About the Area

The North Country is famous for its rustic elegance and fantastic outdoor activities. Nearby is the magnificent, historic 454-mile St. Lawrence Seaway, where you can find one of nature’s true wonders: the Thousand Islands. There are actually 1,864 islands, which vary in size and shape. Some have just enough space for two trees and an osprey nest, others big enough for a castle – like Boldt Castle, built at the turn of the century by George C. Boldt, proprietor of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. Throughout the Thousand Islands, boating, swimming, scuba diving and fishing are popular pursuits.

For those who like their water a bit faster, the Black River is just steps from Public Square in Downtown Watertown. Seven miles of whitewater featuring 14 sets of class III and IV rapids offer thrilling rafting adventures from spring through fall. The Black River also has several great play spots for kayakers and has often hosted national competitions.

To the west, the St. Lawrence Seaway links to Lake Ontario, the smallest of the Great Lakes, and a center for excellent boating, fishing and swimming. Just across the lake, Toronto and other Canadian ports are centers of culture and excellent stops for day trips or weekend getaways.

At the foothills of the neighboring Adirondacks is the Tug Hill Region, which gets as much as 300 inches of snow annually! From October to May, this region becomes a winter wonderland and the perfect place for skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, snowshoers and snow lovers of all ages.