Information
Landmark: Alexandria BayCity: Thousand Islands
Country: USA New York
Continent: North America
Alexandria Bay, Thousand Islands, USA New York, North America
Overview
Tucked along the St. Lawrence River in Jefferson County, New York, Alexandria Bay-locals call it “Alex Bay”-is a small, storybook village with streets that smell faintly of lake water in summer.It sits in the heart of the Thousand Islands, right on the St. Lawrence River, just a short drive from the U. S.–Canada border.Tourists flock to this village for its rolling green hills, storied past, sparkling lakes, and the warm welcome of small-town life.In the 1800s, Alexandria Bay grew into a bustling port and a popular resort along the St. Lawrence River, where steamboats crowded the docks.It grew alongside the bustling river trade and the steady flow of tourists, especially wealthy summer guests who built sprawling estates with wide porches overlooking the water.The village still holds onto its old stone buildings and keeps a deep bond with the sea and the rugged borderlands.The village rests on the mainland beside a broad sweep of the St. Lawrence River, where small islands dot the water like stones in a stream.Lush forests stretch toward the sky, waterfront parks invite strolls along glittering waves, and protected lands shelter an astonishing variety of wildlife.The river is a lifeline, carrying boats, feeding nets heavy with fish, and offering quiet banks where people paddle and play.Boldt Castle sits on Heart Island, just a quick ferry ride from Alexandria Bay, where the water smells faintly of cedar from the surrounding shore.This place was built in the early 1900s by George C., a millionaire hotel magnate who spared no expense-imagine polished brass fixtures gleaming in the lobby under warm lamplight.Boldt did it as a grand gesture to his wife, Louise-like carving her name into stone for the world to see.Work on the castle stopped cold in 1904 when Louise passed away, and for decades its stone walls stood unfinished under the wind and rain.They restored it years later, then threw open the doors for everyone to walk through and hear the creak of its old floorboards.The castle boasts 120 rooms, lush gardens bright with summer blooms, sturdy powerhouses, and a cheerful playhouse tucked away on nearby Wellesley Island.Visitors flock to the site for guided tours and sweeping views of the river, where sunlight flickers across the islands.The Cornwall Brothers’ Store Museum is a sturdy stone building from 1866 that once bustled as a general store, later serving as government offices.Today it’s a museum that tells the story of Alexandria Bay and the North Country, with worn leather boots, faded photographs, and exhibits that capture everyday life in the region.Scenic View Park sits right on the water, with a stretch of soft sand, shady picnic tables, and lifeguards watching over swimmers when summer rolls in.There’s a tiny model of the Thousand Islands Bridge, its green steel arches stretching toward a little patch of land known as Casino Island.As the sun sinks behind Boldt Castle, the park bursts into warm color, drawing families with picnic blankets and photographers adjusting their lenses.Outdoor activities here often revolve around the water, with the St. Lawrence River running like a wide blue ribbon through Alexandria Bay, shaping its daily life and drawing visitors year-round.Boating and sailing are big draws here, with marinas lined with bobbing boats and plenty of rental spots for anyone eager to get on the water.Kayaking and paddleboarding are best when the water’s calm, especially near the shore or weaving between quiet islands where you can hear the gentle splash of your paddle.Fishing: This river’s known for its outstanding catch-Northern Pike flashing in the shallows, Walleye lurking deep, Bass and Muskie drawing anglers through every season.Just minutes away, the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center has trails for hiking, spotting deer in the quiet woods, and even skiing when the snow falls.Otter Creek Preserve offers quiet trails that wind through wetlands and shady forests, where the air smells faintly of moss and pine.Macsherry Trail winds through quiet woods, perfect for hiking and spotting bright-feathered songbirds.For thrill-seekers, flyboarding has taken off as a favorite water sport, sending riders soaring above the waves in a spray of salt and sun.A water jetpack strapped to a board blasts powerful streams beneath you, letting the rider hover and pull off aerial tricks just above the shining waves.Every August, Bill Johnston’s Pirate Days takes over the Thousand Islands with ten lively days of music, cannon blasts, and a celebration of the region’s swashbuckling past.You'll find pirate parades with clanging bells, lively costume contests, dramatic reenactments, and music that carries through the crowd.Grab a tricorn hat, pull on your pirate boots, and dive into the festivities.All year long, Alexandria Bay bursts with seasonal celebrations-Halloween’s lively festival, the glow of the Christmas tree lighting, River Santa’s cheerful visit, and the bracing Polar Bear Dip, where brave souls plunge into the icy river on New Year’s Day.These gatherings bring together neighbors and visitors alike, filling the village with warmth and charm.In Alexandria Bay, you can wander through charming shops and boutiques, each stocked with local crafts, vivid artwork, one-of-a-kind souvenirs, and specialty treasures.The dining scene bursts with energy, offering more than 30 spots to grab a meal, from sizzling grills to cozy cafés.Plenty serve fresh, local seafood alongside regional dishes, with spots that overlook the water or set tables under the open sky.The village offers places to stay for every taste, from tents under the pines to elegant resorts, along with snug bed-and-breakfasts, motels, and hotels.Plenty of spots welcome boaters and outdoor lovers, with boat docks ready, rentals waiting, and a short walk to the area’s main sights.You can reach Alexandria Bay by car, driving up Interstate 81 and winding along the smaller local highways past pine-lined stretches of road.It sits close to the Canadian border, where customs officers check passports and wave travelers through.You can reach the nearby islands and Boldt Castle by hopping on a ferry or climbing aboard a private boat that rocks gently in the water.The village offers parking and a couple of welcoming visitor centers, and its narrow lanes are easy to stroll, so you can explore it all on foot.Alexandria Bay offers sweeping river views, centuries of history, and plenty of outdoor fun, all wrapped in the easy warmth of a friendly small town.You might come for the sweeping towers of Boldt Castle, paddle across the clear ripples of the St. Lawrence, wander shaded trails, or dance to music at a summer festival-either way, Alexandria Bay leaves you with memories rooted deep in the heart of the Thousand Islands.
