Discover a freshwater paradise for sightseeing and outdoor recreation. Hundreds of miles of picturesque coastline and sparkling lakes, rivers, waterfalls. and magnificent state parks are perfect for hiking, camping, boating and some of the world's best trophy fishing!
Stay in a grand waterside resort, woodland cottage or lakeside campsite, and wake up to splendid views and refreshing adventures. Scenic cruises range from wildlife watching with Clayton Island Tours to vintage-speedboat rides at Clayton's Antique Boat Museum, hosting the Antique Boat Show in August. Uncle Sam Boat Tours visit Boldt Castle, Singer Castle, and Millionaires' Row. For an uplifting view, sail above Alexandria Bay with Champagne Balloon Adventures. See history come alive at Fort Ontario and the Marine Museum, in Oswego, and at Sackets Harbor Battlefield. Follow the Great Lakes Seaway Trail, rated a Top 9 Great American Drive, to lighthouses, wineries and summer fun, from amusement parks to scuba diving. Attractions along the route include the Frederic Remington Art Museum, in Ogdensburg, and the Safe Haven Museum in Oswego. Try whitewater rafting in the Black River Canyon, near Watertown.
Head to the Eisenhower Lock & Visitor Center, where huge ships traveling between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean are raised or lowered 40 feet. Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River attract anglers from around the world for salmon, trout, pike, walleye and monster muskellunge. The mighty St. Lawrence, one of the world's premier fisheries, hosted the Bassmaster Elite Series and several World Carp Tournaments.
Great events on Lake Ontario include Cape Vincent's French Festival and Oswego's Harborfest in July. Alexandria Bay celebrates pirate legends with Bill Johnston's Pirate Days every August. In Canton, catch the best short films at the St. Lawrence International Film Festival.