Booking for the next season will take place in Winter. Please contact us for reservations!
As we’ve said countless times, we want nothing more than for you to enjoy Carleton View and the Thousand Island region as much as we do. The following information is meant only as a guide or starting place for your vacation.
If you have suggestions that could be included, please leave us a note. Enjoy all the region has to offer!
Beach
For land-lubbers…CedarPointState Park (4 miles north on 12 E towards Clayton) has a very nice beach with benches, tables, and a nice playground. There are some great beaches accessible only from the water along the US shoreline to the North of Carleton view. Consult a river chart for details.
Boat Tours
A visit to the area is not complete without exploring the Thousand Islands from one of the daily boat tours that leave Clayton and Alexandria Bay. Options include sunset tours, lunch or dinner cruises, tours of Boldt and Jordast Castles, and various inland tours.
Cell Phone Info
Cell phone coverage in the area has recently improved, but can still be sporadic. If you find yourself “roaming,” you may be hitting a Canadian tower. Though additional charges could apply, some carriers will waive additional fees (if requested).
Drive-In Movies
FYI…one of the last remaining drive-ins in NY state is in Alexandria Bay. This very popular night-time activity has two screens, a snack bar, and is great inexpensive fun for young and old. Check the newspaper for schedules or call 315-482-3874.
Family Activities
Miniature golf, go-carts, an aqua zoo/aquarium, and other family activities are available between Clayton and Alexandria Bay on Rt. 12. In addition, various weekly or seasonal festivals, fairs, or other fun events can be found on the regional calendar of events included in the information folder.
Ferry to Canada
The ferry to Wolfe Island, Canada leaves Cape Vincent approximately once per hour each day from 8:15 AM to 7:30 PM. A second ferry can then be taken from Wolfe Island into the historic city of Kingston, Ontario. Return trips to the US run from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Signs on the island will direct travelers from one ferry dock to the other.
Fishing Guides
Though fishing for panfish (perch, sunfish, rock bass, etc.) from the dock is fun, serious anglers may prefer to head out on the water. Fishing guide information may be obtained through the Chambers of Commerce.
Live Music
Our family enjoys the variety of concerts that take place throughout the summer along the river. Open air concerts take place every Saturday afternoon “on the green” in Cape Vincent and every Thursday at the Waterfront in Clayton. Other concerts will also be scheduled throughout the summer. Consult the regional calendar of events or contact the Chambers of Commerce for specific information.
Playgrounds
If ‘little ones’ are part of your vacation….there is a VERY large playground in Cape Vincent behind the elementary school, another VERY large playground right in the middle of the village of Clayton, and a nice playground adjacent to the beach in Cedar Point State Park (4 miles North on 12E towards Clayton). Have fun! Katelyn and Corey Decker enjoy all three locations!
Restaurants
‘Tastes’ for everyone abound throughout the region. Dozens of restaurants can be found up and down the river area and dining fare ranges from simple sandwiches to elegant multi-course feasts. The following choices are meant as only starters for your exploration. We invite you to sample fun, simple, and tasty bar food at ‘Cape Vincent Brewery’ (in Cape Vincent), wonderful family dining at Telly's Inn, or elegant fine dining at the Clipper Restaurant (in Clayton) or the Coal Docks (in Cape Vincent). There are many, many more wonderful options, so don't hesitate to ask for recommendations! Be sure to check the weekly ‘Thousand Island Sun Vacationer’ newspaper for various weekly specials in the region’s many restaurants.
Scuba Diving
Troy is an avid diver, and says that the crystal clear waters of the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario hold some of the best fresh water diving in the world. Wrecks and fish abound, and divers are frequently spotted along the shores and in the water throughout the region. For dive charter information, contact Hunt’s Dive Shop at 315-686-1070.
Shopping
Kristyn says a vacation is not complete without doing at least “a little” shopping (not that she has ever done “a little” shopping on vacation). The Salmon Run Mall is adjacent to Route 81, and is surrounded by various shopping plazas. Cape Vincent, Clayton, Alexandria Bay, Sackets Harbor and Kingston all have shops that range from “tourist traps” to high-end boutiques.
Sunsets Views
Though the sunsets from the front porch are amazing, we do recommend making at least one trip to Tibbet’s Point Lighthouse at dusk. (It’s fun to start the evening with ice cream in Cape Vincent!) Simply go out to the main road and turn right towards Cape Vincent. Continue along the waterfront through the village until you reach the lighthouse…and don’t forget a camera!
Travel to Canada
Car travel to Canada can be accomplished by taking the Thousand Island Bridge (approx. 10 miles North on Rt. 12E/Rt 12 to Rt. 81 North) or by taking the Ferry from Cape Vincent to Wolfe Island and another ferry to Kingston Ontario (signs throughout Wolfe Island point the way). Many guests enjoy both routes by traveling to Canada one way and returning another. Be sure to bring a government issued ID for all travelers (including children). Passports or 'enhanced licenses' are required!.