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There is fun for all ages and all interests in the 1000 Island Region.
From ship watching to boat shopping, 2 Castles to 3 Casinos, Gift shops to Antique shops, Mazes to Go-Carts, Boat tours, world class fishing, wineries, microbreweries, look out towers, scenic vistas, helicopter and balloon rides, an old fashioned Drive-In, romantic getaways complete with Honeymoon and Jacuzzi suites, Lighthouses, walkways, bikeways, kayaking, canoeing, Class 5 white water rafting, several golf courses, camping, cottages, motels, hotels, resorts, dining of all types.
It doesn’t matter if you have all the equipment or not, most if it is available for rent or purchase. Nearly every town can provision you with what you need to have a great time, if not they will be happy to tell you where you can find it. There’s always the Walmart or Gander Mountain in Watertown and Ogdensburg.
 Ship watching in the 1000 Islands is like few other places in the world. 600 foot Lakers plying the narrow channels lined with granite and a couple thousand almost islands (granite shoals that don’t break the surface). Sure you see the huge bow wave they push. If you are anywhere in the river you can put your ears underwater and hear the thump thump thump of the huge engines  and props. What you don’t necessarily notice is the 3-5 knot current in the channel. The huge freighters are limited to a land speed of 10 knots. That translates to 13-15 knots water speed heading up channel and only 5 to 7 knots water speed going down channel, barely enough to maintain steerage control. Moving a boat that is as longer than the channel is wide, has got to be a challenge.
Bring a pair of binoculars and look at all places from around the world the ships are registered.  Pick up a book in one of the gift shops that describe the “resident” Lakers and Canalers as well as some of the worldly visitors. You may spot the Canadian Navy or other military vessels. Prince Charles, Jacque Cousteau, Malcolm Forbes, and other famous dignitaries have all brought their yachts through these waters. Sharing the water are the other yachts, powerboats, house boats, sailing vessels, jet skis and the classics. Classic wooden boats are showcased as works of art at the Clayton Antique Boat Museum, a must see for anyone visiting the 1000 Islands. From classic wooden beauties to fire-breathing thunderboats, ship watching on the River is a wonderful pastime all it own.
If you would prefer to be in a boat, rather than just watch them, bring your own, rent one or ride on one of the many tour boats. The Wolfe Island Ferry in Cape Vincent can take you to Kingston, Ontario. The Tour boats Alexandria Bay and Morristown can take you on a tour of the mansions on the river as well as Boldt Castle on Heart Island and Singer Castle on Dark Island.
 Lighthouses are the beautiful beacons and a special tour all by themselves. The easiest one to visit is at Tibbets Point (pictured in the left margin) just west of Cape Vincent at the head of the St. Lawrence where it meets Lake Ontario. It’s one of the few Lighthouses in the 1000 Islands that you can actually stay at. Coming soon is a web page devoted to the lighthouses of the 1000 Islands. Starting with Selkirk Shores Lighthouse at the mouth of the Salmon River, to Ray’s Bay, Tibbetts Point, Rock Island, Three Sisters Island, Prescott, the Windmill and several others.
The Thousand Island Winery, located just west of 1000 Island bridge, just off Route 12e, near the New York Welcome Center at Collins Landing, is a fairly new winery, and already making it’s mark in international tasting competitions with their outstanding complex and pampered grapes.
If your preference is more for malts and hops over grapes, be sure to visit the Sackets Harbor Brewing Company, a fine microbrewery, and sample their wonderful creations.
The dining possibilities in the 1000 Islands is virtually endless, from Captain Thompson’s Floating Restaurant in Alexandria Bay, to the intimate classy dining establishments in Sackets Harbor, to secret dining treats scattered though out the entire region. The Gill House in Henderson Harbor will cook your catch and serve it to you on white linen tablecloths. A number of the fishing charters will treat you to an unforgettable shore dinner on one of the islands if you please. Cavallarios in Alexandria Bay will serve up steak and seafood in a delightful romantic atmosphere. Foxy’s in Fisher’s Landing will treat you to wonderful Italian dishes while you watch the sunset and freighters pass by. Watertown has all the familiar favorites as well.
Sackets Harbor, Watertown, Cape Vincent, Clayton, Alexandria Bay, and Ogdensburg each have their own shopping districts complete with gift shops, antiques, hardware stores and dining establishments. It’s exciting to find all the shops in between as well. Treasures like Captain Spicer’s on Route 12 between Clayton and Alexandria Bay are truly gems. On the outside, Captain Spicers is tastefully decorated with retired buoys and other memorabilia from the river, making it possible for those that don’t dive, to appreciate the treasures below. On the inside, the Captain has a wonderful gift shop with some very unique offerings including creations of local artists trying to capture the beauty and the moments of the river for you to bring home. There are art galleries hidden throughout the region, from local artists including the famous Frederick Remington Museum in Ogdensburg.
There are 3 Casinos within reach of the 1000 Islands. The Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY, a full service, class act, on par with Atlantic City and Las Vegas, complete with high rise resort accommodations and a Bobby Trent Jones Golf Course. The Thousand Islands Charity Casino in Gananoqua, Ontario, featuring 450 slot machines and 18 gaming tables. The Akwesasne Mohawk Casino, just east of Massena, NY near Hogansburg At the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino has dozens of table games,and hundreds of Vegas-style slot machines.
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