Howe Island – Start the day with a leisurely and relaxing drive to Howe Island. The Island has been called the silent gem of the Thousand Islands, a 13 kilometer stretch of scenic, gently rolling countryside often missed by tourists.
Just a few kilometers west of the Victoria Rose Inn on Highway #2 turn left onto the Howe Island Ferry Road, and continue to the ferry dock. The quaint cable ferries located at either end of the island run on demand, and the trip takes just a few minutes (a nominal fee is charged per vehicle). Hop on for the crossing, drive the length of the Island and return to the mainland via the other ferry at the West end of the Island. Turn left onto Highway #2, and continue into Kingston.
Pan Chancho Picnic – Pick up the perfect picnic in historic downtown Kingston; a gourmet boxed lunch packed and ready to go! ($15 for your choice of gourmet sandwich, salad, drink and sweetbite with all necessary utensils). Pan Chancho also offers wonderful breads, baguettes, olive and rosemary loaf, foccacia…the deli section features takeout goodies like black bean salsa, marinated olives, wild smoked salmon, salads, and desserts include cheesecakes, pies, profiteroles .. everything sinfully delicious).
Follow Highway #2 into Kingston, turn right onto Queen Street, left onto King Street, and left onto Princess Street – Pan Chancho is on the right at 44 Princess Street (613) 544-7790.
Wolfe Island is the largest of the world-renowned Thousand Islands, located where Lake Ontario ends and the St. Lawrence River begins its flow to the Atlantic Ocean. 21 miles long and 9 miles wide, Wolfe Island offers scenic pastoral farmland and is home to many year-round residents. Beautiful sunrises, breath-taking sunsets and spectacular night-time skies are a big part of its charm.
From Pan Chancho, follow Princess Street south to Ontario Street, turn left and continue to the Wolfe Island Ferry dock on the right. There is no charge for the 60 car ferry, which runs every hour all day. Enjoy the 20 minute crossing from seats on the upper deck of the ferry – the perfect picnic spot! More information and ferry schedules at: www.wolfeisland.com
Cape Vincent – Steeped
in history and noteworthy architecture, Cape
Vincent New York has a strong
French heritage. As the infamous Napoleon sBonaparte
was to have settled in Cape Vincent seeking refuge, the village still celebrates
with the colorful French Festival held near Bastille Day on the second Saturday
in July. Don’t miss the Cape Vincent Historical Museum, set in an elegant
stone building (just off the ferry dock), that served as a barracks for soldiers
during the War of 1812, and explore the underwater life of the 1000 Islands
at the nearby Cape Vincent Fisheries Station and Aquarium, located in a restored
gristmill. A must see is Tibbetts Point Lighthouse, which marks the point
where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence River. Built in 1827, the Lighthouse
welcomes visitors to the museum and hostel, and features the only original
working Fresnel lens in Lake Ontario (use the telescope provided to survey
the Lake and River). Glimpse a ship passing from the St. Lawrence to Lake
Ontario, and be awed by the flowing border which separates the United States
and Canada.
Ready for an ice-cream? Stop at Aubrey’s ice cream window, located just opposite the village green. And be sure to take a peek at Belle Epoque just next door. Owner Susan Mahrer brings a fresh load of eclectic jewellry, collectibles and clothing direct from her New York City home every summer. More information:www.capevincent.org
Once off the Wolfe Island Ferry, follow the signs for Ferry to USA. The 10 minute, picturesque island crossing on Highway #95 leads directly to Horne’s Ferry, the only privately owned international ferry in the region. Family-owned, Horne's ferry has been running since 1802 when they were first licenced to operate between Wolfe Island and Cape Vincent as well as Wolfe Island and Kingston. More information : www.hornesferry.com
Remember to bring along a current passport, or a birth certificate and valid driver’s license to meet U.S. entry requirements.
Clayton – Soon after it was settled in 1822, Clayton became a major shipbuilding
and lumbering port, and dozens of charming buildings remain from this magnificent
era. Clayton is home to some of the most unique museums in the 1000 Islands
including the renowned Antique Boat Museum. The Thousand Islands Decoy, Muskie
and History Museum houses special exhibits of world-class muskies and hunting
decoys from the past and present. At the Antique Boat Museum you’ll
find the largest and most impressive collection of fresh-water recreational
boats in North America. The Museum is especially noted for its St. Lawrence
River Skiff and classic powerboat collection, and hosts the nation’s
oldest antique boat show every August.
From Cape Vincent, follow Route 12E directly to Clayton (25 minute
drive). More information : www.1000islands-clayton.com
1000 Islands International Bridge – Opened in 1938 by Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the Thousand Islands International Bridge stands as a shining symbol of the alliance between the U.S. and Canada. It provides easy passage between the two countries linking I-81 in New York and Highway 401 in Ontario. The unique multi-span bridge includes a soaring 4,500 foot suspension bridge, which touches down on several islands where parks and communities are located. For a stunning overview of the area, stop halfway at the 1000 Islands Skydeck. Running continuously, the elevator takes 40 seconds to reach the first of three observation decks and provides visitors with a spectacular photographic opportunity and panoramic view of the 1000 Islands and St Lawrence River.
Continue East on Route 12 from Clayton, and follow the signs for the 1000 Islands International Bridge to Canada. More information and fees : www.tibridge.com , www.1000islandsskydeck.com
Dinner at the Captain’s Table/Ivy Lea Inn – The Ivy Lea Inn sits on a beautiful spot in the Thousand Islands, just outside the village of Ivy Lea on the St. Lawrence River. Directly at water's edge, the old Inn faces a large bay dotted with small, tree-covered islands. Following a day of river exploration, enjoy dinner overlooking the water in the newly renovated dining room – still one of the area’s best kept secrets. Features include Quebec lamb, Ontario duck and Alberta sterling silver beef, with a great selection of wines from around the world.
Follow the 1000 Islands Parkway west from the 1000 Islands bridge, and look for “Shipman’s Lane /Ivy Lea Marina” on the left just past the village of Ivy Lea. More information: www.ivylea.ca