Thousand Islands, Ontario: Scenic Archipelago
The Thousand Islands is a group of 1,864 islands that straddle the Canada–US border in the Saint Lawrence River as it emerges from the northeast corner of Lake Ontario. They stretch for about 50 miles (80 km) downstream from Kingston, Ontario. The Canadian islands are in the province of Ontario and the U.S. islands in the state of New York.
Visitor fee
There is no entrance fee to the Thousand Islands, but there are fees for some activities, such as boat tours and museum admissions.
Transportation
The Thousand Islands are easily accessible by car, bus, or train. There are also several airports in the region, including Watertown International Airport in New York and Kingston Airport in Ontario.
Things to do
are many things to do in the Thousand Islands, including:
- Boating: The Thousand Islands are a great place to go boating, whether you’re looking for a leisurely cruise or a more adventurous whitewater experience.
- Fishing: The Thousand Islands are home to some of the best fishing in the world, with over 100 species of fish to catch.
- Hiking and biking: There are several hiking and biking trails in the Thousand Islands, including the Thousand Islands National Park Trail and the Seaway Trail.
- Camping: There are several campgrounds in the Thousand Islands, perfect for a weekend getaway.
- Shopping: There are many charming shops in the Thousand Islands, selling everything from souvenirs to antiques.
- Dining: There are many great restaurants in the Thousand Islands, serving everything from fresh seafood to local cuisine.
List of activities
Here are some of the most popular activities in the Thousand Islands:
- Scenic boat tours: Take a boat tour and see the islands from a different perspective.
- Visit historic castles: There are several historic castles in the Thousand Islands, including Boldt Castle and Singer Castle.
- Go fishing: The Thousand Islands are home to some of the best fishing in the world.
- Hike or bike the trails: There are several hiking and biking trails in the Thousand Islands, perfect for a day of exploring.
- Visit the museums: There are several museums in the Thousand Islands, including the Thousand Islands Museum and the Antique Boat Museum.
- Go shopping: There are many charming shops in the Thousand Islands, selling everything from souvenirs to antiques.
- Enjoy the nightlife: There are several bars and restaurants in the Thousand Islands that offer live music and dancing.
Why people enjoy coming here
People enjoy coming to the Thousand Islands for a variety of reasons, including:
- The natural beauty: The Thousand Islands are a beautiful place to visit, with stunning scenery and abundant wildlife.
- The history: The Thousand Islands have a rich history, dating back to the arrival of the first European settlers.
- The activities: There are many things to do in the Thousand Islands, from boating and fishing to hiking and shopping.
- The atmosphere: The Thousand Islands are a relaxing and peaceful place to visit, with a small-town atmosphere.
How old is this place
The Thousand Islands are thought to have been formed about 12,000 years ago, when the glaciers retreated and the St. Lawrence River began to flow. The first European settlers arrived in the area in the 17th century, and the Thousand Islands became a popular tourist destination in the 19th century.
Additional nearby attractions
In addition to the Thousand Islands themselves, there are several other attractions in the region, including:
- Boldt Castle: This iconic castle is located on Heart Island in the Thousand Islands.
- Singer Castle: This Gothic-style castle is located on Dark Island in the Thousand Islands.
- Antique Boat Museum: This museum is located in Clayton, New York, and features a collection of antique boats from around the world.
- Thousand Islands National Park: This park is located in the Thousand Islands and features hiking trails, camping, and boating.
- Fort Henry: This historic fort is located in Kingston, Ontario, and was built during the War of 1812.