In their inevitable flow to the ocean, the five Great Lakes all empty eastward, converging their waters and currents into the St. Lawrence River. At the top of the river, over 1,800 islands lie within the first 50 miles. Some of these are inhabited, but most are not.   Some belong to Ontario, Canada while the others are part of New York State. Some sport castles and others claim only a lighthouse.   Many islands are maintained as public parks.   Most hold secrets and a promise of adventure.

If you leave the main shipping channel, you enter a maze of fascination; beauty is around each bend. These are well-charted waters with many opportunities to anchor and explore. We only spent a few days cruising through the Thousand Islands. Not nearly enough time to fully experience the area, but certainly enough to gain a deep appreciation of the value of this gorgeous waterway.

The view from our anchorage in Bathtub Bay, Picton Island, Thousand Islands, NY.

These are all small islands dotted with coves of solitude to anchor in.

Many of the homes on the islands are built and landscaped in keeping with the terrain.

There are islands upon islands to explore.

Singer Castle

A lighthouse to lead the way