Thousand Islands

August 2008 -- I took my parents to Thousand Islands. The Thousand Islands are a group of more than 1800 islands in the St. Lawrence Seaway between the US (New York) and Canada (Ontario). The previous year, on our way back, I saw Thousand Islands for the first time. I told my mom, "I've got to come back." My mom had accompanied me on a trip to speak at a goat conference in Lindsay, Ontario, Canada.

St. Lawrence Seaway

Canada geese in Canada

Relaxation is what vacations are for.

Boldt Castle is one of the main landmarks and tourist attracts in the Thousands Islands region. Is is situated on Heart Island and dates to 1900. Millionaire George Boldt built it for his wife Louise, who died before the construction was complete. It was supposed to be their summer dream home. After she died, Boldt left the property vacant for over 70 years. No one ever lived in it. It is a tragic love story. Eventually, the castle was restored and furnished. It is open for the public to see.  

Boldt Castle

Heart Island

Inside Boldt Castle

The Arch

The most common thing to do in the Thousand Islands region is get on a boat. In addition to taking a ferry to Heart Island (to see Boldt Castle), we took sightseeing cruises originating from both the US and Canada. Both cruises were equally enjoyable and educational. We enjoyed learning the stories and legends associated with the different islands. I thought it would be so cool to own an island and spend summers there. I used to dream about it.

Boat rides are fun.

Just Room Enough Island is the smallest inhabited island in the Thousands Island chain. Also called Hub Island, it is around 3300 square feet or 1/13 of an acre. It has its own beach. Devil's Oven is another small island. According to legend, a pirate hid from the law in Devil's Oven. Many of the islands were purchased by the country's wealthiest families in the late 1800's-early 1900's. Millionaire's Row includes their lavishly built homes. The historic Rock Island lighthouse is located on a small island. It was originally commissioned in 1847 and was one of six lighthouses built on the St. Laurence Seaway. It is the best preserved. It was closed in 1955. We saw a sinking (crumbling) boathouse on Ina Island. Don't know if it's still there or not.

Just Room Enough

Devil's Oven

Millionaire's Row

Rock Island Lighthouse

Crumbling Boathouse on Ina Island

One of the many inhabited islands

On the Canadian side, Dad and I went up the 1000 Islands Tower. A high speed elevator takes you 425 feet up in 40 seconds. The top offers panoramic views of the Thousand Islands and St. Laurence Seaway. Mom stayed in the car as I recall.

1000 Islands Tower

Hard to beat the view from the tower.

Thousand Islands Bridge

I think my dad's favorite part of our Thousand Islands trip was the Antique Boat Museum (on the US side). It inspired him to build his wooden canoe. Sadly he never quite finished it. It was beautifully crafted.

At the helm

There was sailing school near the museum.

Mom and Dad at the boat museum