1000 Islands

The Thousand Islands are a group of more than 1,800 islands in the St. Lawrence River, straddling the border of the United States (northern NY) and Canada (southeastern Ontario) stretching about 50 miles downstream from where the river begins at the mouth of Lake Ontario. Along that stretch lay dozens of unique communities ranging from small cities to tiny villages and four-corner hamlets; all filled with rich histories and unique culture on both sides of the border.

Once a fashionable retreat for the elite in the late 19th century, vacationers have been coming to the 1000 Islands for more than 150 years to enjoy its breathtaking beauty. Waters that were once patrolled by pirates and Prohibition bootleggers are now cruised by cottagers and visiting boaters, who enjoy endless shorelines with serene bays, guided boat trips to historic castles, lighthouses, maritime museums, world-class fishing and diving, quaint downtown shopping, and more.