Quick Details
Discover Thousand Islands New York by Kayak
Kayaking in the 1000 Islands of New York offers a wonderful paddling experience. Each island has its own individuality with features such as stately granite cliffs, soft sandy bays, tall dark pines and vibrant maple trees—it’s a paddling paradise. Many islands are privately owned but ample public access can be found at island parks and villages throughout the region.
The 1000 Islands region is located along the St Lawrence River in northern New York on the Canadian border. Vacationers discovered the islands in the 1870s, when wealthy people began to build summer homes while other travelers came to stay in large hotels. For more than a century the area has been a mecca for summer visitors. In the more distant past the islands were stepping stones between New York State and the Province of Ontario—in times of trouble between Canada and the United States, a place of refuge and a setting for disreputable deeds. In more recent times wineries and distilleries have sprung up adding another reason to visit the area.
Our lodging while in this region is at Bonnie Castle Resort. The legacy of Bonnie Castle was begun in 1877, when Dr. Josiah Holland built his grand estate, “one of the most picturesque and attractive cottages on the river.” Holland, a novelist and poet, was one of the founders and editors of Scribner’s Monthly. He named the beautiful property after his 1874 novel, Arthur Bonniecastle. The resort is perfectly positioned on the river with a kayak launch just a few steps from your room. In addition to the views of Boldt Castle the property also has 3 restaurants and is walking distance to downtown Alexandria Bay.
Trip Highlights
- Kayaking on the St. Lawrence River and smaller creeks in the region.
- Waterside lodging
- Boldt Castle
- Antique Boat Museum Tour
- Rock Island Lighthouse
- Half-day off to explore local shops, wineries, and distilleries
- Traditional 1000 Islands Shore Dinner
What’s Included and Trip Cost
- All lodging at Bonnie Castle Resort in Alexandria Bay, NY
- Dinner on the first and last nights and all lunches except for Wednesday
- Entrance fees to historical sites
- Kayaks and all necessary paddling equipment
- Scott Locorini as your NYS licensed guide
- Assistance with arranging a Syracuse, NY airport shuttle
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Subject to change based on weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Day 1 – Arrive at Bonnie Castle Resort for check-in after 3:00 PM. We will meet in the common area to the side of the check in area at 5:00 PM for a “meet and greet” and then head out for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2 – On our first day we will start right from the resort. This is where gear will be distributed for the week, boats will be unloaded and fitted and basic paddling instruction will be given. After some “getting comfortable time”, we’ll head out on “the river” for a paddle.
Day 3 – We will head over to French Creek near Clayton to paddle down towards the town of Clayton. French Creek is a small waterway in a wildlife preserve and offers plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. While in Clayton we’ll paddle in to the antique boat museum for a tour. This museum is the premier freshwater nautical museum in North America with over 300 unique and beautifully-preserved boats and thousands of recreational boating artifacts. It is a must see when in the area.
Day 4 – We do a short morning paddle from the resort to circumnavigate the peninsula that the resort sits on and explore the area around Alexandria Bay. The afternoon will be time off to explore the local shops, wineries, distilleries and restaurants.
Day 5 – We leave again from the resort to paddle to Boldt Castle on Heart Island and explore more areas of the river beyond the castle. Construction began on Boldt Castle in 1900 at the bidding of millionaire hotel magnate George C. Boldt as a tribute to his beloved wife Louise. Boldt Castle was designed as their summer dream home on the St. Lawrence River, in the heart of the 1000 Islands. However it was not to be, Mrs. Boldt passed away suddenly just months before the completion of the castle. Mr. Boldt was inconsolable and immediately stopped all construction on Heart Island, leaving the property vacant for over seventy years… Today there are six impressive structures to explore on Heart Island the Castle, the Power House, the Alster Tower, the Hennery, the Arch, and a stone Gazebo. Exhibits in the various structures and a 15 minute video presentation offer a look into the lifestyle of George and Louise Boldt, along with a history of the 1000 Islands Region and the restoration efforts on Heart Island.
Day 6 – On the last day we’re going “island hopping”! We launch from Grass Point State Park and paddle among an island group out to the Rock Island Lighthouse where we’ll land, climb the stairs of the lighthouse and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the St Lawrence River from the lantern room. We’ll also tour the museum in the keeper’s quarters and learn about the history of the island, its keepers, and the magnificent St. Lawrence River. After our visit we’ll continue out into the islands towards Canoe Point State Park.
On our final night together a traditional 1000 Islands Shore Dinner will be prepared for you. The tradition of the shore dinner dates back to the late 1800’s when the oarsmen, now known as guides, would row passengers in their skiffs to and from fishing grounds. Stopping midday at an island they would cook a noonday meal of the morning’s catch, not much different from that prepared by today’s guides. The dinner consists of fatback and red onion sandwiches topped with 1000 Islands dressing (don’t knock it until you’ve tried it), fried fish, sweet corn, salt potatoes, salad and “guides” french toast for dessert.
Day 7 – We say our “goodbyes” and check out will be at 10AM from the resort.
NOTE: There are a minimum number of participants required to confirm the trips. Therefore please do not make any travel arrangements (airline flights, train) until you have received confirmation from us that the trip has fully booked. A 50% deposit is due at time of reservation, with payment in full due 60 days prior to the trip’s start date.