Hubby and I have always enjoyed taking road trips. When my dog business was active, summers were usually too busy, so we often hit the road in September.
No crowded tourists areas, and the weather was still pleasantly warm!
In 2015, we thought it would be fun to drive all the way around Lake Ontario, scheduling several stops in the Thousand Islands area and Upstate New York.
It was a five-day excursion, Sept. 9 – 14.
This is a four-part series.
[Click on all images to view full size in a separate window.]
[Map data ©2023 Google]
SEPT. 11
1000 ISLANDS BOAT TOUR FROM GANANOQUE,
WITH BOLDT CASTLE STOPOVER
Passports at the ready (we’d be crossing the border), we headed out at 10 am. The boat was comfortable and offered snacks and drinks for sale:
After 45 minutes, we entered U.S. waters and headed for Boldt Castle, on Heart Island:
In 1900, George C. Boldt, millionaire owner of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, set out to build a full size castle for his wife, Louise, to be used as a summer residence. (He had already built a separate entertainment centre there, known as the Alster tower.) In January 1904, Louise died suddenly and Boldt never returned to the island, leaving behind the unfinished structures.
The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired the property in 1977, and decided it would be completed and preserved for future generations, using all the net revenues from the castle operation.
When we were there eight years ago, the extraneous buildings had been restored, but the castle itself was still a work in progress. Time to go back and see how it’s progressed?
The Alster Tower complex was completed in 1899, before work on the castle began. It served as a recreation centre and guest house, complete with kitchen, library, billiard room, music/ballroom and a bowling alley. The family stayed there while the the castle was under construction.
After spending over two hours on Heart Island, we returned to the boat and headed back to Gananoque, cruising by “Millionaire’s Row” along the way:
We took the scenic route back to our hotel, stopping at the town hall (a 5-minute drive from the dock), which is located in an old mansion, built in 1831. The grounds are lovely:
This would be our last night in Gananoque, so, after some rest and a meal, we took a drive along the 1000 Islands Parkway:
To be continued…
Before you go, see what’s been happening with Battle of the Bands!
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Next Chapter:
Seneca Falls (with two claims to fame) and Geneva, New York
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Dog Mom and (retired) Canine Innkeeper in suburban Toronto, Canada, known as The Doglady. Former corporate workaholic. Writer, photographer, digital creator. Animal lover, music fanatic, inveterate traveller. Eternal hippie/rockchick. History, literature and cinema buff. Hockey and soccer fan. Dedicated night owl. German/Canadian binational, multilingual. Let me entertain you!
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31 thoughts on “CIRCLING LAKE ONTARIO #RoadTrip Part II”
The Boldt Castle Estate is beyond beautiful! Too bad Louise never got to experience and enjoy it. however it’s great that there were funds to complete and maintain it so the rest of us gets to visit – even from afar!
You encountered Bambi ❤️
Boldt Castle is incredible and the deer statues are a nice touch. 🙂 I can only imagine the heartbreak George Boldt went through after his beloved Louise passed away. Thanks for taking the tour, Tamara.
Great photos and commentary of your trip to that impressive castle, Debbie. I felt like I was there along with you.
Thank you, Cathy! 🙂 It was a beautiful tour. Part III of the trip is live now.
The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority did do a great job! It’s a gorgeous place!! Incidentally before I forget, I saved one of your images (I hope you don’t mind) with the hopes of sketching it. Whenever I get around to doing it, I’ll be sure to share it with you! 🙂
I don’t mind you using one of my images for your sketch, Cathy. I’m sure it will turn out beautifully! 🙂
Thanks, ole pal! 😘
Debbie,
Another beautiful edition in this series! I would love to visit Boldt Castle. It reminds me a bit of Biltmore with some of the architecture but I love the uneven stone texture that offers a more warm, down to earth feel to the castle verses the more elaborate masonry found at Biltmore Estate. The only problem it appears the only way to access Boldt Castle is by water and this scaredy Cathy would have to get over the fear of traveling by boat to get to such a fantasy setting. Incidentally, how sad George couldn’t finish the castle he started for his princess after her untimely death. Have a wild and wonderful Wednesday, my dear!
Thanks, Cathy! 🙂 Boldt Castle is magnificent, but yes, only accessible by boat. Poor George was too heartbroken to continue the construction. Thankfully, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority did a wonderful job.
What a gorgeous road trip Deb, and at the perfect time of year. Thanks for the mini tour out east. I’ve been to Ganonoque once, it’s beautiful. <3
Glad you enjoyed the tour, Deb. 🙂 Writing this travelogue makes me want to go back.
No doubts! 🙂
Driving around that lake sure looks like fun. I have built some houses on the edge of water, and it is always enjoyable to view the activities on the lakes and rivers.
It was a memorable trip, Myke. 🙂 Yes, there’s something magical about bodies of water.
That is a big adventure- and sounds like fun!
It was! 🙂 Too bad it took me 8 years to write the travelogue, but now I want to go back and see what’s changed.
Such lovely photographs. And what an amazing trip. I’m so envious. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks, Renee. 🙂 Too bad it took me 8 years to write the travelogue. It was a memorable trip.
Have you actually put up an October battle? All I found was the recap of September.
Looks like you had some great fun on vacation!
Yes, John, published Oct. 1 at 12:01 am. 🙂 You’ll find it if you scroll down to the end of this travelogue. Or, if you don’t want to do that, here’s the link: https://botb-by-debbie-d.blogspot.com/2023/10/october-skies-botb.html
Oops! Blew right past it….
What fun to visit the castle. That’s the kind of place I like to see.
Love,
Janie
Some amazing architecture there, for sure! 🙂 Thanks for coming by, Janie.
So beautiful. I would love to do this too. Wow.
Have a fabulous day and week, Debbie. Hugs. ♥
Glad you enjoyed the tour, Sandee. Thanks for coming by! 🙂
That really does look like a tour worth taking, and the castle restoration seems to be very well done. Thanks for the trip, Debbie.
Best wishes, Pete.
It was definitely worth it. I want to go back now and see the completed restoration. Glad you enjoyed the trip, Pete! 🙂
That looks like an awesome trip! And what a great idea it was to go in September instead of during the summer months! The Mister and I enjoy car trips, too. Especially spontaneous ones. 🙂
It was a fun tour. 🙂 September is a great time to travel, although some attractions close after Labour Day. Spontaneous trips are the best!
That seems like a wonderful trip. There are a lot of things around Lake Ontario. I’ve been to Niagara Falls, Toronto, Syracuse, but I’ve never been to Boldt Castle or tried driving around Lake Ontario. That video was beautiful.
Yes, both Ontario and New York state have many points of interest. 🙂 Writing this long-overdue travelogue makes me want to go again, to see what’s changed.