Cape Vincent ...
Cape
Vincent has a strong French heritage. After his brother, Joseph,
established residence here in the early 1800s, the infamous
Napoleon Bonaparte was to have settled in Cape Vincent, seeking
refuge from the havoc he had wrought in Europe. The village
celebrates its history with the colorful French Festival held
near Bastille Day on the second Saturday in July.
To learn more about the village’s glorious past, visit the Cape Vincent Historical Museum, set in an elegant stone building that served as a barracks for soldiers during the War of 1812. Nearby, in a restored gristmill, explore the underwater life of the 1000 Islands at the Cape Vincent Fisheries Station and Aquarium.
The
only auto ferry across the St. Lawrence River to Canada departs
from Cape Vincent. The delightful journey to Ontario’s
historic City of Kingston features a drive across the picturesque
Wolfe Island, the largest in the archipelago.
Three Mile Bay & Chaumont
A short drive east from Cape Vincent brings you to the delightful villages of Three Mile Bay and Chaumont. Take in the breathtaking beauty of Chaumont Bay, the largest fresh-water bay in the world. During the warmer months, there are weekly sailing events. The area offers a fine range of campsites, marinas, and boat launches.
Tibbets Point Lighthouse
Located
less than three miles west of Cape Vincent where the great
Lake Ontario empties into the St. Lawrence River, this historic
lighthouse shares Tibbets Point with an American Youth Hostel
that is open from May to October. There is also a visitor’s
center, museum and gift shop on the grounds. A peaceful location
to stop and enjoy the view.
Bicycling
The
terrain is friendly and the possibilities are endless; here
are a few route ideas:
Follow the river from Cape Vincent south to Tibbets Point Lighthouse. Bike the Long Sault Parkway which crosses a series of islands and parks. Explore an Island; Wolfe and Howe islands are accessible by ferry. Bike a section of the 1000 Islands Bikeway. Enjoy views from Lakeshore Drive, Route 4, starting from Morrisburg. Tour the historic sites in Sackets Harbor by bike.
Looking for bicycle rentals? In Gananoque, contact T.I. Cycle at 613-382-5144. Along the 1000 Islands Parkway, call Misty Isles Lodge at 613-382-4232. For more ideas and information, contact other local bike shops and Chambers of Commerce.