It is no surprise that Canada stands as the leading source of international tourists to the United States, contributing over $20 billion to the American economy. The flow of tourism is reciprocal, with Americans spending a similar amount in Canada. Among the favored cross-border destinations is the stunning Thousand Islands region, which straddles both Canada and the United States at the confluence of the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. This picturesque area is a summer paradise, renowned for its boating activities, vibrant festivals, thrilling water sports, and delectable local cuisine—most notably, the iconic Thousand Islands dressing that originated in Clayton, New York.
Visitors are drawn to charming towns brimming with shops, restaurants, and cozy bed-and-breakfasts, all while being enchanted by the nearby castles, shipwrecks, and lighthouses. Tourists from both Canada and the U.S. frequently cross the river to explore each other’s offerings, and the region’s natural beauty also attracts international travelers.
Canadian Adventures in Thousand Islands
As a resident of Ontario, I cherish hiking in Thousand Islands National Park, where breathtaking views of Landon Bay await. My husband and I enjoy crossing the Thousand Islands International Bridge from Rockport, Ontario, into New York State. Our favorite stops include the lively town of Alexandria, filled with pubs and eateries, and Clayton, where we often spend the night, soaking in the sunset from the riverside park.
Historically, both sides of the Thousand Islands have collaborated to enhance their tourism experiences. It is common to see both Canadian and American flags displayed proudly. However, recent trade tariffs and negative political rhetoric from the Trump administration have raised concerns about the future of this friendly cross-border partnership.
Time to Choose Canada?
In February, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau encouraged Canadians to “Buy Canadian,” specifically highlighting the tourism sector. “Now is the time to choose Canada… It might mean changing your summer vacation plans to explore the many national and provincial parks, historical sites, and tourist destinations our great country has to offer,” he stated. Some local travel agencies have already noted a cooler reception from potential visitors.
Corey Fram, director of tourism for the 1000 Islands International Tourism Council in the U.S., explained, “We have long collaborated across the border on regional destination marketing projects. If anything, the trade rhetoric from Washington and Ottawa has pushed us closer together as we recognize our dependence on one another.” He emphasized that a decline in Canadian visitors—who account for about 20 percent of U.S. visitation—could lead to significant financial losses for local businesses.
Despite the uncertainty, Canadian cancellations have been minimal thus far. Fram noted, “We’ve heard a few anecdotal stories from operators about lost customers citing international attitudes as their reason for canceling, but most operators report no significant feedback or that it’s too scattered to measure.” On the Canadian side, the situation seems more optimistic. Kathrine Christensen, executive director of the Tourism Marketing Program in Gananoque, stated, “With a strong U.S. dollar, we typically see an influx of American visitors. We are anticipating a booming year, regardless of the political noise south of the border.”
A Warm Welcome Awaits
For British visitors, the Thousand Islands region presents an inviting outdoor playground filled with sparkling waters, lush islands (there are actually over 1,800 islands despite the name), and grand 19th-century mansions. Although travelers will require both an ESTA and a Canadian ETA, as well as U.S. and Canadian dollars, the effort is certainly worthwhile.
The mighty St. Lawrence River, which connects the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, flows with 20 percent of the world’s fresh water and serves as a vital resource for North America. The border between Ontario and New York slices through the center of this majestic river, which spans approximately five miles in width. Each country’s shoreline features scenic drives, and the Thousand Islands International Bridge offers an easy passage with a passport checkpoint in between.
Highlights in the U.S.
Last year, the eastern portion of Lake Ontario was designated as a new National Marine Sanctuary in the U.S., encompassing nearly 2,000 nautical square miles of cold freshwater, dotted with 41 well-preserved shipwrecks and one airplane wreck, making it a hotspot for divers. However, most tourists prefer to explore via boat tours that range from one to five hours, departing from the towns of Clayton and Alexandria Bay. Some of the key highlights include:
- Boldt Castle
- Singer Castle
- Historic summer homes along Millionaires Row
- Rock Island Lighthouse
In Clayton, visitors can discover the Antique Boat Museum, which houses a remarkable 106-foot, 10-bedroom houseboat named La Duchesse, once owned by Boldt Castle’s creator, George C. Boldt. The museum also offers 45-minute river rides in vintage mahogany day cruisers. In addition, Clayton boasts an opera house, distilleries, and wineries. Coyote Moon Vineyards, located just outside the town, offers tours and tastings, along with a bakery that serves delicious pastries. At Saint Lawrence Spirits, guests can sample vodka, gin, absinthe, and whiskey crafted from St. Lawrence River water. The Thousand Islands Museum on the waterfront details the area’s history and hosts the Muskie Hall of Fame, celebrating the region’s renowned fish, the muskellunge.
Clayton is particularly famous for being the birthplace of Thousand Islands salad dressing—a delightful combination of mayonnaise, tomato puree, and chopped pickles. In the early 1900s, fishing guide George LaLonde Jr. took clients out on the St. Lawrence River for fishing excursions, which included a shore dinner at the Herald Hotel featuring a salad dressed with what is claimed to be Sophia LaLonde’s creation. One of his clients, stage actress May Irwin, requested the recipe, dubbing it “Thousand Island.” She later shared it with her hotelier friend George C. Boldt, who featured it at the Waldorf Astoria in New York, thus introducing it to the world.
Highlights in Canada
The Thousand Islands region is home to over 1,800 islands, making it a stunning locale for exploration. The area, stretching between Kingston and Brockville, includes the vibrant riverside towns of Gananoque and Rockport, which serve as launching points for boat tours on the Canadian side. Visitors can engage in a variety of outdoor activities such as:
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
- Paddling
The region comprises 19 parks, including Thousand Islands National Park, and offers exciting helicopter rides for breathtaking aerial views. Adventure seekers can experience Treetop Trekking 1000 Islands, located along the 1000 Islands Parkway, where they can leap from wooden platforms and zipline through the treetops.
In Gananoque, visitors will find a wealth of 19th and early 20th-century architecture. The Thousand Islands Boat Museum features a boatbuilding shop, antique vessels, and exhibits honoring local boat builders. Nearby, the 1000 Islands History Museum, situated at the historic site of the former Thousand Island Railway Station, presents exhibits on the area’s geology, ecology, Indigenous Peoples, settlers, and industrial history.
Travel Tips
To reach the Thousand Islands, the closest Canadian gateway is Ottawa, approximately a 90-minute drive away. Toronto and Montreal are around two and a half to three hours by car. In the U.S., New York, Philadelphia, and Boston are about six hours away, with connecting flights available to Syracuse, roughly a 90-minute drive from the region.
Where to Stay
During summer, campgrounds on both sides of the border are popular, but for a serene experience year-round, island cottages and waterfront inns are ideal. In Clayton, the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel overlooks the St. Lawrence River, with room rates starting at $250. On the Canadian side, the historic Gananoque Inn & Spa also offers riverside accommodations, with rates beginning at C$250.
Additional Information
For travel to the U.S., an ESTA costs $21, available at esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta. Meanwhile, a Canadian ETA costs C$7 and can be obtained at eta.onlineservices-servicesenligne.apps.cic.gc.ca.
For more about visiting Gananoque and exploring the 1000 Islands, check out Visit 1000 Islands.
