Thousand Islands

The Thousand Islands isn’t even an appropriate descriptor for the region: there are about 1,800 islands compacted into a relatively small area along St. Lawrence River and right smack in the Canada/US border. Ownership of the islands is split between Canada and the United States, with many privately owned as summer and holiday homes for the rich, famous and powerful.

The region is supposed to be really scenic – except again that the Saturday mid afternoon we arrived was all mood and gloom, and even rainy. Sigh.

Anyway: pictures. Some islands are barely just 12 meters across, like the below that sits a single cottage and a couple of chairs:

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Some are slightly larger, like the below:

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Below: Though not by that much: same island. Maybe about 100 meters across only.

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Below: This has got to the be smallest lighthouse I’ve ever seen. It’s practically a baby.:)

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Below: Some of the larger islands have beautifully built-up residences that also make for tourist places of attraction. Yep, that’s Boldt castle on the left, in addition to the smaller Power House in the foreground.

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Below: Other islands are little more than rock croppings:

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The boat ride lasted for about 45 minutes, and we – momentarily – crossed into Canada. So, while we didn’t go through customs, we can claim to have visited Canada for a couple of minutes, if as illegal entrants!

The detour to Thousand Islands on our way to Niagara Falls added about 5 hours of travel time though. Was it worth it? Well, if you have time to spare, it’s worth a look-see. But if you’re in a hurry, this region can be safely skipped in sight-seeing.

4 thoughts on “Thousand Islands

  1. LOL yea. All it’ll take is a tsunami or a rising tide, and the houses are all underwater.:)

  2. So special these houses! Wah, got castle some more! Any more islands unclaimed? Hee hee :)

  3. Well, there are a couple of super small rocks that are flagged as islands. Not sure if they’re claimed.:)

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