Why Alex Bay
A vacation paradise awaits you!
Amidst the gentle waters of the St. Lawrence River there is a place like no other: Alexandria Bay, New York.
Our friendly, fun and historic village may be just what the doctor ordered — your base camp for adventuring through the 1000 Islands.
Alexandria Bay is a place of year-round beauty and a traveler’s paradise. It’s no surprise USA Today Readers’ voted Alexandria Bay “Best U.S. Boat Ride” and Fox News Travel voted the Thousand Islands as “America’s #1 Archipelago.”
Get started with our Activity & Visitor Guide to Alexandria Bay. This handy guide contains everything you need to know from our History to local area attractions, community events, nature trails, boating and marina information, wedding and event info, travel information, and much more!
Explore Our Beauty & Rich History
Boldt Castle
Nestled on Heart Island is the legendary Boldt Castle. The beauty of the castle is matched by the amazing, yet tragic love story of its owner, hotel proprietor George Boldt.
Singer Castle
Just a short ten miles down river is Singer Castle, built in the late 1800s by sewing company magnate Frederick Gilbert Bourne, and notable for its secret passageways and medieval design.
Millionaires Row
Millionaires Row, an array of islands and island homes, reflects the opulence and individuality of an era long gone by.
Historic Lighthouses
Guided by two area lighthouses, the St. Lawrence River is active with trade from early April to late December, as large tankers pass by Alexandria Bay on their way to the Atlantic Ocean or Lake Ontario. Watch these fascinating vessels from all over the world go by from the decks and docks of “The Bay.”
Adventure, Romance, & Family Fun Await!
Alexandria Bay is the perfect destination for couples, singles, groups and families looking to have a good time and create lasting memories!
Hop on board Uncle Sam’s Boat Tours (leaving several times a day) offering shuttles to Boldt Castle and Singer Castle. Extended scenic tours are available at both lunch and dinner time, showcasing the breathtaking Thousand Islands Region.
For romantics planning a destination wedding, Alexandria Bay has all that you need to create that perfect day! Our two extraordinary castles (Boldt and Singer Castle) offer an incredible setting to create an unforgettable wedding for you and your guests. Our mainland businesses offers many other venue options to make your wedding dreams come true!
For the Adventure lover, The Bay offers a variety of exciting experiences. Run or stroll along our new Riverwalk that follows the waterfront of our downtown. Runners and bikers can experience the Seaway Trail (NYS Route 12) which runs parallel to the St. Lawrence River. Nature trails at the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center, Otter Creek Preserve, Macsherry Trail and Carnegie Bay are waiting for both the casual walker and serious cross-country hiker. All along the river are quiet bays and coves looking to be explored by canoe, paddleboard or kayak. For thrill-seekers, try your hand at fly-boarding adventures!
As the Resort Center of the Thousand Islands, Alexandria Bay boasts over 1,000 rooms in resorts, hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts, ranging from standard amenities to luxury accommodations.
Conference and convention facilities are available at Bonnie Castle Resort & Marina.
Five state parks provide the largest number of campsites in New York State’s Park system. Numerous private campgrounds in our area provide cabins, cottages, RV sites and campsites for visitors, most with direct access to the St. Lawrence River.
Nationally recognized as one of the Top Ten Fishing Destinations in the United States, you have the opportunity to catch Northern Pike, Walleye, Black Bass and Muskie. You’re guaranteed a great fish story when your adventure is guided by one of our experienced Fishing Guides. Fishing is not only a summer sport in the 1000 Islands. During the winter months the river offers some of the best ice fishing in the country!
Scuba Diving is also one of the area’s most popular activities. The varied depths, clear waters and intriguing wrecks of the St. Lawrence River have drawn thousands to the area to enjoy scuba diving.
Our region is truly a golfer’s paradise — with 32 courses available! Eight golf courses are within fifteen miles of Alexandria Bay.
Our downtown village offers unique shopping experiences for one-of-a-kind, handcrafted items along with many jewelry, art, craft and specialty stores.
There are over thirty restaurants for your dining pleasure, from casual outdoor dining to elegant affairs. After a day of adventure, relax at a local pub or night club; most host live entertainment in the evenings!
If the gentle sounds of the river beckons you or you yearn for an unforgettable sunset, stroll out to the Scenic View Park to enjoy all the St. Lawrence River has to offer.
The Bay offers many highlighted events throughout the summer. Check them out under our event page for additional information!
Year-round events such as our popular Halloween Festival, Christmas Tree Lighting, River Santa Festival, Pond Hockey Tournament, Polar Bear Dip and Easter Egg Hunt are also not to be missed!
Plan your trip today!
Join us in A-Bay for year-round beauty and a traveler’s paradise. Come and see why USA Today Readers’ voted Alexandria Bay “Best U.S. Boat Ride” and Fox News Travel voted the Thousand Islands as “America’s #1 Archipelago.”