The Thousand Islands, Canada

After a delightful visit to Boldt Castle on the US side, we headed a short distance east to the Canadian side of the Thousand Islands. 

Being Nexus card holders meant that we could dock at an approved site and call in to Canada Customs. We spoke with a pleasant, friendly officer in Victora, BC. After providing the requisite information and answering a few questions, we were given our clearance number, which must be clearly displayed in a window for the duration of our stay. We were then free to continue our travels.

Mulcaster Island

Our first stop was nearby Mulcaster Island, one of many Parks Canada sites in the Thousand Islands National Park. 
Prior to our arrival, we purchased an annual pass, allowing us to overnight at Parks Canada docks and at locks along the Trent Severn and Rideau Canals. We spent the next 5 nights at different docks in the beautiful Thousand Island National Park. 


We arrived at Mulcaster Island on a Saturday afternoon and the docks were busy with weekend visitors, but we were fortunate to be able to get a spot. By Sunday afternoon, there were only 3 boats left on the docks.







 We were the last boat to leave the dock on Monday morning. Next stop Beau Rivage Island.

Beau Rivage Island


Beau Rivage means beautiful shoreline, and it certainly was. There are two coves on this island and we docked on the cove at the top of the map above. The cove is narrow and well protected, providing a great habitat for the wildlife. When we arrived, there was only one other boat tied to the dock, which was short, meaning we had to tie to the inner side of the dock, which was shallow, but not to shallow.




Later that afternoon, two bore boats arrived and tied up at the dock on the other side of the cove. We enjoyed walking the trails around part of the island and learned that there was a nest of swans in the rushes at the back of the cove. Seven cygnets had hatched just 3 days earlier and we got to watch them out swimming with the parents.


"There once was an ugly duckling with feathers all stubby and brown".




We enjoyed walking the trails around part of the island.


Enjoying my morning coffee in this serene setting, watching the wildlife.

Aubrey Island


The dock on the lower section of the island is where we stayed was short, with only adequate space for one boat. While we were all alone on the dock, 4 kayakers paddled in and proceeded to one of the tent sites, not to be seen again.
 

We were visited by a racoon that night. Alan thought he saw someone on the dock and when he checked, it was a very large racoon. He had been on the boat deck, obviously no stranger to boats, and was looking for food. He was out of luck with us. We were all closed up for the night so he could not get in. No treats for him! The park did post a notice warning visitors of the presence of racoons.
We read a recent account from a boater who was on their flybridge playing cards and when they came down, they found a racoon ferreting in their guest cabin.



Today was a day of firsts for this trip:
  • Our first swim of the season, and it was most refreshing during the current heat wave with humidity.
  • Our first dinghy ride of the season. Not a pretty sight watching the two of us roll off the dock into the dinghy. This technique definitely needs more practice.
  • Our first dinner on the dock.



Another delightful stay in the Thousand Island National Park.

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