1000 Islands International Travel Guide 2012-2013 : Page 50
Lighthouses of the 1000 Islands The St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario are a vital part of the passageway to the interior of the eastern United States and Canada. With so many islands – 1,864 to be exact – and countless shoals, freighter captains, sailors and pleasure boat operators need to be familiar with their surroundings. GPS units and downloadable charts have modernized navigation but the most symbolic guide remains the lighthouses. A dozen lighthouses dot the shoreline of each side of the 1000 Islands region and eastern Lake Ontario shores. Each is unique in appearance, many are still functioning and they attract “lighthouse watchers” eager to learn their fascinating histories. Stone, wood and iron are just a few of the materials used to construct these beacons and styles range from Gothic Revival to Shingle Style. They mark river mouths, treacherous rocky waters and busy harbors. Many are privately owned or are maintained by families or lighthouse preservation organizations. Boat tours pass a few of these beacons, while private tours aboard smaller crafts can be arranged to gaze up close. Some of the most photographed are Tibbetts Point Lighthouse in Cape Vincent (NY) where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence River, Sunken Rock Lighthouse on Bush Island in Alexandria Bay (NY) because of its proximity to the Boldt Castle and the red-topped Windmill Point Lighthouse that’s open to visitors seasonally and located just east of Prescott (ON) at the Battle of Windmill National Historic Site of Canada. Rock Island Lighthouse in Fishers Landing between Alexandria Bay and Clayton (NY) is expected to open to public touring in 2013. Currently, the grounds are open to daytime visitation. to learn More … about lighthouses along the 1000 Islands and eastern Lake Ontario, contact the Great Lakes Seaway Trail (www.seawaytrail.com, 315-646-1000) or Ontario Tourism at (www.ontariotravel.net, 1-800-ONTARIO). Top Campground Ratings Woodalls Trailer Life 9.5/9.5 /9.5 C huc k & Suz an ne G oui n wel c om e y o u to The Willows on the Lake RV Park & Resort RV Sites Sites. Tent Sites. Cabins on LAKE ONTARIO. Water Recreation. Relaxation. 15 minutes to Watertown shopping/dining. On the Seaway Trail Byway. Your One-of-a-Kind Island Getaway www.AssociationIslandResort.com Located in Scenic Henderson Harbor, NY 1000 Islands Region USA Eastern Lake Ontario GPS: 43.89276 N, -76.21712 W 15 miles W of I-81 Exit 41, or 21 miles SW of I-81 Exit 45 (800) 393-4189 Large RV Sites All 50A FHU Marina & Boat Launch Cottage Rentals w/ 2-Bedrooms Conference Ctr (For Weddings!) Starting in 2012, we will be: “KOA 1000 Islands at Association Island” Daily to Seasonal Rates 2012: Open May 18 to Oct 8 Great Fishing & Recreation Gorgeous Sunsets & Water-Views (315) 938 -5977 TheWillowsOnTheLake.com 11609 Route 3, Henderson Harbor, NY Ask about VKR & Military Discounts And Spring & Fall Super Specials 38 1000 Islands InternatIonal travel GuIde | 800.847.5263 | visit1000islands.com