The name ‘1000 Islands’ is literal. Composed of one thousand little islands (1,864 to be exact), the region cradles the border of Canada and the US. According to the Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce, legend has it that the Manitou spirit promised the natives that occupied the region centuries ago, a piece of paradise if they stopped battling. They didn’t listen so Manitou placed ‘paradise’ into a bag, threw it and out fell one thousand little pieces spattering all over the St. Lawrence River.
Every island has something unique about it: one holds a single house with as little as a meter of land on each side; one has an entire castle dating back to the 1900’s (more on that later); and some just have lush forests, campsites and wildlife.
Although not an island, Alexandria Bay is as significant to the region as the 1,864 legitimate islands. The village sits in the northern part of New York State with several of its sites, including the Church of Saint Lawrence built in 1889, listed in the National Register of Historical Places due to their significance. The Bay also holds yearly celebrations dedicated to Bill Johnson, a Canadian born pirate who had strong influence in the region during the War of 1812.
The Bay harbours a population of a little more than 1,000 people – talk about being in a place where everybody knows your name – and is proclaimed “the heart of the 1000 Islands.”
WHERE TO STAY
The Ledges Resort and Marina – The summer season brings in thousands of visitors to the Bay – good thing for them that there are several hotels in the area – one of the most inviting being The Ledges Resort and Marina. I am not a nature lover or a cottage goer but The Ledges made me a converter. The owners have incorporated every aspect of a cottage getaway into the property with a polished twist. The serene grounds; homely accommodations; minimalist decor; individualized barbecues and fire pits; and most of all, the hospitality was all it took to tempt me to give up the city life and move into Heron Cottage.
WHERE TO EAT
Old Homestead Restaurant – This open concept patio restaurant sits on Alexandria Bay’s main road – James Street – and features live music and a wide selection of local dishes. Try the buffalo chicken dip and pita chips for an appetizer and the salmon with brown, wild rice and green collared beans for the main. For dessert, head to the Lil River Fudge Company serving everything from homemade fudge, candy and ice cream – loads and loads of ice cream. The most incredible and perhaps unusual flavour: vanilla oatmeal chocolate fudge – try it!
WHAT TO DO
Boldt Castle – Running every 30 minutes from its port on James Street, Uncle Sam’s Boat Tours offers express shuttle service to Boldt Castle. Built by millionaire George C. Boldt in 1900 as a shrine to his wife, the castle is located on Heart Island and was actually left abandoned until 1977. Once the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired the property, they restored the six story structure to feature 120 rooms, tunnels, an Italian garden, a drawbridge and a children’s playhouse.
BOULEVARD 