1000 Islands boat tour from Clayton: Boldt Castle & lighthouse
Two castles and a working lighthouse in one afternoon, from the river
A five-hour sightseeing boat tour departing from Clayton, New York, that cruises the St. Lawrence River to Boldt Castle and Rock Island Lighthouse, with lunch, both admissions, and a local guide included. The boat travels through Canadian and U.S. waters without requiring a passport, passes under the Thousand Islands Bridge, and gives you time to walk two of the islands themselves.
Step-by-step itinerary
1000 Islands Sightseeing and Castle Tour
- Depart from Clayton, NY
- Cruise through US and Canadian waters
- Circle Wellesley Island
- Visit Boldt Castle on Heart Island
- Cruise Millionaires Row
- Stop at Rock Island Lighthouse
- Climb lighthouse and visit museum
The experience
The boat leaves Clayton at 39611 Chateau Lane, and from there you weave among the islands through both Canadian and U.S. waters, no passport required. You'll circumnavigate Wellesley Island, the largest U.S. island in the region, then head north into Canadian waters toward Boldt Castle on Heart Island. Along the way the guide points out the "cottages" of Millionaires Row, the grand summer homes built during the Gilded Age, and you'll watch ocean-going ships (called Lakers and Saltys) moving through the St. Lawrence River Seaway Shipping Channel on their way to and from the Great Lakes and ports around the world. The boat passes under two spans of the Thousand Islands Bridge System, one in Canada and one in the U.S.
At Boldt Castle, you step onto Heart Island to tour the Rhineland-style castle George Boldt built starting in 1900 as a summer home for his wife Louise. Construction stopped abruptly when she died before the castle was finished, and it sat empty for over seventy years before restoration began. The castle sits among the islands on the river, and the admission is included in your tour price. From there you continue to Rock Island Lighthouse State Park, where you can climb to the top of the lighthouse for views of the St. Lawrence Seaway, walk the island, and visit the Keepers Cottage Museum & Gift Shop. A picnic lunch is served on board during the cruise, prepared for your group in advance. Contact the operator ahead of time to confirm your choices.
The tour runs five hours total and includes a local naturalist guide, restrooms on board, and the chance to walk along two of the islands. You'll return to Clayton at the end of the day. Arrive 30 minutes early for parking and ticket pickup. Boarding starts 15 minutes before departure.
What’s included
- Sightseeing boat cruise through the 1000 Islands.
- picnic lunch prepared for your group.
- admission to Boldt Castle on Heart Island.
- admission to Rock Island Lighthouse State Park.
- opportunity to walk two of the islands.
- local naturalist guide.
- onboard restroom.
Information
Lasts 5h, from US$ 84 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.
Prices and times updated 7 days ago
Operated by Clayton Island Tours, LLC
Is this one for you?If you have an afternoon free and want to see the region's two most famous landmarks without arranging separate transportation and tickets, this tour bundles them into one boat ride. The guide handles the history, lunch is ready when you board, and you're back in Clayton by evening.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (under 5): free.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
Can I visit Boldt Castle if I'm coming from the U.S. side without a passport?
Yes. The boat travels through both Canadian and U.S. waters to reach Boldt Castle on Heart Island, but no passport is required for this tour.
What is Boldt Castle and why is it worth seeing?
Boldt Castle is a Rhineland-style mansion on Heart Island that millionaire George Boldt began building in 1900 as a summer home for his wife Louise. Construction stopped when she died unexpectedly, and the castle remained abandoned for over 70 years before restoration. It's one of the most recognizable landmarks in the 1000 Islands region.
Do I have to climb the lighthouse, or can I skip that stop?
Rock Island Lighthouse is included as a stop on the tour, and climbing to the top is optional. You can also walk the island or visit the Keepers Cottage Museum & Gift Shop instead.
Is lunch included, and can I request a specific meal?
A picnic lunch is included in the tour price. Contact Clayton Island Tours before your departure to confirm your lunch choices, as meals are prepared for each reservation.
How long is the full tour, and what time does it return to Clayton?
The tour runs five hours total, departing from and returning to Clayton, New York. Arrive 30 minutes early for parking and ticket redemption. Boarding begins 15 minutes before departure.
What will I see as we cruise through the 1000 Islands?
You'll pass the grand summer homes of Millionaires Row built during the Gilded Age, watch ocean-going ships traveling the St. Lawrence River Seaway Shipping Channel, and cruise under two spans of the Thousand Islands Bridge System: one in Canada and one in the U.S.
1000 Islands boat tour from Clayton: Boldt Castle & lighthouse
5h · EN
from US$ 84 per person