The Smart Ass

On the banks of the St Lawrence River, Gananoque is the gateway to the Thousand Islands region, with a visitor centre and the 1000 Islands History Museum illustrating the history of the area, plus a number of cruises departing from here. There are also kayak launches in the marina, next to Joel Stone Heritage Park. Sitting on the romantically named Heart Island, on the US side of the St Lawrence River, is Boldt Castle & Boldt Yacht House (45 minutes), started in 1900. Although construction was never completed, the castle features splendid interiors such as the elegant ballroom and the cosy library. Also on the US side of the St Lawrence River, Clayton (55 minutes) is home to the Antique Boat Museum, with several hundred vessels on display, including La Duchesse, built for George Boldt (of Boldt Castle fame). The collection at the Thousand Islands Arts Center includes handwoven textiles through the centuries.