Adventure in the 1000 Islands :

by Gordon Couture #404

Date: Summer 1999

It's a relatively smooth "sail" to the Thousand Islands from the southeast Michigan area. We chose the easy eight hour "cruise" across the Blue Water Bridge to Sarnia, Ontario and then east along Canada's fine Highways 402 and 401. There are a number of stepping-off points on both sides of the border to begin a Thousand Islands cruise, each with some advantages and disadvantages.

The best feature about cruising in the Thousand Islands (actually closer to 1800 islands) is the Canadian Saint Lawrence Islands National Park, consisting of twenty-some islands of all sizes and shapes. Most of these islands have docks, picnic tables, hiking trails, campsites, shelters, barbecues, fire pits, pre-cut fire wood, and toilets. Some islands have pre-set mooring buoys and dingy ramps. There are sheltered bays for "anchoring out" and beaches for swimming. Everything is on a first-come-first-served basis, but we had no problem finding a spot in late August and early September. On holiday weekends, we have been advised to find a spot early on Friday, and stay put. Rafting is allowed, and we found that most cruisers will adjust their dock positions to fit in another boat, if necessary. We found the mix to be about half-and-half powerboats and sailboats, with many of the powerboats being charter houseboats. Reading this, one gets a picture of the typical overcrowded U.S. state park. In reality, it is not like this at all. The island docks typically have room for four to eight average size boats, and there are only a few widely spaced campsites on the islands with camping. The islands each have a unique character and history that one can review on a signboard near the dock, before venturing off on one of the many nature trails. When you run out of National Park Islands, the Town of Brockville, Ontario has a dozen or so of its own with overnight docking. They have many more islands reserved for day use. Brockville also has a fine city marina, and the best looking produce at the nearby farmers' market. Check at the marina for the market's days and hours.

There is plenty to do for an adventurous family. Get there in time to watch the fireworks that close the 1000 Islands Festival in August. Take a dingy ride and explore the "Lost Channel", where a warship went to hide during the war of 1812, and was never seen again! Across the river explore Smugglers Cove (named during prohibition). Stop in Gananoque, Ontario and take the 1000 islands tour boat for the three-hour tour. Almost every town has some sort of 1000 Islands tour boat, and they all have unique routes. Take your chart and follow along as they take you through unmarked channels that you would be afraid to navigate on your own! ("Will first mate Gilligan please report to the bridge"). Make your way to Clayton, New York and visit the fascinating Antique Boat Museum. While there, you can also try the original "real" 1000 Islands dressing. You can also take an antique boat ride through the nearby islands. Or stop in the middle of the river and visit the famous Boldt Castle. View the magnificent homes of former movie stars and industrial barons from the earlier twentieth century as you cruise down the river. Enjoy a meal ashore at the restored Glen House Resort. Take a scuba trip to one of the many wreck sites in the river. Thanks to the zebra mussel, the water is crystal clear, and every town has at least one scuba shop and commercial dive boat operator. For a real and reel adventure, take a charter fishing boat for the unique "1000 Islands Fish Fry". It's an all day adventure.

You can also visit Kingston to the west. The Rideau Marina has a ramp, transient docking, and trailer parking. Stores and restaurants are a short walk away, and downtown is only a ten minute bike ride away. Confederation Basin is another choice, but gets crowded in the peak season.

You will find that one week of being a "1000 Islands river rat" (a complimentary term) is not enough. We are planning a return trip. See you on the water.



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updated: October 7, 1999
MES