seat at the bar and immediately felt at home. The vibe is casual, laid-back, and exactly the kind of place where you can relax with a good meal and a local beer.
Twist of Cape
Right next door to Cape Vincent Brewing Company is Twist of Cape, making it the perfect stop for dessert!. And honestly, is there anything better than ice cream on a summer evening? Whether you grab a cone and stroll through town or find a spot by the water to enjoy it, it’s a must-do!
Twist of Cape serves all of the classic favorites, from hard and soft ice cream to sundaes, along with a variety of fun flavors to choose from
Wood Boat Brewery
If you’re looking for a great lunch spot in Clayton, I highly recommend Wood Boat Brewery. Located just across the street from the Antique Boat Museum, it’s the perfect place to grab a bite after spending the morning exploring the exhibits. The building itself is beautiful, with the charm of an old Victorian home, and the outdoor patio is a wonderful place to relax on a summer afternoon.
The menu features everything from sandwiches and fresh salads to brick oven pizzas and house-brewed craft beer. I especially loved the soft pretzels and definitely recommend them if you’re looking for something to start with.
Diprinzio’s
Di Prinzio’s is an absolute gem tucked along the waterfront in Clayton. If you’re planning to have dinner here, I highly recommend making a reservation because this place fills up quickly—and after eating here, it’s easy to see why. With beautiful views of the St. Lawrence River, a cozy atmosphere, and an open wood-fired pizza kitchen where you can watch your meal being made, it’s the perfect spot for a date night or a relaxed dinner with friends.
The menu features homemade American-Italian favorites, including fresh pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and an excellent wine and cocktail selection. If the weather cooperates, try to grab a table on the waterfront patio! It’s one of the best dining views in Clayton and the perfect place to spend a summer evening.
Enjoy Your Time in the Thousand Islands
I hope this guide has inspired you to plan a trip to the Thousand Islands and given you plenty of ideas for how to spend your time here. From cruising along the St. Lawrence River and exploring historic castles to wandering charming small towns and enjoying incredible local restaurants, it’s a destination that truly has something for everyone.
After experiencing the region for myself, I can confidently say it’s one of the most beautiful and underrated places in New York State. I know I’ll be back, and I hope that after your visit, you’ll feel the same way. Happy travels!
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