1000 Islands International Tourism Council
Address: P.O. Box 400 Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
Phone: 800-847-5263 or 315-482-2520
Key Contact: Tillie Youngs
Contact Email: tillie@visit1000islands.com
Website: www.visit1000islands.com
Description: With over 1,800 islands, the 1000 Islands Region in the St. Lawrence River and Eastern Lake Ontario areas combine to provide a perfect blend of business and pleasure.
Attracting visitors since the early 1800s, the 1000 Islands Region has long been known as one of the East's most beautiful vacation destinations. Travelers from the United States, Canada and around the world come here each year to enjoy the magnificent bodies of water, unique attractions, historic sites, year-round celebrations and world-class recreational opportunities.
This magnificent vacationland is also the perfect setting for meetings and conventions. Over a dozen resort and hotel properties offer conference services with 24 meeting rooms that can accommodate groups of 25 to 750. Additionally, there are four recreational arenas that offer from 10,000 to 20,000 square feet of exhibit space.
Interstate 81 cuts through the region making it easily accessible from throughout the Northeast and connects to Ontario’s Highway 401 just north of the U.S. Canadian border. Watertown International Airport serves the 1000 Islands Region including eastern Ontario, Canada, St. Lawrence River Valley, Fort Drum, and the City of Watertown, NY. Convenient, daily service from Watertown International Airport to Albany International Airport offers a variety of flight connections.
Here, where the St. Lawrence meets Lake Ontario an archipelago of over 1,800 islands creates an unparalleled water recreation land. Boating, fishing, diving and rafting are just of few of the everyday activities enjoyed here.
Scenic narrated boat tours meander through channels, between islands and under bridges from spring through fall, sharing the history of the region. For a unique meal option, consider a lunch or dinner cruise. A stop at Boldt Castle, one of the magnificent homes on Millionaire’s Row offers a breathtaking view into the past. Although never completed, the structures of Heart Island still speak of romance, vision and tragedy. The Castle makes a picture perfect location for an evening corporate event.
From Alexandria Bay climb aboard a helicopter or hot air balloon for a bird’s eye view of the 1000 Islands. The young and young at heart can indulge in mini-golf, batting cages, go-karts, arcades and a hedgerow maze. More serious outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a round of golf or a professionally guided fishing excursion.
Upriver, Clayton is the home of The Antique Boat Museum, the nation’s largest freshwater watercraft collection. Nautical history is logged from the days that Natives were the only people to traverse these waters. Nearly300 boats chronicle life on the St. Lawrence. Canoes, rowing skiffs, cruisers, race boats and launches round out the vast collection. The museum’s grounds make an ideal location for a waterfront reception. Clayton’s charming downtown offers boutique shopping mixed with museums, arts centers and entertainment venues. The Clayton Opera House has an outstanding lineup of performances ranging from country to classical. In addition the building can be utilized as meeting space.
Sackets Harbor, overlooking Lake Ontario and sheltered on Black River Bay was the principle location for a military fort and boat building station during the War of 1812. The US military was mobilized from the strategic shoreline and was instrumental in many major battles. Now the tree-lined streets of this heritage community welcome visitors to discover its unique history and charming architecture. Modern construction and heritage buildings blend to create a picturesque village of unique antique shops and boutiques, waterfront restaurants, and attractive accommodations. A visit to the State Battlefield Historic Site brings history to life on the shores of Lake Ontario.
Inland on the banks of the Black River the City of Watertown sits as our metropolitan district. Nationally recognized restaurants, shops and hotels line the streets. Historic downtown however remains under independent control and restored storefronts offer a variety of unique stores and eateries. The mighty Black River with its sharp turns and rocky caverns winds through the city and affords whitewater enthusiasts outstanding challenges. Several rafting companies offer trips from early spring through fall for all levels of expertise.
With so much to see and do we invite you to spend days exploring the possibilities of the beautiful 1000 Islands, with its great range of attractions, restaurants, and lodging. We would be happy to assist you plan your time here.
Total event space: 81,970 sq. ft.
Total hotel rooms: 1004 committable