Accessible Travel Guide to the Thousand Islands, NY

The Thousand Islands region sits where the St. Lawrence River meets Lake Ontario — a stretch of water, islands, and small towns that feels made for slowing down. It’s not just one destination, but dozens of them: tiny island communities, riverfront villages like Clayton and Alexandria Bay, and scenic drives that link them all together.

It’s the kind of place where you can start your day on a boat, visit a castle by afternoon, and end it with a glass of local wine while the sun sets over the river. Despite its remote feel, it’s easy to reach from cities like Syracuse or Watertown, and many hotels, attractions, and tours now share verified accessibility details so you can plan without guesswork.

This guide walks you through how to get around, where to stay, what to do, and a few local favorites worth adding to your itinerary.

Getting Around the Thousand Islands

The Thousand Islands region covers a wide area across northern New York, with most visitors basing themselves in Clayton, Alexandria Bay, or Watertown. Public transportation is limited, so having a car makes exploring much easier, especially if you want to reach nature centers, wineries, or parks.

If you’re flying in, the Watertown International Airport (ART) is the closest option, just 20 minutes from most waterfront towns. It’s small and easy to navigate, with car rentals on-site. For more flight options, Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) is about 90 minutes south and connects to major U.S. hubs.

Travelers needing a wheelchair-accessible vehicle can rent from United Access in Syracuse, which offers WAVs and delivery options to nearby areas. Most parking lots at attractions, hotels, and parks have accessible spaces close to entrances, and roads throughout the region are well maintained.

Ferries and boat tours operate from several harbors in summer, and some, like Clayton Island Tours, provide boarding ramps and trained crew to help with transfers. It’s best to call ahead if you use a wheelchair, since river conditions and vessel types can vary.

If you’re staying in Clayton or Alexandria Bay, both towns are compact enough to explore without a car once you’re there. Shops, museums, restaurants, and marinas are all within a few blocks of each other.

Oh, and if you have a passport, it’s also easy to cross into Canada for a day trip. The Thousand Islands Bridge connects to Ontario, and several tour boats run between the U.S. and Canadian islands during summer.

Where to Stay in the Thousand Islands

Where you stay in the Thousand Islands depends on the kind of trip you want. If you want to be right on the river, close to boat tours and local restaurants, Alexandria Bay and Clayton are the main hubs. For more space and easier access to highways, Watertown works well, and Sackets Harbor gives you a quieter lakefront feel.

In Alexandria Bay, you’ll find a mix of classic resorts and smaller inns within walking distance of the docks. The Riveredge Resort Hotel is one of the best-known stays, sitting right on the water with views of Boldt Castle. Rooms are comfortable, and you can easily reach the shops and restaurants downtown without needing to drive. A few blocks away, Capt. Thomson’s Resort offers a similar waterfront setting, and Capt.’s Inn & Suites is a good option if you’re looking for something more affordable but still close to the action.

Clayton has a laid-back charm that makes it perfect for slow mornings and evening walks by the river. The town’s main street has art galleries, small shops, and the Antique Boat Museum, all within a few blocks. The Harbor House Inn is a local favorite for its cozy feel and easy access to the waterfront.

If you’d rather stay somewhere with quick highway access or need more amenities, Watertown is a practical base. It’s only about 30 minutes from Alexandria Bay and has a larger selection of restaurants and stores. The Hilton Garden Inn Watertown is a comfortable mid-range pick with a restaurant on-site and an indoor pool with a lift. The Fairfield Inn & Suites includes breakfast and tends to be one of the more affordable options in town. The Holiday Inn Express Hotel offers a reliable stay with large rooms and easy access to the highway, a good fit for travelers planning to explore both the islands and Lake Ontario.

For something quieter, Sackets Harbor sits right on Lake Ontario and has a slower pace that’s perfect for unwinding. The Harbor House Inn puts you near the marina and a handful of restaurants and cafes, making it a peaceful spot to end the day after exploring the islands.

Accessible Things to Do in the Thousand Islands

The Thousand Islands region is one of those places that feels like it was made for exploring. From castles and lighthouses to wineries and river cruises, there’s a lot to see — and most of it revolves around the water. Whether you’re into history, boating, or just taking in the views, here are some of the best stops to plan around.

Boldt Castle

You can’t talk about the Thousand Islands without mentioning Boldt Castle. Built in the early 1900s on Heart Island, the castle was designed as a romantic gift and then abandoned mid-construction, only to be restored decades later. Today, you can tour the grand rooms, gardens, and towers. The main floors and grounds are step-free or ramped, and there’s an elevator that makes it possible to explore most of the interior.

The castle is open seasonally from May through October and can only be reached by boat or tour ferry. Services like Uncle Sam Boat Tours and Clayton Island Tours offer accessible boarding options.

Antique Boat Museum

In Clayton, the Antique Boat Museum celebrates the region’s boating heritage with one of the largest collections of wooden watercraft in the country. You’ll see everything from sleek speedboats to hand-built canoes, and the museum’s layout makes it easy to move through the galleries. It’s right along the river, so you also get great views while you’re there.

Clayton Island Tours

If you want to experience the islands from the water, Clayton Island Tours runs narrated cruises that pass lighthouses, waterfront cottages, and Boldt Castle itself. The boats have step-free boarding via ramp, and although the interiors are spacious enough for manual wheelchair users, the boats cannot accommodate power wheelchairs.

Thousand Islands Winery

Just outside Alexandria Bay, Thousand Islands Winery is set on a historic farm surrounded by vineyards. You can taste local wines, take a tour, or sit outside with views of the St. Lawrence River valley. The tasting room is step-free, and outdoor seating areas are on firm, level ground.

Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Located on Wellesley Island, the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center is one of the best ways to experience the natural side of the Thousand Islands. The park features paved and packed-gravel trails through forest and along the shoreline, plus an accessible nature center with exhibits on local wildlife. The views of the river and islands are some of the best in the region.

Boldt Yacht House

Right across from Boldt Castle, the Boldt Yacht House holds George Boldt’s original luxury boats — restored to their early 1900s glory. The building itself is impressive, and the pathways are mostly level, making it easy to move around the exhibits.

Accessible Places to Eat and Drink in the Thousand Islands

The Thousand Islands area has a mix of relaxed waterfront dining, local breweries, and family-run restaurants. We have three spots mapped for accessibility (although there are plenty of other options to consider):

Blu Anchor

Located right on the water in Alexandria Bay, Blu Anchor is a laid-back restaurant with unbeatable views of the St. Lawrence River. The menu covers all the classics — burgers, seafood, and salads — and there’s often live music on summer evenings. The space is open and accessible, with outdoor seating that’s perfect on warm days.

Garland City Beer Works

In downtown Watertown, Garland City Beer Works brews small-batch craft beers and serves comfort food with a local twist. Think mac and cheese, sandwiches, and shareable appetizers. The atmosphere is easygoing, and there’s plenty of space to move between tables.

Thousand Islands Winery

It’s not just a place for wine tastings — Thousand Islands Winery also serves local cheese boards, snacks, and light bites that pair perfectly with the view. On weekends, you might catch live music or food trucks, and the tasting patio has level access and accessible restrooms nearby.

If you’re driving between towns, you’ll also find plenty of diners, cafés, and waterfront grills where you can stop for a quick meal or a view of the river.

Events in the Thousand Islands

The Thousand Islands region keeps a lively calendar through the warmer months, with festivals that celebrate its boating culture, local food, and waterfront charm. Whether you’re into music, wine, or watching antique wooden boats glide along the river, there’s something worth timing your trip around.

Antique Boat Show & Auction (Clayton)

Held every August at the Antique Boat Museum, this event brings boat lovers from across the country to see beautifully restored wooden crafts and vintage engines in action. There are demonstrations, auctions, and river cruises, all set against the backdrop of the St. Lawrence. The museum grounds and main exhibit areas are accessible, and the event team is used to accommodating guests with mobility needs.

Rockin’ the Bay (Alexandria Bay)

Alexandria Bay’s biggest summer celebration combines live music, local food, and plenty of boats. The downtown streets turn into a festival zone, and the waterfront fills with classic cars and riverfront vendors. The main areas are step-free and easy to roll through, and there’s accessible parking close to the heart of the event.

Thousand Islands Wine & Food Festival (Clayton)

If you’re visiting in June, this two-day event at Cerow Recreation Park highlights the best local wineries, breweries, and food producers in the region. You can sample, shop, and relax under the tents, with accessible entryways and paved paths throughout.

Plan Your Accessible Visit

The Thousand Islands region is one of those places that feels like a real getaway. Peaceful, scenic, and easy to enjoy at your own pace. What makes it even better is how much of the area is ready for travelers with disabilities. From accessible hotels and wineries to nature centers and river tours, many local businesses have worked to make sure everyone can experience the islands comfortably.

Visit The 1000 Islands With Peace of Mind

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