1000 Islands ...
When to Go

Summer is the most popular time to visit the 1000 Islands. The "busy season" typically starts with a rush of boaters and bar-hoppers (particularly to Alexandria Bay) on Memorial Day and closes on Labor Day. The 4th of July is typically the peak of the season in terms of the greatest number of boats and people. Along with the general rise in boat traffic, the addition of too-loud and too-fast cigarette boats to the river can make a quiet get-a-way very challenging during the summer months. Fortunately the large number of noise complaints from summer residents and recent lethal accidents involving these craft has generated some interest in limiting their nuisance value. Be forewarned, motoring with a small boat in the main shipping channel on the July 4th weekend can still be unpleasant at best.

If the weather provides a warm spell in the spring, it can be both peaceful and beautiful on the river in April and May. You'll need a wet suit for any swimming since the river temperature is just climbing up from the low 40's! In fact, the chill from the cold water is very evident riding in a boat on even an unusually hot day in the spring. But the relatively calm environment would be rewarding.

Once Labor Day passes, the St. Lawrence River seems to return to the more peaceful domain of the water birds, fishermen, and summer residents. September can still provide some beautiful weather and the river temperature is usually in the low 70's or high 60's for the month, which is great for swimming. The nights begin to get cool but the air is typically clear and the humidity low.