The Thousand Islands - Millionaires' Playground

The 1000 Islands are in the heart of the St.follows the island causeway of the Long Sault
Lawrence River, running along the Canadian andParkway and continues to the Upper Canada
American sides of the border from Kingston toMigratory Bird Sanctuary in Ingleside, then arriving
Cornwall in Ontario.at Upper Canada Village Heritage Park. From the
Exactly 1,864 Islands make up the 1000 IslandsVillage, the path continues into the village of
region. To become an official part of the count,Morrisburg, with a section also completed in
an island must meet two criteria: it must beIroquois.
above water 365 days a year and it mustHere Ontario and the United States meet, their
support two living trees. Ferries or bridges providecultures blending in the waters of the St.
access to Wellesley, Hill, Wolfe and Howe Islands.Lawrence River and Lake Ontario, the first in the
The islands are unique, offering a wonderfulGreat Lakes. The native peoples called this region
recreation experience that spans two nations.the "Garden of the Great Spirit". Today, many
Each island has its own individuality with featurespeople still remark that this gorgeous garden of
such as stately granite cliffs, soft sandy bays, tallwoods and waters that is the 1000 Islands is truly
dark pines and vibrant maple trees-it's aone of the most beautiful places on the planet.
sightseer's paradise. Many islands are privatelyOthers will tell you its friendly atmosphere, fresh
owned but ample public access can be found atoutdoors and laid-back pace makes the 1000
island parks and villages throughout the region.Islands a place that inspires the spirit and renews
It was French explorers who named the region.the soul.
Vacationers discovered the islands in the 1870s,At the turn-of-the-century in 1899, George C.
when wealthy people began to build summerBoldt, millionaire proprietor of the world famous
homes while other travelers came to stay in largeWaldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, set out
hotels. For more than a century the area hasto build a full size Rhineland Castle in Alexandria
been a mecca for summer visitors. In the moreBay, on Picturesque Heart Island, on the New
distant past the islands were stepping stonesYork State side of Lake Ontario. The grandiose
between New York State and the Province ofstructure was to be a display of his love for his
Ontario-in times of trouble between Canada andwife, Louise.
the United States, a place of refuge and a settingBeginning in 1900, Boldt's family shared four
for disreputable deeds during the days ofglorious summers on the island in the Alster
Prohibition.Tower while 300 workers including stonemasons,
On the Canadian side the Thousand Islandscarpenters and artists fashioned the six story,
Parkway is one of the province's prettiest drives120 room castle, complete with tunnels, a
and well worth the detour off the 401 freeway. Itpowerhouse, Italian gardens, a draw bridge and a
connects a string of attractive riverbankdove cote. Not a single detail or expense was
communities from Kingston to Cornwall, the mostspared. In 1904, tragedy struck. Boldt telegraphed
notable of which is Brockville. Brockville's Kingthe island and commanded the workers to
Street is dotted with stately old homes includingimmediately "stop all construction". Louise had died
the remarkable Fulford Place, now a nationalsuddenly. A broken hearted Boldt could not
historic site. Fulford Place was built on a fortuneimagine his dream castle without his beloved. Boldt
made in patent medicine and the family werenever returned to the island, leaving behind the
friends with such notables as William Lyonstructure as a monument of his love. For 73
Mackenzie King, longtime Prime Minister of Canada.years, the castle and various stone structures
The mansion is impressive and the stories aboutwere left to the mercy of the wind, rain, ice,
the people who lived here are fascinating.snow and vandals. When the Thousand Islands
The rich military history of Kingston is much inBridge Authority acquired the property in 1977, it
evidence, from the Royal Military College, seenwas decided that through the use of all net
across the bay, to Fort Henry and the 1846revenues from the Castle operation it would be
Murney Martello Tower national historic site. Theirpreserved for the enjoyment of future
most famous character is none other than thegenerations. Since 1977, several million dollars have
country's first Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonaldbeen applied to rehabilitating, restoring and
and his former home, Bellevue, is now a nationalimproving the Heart Island structures.
historic site that is maintained in brilliant periodA very pleasant way to explore the 1000 islands
detail.is to take a twilight hour boat tour that unveils a
The sights and sounds of an 1860s village in thebeauty of the river and islands not seen at other
midst of the harvest are yours to discover attimes of the day. These romantic tours explore a
Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg. Everysection of the islands not visited during the regular
September they host a traditional Fall Fair whereday tours, including the Sport Island group and
you can see the "best of the best" in 19thhistorical Grenadier Island, the site of many battles
century agricultural products, livestock,during the French and Indian War. These tours
garden-grown vegetables, crafts, cooking andand a number of others including a dinner cruise
handiwork. The Apples and Art Studio andlooping around the islands through US and
Heritage Tour in Cornwall is a great venue forCanadian waters, are offered by boat tour
starting your Christmas shopping.companies out of Alexandria Bay.
For the outdoor enthusiast there is the St.And finally, also out of Alexandria Bay, there is a
Lawrence Recreational Path. This recreational pathHot Air Balloon company that offers two flight
stretches over 75 kms, the majority of whichtimes a day, weather permitting. One at sunrise
follows the shoreline of the St. Lawrence River.and the other about two hours before sunset.
The path begins in Lancaster travelling along theTheir flights last about 45 minutes to an hour and
shoreline to Gray's Creek and then travelsthe intended flight path is paralleling the river and
through Cornwall to continue winding through thethe Islands, offering a completely different
rolling terrain toward Long Sault. The path thenperspective on the 1000 Islands.