Wellesley Island: Thousand Island Park & Waterfront

Surrounded on three sides by the St. Lawrence River and just over the Thousand Island Bridge, Wellesley Island is one of the largest of the Thousand Islands. The island features two State Parks, a nature center, and three golf courses. Highway 81 crosses the island, and the Thousand Islands International Bridge is said to be the “smallest vehicular international bridge in the world”. There are some excellent options for running on Wellesley Island. Thanks to Aurélie Vilmer for her help with this route!

Thousand Island Park. Not to be confused with Thousand Islands National Park on the Ontario side, Thousand Island Park is a charming ‘private community’ (open to the public) that was developed in the late 1800s. There are gorgeous, historic Victorian homes, large green spaces, and the feel of another area. Stitch together your own 2-3 mile route in TI Park, exploring the pretty residential streets. Be sure to include the ~0.5 mile Coast Ave.

Good Roads for Running. There’s decent running on the roads headed east from Thousand Island Park. Thousand Island Park Rd. (Rt. 100), though it lacks a shoulder, is fairly quiet, and features some nice water views and lovely homes. Prettier and even quieter sections are along Rt. 100a (Peel Dock Rd.) and Rt. 100 (Thousand Island Park Rd.). A popular half-marathon route is the out and back between Thousand Island Park Marina and Wellesley Island Boat Rentals.

At the east end, there’s some nice running along Club Rd. & Boathouse Rd. Be sure to visit the historic Boldt Castle Yacht House, and take the short boat ride to Boldt Castle, which is a fascinating historic site and worth the tour! Pro Tip: The Boldt Castle tour from Wellesley Island is a shorter boat ride and less expensive option.