Boldt Castle - 1000 Islands NP (enlarge)

Owner of Waldorf-Astoria Hotel begins building this on islet in St. Lawrence

Seaway in 1900 to honor his wife. She dies in 1904 before its completion and

he abandons project in despair. It sits there crumbling until 1977 when

Canadian government restores and completes to be a tourist attraction. There

you have it. Your history lesson for today.

I took my children there in 1980 Jim. They were 4 and 2. Boldt was still pretty much in disrepair at that time. There were many areas that we could not see. I really thought we were going to see 'a Castle'!! I really loved the 'story' behind the Castle, to think that this man built it for his wife, but unfortunately became so grief stricken, it went to ruin. I have never been back but my husband wants to see the Thousand Islands, so perhaps we will see it. I am a bit confused over the ownership as we have to have our Canadian Passports in order to visit. It is considered to be American soil. It appears to be quite beautiful now. You had a beautiful day as demonstrated by this excellent capture. I am going to visit it online to see all the details. Thanks for reminding me of this intriguing place!!!

Gail,

I took a 3 hour boat tour that went thru the islands and circled this island twice. However, I did not take the all day tour that allows you to get off of the boat and tour the castle. We circled the island twice but did not stop. The bouncing of the boat made it difficult to get a sharp shot. Plus, the shots I took from the other side showing the face of the castle didn't come out as they were heavily backlit. A morning boat tour might be better for photography. 

Cheers, Jim

Nice shot Jim!  A year or two ago I had tried to go see this place on our trip to the North East and Canada but could not make it. I've heard a lot about the 1000 islands area but never had the chance to go there. TFS!

There are so many different kinds of tours of the islands, and you only have so much time to take it all in. I imagine, compared to all the places in this big world that you have see Jim, Boldt Castle would not have been very outstanding. Still, because it is not too far from me, I would like to go back one day, thanks for your info, :) Gail

This is unique that it is one of a handful of mansions I have seen built on its own little island and most of those have been islands on a lake rather than a river.  And none have boat house quite this spectacular!

You are so right Jim. Thanks so much again for sharing this image.