Some friend groups want a spa weekend. Some want a weekend on the water. Alexandria Bay is built for the second kind. The town sits on the St. Lawrence River in the Thousand Islands, with Boldt Castle just off the docks and islands in every direction.
You don't need a boat or any boating skill. Laurentian Tours runs private trips for up to 6 people, so it's just your group and Captain Richard Drake on board.
What can you do on a girls' weekend here?
Here are the trips that fit a group of friends best.
- A private Boldt Castle cruise. About 4 hours past Boldt Castle on Heart Island, the summer "cottages" of Millionaires' Row, and the narrow channels between islands. Ask to slow down anywhere for photos. See Boldt Castle boat tours.
- A sunset cruise. Same private boat, timed to the sunset that day. Tell Captain Richard you want a sunset run when you book.
- A half day of fishing. Four hours for smallmouth bass, pike, walleye, and perch. No experience needed. The guide rigs the rods, shows you how to cast and reel, and nets your fish. Most Laurentian Tours customers are first-timers.
- A shore dinner. Fish in the morning. Then the guide pulls up on an island and fries your catch over a fire, with BLTs, salad with Thousand Island dressing, salt potatoes, and French toast with maple syrup. Read about the shore dinner.
Not everyone in the group wants to fish? Book the cruise, and add a shore dinner partway through for $45 per person. Everyone eats on an island, and nobody has to touch a worm. The people who do want to fish can book a half day instead, and the rest can meet up for the castle later.
Things to do off the water
You won't spend the whole weekend on a boat. A few ideas from our things to do in Alexandria Bay guide:
- Tour Boldt Castle. It's open from mid-May to mid-October. You need a boat to get there, and admission is a separate ticket from your boat ride. Check the Boldt Castle website (opens in a new tab) for current hours and prices.
- Spend an afternoon in Clayton. It's about 20 minutes upriver, with the Antique Boat Museum and shops and restaurants along the water.
- Visit a winery. The region has wineries, and a tasting makes a good rainy-day plan.
- Eat in town. Alexandria Bay has pubs, diners, pizza places, and restaurants on the water. Many are seasonal, so check hours in spring and fall.
- Swim or hike at Wellesley Island State Park, right across the bridge.
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A sample girls' weekend
Friday. Arrive in the afternoon and settle in. Alexandria Bay has hotels, motels, inns, and cottage rentals; summer weekends book up early. A rental cottage keeps the whole group together.
Saturday morning. Meet Captain Richard at Bonnie Castle Marina, Boathouse 3. Fish for about 4 hours, then stop on an island for a shore dinner. You'll be back by mid-afternoon.
Saturday evening. Dinner in town, then a walk by the docks to watch the freighters go by.
Sunday. Ride a shuttle boat from town over to Boldt Castle and walk the grounds. Plan on about two hours there. Or book a private cruise and see the islands from the water before you drive home.
Want an easier Saturday? Skip the fishing. Do a private sunset cruise with a shore dinner on an island instead.
How do you split the cost?
Trips are priced by group size, and the boat holds up to 6. The more of you who come, the less each person pays.
| Trip | 4 people | 6 people |
|---|---|---|
| Half-day fishing | $550 | $600 |
| Half day + shore dinner | $870 | $1,030 |
| Private river cruise | $500 | $575 |
Add a shore dinner to a cruise for $45 per person. Divide the trip total by your head count, and that's each share.
Two more costs to plan for:
- Fishing licenses. Anyone 16 or older who fishes needs a New York license. Nonresidents can buy a 1-day license online from the DEC (opens in a new tab). You don't need one for a cruise.
- Boldt Castle tickets, if you go ashore. They're separate from the boat.
There's no deposit, and nothing is paid online.
Booking tips for a group of friends
- Pick one planner. One person texts Captain Richard at 315-836-5798 with the date, group size, and trip. Texting is his favorite.
- Book early for summer. July and August weekends go fast, on the water and in town.
- Think about fall. September brings fall color and a quieter town. Boldt Castle closes in mid-October, so go before then if the castle is on your list.
- Got 7 or more? One boat holds 6. Captain Richard can bring in a second Alexandria Bay Fishing Guides Association guide and boat if you give him notice.
- Pack layers. It's always cooler on the water. Bring a light jacket, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Ask about drinks on board. Rules vary, so ask Captain Richard when you book.
Driving up for the weekend? See the plans for a trip from New York City or from Philadelphia.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need to know how to fish?
No. Most people who fish with Laurentian Tours are beginners. The guide does the rigging and shows you each step.
Can some of us fish while others just ride along?
Yes. Everyone's on the same private boat. Only the people fishing who are 16 or older need a license.
Can we see Boldt Castle on a private cruise?
Yes. A private cruise goes past Boldt Castle and Millionaires' Row. If you want to go ashore, ask Captain Richard when you book so he can plan the timing. Castle tickets are separate.
Can Captain Richard cook a shore dinner at our rental?
Yes, if it's within 20 miles of Alexandria Bay. It's $50 per person, for up to 6 people.
How many friends fit on one boat?
Up to 6. For bigger groups, he brings in a second association guide and boat with some notice.
Ready to pick a date? See every trip and price, or call or text Captain Richard at 315-836-5798. No deposit.