1000 Islands ...
Where to Stay

At the turn of the century there were many large glamorous hotels along the 1000 Islands region of the St. Lawrence River. All of these large old hotels have long since met their demise due to fire or demolition. But there are certainly many options today that include a few new hotels, motels, resorts, lodges, B&Bs and cabin or house rentals. Some of those options would definitely lead to an enjoyable 1000 Islands vacation but you should carefully consider the goals of your visit when choosing.

If you only have a weekend or a few days in the middle of the week (which would be much better of course) and want to shop for t-shirts and hit the bars, a "full service" hotel with room service for the morning hangover remedy might be needed. But then, why even bother going to the 1000 Islands? Or get a room at a motel with a view of the highway.

But if you want to relax and explore, the best you might get from a resort or hotel is a room that looks out over a high-traffic part of the river. Only a small lodge or B&B is likely to provide access to a remote and quiet spot on the river. In general, the Canadian side of the river is less hectic and more suited to a peaceful stay with direct access to the river. If you are bringing small watercraft with you, a more remote location will get you onto the river in a better place for kayaking or fishing. Many such places have small motorboats or kayaks available for use by their guests.

Here's a suggestion that combines our most important "what to do" with "where to stay." Rent a houseboat! These are silly looking boxes often plopped onto pontoons and the smaller ones move like turtles. But the small ones can also take you into some of the most beautiful and peaceful parts of the river without as much concern for hitting a shoal. Drop anchor, take a dip, uncork the wine, and relax. If you choose you spots well and have good luck with the weather, the night sky will be tremendous.

This will work well for a romantic get-a-way as well as for a group of friends that want to spend some time together. You can explore the remote and populated areas at your leisure but remember that river chart! Houseboats can be rented from the American and Canadian sides of the River.