1000 Islands Region Premier Group Tour Specialist!

Debbie Scholes

Beth Rusho

Check Back to meet our guides!

“Vacationers have been coming to the 1000 Islands for more than 150 years to enjoy its breathtaking beauty. Waters that were once patrolled by pirates (yes … pirates!) and Prohibition bootleggers are now cruised by cottagers who enjoy serene bays and vacationers who tour aboard guided trips and hear the astonishing stories behind the islands.”

Castles, Lighthouses, Maritime Museums, Art Museums, History Museums, Historic Battle Grounds, Wineries , Breweries & Distilleries, Exceptional Restaurants, Festivals, Performances, Quaint Villages, boutique shopping…..and did we mention the  Crystal Clear water of  the St. Lawrence River dotted with the 1000 Islands (actually….1,864 Islands!)  We have boat tours that get you closer to and among more of the islands than any other tour!

Whatever your looking for when visiting the 1000 Islands we have the itineraries, knowledge, experience and willingness to make sure your group has a superb experience.

During the 1800’s there were six lights put up  along the St. Lawrence River to guide traffic to and from Lake Ontario.  Rock Island Lighthouse is located on Rock Island and today visitors can tour the island,  Keepers Cottage (now a museum and gift shop) and climb the circular stairway to the top of the lighthouse.  Itineraries also include lighthouses along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

A trip to the 1000 Islands is not complete without a tour to a castle!  Clayton Island Tours departs from Clayton or we can pick you up at any number of resort hotels,  Clayton & Alexandria Bay village docks or even the Antique Boat Museum.  We travel through both Canadian and US waters and passports are not required!

Boldt Castle and Boldt Castle Yacht House – George C. Boldt, millionaire proprietor of the world famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, set out to build a full size Rhineland castle in Alexandria Bay, on picturesque Heart Island.  This was to be a display of love for his wife Louise….tragedy struck in 1904 when Louise suddenly passed away.  Today Boldt Castle, located near Alexandria Bay, NY in the famed 1000 Islands is once again becoming what it was always meant to be, the premier home and attraction in the region.

Singer Castle on Dark Island – A part of American history and local folklore meet at Singer Castle on Dark Island, located on the St. Lawrence River. Singer Castle is the only remaining/existing castle on our river to be completed, fully furnished and resided in during the heyday of the great builders and industrials in New York.   Climb aboard one of our boats for an exclusive tour of Singer Castle just for your group!  A day that includes this tour might also include the Remington Art Museum, a Fine Art Gallery, Lunch, Cocktail Cruise, and finally an Old Fashioned Shore Dinner on one of the 1000 Islands!

Craft beverages along the St. Lawrence Seaway have a few things in common – The care that goes into their creation!  From wineries, to distilleries, to breweries, each brew master, winemaker, and master distiller has a passion to create the perfect beverage.  We can arrange a day of sampling along the St. Lawrence Seaway or add one or two to your itinerary.  Food and Wine pairing dinners or lunch are an additional option.

Hiking one of our beautiful preserves (yes, some even on an island,) state parks, eco tours on our glass bottom boat, kayaking, zip lining, fishing with a local expert guide, a visit to the zoo, white water rafting, and more!  We have itineraries for the adventurer!

The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour on the St. Lawrence River!

2 Nation Lunch Cruise with stops at Boldt Castle and Rock Island Lighthouse. Join us for the ultimate sightseeing tour on the St. Lawrence River. Designed for those who wish to take in the beauty of the 1000 islands Region and experience the the most attractions in an afternoon. This tour which includes lunch, combines our 2 Nation Tour through both U.S. and Canadian Waters, a Stop at Heart Island for a tour of Millionaire George Boldt’s Rhineland style castle, a tour through Millionaires Row viewing magnificent summer homes of the rich and famous of the gilded age, and a stop at Rock Island Lighthouse where you may climb to the top of the lighthouse to enjoy a magnificent view of the St. Lawrence Seaway Shipping Channel. No Passports required! Your Tour Boat, Captain and Crew will wait at each attraction for you to re-board to continue the tour. We are the only sightseeing tour company that completely circles Wellesley Island as we travel over 25 Unique miles on the St. Lawrence River, weaving among the islands, getting you closer to more islands than any other cruise line.

This tour Includes

Fully Narrated Tour traveling over 25 Unique Miles
Lunch on board
2 Nation Tour through US and Canadian Waters (No Passport Required)
Stop at Boldt Castle to visit millionaire George Boldt’s Rhineland Style Castle on Heart Island.
Admission to Boldt Castle
Narration as we cruise through Millionaires Row, a collection of elaborate island summer homes.
Stop at Rock Island Lighthouse on Rock Island where guests can climb to the top of the lighthouse.
Admission to Rock Island

$60.00 Per Person

Driver and Escort Free

Join us for the most unique and complete Boldt Castle/Two Nation Tour experience. Enjoy an intimate boat tour as we travel over 25 unique miles among many of the 1000 Islands along the St. Lawrence River. We begin in Clayton miles south of Boldt Castle, travel through Canadian Waters on the north side of Wellesley Island as our professional guides  share the rich history, legends and lore of the St. Lawrence River,  many islands. 

Docking at Heart Island you may enjoy a self-guided tour of millionaire George Boldt’s Rhineland Style Castle, built as a monument of love for his wife Louise.  We also have the option to stop at the Boldt Castle Yacht House on Wellesley Island.

Returning to Clayton we travel through US waters on the south side of Wellesley Island and the Shipping Channel of the St. Lawrence Seaway.  This international tour includes views of Magnificent Million Dollar Summer Homes on both the US and Canadian shorelines, we travel under two spans of  the of 1000 Island Bridge System,  through the whirlpools of “the lost channel,” pass by Tom Thumb Island, the Statue of St. Lawrence, through Eel Bay, pass Rock Island Lighthouse and so much more!

Lunch on board is an option!

This tour aboard the “Night Heron,” our incredible glass-bottomed boat, gives an unparalleled view of underwater life in the clear clean waters of the St. Lawrence River.  We will spend one hour visiting Rock Island where guests can climb up in the lighthouse tower for a view over the St. Lawrence River and visit the lighthouse keeper’s home which is now a museum and gift shop.

This tour is guided by our historical and naturalist narrators with unique knowledge of the Thousand Islands and the wildlife that calls the St. Lawrence River home.  We are always looking to spot Eagles, Osprey, Loons, Cormorants, Canadian Geese, Heron, and many other birds.  We might even spot a deer, fox, or other mammals along the River’s edge.

Lunch on board available.  (extra charge)

$27.00 Per Person, includes admission to Rock Island Lighthouse

Driver and Escort Free

Let us transport your group to Canoe Point State Park on Grindstone Island where guests have the opportunity to walk on one of the famed 1000 Islands in a more natural setting.

“The Grindstone Island Nature Trail is nearly two miles of trail, connecting Canoe Point and Picnic Point State Parks on Grindstone Island, located in the Town of Clayton on the eastern end of Grindstone Island. The trail is jointly maintained by The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation and TILT.

The Nature Trail winds through the deep forests of Grindstone Islands and takes you across a boardwalk, providing incredible views of both the St. Lawrence River and the important wetlands that serve to filter water, provide flood retention during large storms and provide important nursery grounds for spawning fish and nesting birds. “

If something lively is more of what you are looking for we suggest a Wine and Cheese Cruise.  First stop in to a local winery for tastings, choose your favorite bottle of wine, our boat will pull up at the winery and take you out for a party on the St. Lawrence River. 

Cruise among many of the beautiful islands on the St. Lawrence River in an intimate setting for just your group aboard the “River Loop” or “Night Heron.”  This cruise includes a Buffet Dinner, Fully Licensed Bar, Music and Partial Narration.  Depending on timing, Magnificent Sunset may be included.

Menu includes Fresh Garden Salad with Thousand Islands Dressing, Sliced Sirloin of Roast, Chicken Cordon Blue, baked Ziti, Pasta Salad with with fresh vegetables, rolls, and Fresh Fruit.  Chefs Choice Dessert.

$60.00 per person / Driver and Escort Free

2 hour cocktail cruise aboard the “River Loop” or “Night Heron” for your guests only, with a fully licensed bar and a “River Rat” Cheese  Tray (local cheese and meat.)  Perfect before dinner cruise includes partial narration and music.

Also available Local Wine, Spirits, or Craft Beer tastings (Extra Charge)

$41.50 Per Person / Driver and Escort Free

One of the best kept secrets of the Thousand Islands are our sunsets!  Evenings on the St. Lawrence River are the best time to witness many bird species fishing for their evening meal and twilight exposes the beauty of the river like never before.  We can arrange a relaxing sunset cruise, winding through the islands, take in a sunset, and get you away from the hustle and bustle of a busy life.  We like to call it “River Time.”

This two-nation tour takes you through some of the most spectacular scenery in all the Thousand Islands and a section of the river rarely experienced by most visitors. Cruise around mysterious Grindstone Island, and the unseen islands to the north, as we meander along the international border, through some of the river’s best fishing spots, Thousand Islands National Park of Canada, and the waterfront of Historic Gananoque, Ontario. See the Admiralty and Lake Fleet Islands, pass grand island summer colonies, sites of military rebellions, and hear about the Longest Winter experienced by the stout-hearted people of Grindstone.

Singer Castle

Arrive in Clayton and meet your guide at Frink Park Pavilion for a history talk with coffee and muffins while enjoying the view of the river.  Next, we will break in to smaller groups for a walking tour of Clayton where guests can choose to shop along the way.  If walking is not for you, pick an Adirondack Chair at the Pavilion or bench overlooking the village docks.  Lunch at a local restaurant before boarding Clayton Island Tours for a 2.5 Rock Island Lighthouse Tour.

Driver and Escort Free

$60.00 Per Person

Historical Tour of U.S. Army Fort Drum,  10th Mountain Division, Watertown, NY.  Join us for this amazing opportunity to visit Fort Drum and witness first hand the transformation of the North Country over a 200 year period.  The day includes;  Professional Guide, Driving Tour of today’s Fort Drum, visit to the LeRay Mansion and LeRaysville, Lunch,  and the 10th Mountain Division Museum and Monument Park.

Driver and Escort Free

$30.00 Per Person

Spend the day exploring the 1000 Islands with a Two Nation Boat Tour.  Departing from Clayton Island Tours docks  we travel through Canadian waters, stopping at the Boldt Castle Yacht House on Wellesley Island, then cross the bay for a tour of Boldt Castle on Heart Island.  Next stop, Morgan Island to enjoy an Old Fashioned Shore “Lunch,” a local tradition prepared by Fishing Guides cooked over an open fire.  Wander Morgan Island and enjoy the fishing guides stories as they prepare your meal.  Board the boat to continue the Two Nation Tour through US waters and return to the mainland.

Day 1 – Wineries, Breweries, and Distilleries, oh my!  We begin the first day tasting wine at the  Yellow Barn Winery, “Built in the early 1800’s.  Once a horse farm then a dairy farm now a winery, this barn has seen it all.”  Next, on to Sackets Harbor on the shore of Lake Ontario for tastings and lunch at the Sackets Harbor Brew Pub.  Continuing along the St. Lawrence Seaway we will stop at two more award winning wineries and one brewery before arriving at Dark Island Spirits in Alexandria Bay.  Time for shopping and bar hopping in Alexandria Bay  before checking into our hotel.  Dinner at the hotel before heading back to downtown ABAY for anyone wishing to continue the party!

DAY 2 – After breakfast we will board the motorcoach and set out for Clayton, NY.  Stopping along the way we will visit 3 Wineries and 1 Distillery, enjoying tastings, tours, and lunch.  Coyote Moon Vineyards, St. Lawrence Spirits Distillery, Wood Boat Brewery, quaint shops and bar hopping await in Clayton!

2 Day / 1 Night

Day 1 – Choose one of our many resort hotels along the river or nearby Watertown, NY for your overnight.   Guests will spend two days discovering why the 1000 Islands is the “Best Kept Secret” for travelers.  Enjoy the rich history of river life where famous people were drawn to enjoy nature and the beauty of the St. Lawrence River.  Islands where castles were built for summer homes to entertain guests and love story behind Boldt Castle on Heart Island.  Not to miss a stop at Boldt Castle Yacht house where Mr. Boldt’s large fleet was housed.  The building, rising 64 feet, features 128 foot long slips, towering bay doors,  featured a shop to build racing launches, and quarters for crew and staff.  Learn about shipbuilding and how important it was to the area with a  visit the Antique Boat Museum for a guided tour of the campus.  Walking through George Boldt’s 106′ houseboat guests can imagine the feel and grandeur of the Gilded Age.  Enjoy shopping and dinner on own at one of our quaint villages and wonderful restaurants along the St. Lawrence River.  Return to your hotel.

Day 2

Enjoy a guided walking history and gallery tour in the quaint village of Clayton.  A picnic lunch awaits as you board one of Clayton Island tours boats for a trip to Rock Island lighthouse located on Rock Island.  Lunch may be enjoyed on board or on Rock Island as you enjoy the magnificent views of the St. Lawrence Seaway Shipping Channel.  Climbing to the top of the Lighthouse for an impressive view, the Caretakers Cottage is home to a museum and gift shop.  Return to the mainland and visit a local distillery, followed by a Wine Pairing Dinner at one of our wineries.  Return to your hotel.

3 Day / 2 Night

Day 1 – Afternoon arrival at Clayton Island Tours for a narrated tour around  historic Grindsone Island and among the “unseen” islands.  While touring enjoy a wine tasting provided by the NEW Grindstone Island Winery.  Return to your Hotel for check-in and dinner

Day 2 – Board the Coach for a trip to the Antique Boat Museum for a guided tour and tour the “LaDuchess” houseboat once owned by George Boldt of Boldt Castle.  Walk or travel a short distance to the quaint Village of Clayton.  Enjoy shopping and lunch on own at one of the many restaurants.  Board the motorcoach for a trip to the Frederick Remington Museum for a guided tour. Remington, an American painter, illustrator, sculptor and writer, specialized in depictions of the American Old West.  Clayton Island Tours will meet you at Chippewa Bay for a cruise to Dark Island and a guided tour of Singer Castle.  Departing enjoy a Cocktail Cruise to Morgan Island where an Old-Fashioned Shore Dinner is prepared by a local fishing guide   Return to your hotel after enjoying a Sunset Cruise from Morgan Island.

Day 3 – Board the coach for a Day at Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division.  Learn the amazing history of the development of today’s Fort Drum, including a tour of the LaRay Mansion and grounds, Monument Park, Lunch, and visit the Fort Drum Museum.  Board the motor coach for home.

3 Day / 2 Night

Day One – Arrive in the 1000 Islands, board Claton Island Tours for a Two Nation, Boldt Castle and Rock Island Lighthouse Tour with buffet lunch on board.  “The Ultimate Tour in the 1000 Islands.”  Return and check into your hotel with dinner.

Day Two – Board Motorcoach and travel across the US span of the 1000 Islands Bridge System, and smallest international bridge as we travel into Canada.  Ride the elevator to the 1000 Islands Tower for a birds eye view of the St. Lawrence River and the 1000 Islands.  Board the Coach and make a stop at the duty-free store located in Canada.  After shopping the coach will cross the Canadian Spans (of which there are 3) of the 1000 Islands Bridge System that connects the United States with our friendly Canadian neighbors.  Depenting on time of year, we may head to the Tulip Festival and Ottawa market, the Aquatarium in Brockville, Fort Henry, or the OLG Casino, with a stop for Lunch.  We will continue through Canada to the Ogdensburg-Prescott International bridge for our return to the United States.  After a stop for Dinner we will arrive at your hotel.

Day 3 – After breakfast board the Motorcoach for a trip to Sackets Harbor for a tour of the New York State Park War of 1812 Battle Fields.  A brief stop at the Sackets Harbor Welcome Center shares the History of the beautiful village, next the War of 1812 Battlefield with a visit to the Commandants house and buildings.  Finish our tour with a visit to the Presbyterian Church complete with Tiffany Stain Glass Windows.  Board the motorcoach for home

Exploring the 1000 Islands, 2 Nations, Ottawa Tulip Festival, with Dinner & Entertainment at the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive at the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel or one of our many resort hotels in the area.  Check in and enjoy a reception prior to Dinner & Entertainment with “OneSong” at the Harbor Hotel

Day 2 – Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.  Our knowledgeable step-on-guide will board the bus with the group and travel to the Tulip Festival in Ottawa, Ca.  Along the way we will stop for a birds eye view of the St. Lawrence River and marvel at the 80 plus year history of the 1000 Islands Bridge system once referred to as the “bridge from nowhere to nowhere.”  Returning to Clayton mid afternoon take time on your own to explore the quaint shops, galleries, and museums, or walk along the river on the Clayton “River Walk.”

Day 3 – After breakfast at your hotel,  board one of Clayton Island Tours boats for a 2 Nation Tour on the St. Lawrence River, tour Boldt Castle and Yacht House.  Picnic Lunch will be served on board as we return to Clayton.  Next a visit to the Antique Boat Museum for a guided tour and tour “La Duchessse,” George Boldt’s 106′ double deck houseboat.  Dinner enjoy an “Old Fashioned Shore Dinner,” a 1000 Islands Tradition prepared by a local fishing guide, complete with  Thousand Island Dressing and battered & fried french toast…with maple syrup of course!  Return to the Harbor Hotel for a friendly game of Trivia.

day 4 – Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before boarding the motor coach for home.

2021 Exploring the 1000 Islands, 2 Nations, and the Ottawa Tulip Festival May 16-19 & May 23-26 is a Spring Tour Package you won’t want to miss!

Shopping and lunch in downtown Clayton, Boldt Castle and Two Nation Tour aboard Clayton Island Tours, Dinner and Show at the Harbor Hotel.

June 12-14, 2020 / 1000 Islands / Clayton, New York

One- or Two-Day Itinerary

Does your group Love Wine / Food and Fun? This tour is for them!

More than a dozen pioneering winemakers, brewers and distillers have harnessed those ingredients into award-winning craft beverages giving new and old visitors alike a reason to visit the 1000 Islands. Spend half a day at the Clayton Wine and Food Festival with over 70 exhibitors including 30+ wineries from Long Island to Buffalo and the Finger Lakes to the Canadian border.  All highlighting  “Made in New York” quality food and wine products including: candy, cheese, meat, nuts, dips and sauces, herbs and spices, maple products, cookies, fudge, desserts, soda, coffee, jerky, popcorn, wine flour, distilled spirits and of course New York State wines.  It is a full-fledged New York State product showcase. Designated as a “Farmers’ Market,” event visitors will find exhibitors anxious to introduce them to their great products as well as sample and purchase them.

Something for everyone. Have couples coming where only one drinks wine, not to worry, they can enjoy a “Red Neck Bar” tour.  A fun time visiting out of the way cool Bars.

Enjoy Dinner at one of the local Restaurants.

Board one of Clayton Island Tours boats and enjoy a fully narrated Two Nation luncheon cruise traveling among the 1000 Islands to Heart Island to explore famous Boldt Castle.  Included is a stop at Rock Island Lighthouse on Rock Island where wandering the Island, visiting the Caretakers cottage and climbing to the top of the Lighthouse is a must.

A visit to the quaint Village of Clayton with shopping, museum, Gallery visits and wonderful restaurants alongside the beautiful St Lawrence River.

Craft beverage producers are just now tapping the amazing potential for what this land of woods and water can create. Come enjoy a taste of the 1000 Islands and find out what makes this region so “magical.

Pumpkins are symbolic of autumn.  Folks drink pumpkin spice lattes, eat pumpkin pies, or carve jack-o-lanterns.

In the 1000 Islands, there’s a tradition to use them as projectiles and “chuck” them into the St. Lawrence River.  “Punkin Chunkin” teams compete with one purpose – to throw pumpkins a far as possible using their own trebuchets.  The festival includes a barbecue contest and farmers market.

During the event, watch from the shore or from a boat as the pumpkins fly by.

Fall brings cooler weather and harvest time.  Visiting Pumpkin Farms, Apple Orchards, breweries with special brews, wine tastings and tours, are just a few of the activities available.

We will also take a Clayton Island Tours boat tour among the beautiful 1000 Islands where the water is pristine and the fall colors are gorgeous.  Enjoy lunch on board or at a local restaurant.

Shopping and lunch in downtown Clayton, Boldt Castle and Two Nation Tour aboard Clayton Island Tours, Dinner and Show at the Harbor Hotel.