Honey Bee is a beautiful, historic, private island nestled in the very heart of the Thousand Islands (1865 enchanting islands to be precise) which dot the shores of St. Lawrence River and is reachable by boat in eight minutes from the quaint town of Ivy Lea, Ontario and 5 minutes from Boldt Castle.

Set in a tranquil bay, bordered by the St. Lawrence Islands National Park, the newly restored 135 year old hand adzed log cabin enjoys spectacular sunsets and views in all directions. The property is very upscale with your own 2 story, 2 bedroom cabin with all the comfort and amenities of a luxury home, yet on your own private island.

It provides a unique holiday off the beaten track in a charming part of the world, an experience of complete relaxation where you are the master of your own time and space. It is the perfect remedy for anyone seeking adventure and escape with utter privacy without isolation.

The river is lovely for swimming, with summer water temperatures usually in the mid 70s as there are several natural underwater warm water ‘springs’ near the dock. Our protected shallower areas enjoy water so clear you would think that you were swimming in an aquarium.

A 14 foot aluminum fishing boat with 9HP motor as well as numerous water toys such as swim floats, water tube floats and an assortment of life jackets are provided. Jet Ski’s, kayaks and canoes are available for rent nearby for our guests' enjoyment. Paddle your own canoe or kayak through wilderness routes in the nearby wildlife refuge or fish in a world class angler's paradise on this huge body of water.

This is a wonderful spot to sit and watch the drama of an approaching storm across the water, snug in the floor to ceiling screened porch. The Cabin is tucked away under the trees where one is woken by songbirds where you can watch the sunrise over Hill Island while having a first cup of coffee out on the deck. At night through the open screened windows, listening to the water lapping on the rocks makes for a restful sleep.

Relaxing on your own Island, it's just …..ahhhhhhhh!

Yet, all conveniences are just minutes away. Supermarkets, restaurants, liquor stores, the post office, churches, the pharmacy, just everything including a hospital is available within minutes directly by boat to their respective docks or by car.

History and activities:

Within boating distance you can visit Fort Henry and Kingston where the Rideau Canal has been included on the World Heritage List by UNESCO. Rich in history and exciting historical activities such as a French Festival, you can tour & enjoy tea in 2 local castles, ride in antique boats, picnic on island parks where children play on old fashioned playgrounds, play golf on a course that can only be reached by boat, stroll through villages with gingerbread houses that take you back to the turn of the century, dine on the front porch of grand old hotels.

Delight in the stories of people who have lived year-round on these islands, who ice skated across the frozen river to school or went to class in a school boat; visit one of the oldest post offices in the US which is on an island. Share in the excitement of Pirates Weekend, the Poker Race of the roaring cigarette boats, watch the parade of antique boats, visit wonderful art galleries, a restored opera house, antiques shops, watch the islanders come by boat to get their supplies at the various town’s docks. See the fabulous Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, NY.
Want more? Go Island hopping, sailing, wind-surfing, scuba diving or snorkeling, cycling, horseback riding, hunting, roller blading or play tennis. Or, do nothing at all…….on the dock lounging in the Adirondack chairs watching the river go by.

Wildlife:

The island is wonderfully unspoiled with a variety of beautiful flora and fauna as it lies within the boundaries of the UNESCO Thousand Islands-Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve. There are tremendous opportunities to view wildlife, waterfowl and birds as they abound in the surrounding area. You will often see deer, mink or muskrat swimming from island to island as well as beaver and playful otter when you're out in your boat or relaxing on the dock. Birders will enjoy tiny hummingbirds, Canadian Geese, a vast array of songbirds, ducks with their rafts of ducklings and the majestic Bald Eagles and Osprey whose nests are within viewing distance of Honey Bee Island.

Location:

The Thousand Islands is in the heart of the St. Lawrence River, running along the Canadian side of the border from Kingston to Brockville and from Cape Vincent to Morristown on the US side. The Canada/U.S. border runs down the middle of the islands and is clearly shown on all charts.

Ontario is bounded on the north by Hudson Bay and James Bay, on the east by Quebec, on the west by Manitoba, and on the south by the U.S. states of Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York. Ontario's long American border is formed almost entirely by lakes and rivers. While in the area, one can visit Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, Niagara Falls or NYC, Boston or Washington within a few hours to a day’s drive.

The nearest airport is in Syracuse NY (90 minutes), Ottawa, Ont., (90 minutes), Montreal, Que. (2 1/2 hours) or Kingston, Ont. (30 minutes) [Train station here also] A rental car is required.

Accommodations and Amenities

Bedrooms:

With 2 bedrooms finished in prime Western Red Cedar, the cabin sleeps a maximum of six. Each bedroom has one very comfortable Queen sized double bed, topped by lighthouse throws and a sink vanity in each. A ‘Captains bed’ single for a child also shares each bedroom, tucked under the eaves. Pine cone motif, lined full length curtains and colorful patchwork quilts bring charm and comfort upstairs as well. A Victorian style trundle bed is on the screened in porch.

Kitchen:

Electric range and oven w/ commercial range hood extractor, refrigerator / freezer w/ icemaker, dish washer, microwave, trash compactor, reverse osmosis water filtration, coffee maker, cooking utensils, spices and dinner ware, toaster, front load washing machine and clothes dryer. (All stainless steel appliances, with Marinace Brazilian granite countertops and maple cabinets).

Living room:

Enjoy the huge native granite fireplace, satellite TV, CD, telephone, stereo system, DVD, VCR, built in maple bookcase, comfy seating, Island wide wireless internet access (WI FI). All windows are double glazed, maple finished and decorated with buckskin window dressings. Fox pelts, hides and snow shoes on the hand hewn walls with forged accessories add to its rustic décor. The floors are oversized slate all throughout the downstairs and carpeted for comfort upstairs. The natural maple log and branch staircase is a work of art in itself.

Dining:

Oak dining table, place mats, table cloths, candles and seating for 6. Be sure to bring champagne to toast the view from the large picture window overlooking Black Snake passage.

Bathroom:

Shower, toilet and sink. All shampoos, conditioners, soaps are provided.

Outside:

There is a 9 x 24 foot fully enclosed screened-in porch with seating and trundle day bed. The large deck with built in seating near the supersized, stainless steel barbecue is on the kitchen side of the island, and an outdoor table under the pines for cocktails while river watching in Adirondack chairs looks over the dock. No spot on the island is without a full river view.

Suitability:

Children are welcome. Not advised for those with mobility impairments. Non-smoking only, no pets allowed.

General:

All linens and bath towels are provided, but we ask that you bring your own beach towels. The island is boat access only. Dockage is available for 4 boats with shore parking provided at the marina. The provided fishing boat is not intended for general transportation. Guests should plan to provide their own boat or to rent one locally. Upon request, a familiarizing boat tour of the surrounding area will be provided.

Upon acceptance of your request, we will mark the dates as reserved. A non-refundable deposit of 20% should then be made within 10 days to secure the booking. The remainder of the payment must be made no later than 8 weeks before the starting date of your holiday.

A security (breakage) deposit of $1000. will be required to be paid with the final payment. This sum will be reimbursed within 1 week of your departure after a satisfactory final inspection of the property. Fees include all utilities. There are no hidden extras.

Cancellation agreement Up to 8 weeks notice: no additional cancellation charge 6-8 weeks’ notice: 50% of rate refunded 4-6 weeks’ notice: 25% of rate refunded Less than 4 weeks’ notice: no refund

Availability is from June 15th thru Oct.15th