1000 Islands: Boldt Castle & Rock Island Lighthouse Cruise Lunch

Summary

St. Lawrence river cruise to Boldt Castle and Rock Island with lunch

You’ll wind through the 1000 Islands by boat with a local guide, stopping to explore Boldt Castle’s bittersweet halls and climb Rock Island Lighthouse for sweeping views. Enjoy a picnic lunch on deck as freighters pass by and hear stories that bring this stretch of the St. Lawrence River alive—it’s more personal than you might expect.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I thought the 1000 Islands were just a bunch of rocks with trees on them. But standing on the dock in Clayton, NY, coffee still warm in my hand, I realized how wrong I was. The river had this low morning hum—gulls calling, boat engines starting up somewhere across the water. Our local guide (I think her name was Carol?) gave this little wave as we boarded and started chatting about how you can cross into Canada here without even thinking about it—no passport needed for this boat tour, which still feels kind of wild to me.

The cruise itself felt like drifting through someone else’s story. We wound between islands that looked like they’d been plucked out of old postcards—some with these grand “cottages” that are really more like mansions from another era. Carol pointed out one place where a family apparently holds pancake breakfasts for neighbors every July; she grinned and said she’s never been invited but keeps hoping. When we got to Heart Island for the Boldt Castle stop, the air smelled faintly of wet stone and grass after last night’s rain. Walking inside, you could almost feel George Boldt’s heartbreak in those unfinished rooms—there’s something about seeing a love story left hanging that sticks with you.

Lunch was simple but honestly hit the spot—a picnic box eaten right there on deck while we watched these massive ships (“lakers” or “saltys,” depending who you ask) slide by on their way to who-knows-where. After that, we stopped at Rock Island Lighthouse. The climb up was steeper than I expected (my legs are still reminding me), but the view at the top? Windy, bright, and somehow quiet even with everyone talking below. There’s a tiny museum in the keeper’s cottage too; I tried to imagine living there through a winter—don’t think I’d make it past November.

On the way back under those big bridge spans, Carol told us about her uncle who used to fish sturgeon out here “before it was cool.” She laughed when someone asked if she ever caught anything bigger than herself (apparently not yet). The sky kept changing—sun breaking through clouds one minute, then gray again—and I found myself wishing we could drift just a bit longer before heading back to Clayton.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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
• View ships on St. Lawrence Seaway
• Pass under Thousand Islands Bridges
• Stop at Rock Island Lighthouse
• Climb lighthouse and visit museum

Top questions

Do I need a passport for this 1000 Islands boat tour?

No passport is required for this sightseeing cruise departing from Clayton, NY—even though you’ll pass through both US and Canadian waters.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour departs from and returns to 39611 Chateau Lane in Clayton, New York.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, a picnic lunch is included and prepared for each reservation. You can confirm your choice with Clayton Island Tours before your trip.

Are admissions to Boldt Castle & Rock Island Lighthouse included?

Yes, entry fees for both Boldt Castle and Rock Island Lighthouse are covered in your booking.

How long do we spend at each stop?

The exact time varies but you’ll have enough time to walk through Boldt Castle and explore Rock Island Lighthouse at a relaxed pace.

Is this sightseeing cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible and suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Can children join this 1000 Islands sightseeing tour?

Yes—infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers during the tour.

What should I bring for this day trip from Clayton?

A light jacket (weather changes fast), comfortable shoes for walking at stops, camera or phone for photos—and maybe some curiosity.

What’s included

Your day includes sightseeing boat cruise from Clayton with pickup at Chateau Lane, entry tickets for both Boldt Castle on Heart Island and Rock Island Lighthouse State Park (including access to climb the lighthouse), plus a picnic lunch prepared per reservation—all guided by a local naturalist who shares stories along the way before returning you comfortably back to town.