Nestled in the beautiful Thousand Islands, Boldt Castle on Heart Island is a stunning testament to both love and loss. Originally commissioned by George C. Boldt, the millionaire proprietor of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, the castle was intended as a grand gesture of love for his wife, Louise. When Louise passed away suddenly in 1904, George halted all construction, leaving the castle unfinished for decades.
After lying dormant and exposed to the elements for over 70 years, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority took over the property in 1977 and began extensive preservation efforts.
Today, visitors can explore the castle, which the first two floors have been meticulously restored to reflect the opulence and elegance that Boldt envisioned.
On the first, or ground, floor of the castle, you’ll find the reception room, library, Mr. Boldt’s office, and the main hall featuring a grand white marble staircase.
This level also includes the dining room, a billiard room, and a ballroom, which was intended to be finished in Flemish oak.
Additionally, this floor contains the kitchen, butler’s pantries, storerooms, and a dining room for the maids and servants.
The second floor houses the family suites along with a few servants’ quarters. Although only a handful of rooms are currently open for viewing, the castle’s plans reveal that each wing originally featured a cluster of rooms designed to accommodate families traveling together. In total, this floor contains 20 rooms and 7 bathrooms.
Work is ongoing on the third floor, where visitors can witness the preservation process in action.
The third floor shares a similar layout with the second floor but lacks the Grand Staircase. It was intended to house the master suite for young George Boldt, with the remaining rooms designated for guests and servants’ quarters.
While the restoration efforts are impressive, it’s disheartening to see signs of graffiti marring some areas of the castle. This underscores the challenges of preserving such a historic site, particularly one that sat abandoned for so long.
Beyond the main castle, several outbuildings contribute to the charm and history of Heart Island. Alster Tower, often referred to as the “Playhouse,” was designed as a retreat for the Boldt family and their guests.
With its unusual architecture and playful design, it was intended to have a bowling alley and billiard room. This space is currently being restored so visitors can see it in its raw state. The bowling alley is on the lower floor.
The Power House is another notable structure, featuring a medieval-style design and serving as the island’s power source. Situated on the water’s edge, it offers stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and provides a unique glimpse into the engineering that supported Boldt’s ambitious project.
Finally, the Yacht House, located on nearby Wellesley Island, is accessible by a short ferry ride. When you buy your ticket you can choose to add this additional stop to your visit. This impressive structure was designed to house the Boldt family’s yachts and offers an intriguing look at the luxurious lifestyle they once led.
As you wander through its halls and explore its outbuildings, you can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia for what might have been. Despite the signs of age and the unfortunate presence of graffiti, the ongoing preservation efforts ensure that Boldt Castle will continue to captivate visitors for generations to come.
Tips for Planning Your Visit:
- Tickets: You’ll need to purchase both a ferry ticket and an entry ticket for the castle grounds. These can be bought online or at the dock. It’s a good idea to buy your ferry tickets in advance, as they often sell out quickly.
- Passport Required: Since Boldt Castle is in the U.S., be sure to bring passports for everyone in your family, even if you’re starting your trip from the Canadian side.
- Boat Tours: Many visitors choose boat tours from Gananoque, Rockport, or Ivy Lea in Canada, which often include a stop at Boldt Castle. If you’re departing from Rockport, note that parking is free.
- Departing from the U.S.: Some tours leave directly from the U.S. side. In this case, you’ll need to cross the border before catching your boat. The border crossing is conveniently located just a short distance from the Rockport terminal.
- Currency: Since Boldt Castle is in the U.S., make sure to bring U.S. dollars for any purchases you plan to make during your visit.
- Seasonal Hours: Boldt Castle is typically open from May to October. Be sure to check their website for exact hours and any special events that might be happening during your visit.
- Food: There are some quick bite options such as ice cream, pizza, fries, hotdogs and chicken fingers for sale at the concession stands on the island. Pricing is reasonable. Visitors can also bring their own lunch and enjoy it on the grounds of the castle.
*Please note this post is not sponsored. We paid for our excursion. Our opinions are our own.*
We sailed with Rockport cruises(also not sponsored). The video of the Thousand Island Tour is below:
