Head north to the St. Lawrence River, which forms the watery border between New York State and Canada, to take in the breathtaking scenery of the Thousand Islands region—such as the nearly 2,000 islands, the bright blue bays of Lake Ontario, sparkling rivers and hundreds of miles of picturesque coastline. Visit the lasting tribute to the cowboys, soldiers, and Native Americans of the Old West at the Frederic Remington Art Museum, step back in time at Singer Castle, and discover more things to see and do on your riverside escape to Ogdensburg.

Originally published 01/09/2016, last updated on 03/27/2026.

FRIDAY

2 PM: Explore the art of the Old West

A cowboy sculpture at the Frederic Remington Museum

Get acquainted with Ogdensburg by exploring one of its most notable attractions, the Frederic Remington Art Museum. Dedicated to the life and work of renowned artist Frederic Remington (1861-1909), a native of Canton, New York, the museum displays original sculpture, paintings, and drawings depicting the cowboys, soldiers, and Native Americans of the Old West as well as the artist's personal possessions. Occupying one block of historic Ogdensburg, including the 1810 Parish Mansion, you can easily take in everything the museum has to offer in an hour or two.

4pm - It’s Time to Check In

Experience New York's North Country charm and wake up to the shimmering currents of the St. Lawrence River at the Inn at Gran View. Located right on the water’s edge, the hotel features Jacuzzi suites, rooms with private river view balconies, a four-bedroom cottage, waterfront dining and a refreshing pool. For a touch of historic elegance, book a room at the Sherman Inn, a luxury bed and breakfast housed in a beautifully-converted elementary school offering spacious guest suites named after U.S. presidents, superb service, an excellent breakfast, fire pit, and outdoor pool.

6 pm: Dinner with a Grand View

Nestled along the banks of the St. Lawrence River, the Gran-View Restaurant offers the perfect setting for cocktails and appetizers with a view or an intimate dinner. Enjoy the menu’s fresh, seasonal flavors from the outdoor patio or The Lounge.

SATURDAY

9 am: Grab some breakfast

Fuel up for the day at Sweet Emilie’s Coffee & Ice Cream at Hosmer's Marina (where you can also find kayak rentals). Grab a latte, smoothie, or light breakfast and take in spectacular views along the Maple City Trail, a paved trail that follows the St. Lawrence and Oswegatchie rivers that’s perfect for walking, biking, and blading.

10am: Time for a little sightseeing! 

Lighthouse Point, a historic landmark now known as Ogdensburg Harbor Lighthouse, is the site of the last physical battle of the French and Indian War, and also where Fort de la Presentation (also used during the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War) once stood. The lighthouse sits on private property and cannot be accessed, but is viewable from the Ogdensburg Boat Launch. Enjoy a mix of outdoor recreation and historical discovery at the 25-acre Fort de la Presentation, offering a scenic river trail, interpretive signs detailing the site’s significance, the Abbe Picquet Monument and community garden, and special programs including reenactments.

12 PM: Grab Lunch

Get a taste of the past at Wimpy’s Inn, an Ogdensburg institution dating back to 1932, known for its hamburgers and hot dogs smothered in the famous “Wimpy Sauce.” JJ’s on the River offers sandwiches, wraps, seafood, salad, burgers and beers with stunning water views on the outdoor patio.

1:30PM Singer Castle 

The exterior of Singer Castle on Dark Island from the water surrounded by green trees with a few clouds in the sky

Credit: @rbbramlett on Instagram

Drive about 40 minutes to nearby Alexandria Bay, and head out with Uncle Sam Boat Tours to Dark Island for a special tour of the 28-room, Scottish-inspired Singer Castle, located in Chippewa Bay. Accessible only by boat, navigate through hidden passageways and enjoy the incredible architecture, opulent interiors, grand ballroom, five-story clock tower, heated squash court, pergola and rose garden. 

6 pm: Dinner and Drinks at The Place

Once you’re back on land, head on over to The Place to dig into soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, fish fry and more amid the historic ambiance of the oldest pub in Ogdensburg.

SUNDAY

8 am: Prepare for outdoor adventure

A group of people whitewater rafting through turbulent rapids on a yellow raft in Watertown

Credit: @aro_adventures on instagram

There’s plenty of outdoor fun to be had if you stay local, like biking the Maple City Trail or paddling the St. Lawrence River with a kayak rental from Hosmer’s Marina. If you’re up for a drive, Watertown is 60 miles away and offers thrilling white water rafting adventures on the Black River from May through September with Adirondack River Outfitters. If you're visiting in the winter and conditions allow (i.e. there’s natural snow or it’s cold enough for manmade snow), take the gang to the Dry Hill Family Ski & Tubing Area in Watertown for some outdoor winter fun!

1pm: Lunch!

Line of Garland City beers in order from light to dark

Credit: Garland City Beer Works

Kick back and relax with fine brews and bites at Garland City Beer Works in Watertown. The family-friendly space offers a relaxed atmosphere and games such as giant Jenga and corn hole, plus a patio with covered and open air seating.

More to explore:

Exterior storefront of the Tauny Center

Credit: @sln_grow on Instagram

Canton if home to The North County Folkstore inside the TAUNY Center (Traditional Arts in Upstate New York), a nonprofit organization dedicated to showcasing the folk culture and living traditions of New York's North Country. The Folkstore features authentic, handmade products from more than a hundred artisans throughout the region. Find itineraries and more information to plan your trip at Visit St. Lawrence County. You can also add more fun to the mix and extend your trip by exploring nearby Alexandria Bay and Clayton, home to Boldt Castle, the Antique Boat Museum, and more Thousand Islands attractions.

GETTING THERE

By plane:

By train: Amtrak to Syracuse then 1 hour drive to Watertown

By bus:  Greyhound and Trailways to Watertown Station

By car:
From NYC: 5 hours 
From Boston: 5.5 hours 
From Philadelphia: 5 hours 
From Albany: 3 hours 
From Montreal: 3 hours 
From Toronto: 3.5 hours