Whiskey Island Lodge is a living piece of Americana. Originally named Coral Island, it earned its current moniker during Prohibition as a strategic "drop and run" point for rumrunners smuggling spirits across the Canadian border. The main lodge, built in 1875, is one of the oldest surviving structures in the Thousand Islands. Despite its age, the estate has been meticulously renovated to include a commercial-grade kitchen and modern amenities while preserving its original wood-plank soul. It is a destination for history buffs and boaters who want to experience the "River Life" exactly as the Victorian elite did—complete with five screened porches for watching the sunset and a deep-water harbor that can accommodate yachts up to 70 feet.
Accommodations & Design The estate consists of the Main Lodge, a Guest Cottage, and a Skiff House, all oriented to capture the river breeze.
The Main Lodge: Features 8 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The ground floor houses a commercial kitchen, a formal dining room, a library/office, and a family room.
The Master Suites (Primary Suites): The lodge features two primary suites—one on the first floor for convenience and a second on the upper floor with its own private covered porch overlooking the river.
The Guest Cottage: A separate 2-bedroom cottage at the other end of the island, perfect for guests seeking extra privacy or for a second family within the group.
Design: Classic "river cottage" aesthetic with stacked plank walls, wrap-around verandas, and a signature screened rotunda for al fresco dining.
Amenities & Inclusions Whiskey Island is designed for active social groups and multi-generational families:
Marine Facilities: Ample dockage in a protected boathouse and deep-water docks. The "swim dock" features a deep-water ladder and is a favorite for jumping into the crystal-clear St. Lawrence.
Gastronomy: A fully equipped commercial kitchen (including professional oven/grill/refrigeration) allows for large-scale family meals. Outdoor gas and wood grills are also provided.
Leisure: Flat lawn areas for horseshoes and lawn games, a fire pit with unobstructed sunset views, and high-speed internet to bridge the gap between 1875 and 2026.
History: The surrounding shoals are a playground for divers and snorkelers looking for relics from the island's bootlegging past.
How Private Is This Island? Privacy at Whiskey Island is a matter of geography and exclusive access. Accessible only by private boat, the island is a self-contained world. While you are close to the mainland town of Clayton, the surrounding shoals—which once made the island a perfect pirate hideout—prevent casual boat traffic from getting too close. For high-profile guests, the island offers a secure perimeter where the only "neighbors" are the crew of passing international freighters. Security is inherent in its water-locked location, providing a silent, safe sanctuary where children can roam the 3.1 acres with total freedom.
