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Route 12

Thousand Island Primer

tours-map-route-12

(1 Day)

Begin at Tibbet's Point Lighthouse in Cape Vincent on Rte 6, the breathtaking point where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence River. Built in 1827, visitors will enjoy using the provided telescope to survey the surrounding scenery; out-of-town visitors may want to book the hostel for a memorable overnight stay too.

Next, drive north along the Seaway Trail (Rte 12E) to the traffic light in Clayton. Turn left onto James St, take another left onto Mary St and arrive at the Antique Boat Museum to see more than 100 historic pleasure boats on display.

Back track a bit until you get to East Line Rd (Rte 3) where you'll take a left and travel for approximately three miles before arriving at the Coyote Moon Vineyards for a tasting.   

Continue on Rte 3 to Rte 12 into Alexandria Bay and take a cruise along the St. Lawrence aboard Uncle Sam Boat Tours, which culminates with a stop at Boldt Castle (open until mid-October) on romantic Heart Island.

From Alexandria Bay head back toward Interstate 81 but take the exit to Wellesley Island via the Thousand Islands International Bridge where you can see the bright autumn hues from more than 150 feet in the air. Wellesley Island State Park is home to the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center including more than eight miles of walking trails along scenic Eel Bay, and you can even play nine holes of golf (through Columbus Day) at the on-island course, too.

APPROXIMATE MILEAGE: 33 miles 

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