Technically, the Thousand Islands Bridge doesn't join Canada and the United States. It goes over the Saint Lawrence River here and joins North New York with Wellesley Island. It's the USA on both sides and the border isn't for another five miles. The fencing and signage on the southern end is to prevent folks from dodging the toll that is currently USD $3.75 / CAD $4.75. There are five bridges which transition you from the American mainland to Wellesley Island to Hill Island (the actual crossing) to Constance Island to Georgina Island to the Canadian mainland. The bridge was built in 1937 with additions made in 1959. It carries two lanes in each direction with a pedestrian sidewalk. I did not cross the bridge today as I've already done my Canadian visit, crossing the other day at the Peace Bridge in Buffalo. But I did take the time to view the clever structure from the US side. [Review 1571 of 2024 - 487 in New York - 22594 overall] read more

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The bridge is quite nice. But the scenery around it is stunning! When we were crossing the bridge, it was around sunset, and there were some really dark clouds that appeared kind of suddenly, and the whole scene looked really stunning. Very experience all in all! read more

Thousand Islands Bridge - The Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Wellesley Island, New York

As a bridge with a view, it's very nice. I'd never been to the Thousand Islands area before, so the view from the crossing was very nice. As a border crossing experience into Canada, it left a little bit to be desired. They do not (yet) accept EZPass as a payment option, which causes one slowdown. They're also in the midst of redoing the Canadian inspection area, as of this review writing which caused quite a bit of a traffic snarl. read more

By the look of these reviews, Thousand Islands Bridge evokes some powerful emotions and serious funnies. As a first timer, all I can say is that it is a 77 year old narrow two lane suspension bridge with a steep grade. The fact that is the lone path between two nations is symbolic of something worthy of consideration for those inclined toward international relations and philosophy. For me, it was a means to an end, but with a wonderfully picturesque vantage point over the many beautiful islands in the middle of this mighty stream. See you on the way back, brother! read more

I'm not sure of the age of the bridge, but it is well-maintained throughout the year.

After reading these reviews I was nervous because of my fear of heights. Yes, it shakes and the cars drive by really fast, but I'm glad I took the walk over and back. It was an easy walk and I really enjoyed the beautiful views. Anyone can do this. :) read more

Let me preface this by saying I have a lifelong fear of bridges (and heights). This bridge is one of the tallest ones I have ever encountered. 150 feet high and about a mile in length over the St. Lawrence River. I don't know how I got talked into walking up this bridge except that I guess I wanted to conquer my fear and say that I did it! Also 2013 marks the 75th anniversary of the opening of the TI bridges, and there was a big commemoration ceremony that weekend. What better time is there to walk the bridge than the 75th anniversary? You can currently only walk the bridge from the mainland side. There is a pedestrian walkway on the edge of the visitor's center, and you can park and walk from there. The pedestrian walkway is wider than one person but not wide enough to fit two side-by-side, so I had to do this on my own (with my friend/"coach" behind me!). There are railings on both sides, higher than waist level (I'm 5'6"), a thick barrier on the right (inside) and thinner barrier on the left (outside), and lots of bars on the outer side so there's zero chance of falling off the sides! As you make your way up, the incline is barely noticeable (your height off the ground, however--very noticeable). The constant flow of cars and - worse - tractor trailers makes it a bit hairy; the cars pass fairly close to the inner rail, so you can feel their "whoosh"; the sidewalk beneath you shakes, and it gets pretty windy, but not enough to knock you around (at least not on this particular day). As you get higher and closer to the suspensions (the "green part"), you begin to feel a SIDEWAYS swaying! But only barely, and it's only in that one spot. When a construction truck barreled by me here, this was as close as I came to turning back. The highest part of the bridge is smack dab in the center, midway between the two towers. This is where the view is at its most AMAZING. You can see for miles, beyond Clayton to the south and the water towers of A-Bay to the north. You can see the different currents in the river and some of the shoals in the water. If you have a fear of bridges or heights like I do, this is the point where it all becomes worthwhile. We spent probably a half an hour here looking out at the 1000 islands and taking pictures. You're also bound to come across a couple of other pedestrians making their way up or down--usually a pair, one brave and one reluctant! The four people we encountered were super nice; what an experience to share with strangers. As for driving the bridge, the toll price (American) is $2.75, up $.25 from last year. We had purchased a bridge pass good for 16 trips which is a card the tollbooth worker swipes--great time- and quarter-saver. We've never encountered very long traffic backups despite there only being two lanes. Probably at peak times (weekends and holidays) the backups are longer; occasionally at non-peak times they are, but never any more than a couple minutes wait. The speed limit on the bridge is 40 mph; there are speed recorders when heading eastbound toward the mainland, and while we were walking up the bridge we did see a cop going after someone, so you'd be wise not to push it (slow down and enjoy the view!). Another tidbit: when a tractor trailer with a large load is coming, the TI Bridge Authority will temporarily hold traffic for the truck to cross/descend alone. The Bridge Authority is obviously very committed to keeping the bridge safe and efficient. If you are spending time on Wellesley Island and are feeling brave, it is beautiful and invigorating to walk up this bridge. From a girl who used to cover her head with a blanket every time she crossed a bridge as a child, if I can walk up this thing, you can too! read more

Yep. This is an old bridge, but it still has that new bridge smell, trust me, I have taken many a whiff from its pedestrian walkway. For being 75+ years, this bridge feels like it could easy go another 1, maybe even 2 years before plummeting violently into the abyss of the St. Lawrence River. Did you know that St. Lawrence is the patron saint of unexpected and tragic river drownings? You can't make this up! Seriously amazing views on this bridge whether you happen to be driving across the aforementioned StLR or taking a leisurely stroll on the pedestrian walkway. Legend has it that The Who wrote their song "I Can See For Miles" while drunkenly strolling over this bridge one night back in the 1960s after taking a wrong turn at London somewhere. If you are in the area, it is a great idea to cross the bridge and then go take a summer tour to see the lighthouse, too. I mean, seriously, what else are you going to do here? I am only giving this bridge 4 stars. The only 5-star bridges are drawbridges and the bridge from the U.S.S. Enterprise and I don't see Spock or Captain Kirk anywhere around here. read more