Thousand Islands

The Thousand Islands is one of North America’s most spectacular freshwater destinations, stretching for approximately 50 miles along the St. Lawrence River between Northern New York and Eastern Ontario. Despite its name, the region actually consists of more than 1,800 islands ranging from tiny rocky outcroppings to large inhabited islands with homes, resorts, castles, and state parks. Together they form an internationally recognized destination known for boating, fishing, waterfront communities, history, tourism, and outdoor recreation.

The region begins where Lake Ontario flows into the St. Lawrence River near Cape Vincent and extends northeast past Clayton, Alexandria Bay, Wellesley Island, Gananoque, and Brockville before continuing toward Kingston and beyond. The islands are divided by the international border between the United States and Canada, creating one of the world’s most unique cross-border landscapes where two nations share a remarkable freshwater ecosystem.

For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples used these waterways as major transportation and trade routes long before European exploration. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the Thousand Islands became strategically important during the French and Indian War and later the War of 1812, when control of the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario determined the movement of troops, supplies, and naval forces. Today, reminders of that history can still be found in historic forts, museums, shipwrecks, and waterfront communities throughout the region.

By the late nineteenth century, the Thousand Islands had become one of America’s premier vacation destinations. Wealthy families built elaborate summer homes and grand estates on many of the larger islands, giving rise to magnificent castles, historic hotels, and elegant waterfront communities. Perhaps the best-known landmark is Boldt Castle on Heart Island, while Singer Castle on Dark Island stands as another architectural treasure overlooking the international channel. These landmarks continue to attract visitors from around the world.

Today, the Thousand Islands economy depends heavily on tourism, recreation, and marine activities. Recreational boating remains at the heart of life on the river, with thousands of vessels navigating its channels each summer. Charter fishing for bass, muskellunge, northern pike, walleye, salmon, and lake trout attracts anglers from across North America, while kayaking, sailing, scuba diving, sightseeing cruises, camping, birdwatching, and waterfront dining make the region a year-round destination.

Communities such as Alexandria Bay, Clayton, Cape Vincent, Hammond, and Morristown in New York, along with Gananoque, Kingston, Brockville, and surrounding communities in Ontario, each contribute to the unique identity of the Thousand Islands. Marinas, museums, wineries, state parks, nature preserves, and waterfront festivals celebrate both the natural beauty and the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Environmental stewardship remains an essential part of preserving the Thousand Islands. Conservation organizations, local governments, and residents work together to protect water quality, wetlands, fish habitats, wildlife, and shoreline ecosystems that support one of the largest freshwater environments in the world.

The Watertown Post proudly covers the communities, businesses, tourism, boating, fishing, waterfront development, environmental issues, public safety, history, and events that shape the Thousand Islands region. Whether reporting on seasonal tourism, Coast Guard activity, harbor improvements, cross-border issues, conservation efforts, or major local events, our mission is to provide comprehensive coverage of one of the most beautiful and historically significant regions in North America.

Quick Facts

Region: Thousand Islands

Location: St. Lawrence River between Northern New York and Eastern Ontario

Countries:

• United States
• Canada

Number of Islands: More than 1,800

Length: Approximately 50 miles (80 km)

Waterway: St. Lawrence River

Beginning: Eastern Lake Ontario near Cape Vincent

Major U.S. Communities:

• Alexandria Bay
• Clayton
• Cape Vincent
• Hammond
• Morristown

Major Canadian Communities:

• Gananoque
• Kingston
• Brockville

Popular Activities:

• Boating
• Fishing
• Sailing
• Kayaking
• Scuba Diving
• Camping
• Sightseeing Cruises
• Wildlife Viewing

Major Attractions:

• Boldt Castle
• Singer Castle
• Wellesley Island State Park
• Thousand Islands Bridge System
• Antique Boat Museum
• Scenic Cruises
• Historic Lighthouses

Primary Industries:

• Tourism
• Hospitality
• Recreation
• Charter Fishing
• Marine Services
• Waterfront Development

Related Topics

• St. Lawrence River
• Eastern Lake Ontario
• Alexandria Bay
• Clayton
• Cape Vincent
• Kingston, Ontario
• Gananoque, Ontario
• Boldt Castle
• Singer Castle
• Heart Island
• Dark Island
• Wellesley Island
• Thousand Islands Bridge
• Antique Boat Museum
• Tibbetts Point Lighthouse
• Recreational Boating
• Fishing Reports
• War of 1812
• Jefferson County
• St. Lawrence County

Latest Watertown Post Coverage

Browse below for the latest Watertown Post reporting on the Thousand Islands, including boating, fishing, tourism, waterfront development, environmental conservation, community events, cross-border news, public safety, historic preservation, and everything happening throughout one of North America’s most iconic freshwater destinations.