Activities and adventures in Thousand Islands might take you by surprise – it is not just a thousand islands but in fact more than 1,800 islands that are scattered over an amazing 50-mile stretch. These islands that form a beautiful archipelago were created by glaciers that were retreating about 10,000 years ago and they are located along the border of northern New York and southeastern Ontario.
While we are discovering the thousand island attractions, we end up at the confluence of the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario – an idyllic place for a halt and to reconnect with nature. The top things to do in thousand islands are visiting more than 15 New York State Parks that are located along the coast and on the islands, getting around the Antique Boat Museum with its collection of more than 320 unique boats, or enjoying the stunning nature at Thousand Islands Winery. Besides, if you are arranging your trip, it might be useful to know that Watertown International Airport is only 20 minutes away from most waterfront towns, thus making this heaven quite easy to get to.
Discovering The Thousand Island Region
The Thousand Islands are found where the St. Lawrence River meets Lake Ontario and apart from being the area for various adventurous activities, the islands are also the perfect place to unwind. The clear, blue waters along with the 1864 islands combine both the untouched nature and the thrills of the adventure world.
Best Time To Visit The Thousand Islands New York
Being able to plan around seasonal shifts is actually super beneficial if you want to make your trip count. It’s as if it is a different planet for each of the four seasons, between glorious summers and the freaking beautiful autumn leaves. The sea water will be at its warmest in the middle of summer, so if you decide to go in May, June or the month of July they would work out perfectly for you. Despite it being Europe’s largest ski resort, without the skiing a trip in its shoulder season is arguably a more relaxing and peaceful experience.
- Understand the seasonal variations that make each visit unique.
- Learn why late spring through early fall offers the most activities.
- Discover the advantages of visiting during the shoulder seasons.
- Find out which seasonal events might enhance your trip.
- Get insights on planning day trips versus extended stays.
Top Attractions In Thousand Islands, New York: Best Things To Do- Top Picks
Water activities in Thousand Islands are just amazing with the beautiful views and the range of watersports available. The region is packed with options that cater to any interest and age group.
Must-Visit Landmarks And Attractions
The Thousand Islands is a wonderful place to visit various kinds of attractions, right from the magnificent castles and ancient historic lighthouses to be impressed by the nature reserves. It is a perfect place for people who love history, nature or a family of the same kind.
Boldt Castle and Heart Island
Definitely, Boldt Castle is one of the main things to see when you are in Thousand Islands. Besides being an impressive view, the building is also known for a beautiful love story which is loved by lovers from every corner of the globe. The amazing castle is sitting on a lovely heart-shaped island in the stunning St. Lawrence River.
Boldt Castle and Heart Island Overview
The tale of Boldt Castle is fundamentally linked to George Boldt who was a Prussian immigrant and after coming to America in 1864, he eventually became the owner of the famous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. So, as a major announcement of his love to his wife Louise in 1900, Boldt decided to build an over-the-top six-story castle with 120 rooms on Heart Island.
It is a very unfortunate fact that Louise died out of the blue in January 1904, only a few months before the completion of the castle. George, shaken to the core, immediately stopped all work and sent a telegram to Heart Island saying, “Stop all work, Louise has died.” George, amazingly, never came back to the island and thus, the castle remained unfinished for more than 70 years.
Boldt Castle Best Time to Visit
The public can see the Boldt Castle as well as the Boldt Yacht House from mid-May till mid-October. The new season is opened on Mother’s Day weekend and closed on Columbus Day. The Boldt Castle is available for visits every day from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm but the closing hour on the Independence Day weekend is 7:30 pm.
There is no doubt that the summer months from June to September is the best time to see the place when the weather will be perfect for outdoor activities. Apart from that, the flowers will be at their peak in the garden, which will certainly contribute to the romantic vibe of the island setting.
Antique Boat Museum
For history and boat lovers, the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton is one of the top things to do in thousand islands. As the largest freshwater nautical museum in North America, this wonderful museum preserves and celebrates the rich boating history of the area through a great collection of historic boats.
Antique Boat Museum Overview
Situated along the beautiful banks of the St. Lawrence River, the Antique Boat Museum has the largest collection of antique and classic boats on display in North America [3]. The museum has a 4.5-acre waterfront campus featuring 10 exhibit buildings displaying more than 300 well-preserved boats and thousands of recreational boating artifacts. This non-profit educational institution has transformed from a modest collection of antique boat admirers along the river’s edge into a national organization that makes significant economic and cultural contributions to the region.
Antique Boat Museum Best Time to Visit
The Antique Boat Museum operates seasonally from the first Friday in May to the end of October. The museum is typically open from 10 AM-5 PM daily [2]. Most visitors report they find 1.5 hours to be sufficient to enjoy their time at the museum.
There are multiple special events scheduled, and visitors should consult the museum’s calendar if interested in knowing more. The museum is proud of being host to the country’s longest-running continuous annual Antique Boat Show and Auction, usually scheduled for the second weekend in August. For those planning to attend the museum for the first time, I recommend attending the Tuesday Night FREE Sailing & Rowing program offered all July & August.
The best experience would be a visit in July/August as all the programs would be offered along with the best weather for exploring the indoor/outdoor exhibits! The Antique Boat Museum is, by any means, the place that provides the most fascinating things to do in the thousand islands and is a great combination of learning, history, and fun activities with a personal touch for everyone.
Wellesley Island State Park
Wellesley Island State Park, the largest camping area in the Thousand Islands, is a nature lover’s delight with the beautiful St. Lawrence River surrounding it. It is the ideal open air place for fans of nature to come and do a variety of activities. This wonderful small country tourist park gives the visitors almost limitless ways to commune with nature in the thousand islands region.
Wellesley Island State Park Overview
By the large number of 432 campsites scattered around the park, Wellesley Island State Park is definitely the primary camping location in the Thousand Islands region. The park lies on one of the largest islands in the area of the Thousand Islands, at the point where the St. Lawrence River is flowing out of Lake Ontario.
Wellesley Island State Park Best Time to Visit
Wellesley Island State Park is accessible to the public year-round and provides amazing experiences based on nature in each season. The summertime presents the most people and the most varied experience. The summer season is considered to go from after Memorial Day to after Labor Day. Along with good weather, this is a season for outside activities like boating, swimming and fishing. Lifeguards will be on duty for the swimming area during this time.
What a fall to fish if you are a fishing enthusiast! However, first of all, the park will turn into a winter wonderland with snow covering the park, and the summer hiking trails will be used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Thousand Islands Winery
One of the oldest and most notable wineries from the Thousand Islands area of the world, Thousand Islands Winery, has transformed an old homestead into a location that undoubtedly will be one of the Thousand Islands attractions that should be taken advantage of, especially by the wine lover. The winery has ample success history, and gives to its visitors as much an experience that cannot be forgotten as can its wines and splendid view and thus is a place that all those who are desirous and willing to take advantage of the opportunities found in this section of the country should by all means visit.
Thousand Islands Winery Overview
Thousand Islands Winery, is the largest farm winery in Northern New York State, is located on a farmstead with a history of over 180 years (since 1836). The story of the winery began when in 2002, Steve Conaway, a former U.S. Army Major, together with his wife Erika bought the farm. Looking at the Thousand Islands region, Steve, out of the many resemblances between the landscapes of the Thousand Islands and Europe, pointed out that there was one major difference; vineyards were not present in the St. Lawrence River region like they were in Europe.
Thousand Islands Winery Best Time to Visit
Thousand Islands Winery is open to the public for all four seasons of the year, and it functions every day from 10 AM to 5 PM. They have longer working hours from April to December. The winery is closed only on Christmas.
Singer Castle on Dark Island
Singer Castle, with its mystifying stance on Dark Island in the St. Lawrence River, is one of the closest things to a walk through time that you can find among the top attractions of Thousand Islands. The fairy tale fortress of the middle ages, which features secret tunnels and elegant rooms, is a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors to retrace the history and delight in the lavish way of life of the rich and powerful of America’s industrial era.
Singer Castle Overview
Constructed from 1903 to 1905 at a construction cost of $500,000, Singer Castle is the only castle in the area that was completely finished, furnished, and occupied during the time of the great builders and industrialists period in New York. It was commissioned by Frederick Gilbert Bourne, the fifth president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, who wished to surprise his wife Emma and their children with an island hunting lodge.
Comparison Table
| Attraction | Type | Location/Access | Key Features | Operating Season | Adult Admission | Tour Duration |
| Boldt Castle | Historic Castle | Heart Island (water access only) | – 120-room castle – 6 structures – Italian gardens – Historical exhibits | Mid-May to Mid-October | $13.50 | 1-2 hours |
| Antique Boat Museum | Maritime Museum | Clayton, NY | – 300+ preserved vessels – 10 exhibit buildings – Interactive experiences – La Duchesse houseboat | May to October | $15 | 1.5 hours |
| Wellesley Island State Park | State Park | Accessible via I-81 bridge | – 432 campsites – Nature Center – 8 miles of trails – Marina with 150 boat slips | Year-round (camping May-Oct) | Not mentioned | N/A |
| Thousand Islands Winery | Winery | Alexandria Bay area | – 40-acre historic farmstead – 19 acres of vineyards – 23 wine varieties – Tasting room | Year-round (closed Christmas) | $10-15 (tour options) | 1-2 hours |
| Singer Castle | Historic Castle | Dark Island (water access only) | – 28 rooms – Secret passageways – 4 floors – Historic furnishings | Mid-May to Early October | $14.75 | 45 minutes |
Conclusion
Thousand Islands, NY is a beautiful getaway destination providing beauty, history, and adventure. The clear waters of the St. Lawrence, the green landscapes and multitude of islands, provide an experience for anyone, from quiet boat trips to kayak rides to exhibitions of Boldt Castle or Rock Island Lighthouse and more. The local towns and restaurants plus the friendly atmosphere all lend themselves to the fact that this destination is easy to enjoy for any couple, family or outdoor enthusiast. Whether you plan to enjoy the view from an overpass or visit a small township or hidden stop along the way, the adventures and experience provided by Thousand Islands are sure to be lasting efforts that will be enjoyed for a lifetime. So plan ahead, enjoy the scenic trip and enjoy all that this area of Upstate NY has to offer.