Thousand Islands: Boldt Castle & 2-Nation Boat Tour

Summary

Island castles, two countries by water, and stories from the St. Lawrence

You’ll float through two countries along the St. Lawrence River, hear local legends from your guide, pass under both US and Canadian spans of the Thousand Islands Bridge, and have time to explore Boldt Castle on Heart Island (admission extra). Expect river breezes, real stories, and maybe a moment that sticks with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left Clayton before I realized how close everything felt out here—water lapping at the hull, little pine-topped islands sliding by so near you could almost count the needles. Our guide, Mike (he grew up fishing these waters), pointed to a house perched on its own rock and told us about the families who built these places back when millionaires wanted their own islands. He had this way of mixing facts with gossip—like which house supposedly has secret tunnels for Prohibition booze runs. The air smelled like river and sun-warmed wood, and there was this faint engine hum under all the stories.

The boat slipped under one of the spans of the Thousand Islands Bridge—first in the US, then suddenly we were in Canadian waters without even noticing. No passport needed, just a nod from Mike (“We’re international now!” he grinned). I didn’t expect to feel so tiny weaving between all these islands. We passed Rock Island Lighthouse (looked smaller than I thought) and then cruised past more waterfront homes in Thousand Island Park—some with porches full of people waving or just staring back at us, coffee mugs in hand.

Bolding Castle on Heart Island looked almost fake at first—like something out of a fairy tale book I read as a kid. You get off for a self-guided wander (admission’s extra but worth it), and inside it’s all marble stairs and stained glass that throws colored patches on your shoes. There’s this story about George Boldt building it for his wife Louise—I won’t spoil it but yeah, you can feel that mix of love and sadness in the empty rooms. I sat outside for a bit just watching boats drift by, thinking how weirdly peaceful it felt after all those stories.

On the way back we watched an enormous freighter slide past on the St. Lawrence Seaway—so slow it looked stuck against the sky. Some kids up front tried to wave at the captain; not sure if he saw them but they kept at it anyway. The weather shifted a little—wind picking up—and someone behind me started talking about coming back next summer to see what’s changed. I get that now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Thousand Islands and Boldt Castle

• Start at 39611 Chateau Lane, Clayton NY
• Cruise among the 1000 Islands
• Pass by islands, castles, lighthouses
• View Millionaire's Row mansions
• Travel under US and Canadian bridge spans
• Pass Rock Island Lighthouse
• View Rockport Ontario waterfront
• Travel through St. Lawrence Seaway
• Arrive at Boldt Castle on Heart Island
• Take self-guided tour of Boldt Castle
• Circumnavigate Wellesley Island
• Return to Clayton Waterfront

Top questions

Do I need a passport for this Thousand Islands tour?

No passport is required for this boat tour through US and Canadian waters.

Is admission to Boldt Castle included in the ticket price?

No, admission to Boldt Castle is not included; tickets can be purchased at check-in or upon arrival at the castle.

Where does the tour depart from?

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

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes, there is a restroom available on board during the cruise.

Are wheelchairs or strollers allowed?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible and infants can ride in prams or strollers.

How long is the boat tour?

The route covers over 27 miles among the Thousand Islands region along both US and Canadian waters.

Will we see both sides of the Thousand Islands Bridge?

Yes, you'll travel under two spans: one in Canada and one in the US.

Can service animals join this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on board.

What’s included

Your day includes a sightseeing boat cruise with plenty of close-up views around Wellesley Island and Heart Island; an engaging local naturalist guide sharing stories along both US and Canadian shores; access to restrooms onboard; plus time to explore Boldt Castle (castle admission not included) before returning to Clayton’s waterfront.