With some of the nation’s most beautiful scenery, the Thousand Islands-Seaway region features nearly 2,000 islands, the shining blue bays of Great Lake Ontario, abundant rivers and streams, 27 state parks, and hundreds of miles of picturesque coastline. Discover boundless adventures on land, water and air, from world-class fishing to up lifting balloon rides.
Explore historic Fort Ontario and Pulaski, and then head north to the Seaway Trail Discovery Center in Sackets Harbor to learn about attractions along the Great Lakes Seaway Trail. Named one of the Top 9 Great American Drives by Budget Travel, this scenic byway leads to historic lighthouses, unique museums, and great outdoor activities from bird-watching to scuba diving. The Black River is world-famous for whitewater rafting. Add some fascinating history and fairy-tale castles to create a magical trip.
This route begins in Oswego on Lake Ontario, runs north along (and around) Route 81, and then continues northeast along the beautiful St. Lawrence River to Massena.
A. Oswego
Begin your trip at Fort Ontario State Historic Site, a star-shaped fortress overlooking Lake Ontario. Costumed interpreters recreate history and special events include commemorations of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.
If you’re visiting in July, don’t miss
Harborfest (July 28 to 31). This fantastic waterside festival features legendary rock and jazz bands, art and craft shows and vendors, great food and fireworks over Lake Ontario.
B. Pulaski
Follow a hiking trail along the scenic Salmon River, known as the Salmon Capital of the Northeast. Depending on the season you can fish for steelhead, rainbow trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike and, of course, huge salmon!
C. Sackets Harbor
Stop by the Great Lakes Seaway Trail Discovery Center for information on campgrounds, country inns and fishing hot spots, as well as historic villages, lighthouses and wineries along one of America’s most scenic byways.
Reenactments bring history to life at Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site. Guides in period military uniforms recreate War of 1812 battles and camp life. Explore the gallery, a restored Navy Yard and the Commandant's House.
Take a musical hayride and a trolley tour of the dairy at
Old McDonald’s Farm Village, a 1200-acre working farm. Children of all ages can feed the animals, ride the ponies, play mini-golf, and eat lunch in the Lazy Cow Café.
D. Watertown
Black River Rafting tours will guide you through seven miles of class III and IV rapids rushing through the world-famous Black River canyon. Explore the museum with more than 40 interactive exhibits designed to spark your imagination.
E. Cape Vincent
Visit the 1827
Tibbetts Point Lighthouse, standing where Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River meet. The Victorian-era lightkeeper's quarters have been converted to a hostel, with family rooms available by reservation.
See local fish species and learn about Great Lakes conservation programs at the NYS DEC Research Station & Aquarium.
F. Clayton
Walk amid more than 100 classic and antique wooden boats at the
Antique Boat Museum. Head to the docks to board a 106-foot Gilded Age houseboat, rent (and row) a St. Lawrence skiff, or take a ride in a triple-cockpit runabout speedboat.
On a scenic ecology and habitat cruise with Clayton Island Tours you’ll see native wildlife and learn about the St. Lawrence River's natural history. Watch for waterfowl, song birds and raptors as you meander through the many islands.
Take a tour boat, shuttle or private boat to explore
Boldt Castle, a magnificent 120-room Rhineland-style castle with lush Italian gardens.
Whether you float a few feet from the water, drift above the treetops, or soar a thousand feet over the Thousand Islands River Valley, a flight with Champagne Balloon Adventures is truly an uplifting experience!
Uncle Sam Boat Tours offer a variety of sightseeing, lunch and dinner cruises as well as trips to Singer Castle on Dark Island and Boldt Castle on Heart Island.
Head to the Aqua Zoo to interact with sea creatures and see hundreds of exotic fish, sharks, alligators and living coral from around the world.
H. Hammond
Take a tour boat, shuttle or private boat to Singer Castle, a 28-room Scottish castle built on Dark Island in the early 1900s. See the clock tower, boathouse, pergola and rose garden.I. Ogdensburg
Browse the Frederic Remington Art Museum to see sculptures, paintings, drawings and artifacts of the renowned artist of the Old West.