Philadelphians usually head east for a weekend away, to the Jersey Shore. The Thousand Islands go the other way: straight north, almost to Canada, on the St. Lawrence River. It's a long drive, so it works best as a long weekend. In return you get islands, castles, fresh fish cooked on the rocks, and water that feels nothing like the shore.
The drive north: I-476 to I-81
The route is simple. Take the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension (I-476) north. It ends at I-81 near Scranton. Take I-81 north from there through Binghamton, Syracuse, and Watertown, right up to the Thousand Islands. It's about 352 miles, or 6 to 7 hours with a stop or two.
The Turnpike part has tolls. In winter, I-81 in upstate New York can get heavy snow, so watch the forecast if you're coming for ice fishing.
Rather fly? There's a Philadelphia flight
This is one thing Philly has that most cities don't. Watertown International Airport, about 40 minutes from Alexandria Bay, has American Airlines flights to and from Philadelphia, according to the Watertown airport (opens in a new tab). Schedules change, so check with the airline before you plan around it.
You'll still need a rental car in Watertown. Laurentian Tours doesn't do pickups or arrange lodging.
A long weekend plan from Philadelphia
Friday: drive up
Leave by late morning and you'll reach Alexandria Bay by evening. The town has hotels, motels, inns, and cottage rentals. Summer weekends book up early, so reserve before you book the boat.
Saturday: fishing and a shore dinner
Meet Captain Richard Drake at Bonnie Castle Marina, Boathouse 3, where most trips leave from. He'll confirm the start time when you book. You fish for about 4 hours for smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and perch. Then he lands on an island and cooks a shore dinner: BLTs, salad with Thousand Island dressing, your catch fried golden brown, salt potatoes, French toast with local maple syrup, and campfire coffee.
For a family of four, a half day plus shore dinner is $870.
Sunday: Boldt Castle
Take a private Boldt Castle boat tour, about 4 hours with just your group. Or ride a boat out to Heart Island and walk through Boldt Castle. It's open from mid-May to mid-October. Our Boldt Castle guide covers tickets and hours.
Monday: home
Start south after breakfast. You'll be home by dinner.
How it compares with fishing near Philly
Philly anglers have good options close to home. Jersey Shore party boats fish ocean wrecks and reefs for black sea bass, and fluke in the summer. Closer in, the Delaware River gets a run of American shad in early spring. The Pennsylvania DCNR (opens in a new tab) lists shad, striped bass, smallmouth bass, and walleye as game fish in the river.
The St. Lawrence is a different trip.
- No crowd at the rail. On a party boat you share the rail with strangers. Here it's a private boat for up to 6 people, with a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain who has run boats on this river for over 40 years.
- Calmer water. You fish around islands, not the open ocean. On a windy day there's often a sheltered side to fish. That's good news for kids and anyone who gets seasick.
- Different fish. Smallmouth bass are the most common catch on the river, says the New York State DEC (opens in a new tab). There's also pike, walleye, perch, and in the fall, musky.
- More than fishing. Castles, island cottages, freighters in the channel, and a meal cooked on an island.
Your Pennsylvania license won't cover it
It's easy to forget. A Pennsylvania fishing license doesn't work in New York. Anyone 16 or older needs a New York fishing license to fish the St. Lawrence. Kids under 16 don't need one. Our fishing license guide shows how to buy one online before you leave home.
When to come up from Philadelphia
| When | What's going on |
|---|---|
| May to mid-June | Pike and walleye. Bass fishing is closed on the St. Lawrence until June 15, even catch and release. |
| Mid-June to August | Bass, perch, pike, shore dinners, and sunset cruises. The busiest time in town. |
| Late September to November | Musky prime time, fall pike, and fall color. Bass closes after November 30. |
| About January into March | Ice fishing in a heated shanty, if the ice is good. |
Check the current NYSDEC regulations (opens in a new tab) before you go, since rules change.
Trip ideas for Philly groups
Families. Kids are welcome, and life jackets come in every size. Most of Captain Richard's customers are beginners, so nobody needs to know how to fish. Planning a big family weekend? The family reunion page shows how a second guide and boat can take more than 6 people.
Girls' weekends. Fish a morning, eat on an island, and cruise past the castle at sunset. See the girls' getaway page.
What to pack for a long weekend
- Your New York fishing license, printed or saved on your phone.
- Layers and rain gear. It's cooler on the water than on land, and weather on the river can change in an hour.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- A cooler with ice for the ride home. Captain Richard can clean and package your fish on request, and a big cooler keeps them cold all the way back to Philly.
- Snacks for the car. Cold water and light snacks are on the boat.
To book, call or text 315-836-5798 (texting is best), or use the form at /#book. There's no deposit. If the weather turns bad, Captain Richard reschedules.
Frequently asked questions
How far is the Thousand Islands from Philadelphia?
Alexandria Bay is about 352 miles from Philadelphia. It's about 6 to 7 hours by car, using I-476 north and then I-81 north.
Does my Pennsylvania fishing license work on the St. Lawrence?
No. Anglers 16 and older need a New York fishing license. You can buy one online before your trip.
Can we fly from Philadelphia instead?
Yes. American Airlines flies between Philadelphia and Watertown, about 40 minutes from Alexandria Bay. You'll need a rental car once you land.
Is it calmer than a Jersey Shore party boat?
Usually. You fish among islands instead of the open ocean, and there's often a sheltered spot out of the wind.
Do we need passports?
Not for a trip on the New York side. Alexandria Bay and Boldt Castle are both in the U.S.
Ready to pick a date? See every trip and price, or call or text Captain Richard at 315-836-5798. No deposit.