Approximate Border Location
Border Countries
🇺🇸 United States
🇨🇦 Canada
Border Cities
🇺🇸 Alexandria Bay, New York
🇨🇦 Thousand Islands Bridge, Ontario
Coordinates
44.33°N, 75.92°W
Border Type
Land crossing via bridge
Operating Hours
Open 24 hours
Wait Times
15-60 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM), weekends
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles, commercial
Daily Crossings
~8000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
English
Currency Exchange
Available near Alexandria Bay (USD, CAD)
Connectivity Options
Wi-Fi at checkpoints, 4G/5G
Accessibility Features
Ramps, elevators
Safety Information
Generally safe, scenic area
Emergency Contacts
🇺🇸 911 🇨🇦 911
Google Maps Location
Country Information
About Alexandria Bay, New York & Thousand Islands Bridge, Ontario
A Crossing Over a Thousand Islands
The border crossing connecting the area near Alexandria Bay, New York, with the Thousand Islands region of Ontario is one of the most scenic and spectacular on the entire US-Canada border. This is not a single checkpoint, but a journey across the Thousand Islands Bridge system, a series of bridges and connecting roads that hopscotch across the beautiful islands of the St. Lawrence River. To cross here is to travel a route that is a major tourist attraction in its own right, a passage through a landscape of sparkling water, lush green islands, and magnificent historic castles. It is a crossing defined by its stunning beauty and its role as a key gateway to a beloved international vacation destination.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects Jefferson County, New York, with the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville in Ontario. It is a major international crossing, open 24/7 to all passenger cars, buses, and commercial freight. The crossing is a toll bridge. The border itself is located on Wellesley Island on the US side. Here, travelers clear the customs and immigration of the country they are entering. The US and Canadian facilities are separate. The crossing is a key part of the corridor that links US Interstate 81 with Ontario’s Highway 401, the busiest highway in Canada.
A History of a Gilded Age Playground
The history of this region is the history of the Thousand Islands as a Gilded Age resort. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the beautiful islands of the St. Lawrence became a summer playground for the rich and famous, who built magnificent mansions and “castles” on their private islands. The most famous of these is Boldt Castle, a massive, unfinished Rhineland-style castle built by the millionaire proprietor of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. The construction of the Thousand Islands Bridge in the 1930s was a major international project that opened up this beautiful region to mass tourism by car. It is a symbol of the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
Border Crossing Procedure
The border crossing procedure is a standard process, but its location is unique. After crossing the main suspension bridge from the US mainland, you will arrive on Wellesley Island, which is still US territory. Here, you will find the Canadian border station. You must stop here to clear Canadian customs and immigration if you are heading to Canada. If you are traveling from Canada, you will stop at the US border station, also on Wellesley Island, before proceeding to the US mainland. You will need a valid passport or other approved travel document. The process is generally efficient, but queues can be long during the summer tourist season.
The Surrounding Region: United States Side
On the US side, the crossing is in the heart of the Thousand Islands region. The village of Alexandria Bay is a major tourist hub, with numerous hotels, restaurants, and the departure point for boat tours of the islands. The main attraction is Boldt Castle on Heart Island, which has been beautifully restored and is open to the public. The region is a paradise for boaters, fishermen, and those who enjoy the scenic beauty of the river. The historic town of Clayton, with its Antique Boat Museum, is also nearby.
The Surrounding Region: Canada Side
On the Canadian side, the crossing is the gateway to the Thousand Islands National Park, a beautiful park that consists of over 20 islands and numerous smaller islets. The Thousand Islands Parkway is a scenic road that runs along the riverbank, offering beautiful views. The nearby town of Gananoque is the main hub for Canadian boat tours and is known as the “Gateway to the Thousand Islands.” The historic city of Kingston, the first capital of Canada, with its magnificent limestone architecture and Fort Henry, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a short drive away.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning for this route is straightforward. The bridge is a toll bridge, and the fee is collected on the US side. The official currencies are the US Dollar (USD) in the United States and the Canadian Dollar (CAD) in Canada. Services are widely available in the tourist towns on both sides of the border. Be aware of the customs limits for goods. The most popular activity is a boat tour of the islands, and many companies offer tours that showcase the beauty and history of the region on both sides of the border.
Final Considerations
The Alexandria Bay–Thousand Islands border crossing is a journey through a landscape of breathtaking beauty. It is a busy, functional checkpoint that is also a world-class tourist attraction. It offers a passage through a shared international playground of islands and castles. For the traveler, it is a gateway to the wonders of the St. Lawrence River, a chance to explore a unique and beautiful region where the border is not a barrier, but simply a part of the magnificent scenery.