Recommended Long-weekend: Canada Day; Civic Day; Labour Day
Distance from Toronto: 170 miles (270km)
When Torontonians visit Kingston,
Ontario, boarding a cruise to see the Thousand Islands on the St. Lawrence
River is a must. However, many people are unaware that the United States shares
these beautiful islands with Canada. Besides having the
same natural beauty of the islands as on the Canadian side, the islands on the
American side are more developed and rich in cultural and historical attractions.
Overview of the Thousand Islands
The
Thousand Islands were formed by ice erosion approximately 12,000 years ago at
the end of the last ice age. However, Aboriginal legend interprets the creation
of the Thousand Islands differently. First Nations believe that, in the
past, Paradise itself was located here. The Great Spirit took away this Eden,
and in His anger threw it back to earth as a punishment for mankind’s many
wars. The land was broken into thousands of pieces, and thus the Thousand
Islands were formed.
As
with the Niagara Falls, the Thousand Islands are shared by Canada and the
United States. The Canadian islands are situated in the province of Ontario,
while the American islands are in New York State. Two-thirds of the Islands’
landmass belongs to Canada, the rest to the United States. The islands number
1,864 in all, or 1,865 (however, the number of islands as published on
Wikipedia is smaller at 1,793), when the man-made island Longue Vue is
included. This total is based on the criteria that any island must be above
water level 365 days/year, bigger than one square foot, and support at least
one tree or shrub.
Fun Fact:
·
There is only one artificial island in the
Thousand Islands, Longue Vue Island. The story goes that when a doting husband
couldn’t find a single island to build his wife a summer home, so he had built
a piece of land around a rock. A luxurious mansion was constructed on this
man-made island afterwards. The story ends sadly: almost right after the
mansion was completed, his wife ran off with another man!
The islands range in size from the
biggest, Wolfe Island (46 mile²), to the smallest, Tom Thumb (only big enough
for one small tree), both of which belong to Canada. The islands stretch for
about 50 miles downstream from Kingston, Ontario. The highest concentration of
islands is clustered near the Thousand Islands Bridge between Alexandria Bay,
New York and Ivy Lea, Ontario.
The
Thousand Islands area is very popular among vacationers, campers, and boaters,
and is often referred to as the ‘freshwater boating capital of the world’. The
Canadian side of the islands is in a more natural state due to stricter
regulations regarding the erection of cottages on the islands. The American
side is known for its summer homes of the rich and famous, so there are more
mansions and castles.
Overview of Itinerary
The
American share of the Thousand Islands is rich in both natural and
cultural/historical attractions. The following itinerary is recommended when visiting the region.
Map of 1000 Islands
On the
first day, drive to the mainland U.S. in the morning. The process of getting to
the destination is unique and enjoyable, involving ferries, scenic drives, and
the fastest border crossing. In the afternoon, first visit Tibbetts
Point Lighthouse at Cape Vincent. Then visit Sackets
Harbor Battlefield State Historical Site, where two critical battles happened in the War of 1812. The Town of
Sackets Harbor itself is tidy and pleasant to stroll, and you can shop at
Watertown afterward.
The second day takes in the highlight of the trip. Jump on the
Sam Boat Tour to enjoy the beauty of the Thousand Islands area and visit two
legendary and grandiose castles, Singer Castle and Boldt Castle,
the most famous attractions in the region.
Fun Facts:
·
There is a pair of islands near Rockport,
Ontario, called the Zavikon Islands. A popular tale among local tourist guides
is that the bigger island is in Canada, while the smaller one is in the U.S.,
and the 7-foot long footbridge between them is the shortest international
bridge in the world. However, According to Google Maps and the U.S. Coast Guard
topographical map, it appears that both islands are, in fact, located in
Canadian waters approximately 100 meters north of the border. Flags seen along
the bridge are merely a symbol of the friendship that exists between the two
nations.
Wolfe Island Ferry
On the morning of the third day, drive to Clayton to visit the largest freshwater boat
museum in North America, the Antique
Boat Museum. Additionally, driving
on the 8.5 mile-long Thousand Islands Bridge on the way back to Canada is also
a unique experience.
The Thousand Islands region is a summer
destination. Therefore, your best choice is Civic Day or else Labour Day and
Canada Day.
Day 1 (Saturday): Wolfe Island/Cape Vincent/Sackets Harbor
Morning: Drive to Cape Vincent, NY
Driving from Toronto to Cape Vincent is
complicated but fascinating. The trip can be divided into four parts.
Map of 1000 Islands Ferry
Part 1:
Drive from Toronto to Kingston Ferry Terminal
Mainly
driving on Hwy-401, this is the most straightforward part of the entire drive.
Detailed driving instructions are as follows:
Depart at Hwy-401 & Hwy-404—Drive along
Hwy-401 east for 150 miles—At exit-617 turn right (south) onto Division Street
for 2.7 miles—Veer left (east) onto Hwy-2 for 0.7 mile—Turn left (north) onto
Hwy-2 (Ontario Street) for 0.1 mile then immediately turn right to arrive at
Kingston Ferry Terminal to cross to Wolfe Island. Total driving distance for
this part is 153.5 miles.
Part 2: Take the Ferry to Wolfe Island
The
Wolfe Island Ferry operates between Kingston Ferry Terminal and Marysville Dock
in summer on Wolfe Island. The ferry not only serves as a vital lifeline to
Wolfe Island’s community but also services those visiting Wolfe Island and
serves as the transit stop between the United States and Canada. The ferry
holds approximately 55 cars and 330 passengers per trip, and is free.
The waiting line for the ferry is not long and arriving half an hour in
advance should secure your spot. There are short and narrow upper decks on both
sides of the ferry boat for passengers to stroll around. Washrooms are also
available on board.
Kingston Ferry Terminal General Information
Address: The
intersection of Ontario Street and Barrack Street, Kingston, ON
Seasons/Hours:
Leaves Kingston, ON
6:15 am
|
10:30 am
|
3:00 pm
|
7:00 pm
|
11:20 pm
|
7:15 am
|
11:30 am
|
4:00 pm
|
8:00 pm
|
12:40 am
|
8:30 am
|
12:30 am
|
5:00 pm
|
9:00 pm
|
2:00 am
|
9:30 am
|
2:00 pm
|
6:00 pm
|
10:00 pm
|
Fees: Free
Phone: (613)
548-7227
Website: www.wolfeisland.com/ferry.php
Reservations:
Unnecessary
Name of Ferry Boat: The
Wolfe Islander III
Crossing Time: 20
minutes
Part 3: Drive across Wolfe Island
When
you arrive at Marysville Ferry Dock on Wolfe Island, turn right onto Main
Street and watch for the sign ‘Ferry to U.S.’ at the end of the street. Follow
the sign to turn left onto Hwy-95 and drive south 7 miles until the end of the
road where the ferry dock to the U.S., Horne’s Ferry, is located.
Wolfe Island, largest among the Thousand
Islands, is located directly opposite Kingston and forms a natural boundary
between the Canadian and American shores. It divides the St. Lawrence River and
Lake Ontario and is called the ‘Gateway to the Seaway’. The island is
twenty-some miles in length and ranges from one to seven miles in breadth, with
about 46 miles² in area.
Part 4: Ferry from Horne’s Ferry Dock on Wolfe Island
to Horne’s Ferry Dock, Cape Vincent, NY
As the
gateway connecting Canada and the U.S., Wolfe Island offers the only
international ferry on St. Lawrence River to Cape Vincent, NY. Horne’s Ferry
dock on Wolfe Island is located on the island’s southernmost tip, Alexandria
Point. The ferry boat is much smaller than the one between Kingston and Wolfe
Island, so it takes the ferry assistant some effort to park the approximate 15
vehicles on board. Horne’s Ferry’s operation season runs from early May until
late October. The schedule is as posted with additional trips as traffic demands.
The
Horne’s Ferry schedule is synchronized with the Kingston/Wolfe Island Ferry so
that the wait for the next ferry is no more than 5 minutes if you drive down to
Horne’s Ferry immediately after you get off the Kingston/Wolfe Island ferry.
Upon
arriving at Cape Vincent on the American mainland, two customs officers will
check your immigration documents. The border crossing is extremely easy without
the long wait plaguing most other border crossings.
Horne’s Ferry General Information
Address: 2262 Hwy 95,
Wolfe Island, Ontario, Canada
Seasons/Hours:
Leaves Wolfe Island, ON, for Cape Vincent, NY
8:00 am
|
11:15 am
|
2:45 pm
|
5:40 pm
|
9:15 am
|
12:15 pm
|
3:45 pm
|
7:00 pm
|
10:15 am
|
1:15 pm
|
4:45 pm
|
Fees: Car & driver
– Canadian $18; Passenger – Canadian $2 (cash only)
Phone: (315) 783-0638
(New York); (613) 385-2402 (Ontario)
Email: horneferry@aol.com
Email: horneferry@aol.com
Website: http://hferry.com
Crossing Time: 10
minutes
Afternoon: Tibbetts Point Lighthouse
of Cape Vincent/Sackets Harbor
1. Tibbetts Point Lighthouse of Cape Vincent
Cape Vincent is a small village in Jefferson County, NY, with a
population of only 760. Cape Vincent has a strong French heritage and it’s said
to be the place where Napoleon Bonaparte wanted to settle down to seek refuge
in the early 1800s. Now Cape Vincent is a nice and quiet hamlet serving
primarily as a transportation hub. Attractions lie outside the village and
Tibbetts Point Lighthouse is the most famous.
Named
after its original owner, Captain John Tibbett, the lighthouse is a circular tower standing
69 feet above water. The
original lighthouse was built in 1827, while the present one was built in 1854.
The light is still active and is the only operational classical Fresnel lens in
Lake Ontario.
Tibbetts
Point Lighthouse marks the point where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence
River so that the view is spectacular. There is also a visitor’s center, a fog
house, and a gift shop on the grounds. A large picnic pavilion is also
available onsite.
General Information
Address: 33435 Route 6,
Cape Vincent, NY
How to Get Here: Depart
Cape Vincent—Drive onto SR-12E (W. Broadway Road) for 0.6 mile—Road name
changes to CR-6 (Tibbetts Point Road)—Drive on CR-6 (Tibbetts Point Road) for 2
miles until the end of the road
Seasons/Hours: Open
Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend. End of May – end of June and early
September –early October, open Friday to Monday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm; end of June-early
September, open daily, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Fees: Free
Phone: (315) 654-2700
Email: tibbettspointlighthouse@gmail.com
Email: tibbettspointlighthouse@gmail.com
Parking: Plenty of free
parking onsite
2. Sackets Harbor
Map of Sackets Harbor
Sackets Harbor is located 22 miles south of Cape Vincent. Midway between
Cape Vincent and Sackets Harbor, you’ll pass the small town of Chaumont near
Chaumont Bay. Billed as ‘the largest freshwater bay in the world’ by the
Thousand Islands International Tourism Council, the hyperbolic claim may not
hold true since Lake Huron’s Georgian Bay in Canada is obviously much larger.
Sackets
Harbor is one of New York State’s Heritage Areas with exceptional historic
attractions, museums, and wonderful views of Lake Ontario. Sackets Harbor is
small enough that all attractions are well within walking distance.
Begin
your visit at the Sackets Harbor Heritage Area Visitors Center, located on West
Main Street, with some interesting exhibits including large sailboat models.
Then, on your walk down Main Street toward Lake Ontario, you’ll see Seaway
Trail Discovery Centre on your left side and the waterfront harbour on your
right side. At the end of Main Street you’ll notice the most famous attraction
here, Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site, location of two crucial
battles in the War of 1812.
 |
Map 1-3: Sackets Harbor |
Following the outbreak of war between the United States and Great Britain in June 1812, Sackets Harbor, with its strategic position, became the center of American naval and military activities for the upper St. Lawrence Valley and Lake Ontario.
In July 1812 and May 1813, British warships
attacked the harbour twice, but were driven off by gun batteries ashore. Until
the end of the war in December 1814, Sackets Harbor was America’s single
largest naval port and shipbuilding centre. In 1866, the central part of the
battlefield along Lake Ontario was set aside to commemorate the war.
Picture 1-1: Assistants
Demonstrating How Women Helped in the War of 1812 at Sackets Harbor
Take a self-guided walking tour or join a tour
guided by a volunteer dressed in military uniform of 1812. Centennial Monument,
dedicated in 1913 to the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Sackets Harbor, is
the most visited of all attractions at the harbour. Some of the other historic
buildings such as the Commandant’s House and the storage building have been
refurbished for visiting. The whole tour takes about one hour at a relaxed
pace.
During
some special events in the summer months, guides dressed in military attire of
1813 re-enact camp life of the common soldiers. Also, girls dressed up in 19th
century apparel are onsite to demonstrate how women contributed to the War of
1812.
Sackets Harbor Battlefield General Information
Address: 504 West Main Street, Sackets Harbor, NY
How
to Get Here: Depart Tibbetts
Point Lighthouse—Drive onto CR-6 for 2.6 miles—Turn right onto SR-12E for 17
miles—Turn right (south) onto SR-180 for 5 miles—Veer right (west) onto SR-3
for 1.3 miles—Keep right onto CR-17 for the last 1.3 miles
Seasons/Hours: Grounds are open year-round, 8:00 am till sunset. Historic structures
are open Wednesday to Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
from May 24 to June 30. Open Monday to Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday, 1:00
pm – 5:00 pm from July 1 to September 2.
Fees: Grounds are free. To visit historic structures, adults – $3; students
(13-21) – $2; children 12 years or under – Free
Phone: (315) 646-3634
Parking: Plenty of free parking in front of Sackets Harbor Visitor
Center
Evening: Shopping at Salmon Run Mall
If you need to go shopping, check out Salmon
Run Mall (21182 Salmon Run Mall Loop West, Watertown, NY; Monday – Saturday,
9:30am – 9:00pm, Sunday 11:00am – 6:00pm; 315-788-9210), located at the
intersection of NYS Rt-3 and I-81, 10 miles east of Sackets Harbor. Probably
the biggest mall in the area, it features popular retailers like Wal-Mart, JC
Penny, Sears, and Best Buy.
Day 2 (Sunday): Singer Castle/Boldt Castle at Alexandria Bay
Teeming with tourists in summer, Alexandria Bay (Alex Bay for short) is
the most important tourist centre in the Thousand Islands area and is styled
the ‘Heart of the Thousand Islands’. Highlights of Alexandria Bay are the two
legendary castles on two separate islands: Singer Castle on Dark Island and
Boldt Castle on Heart Island. Geographically, Singer Castle does not belong to Alexandria Bay, but most visitors visit the castle by taking the
boat tour from here.
Map 1-4: Alexandria Bay
Singer Castle and Boldt Castle are only
accessible by water. The best way to visit them is by
taking the well-designed Uncle Sam Singer Castle Boat Tour, combining the best
of nature and culture.
The Uncle Sam Boat Tour departs from the boat line’s dock at the foot
of James Street in downtown Alexandria Bay. The trip first covers an 11-mile
section of the Thousand Islands along the St. Lawrence River. Just as boat
tours on the Canadian side offer, Uncle Sam Boat cruises downstream upon the
St. Lawrence, passing countless beautiful islands. Two experienced tour guides
provide a lively narrative of the history and geography of the Thousand
Islands. Then the boat stops at Singer Castle and Boldt Castle one after
another, both of which are tour highlights. At Singer Castle, guests on the
boat are divided into several groups for a one-hour walking tour led by
informative local guides.
Morning: Singer Castle
Picture 1-2: Singer Castle
Singer Castle, opened to the public in August
2003, is a relatively new attraction in the Thousand Islands region. The Castle
is on Dark Island, located in the lower (eastern) Thousand Islands region near
Chippewa Bay, about 12 miles east of Alexandria Bay. Long known as Dark Island
Castle, the manse was named for Singer Sewing Machine Company, of which the
castle’s owner, Frederick Gilbert Bourne, was president.
In
1905, Bourne wanted to surprise his wife and children with an island retreat.
He purchased Dark Island and had designed and built this magnificent castle
originally known as ‘The Towers’. Italian stonecutters were engaged to shape
the granite for the 4-storey, 28-room mansion. Over 2,000 loads of topsoil were
brought from Canada to cover the 8 acres of rock.
After
being completed in 1905, Singer Castle was termed ‘the Castle of Mysteries’ by
the New York Times, as it was constructed with dungeons, turrets, labyrinths,
and even secret passageways. The name Dark Island merely adds flavour to the
mystery.
Singer Castle can only be visited via guided tour. Tour guides relate
the history of the castle, guiding you through all the different rooms
including the main hall, library, dining room, restrooms, servants’ quarters,
grounds, boathouses, etc. The furnishing is kept as it originally was. Sewing
machines are displayed everywhere to indicate the owner’s identity. If asked, guides
will gladly explain about any item displayed. The tour is well-managed and the
guides are knowledgeable and friendly.
There is a small gift shop and clean restrooms onsite but nowhere to
eat. Food is forbidden on the tour due to the potential for spills. You are
allowed to eat on the boat if you wish to bring along snacks.
Singer Castle General Information
Address: Singer Castle on Dark Island, Chippewa Bay, NY
Fees: Included in Sam Boat Singer Castle Tour
Phone: (315) 324-3275 or 1-877-327-5475
Email: tom@singercastle.com
Photo Policy: Allowed
Picture 1-3: Boldt Castle
On the way back to Alexandria Bay after
visiting Singer Castle, the boat stops at Boldt Castle, where passengers have
the option of disembarking at this stately manor on Heart Island. If you
disembark at Boldt Castle, you can enjoy two castles on the same tour, saving
time and money as well. Unlike Singer Castle, admission to Boldt Castle is
not included in the tour and you have to pay onsite. Guests who wish to go back
to Alexandria Bay directly can remain on board.
Afternoon:
Boldt Castle
Beginning
in 1900, George C. Boldt, millionaire proprietor of the world-famous Waldorf
Astoria Hotel in New York City, set out to build a full-size Rhineland castle
in Alexandria Bay on picturesque Heart Island for his wife, Louise. When the
castle was close to completion in 1904, Louise died suddenly. Boldt telegraphed
the island and commanded the workers to immediately halt construction because
he was so grief-stricken over the loss of his beloved. Boldt never returned to
the island, leaving behind him the structure as a monument of his love.
After
the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired the property in 1977, several
million dollars were spent in restoring and improving Boldt Castle structures,
which were subsequently opened to the public. In 2007, Boldt Castle was ranked
14th among America’s ‘Most Visited Historic House Museums’.
Fun
Facts:
· There are two
alternate versions explaining why George Boldt halted construction. One
is that when Louise died, George stopped building not so much from grief, but
simply because he could no longer afford to continue. Another one, less
believable version, is that George abandoned the edifice when Louise ran off
with their chauffeur.
Unlike Singer Castle, Boldt Castle is a complex of several buildings
including the castle
itself, the Power House, the Alster Tower, the Hennery, the Arch, the stone
Gazebo and a Yacht House. The Castle rises six storeys from the foundation
level of the indoor swimming pool to the highest towered room. Inside the
castle, the first floor is completely renovated and very impressive. The
complex is dedicated to displaying the intriguing lives of George and Louise
Boldt and the development of the Thousand Islands. However, the interior
of the rest of the floors remains in primitive condition.
Picture 1-4: Boldt Castle Yacht House
Another must-see at Boldt Castle is the Yacht House. Take a free shuttle from Heart Island to the
Yacht House, which is actually located on Wellesley Island (the largest
American island in the Thousand Islands area), across the water. The family’s three
yachts and an enormous houseboat were accommodated here. The Yacht House was
the first of these remarkable buildings to be listed on the National Register
of Historic Places. Additional admission is charged (13+ years – $5, 6 – 12
years – $3).
The
other parts of the castle are also very impressive. Among them, the Alster
Tower is often referred to as the Playhouse. Because of
its unique shape and location, the Alster Tower is especially eye-catching.
Compared
to Singer Castle, Boldt Castle is bigger, more majestic, and offers more areas
to explore. However, Singer Castle is more fully restored, carefully preserved
in its interior and exterior.
Fun
Fact:
·
A rendition of the creation of the famous
Thousand Islands Salad Dressing is also related to Boldt Castle. In 1894,
during one of Boldt’s yachting adventures in the Thousand Islands, George
Boldt’s personal chef created an unforgettable salad dressing. Boldt
subsequently introduced the concoction to the public and named it ‘Thousand
Islands Dressing’ in honour of the beautiful region where it was first created.
After visiting Boldt Castle, take any
Uncle Sam boat to return to Alexandria Bay with no more than half an hour wait.
The whole Uncle Sam Boat Tour takes 3.5 hours if you visit Singer Castle only,
and at least an additional 2 hours if you visit both castles.
Uncle Sam Boat Tours also offers a
separate tour to Boldt Castle alone (Departures every half an hour from 10:00am
to 6:00pm in summer; Adults – $8; Children – $4.50).
General Information
Address: Boldt Castle on Heart Island, 10 minute ferry from
Alexandria Bay
Seasons/Hours: Open
daily, early May to early October, 10:00am – 6:30pm; in July and August,
10:00am – 7:30pm
Fees: 13+ years – $9;
Children (6-12 years) – $6; Infants (5 years and under)
– free. A $0.50 off coupon may be
available at http://www.deals1000.com. Visiting both Boldt Castle and the Boldt
Castle Yacht House may allow a special rate of $12 for adults and $7 for
children.
Phone: 1-800-847-5263
Website: www.boldtcastle.com
Photo Policy: Allowed
Passengers taking the
Uncle Sam Boat Tour at 10:00am should be back at Alexandria Bay around 4:00pm.
For a leisurely stroll, traipse around Alexandria Bay for a little while before
heading back to your accommodations.
Uncle Sam Singer Castle Boat Tour Information
Dock Address: 45 James Street, Alexandria Bay, New York
Fees: Adults – $37; Children (ages 4-12) – $18.50.
Prices include cruise and admission to Singer Castle. Admission to Boldt
Castle is additional. A $2 off coupon may be available at www.deals1000.com/coupons.cfm
Seasons/Hours:
Daily departures at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm in July and August; All Sundays during
May, June, September, and early October departures are at 1:00 pm only.
Phone: (315) 482-2611
Parking: Plenty of free onsite parking
 |
| Uncle Sam Boat Tour |
Day 3 (Monday): Antique Boat Museum at Clayton
Morning: Antique Boat Museum at Clayton
Clayton is located 12 miles west of Alexandria Bay along SR-12E. Soon
after the War of 1812 was over, Clayton became a major shipbuilding and
lumbering port. At present, Clayton is home to some unique museums including
the renowned Antique Boat Museum in the Thousand Islands region. As an
alternative vacation destination in the region, Clayton is relatively quieter
than Alexandria Bay.
The Antique Boat Museum rests at the west end of Mary Street on the St.
Lawrence River. In the museum, you’ll find the largest and most impressive
collection of freshwater recreational boats in North America. The museum is
filled with more than 250 boats, including a Chippewa dugout canoe dating from
1860 and the world’s largest runabout, along with other old rowboats and
sailboats. The museum is especially notable for its St. Lawrence River Skiff
and classic powerboat collection. You can actually get on many of the boats and
explore. Every August, the museum also hosts the nation’s oldest antique boat
show.
A 30-minute guided tour of the 1903 houseboat La Duchesse is free
with Museum admission, but visitors must sign up at the admission desk upon
arrival.
Overall, the museum is well-displayed and should be interesting
especially to those interested in boats. The view of St. Lawrence River is
beautiful as you walk around on the ground level.
General Information
Address: 750 Mary Street, Clayton, NY
How to Get Here: 6 miles east of the Cedar Point State
Park along SR-12E
Seasons/Hours: Daily in the summer season until October, 9:00am - 5:00pm
Fees: Adults
– $14; Senior Citizens (65 and over) – $12; AAA Card – $12; Youth (7-17) – $8; Children (6 and under) – Free
Phone: (315) 686-4104
Fax: (315) 686-2775
Website: www.abm.org
Parking: Free onsite parking
Photo Policy: Allowed
Afternoon: Return to Toronto
Driving back to Toronto is also fun-filled as motorists cross the
Thousand Islands International Bridge over the St. Lawrence River to come back
into Canada. The bridge is in fact a series of bridges spanning several islands
of the St. Lawrence River, ultimately connecting both banks. The southern end
of the bridge connects to Interstate 81 in New York State and the northern end
of the bridge to Highway 401 via Highway 137 in Ontario. The actual
international border crossing, bridging Wellesley Island in the U.S. and Hill
Island in Canada, is said to
be ‘the smallest vehicular international bridge in the world’.
While waiting to cross the border at the middle of the bridge, you can
spot numerous larger or smaller islands stretching in front of you until the
horizon. Here you can revisit the beauty of the Thousand Islands for free.
Detailed
driving instructions are as follows:
From: Antique
Boat Museum, Clayton To: Hwy-401 & Hwy-404, Toronto
|
Driving Distance: 193.0
miles
Time:
3 hours, 23 minutes
|
Distance (Miles)
|
Instruction
|
0.0
|
Depart Antique Boat Museum, Clayton, NY
|
0.0
|
Drive onto Mary St. for 0.1 mile
|
0.1
|
Turn RIGHT (South-East) onto James St. for 0.2 mile
|
0.3
|
Turn LEFT (East) onto SR-12 [State St.] for 7.1 miles
|
7.4
|
Drive onto I-81 (west) at Exit 50 for 5.8 miles
|
13.3
|
Enter
Ontario
|
13.3
|
Road name changes to Hwy-137 for 2.4 miles
|
15.7
|
Take Ramp (left) onto Hwy-401 for 177.4 miles toward Toronto
|
193.0
|
Arrive Hwy-401 & Hwy-404, Toronto
|
Accommodations
Preferred Choice: Cedar Point State
Park Campground
Cedar Point State Park is located on Route 12E on
the St. Lawrence River, 6 miles west of Clayton, NY. One of the oldest
state parks in New York State, Cedar Point is a popular destination offering
excellent camping, fishing, boating, and swimming. Campsites and restrooms are
clean, and the whole campground is well-maintained.
The
beach is clean and sandy, though only about 50 meters long. There are boat
docks, a fishing pier, and picnic grounds onsite. From the overlook area,
visitors can watch freighters on St. Lawrence River passing by. In 2008, Cedar
Point State Park was ranked in the Top 25 Amazing Locations in America honoured
by the respected www.campingclub.com.
General Information
Address: Cedar Point State Park, 36661 Cedar Point
Drive, Clayton, NY
Seasons/Hours: Open from early May to
early October
Basic Fees: $15/night plus $9 non-refundable Reservations
Additional Fees:
Provisions
|
Nightly Fee
|
Friday, Saturday, and nights before holidays
|
$4
|
Electricity - 15/20/30 amps
|
$6
|
Out-of-State patrons
|
$5
|
Phone: (516) 854-4949
Maximum People per Site:
6
Other
Accommodations
Many
other campgrounds, such as Grass Point State Park (Route 12, 1 mile west of
I-81), Keewaydin State Park (Route 12, 1 mile west of Alexandria Bay), and
Wellesley Island State Park (I-81, Exit 51, Wellesley Island), are all within a
10 mile drive from Alexandria Bay. As a popular vacation destination, the
Thousand Islands region also provides a broad selection of motels/hotels for
budget travelers. Visit www.visit1000islands.com to reserve online.
Expenses
Gas: $60. Total driving distance is about 500 miles
(800 km). Expenses are calculated based on 25 mpg fuel economy (9.5 liters/100
km), $3 per gallon
Food: $120. Expenses for food are calculated based
on cooking your own food whenever possible and eating at fast food chains when
cooking is not an option
Accommodations: $57. 2-day campsite, $24 each day plus $9
reservation fee
Fees: $161. Uncle Sam Singer Castle Boat Tour and
Boldt Castle, $125; Antique Boat Museum family ticket, $36
Toll/Ferry/Parking: $25. Ferry fee from Wolfe Island to Cape
Vincent, $22; Thousand Islands Bridge toll, $2.75
Grand Total: $423
For the rest chapters, please refer to - Top 10 Long Weekend Road Trips to USA from Toronto.
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