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There is no better way to experience the beauty of the St. Lawrence River than from the bow of a boat. The spray in your face- the wind in your hair- its a feeling like no other. The magnificence of the sparkling water, set off by the picturesque islands, offers a potent reminder of why the 1000 Islands has long been the choice of vacationers from around the world. Take off and try tubing, head out on water skies. Explore the islands, and stop for a quick swim or picnic.
Be sure to bring your own boat. Clayton makes it easy to get your boat into the water. The village provides a public launch and docking at many points along the river including a 200-foot floating dock complex in front of the Village.
Clayton also has a number of well-equipped full service marinas where you can buy gas, supplies, dock for the evening, or rent watercraft ranging from kayaks to canoes and small fishing boats to houseboats to pontoon “party boats”.
If you don’t have your own boat, you can enjoy the guided pleasures of a boat tour aboard a double-decker tour boat. The scenic vessels leave Clayton throughout the day, and travel beneath the 1000 Islands Bridge to near-by Alexandria Bay and its romantic Boldt Castle, and around the islands into Canada. You’ll view the extraordinary island homes built by the privileged of yesteryear especially along millionaire’s row, and learn about Clayton’s colorful past filled with bootleggers, pirates and local “river rats”. Perhaps you would prefer a private, personalized tour where you can try a day of “rivering” with a local guide on his private boat. With just your own friends and family aboard, your tour can be as personalized as you like.
Antique Boat Museum
Business Description
The Antique Boat Museum, “…the largest and most impressive collection of inland recreational boats in the world…” according to Joseph Gribbins of Nautical Quarterly Magazine. When you visit the Museum at 750 Mary Street you’ll discover the largest collection of Antique and Classic boats on display in North America. Stop by the boat shop to see a restoration in progress. While at the Museum take a speedboat ride through the 1000 islands in a triple cockpit runabout. Take up the oars yourself in a St. Lawrence skiff and explore the shoreline of Clayton. Take a tour of George Boldt’s 106′ historic houseboat. The Antique boat Museum hosts a number of activities throughout the summer, including the longest running annual antique boat show and auction in the country. The Museum also offers classes and programs for adults and children. Before you leave make sure you check out the Museum store and pick up a keepsake for your own river memories.