Clayton, New York, USA
Gateway to the Thousand Islands, Clayton sits right on the St. Lawrence River where more than 1,800 islands dot the water between the US and Canada — Boldt Castle is just a boat ride away.
Gateway to the Thousand Islands, Clayton sits right on the St. Lawrence River where more than 1,800 islands dot the water between the US and Canada — Boldt Castle is just a boat ride away.
Ships dock directly alongside the Thousand Islands Regional Dock on Riverside Drive — you walk straight into downtown Clayton.
💡 Pro move: Bring a valid passport if you plan any tour that crosses into Canadian waters (Two Nation Tours).
Clayton has a dedicated cruise ship terminal on the St. Lawrence River right in downtown.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Pearl Seas Cruises / American Cruise Lines | Thousand Islands Regional Dock, Riverside Drive, Clayton NY📍 | Docked |
| Expedition & small ships | Thousand Islands Regional Dock or Clayton Harbor Municipal Marina📍 | Docked |
The islands, castles, and lighthouses of the St. Lawrence River are the main event — every tour company in Clayton puts you on the water.
Board a narrated boat to Heart Island and tour Boldt Castle, the unfinished million-dollar estate built by Waldorf Astoria owner George Boldt as a gift to his wife. The grounds, towers, and powerhouse are all open to explore.
Find Boldt Castle tours →A glass-bottom boat tour with Clayton Island Tours takes you to this 1847 lighthouse on American soil. Explore the keeper's cottage museum and enjoy panoramic river views.
Find lighthouse tours →The largest freshwater recreational boat collection in North America, housed right on the Clayton waterfront. Highlights include George Boldt's historic houseboat La Duchesse and classic St. Lawrence River Skiffs. Speedboat rides available.
Book museum entry →Narrated cruise through both US and Canadian waters of the Thousand Islands — no passport stop required. See grand island estates, working freighters, and over 1,800 islands without leaving the boat.
Find island cruises →Sample the region on foot: River Rat Cheese for local curds, Lil' River Fudge Company for handmade sweets, and Coyote Moon Vineyards or Clayton Distillery for tastings. All within a short walk of the dock.
Find food tours →Clayton's compact waterfront is made for strolling — the Riverwalk threads past docks, parks, and the Antique Boat Museum.
Follow the paved Riverwalk along the St. Lawrence River from Frink Park past the Antique Boat Museum to the eastern marina. Great river views, benches, and access to tour-boat docks.
Walk Riverside Drive and Merrick Street through the small Victorian-era downtown. Pass the Thousand Islands Museum, local shops, and cafes before looping back to the waterfront.
Climate normals for Clayton, New York, USA (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28°F / -2°C | 13°F / -11°C | 17 |
| Feb | 30°F / -1°C | 13°F / -11°C | 14 |
| Mar | 39°F / 4°C | 22°F / -6°C | 13 |
| Apr | 53°F / 12°C | 35°F / 2°C | 12 |
| May | 66°F / 19°C | 46°F / 8°C | 12 |
| Jun | 75°F / 24°C | 56°F / 13°C | 11 |
| Jul | 79°F / 26°C | 62°F / 17°C | 10 |
| Aug | 78°F / 26°C | 61°F / 16°C | 10 |
| Sep | 70°F / 21°C | 53°F / 12°C | 11 |
| Oct | 57°F / 14°C | 42°F / 6°C | 13 |
| Nov | 45°F / 7°C | 33°F / 1°C | 15 |
| Dec | 33°F / 1°C | 21°F / -6°C | 17 |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Clayton, New York, USA. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.