Location: Alexandria Bay
Top Things to do in Alexandria Bay
Countries
10 Things to do in Alexandria Bay That You Shouldn't Miss
Alexandria Bay (commonly shortened to Alex Bay or A Bay) is a village in Jefferson County, New York, United States. Alexandria Bay is located in the Thousand Islands region of northern New York. The population of the village was 1,100 at the 2010 United States Census. The Village of Alexandria Bay is located within the Town of Alexandria. It lies near the border of Canada and the United States.
Restaurants in Alexandria Bay
1. Heart Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 195 reviews
This five-acre island located in the Thousand Islands area is home to the Boldt Castle.
Reviewed By AudEE698 - Grafton, United States
We ended a boat tour on Heart Island and it is a beautiful island and a must see for anyone touring Alexandria Bay! The grounds are immaculate and it is extremely handicap friendly as they have carts that can assist with getting up to the crown jewel of the island, Bolt Castle. There are benches all over the island (in shade or sun, depending on your preference) where you can sit and watch the river traffic. There's a snack bar and an ice cream stand for refreshments as well. The Castle is also a must-see and there are elevators in the castle so you can go to the higher levels of the castle for the spectacular views of St. Lawrence Bay. The island was originally named Hart Island but the owner of the island changed it to Heart Island as he was building the castle for the love of his life, his wife. Alas, the castle was never completed as his wife passed away unexpectely. Such a tragic love story of the island the it's castle - highly recommend visiting if you are in Alexandria Bay!
2. Dark Island Spirits Distillery & Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 65 reviews
A Craft Distillery with a beautiful co-located Tasting Room that features In-house distilled spirits as well as craft wines and beers from local brewers and wineries. Local artists are also on display, as well as local farm to market products such as NY State cheeses, jams, honey, maple syrup, etc..
Reviewed By 758vanessam - Ithaca, United States
My husband and I drove past this and thought, hmm, maybe we should stop? We are glad we did! Because of Covid, things were a little different but the staff was so friendly and accommodating. You can do liquor tastings or flights if you take them outside on the deck, and the bourbon was wonderful (says my husband) - he even bought a bottle to take home. They also have a huge assortment of slushies that you can add your choice of liquor too, so good and refreshing on a hot day. Very affordable as well, nice deck to sit on and watch people in the town. You can bring your own food if you'd like. I would definitely stop here if you're in Alex Bay or nearby.
3. Boldt Castle and Yacht House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,953 reviews
A visit to the magnificent Boldt Castle offers a glimpse into one of the most compelling love stories in history. At the turn-of-the-century, George C. Boldt, millionaire proprietor of the world-famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel in NYC, set out to build a full-sized Rhineland Castle in Alexandria Bay, on Heart Island. The grandiose structure was to be a display of his love for his wife, Louise. Beginning in 1900, Boldt's family shared four summers on Wellesley Island while 300 workers, stonemasons, carpenters and artists fashioned the six story, 120-room castle, complete with tunnels, a powerhouse, Italian gardens, a drawbridge and a dovecote. In 1904, tragedy struck. Boldt telegrammed the island and commanded the workers to immediately "stop all construction." Louise had died suddenly. A broken-hearted Boldt could not imagine his dream castle without his beloved. Three hundred workers laid down their tools. Boldt never returned, leaving behind the structure as a monument of his love.
Reviewed By burr6013 - Mississauga, Canada
Boldt Castle is the former, private mansion of American millionaire George Boldt, the past general manager of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City and the past manager of the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia. Built between 1900 and 1904 on Heart Island (part of the Town of Alexandria in Jefferson County) in the St. Lawrence River, the six-storey mansion, built in the Châteauesque architectural style, is maintained by the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority and is both a tourist attraction and a major landmark. Boldt engaged the architecture firm of G. W. & W. D. Hewett and hundreds of workers to build the “castle” as a gift to his wife, Louise Kehrer Boldt. Construction ceased abruptly in early 1904 after the unexpected death of Boldt’s wife. Boldt never returned to Heart Island. Heart Island was later acquired by the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority in 1977, along with the nearby yacht house on Wellesley Island, for one dollar. Since then, the Thousand Islands Bride Authority has spent over $15 million restoring and improving the site. Boldt Castle is open to guests mid-May through mid-September. It is accessible by ferry, private boat, and by tour boat. For a fee ($13.00 for adults [13+] and $7.50 for children [5-12]), guests can explore most of the site’s buildings (Boldt Castle, Power House, Alster Tower, and George C. Boldt Yacht House) and grounds (operating hours vary by the time of the year). There is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection office on Heart Island as visiting the island is considered entering the United States (guests visiting from Canada require appropriate documentation). Most of the rooms on the castle’s first floor and many of the rooms in the second floor are furnished with modern pieces. Some of the rooms from the second floor up to the top floor house exhibits related to the Thousand Islands region during the era in which the Boldts lived. The basement is largely unfinished with a swimming pool, a bowling alley, and a long passageway to the Power House. Built to hold a generator to supply the island with power, the Power House now serves as a museum. Exhibits detail how power was obtained in the early 1900s. There are also exhibits in the Power House on how tools and equipment got to Heart Island to enable construction efforts. Budget about 90 minutes to appreciate everything Boldt Castle offers. A shuttle boat links Heart Island to the George C. Boldt Yacht House. Be aware that a visit to Boldt Castle involves extensive walking and stairways. Docking at Heart Island is free.
4. Boldt Yacht House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Part of the Boldt Castle estate, this site on Wesley Island houses antique wooden boats.
Reviewed By ramyavis - Boston, United States
The yacht closes pretty early so check timings before coming. Captain Steve was awesome accommodating for us to take the ferry to Boldt castle and back - amazing day at the yacht house and castle
5. Wellesley Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 162 reviews
Wellesley Island is home to a state park, a nature center and museum with trails taking you through marshland, forest and shoreline and three golf courses.
Reviewed By SharonH764
This former Methodist camp is a must see. There are beautiful Victorian houses, historic buildings and views.
6. Thousand Islands
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 543 reviews
This area of 1,600-plus islands was discovered by French explorers in the 16th century.
Reviewed By AngelaC321 - New Jersey, United States
The Thousand Islands area is a must see travel destination. We will definitely be back. While visiting, boating is a must. If you rent a boat, avoid Bayside Marina! See my other reviews. We had to file a police report and a fraud report with our bank. There are several other much more reputable marinas in the area just make sure you check reviews. Wellesley Island state park in a beautiful place to camp and visit. Lots of wineries and breweries and of course, make sure you get a bottle of the original Thousand Island dressing. End your day with an incredible sunset and a gorgeous nighttime sky.
7. Thousand Islands Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 reviews
One of the most breathtakingly beautiful places on earth, the Thousand Islands Region is an international tourism destination located along the eastern shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. It is home to many quaint villages and sits just along the border between the United States and Canada. This region was named after the 1,793 islands that are nestled within this scenic international waterway. With recent advances in cold hardy grape production, the Thousand Islands is quickly becoming one of New York State’s fastest growing wine regions. The Thousand Islands Winery was the first winery in the region and boasts not only multiple acres of vineyards, but also breathtaking scenery, a fun and unique tasting room atmosphere, and of course award winning wines!
Reviewed By BeachBum1951 - West Buxton, United States
Wonderful area to visit and a great selection of wines to purchase and taste. Many tasty wines but best of all was our hostess Bobbi . She made the whole wine tasting experience a fun filled event. She knew her wines and made excellent recommendations to each of my friends and myself. Her personality and excellent customer service skills make her the perfect hostess for wine tasting. We will definitely go back someday.
8. Thousand Islands Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 218 reviews
Reviewed By burr6013 - Mississauga, Canada
Thousand Islands Bridge system links Canada and the United States across the St. Lawrence River between the communities of Ivy Lea in Ontario and Collins Landing in New York State. It opened on August 15, 1938 in a ceremony attended by William Lyon Mackenzie King, Prime Minister of Canada, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt, President of the United States. Financed and constructed by a public body in New York State known as the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority, the 13.7-kilometre system consists of five bridges (American mainland to Wellesley Island, Wellesley Island to Hill Island, Hill Island to Constance Island, Constance Island to Georgina Island, and Georgina Island to the Canadian mainland) of four different types (continuous truss, steel arch, concrete rigid frame, and suspension). It took 16 months (10 weeks less than expected) and $3,050,000 to build the five green bridges. All bridges carry a lane of traffic in each direction (Interstate 81 from the south and Highway 137 from the north) and pedestrian sidewalks. Fun fact: The bridge linking Wellesley Island to Hill Island is the actual span that crosses the international border. The main span (American mainland to Wellesley Island) is 240 metres long and has 37 metres of underclearance above the river. Mockingly called “the bridge from nowhere to nowhere” by critics in the early years, in excess of two million vehicles now cross the Thousand Islands Bridge system each year. Note that it currently costs $4.00 for a one-way crossing ($3.00 if paid in American currency). Operations of the Thousand Islands Bridge system are shared under a joint agreement between the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority and the Federal Bridge Corporation Limited, a Crown corporation in Canada responsible for international bridges and related structures.
9. Scenic View Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By 57jeff2014 - Canandaigua, United States
We have enjoyed walking here in the past along the seaway Walkway from our motel. Have been here early in the am when it is very quiet and peaceful. The views up and down the channel are great and one has a view of Boldt Castle and boat house. Ventured back this time at night to watch the sunset. Great location for taking pictures. Even brought our supper to eat as we watched the sunset.
