OPEN DOORS on the river
house tour
STEP INSIDE TWO OF THE 1000 ISLANDS
MOST ENCHANTING HOUSES
Why This Tour Is Unique
Open Doors on the River offers a rare experience unlike any other in the Thousand Islands.
This special event provides guests with the opportunity to step inside two privately owned Gilded Age mansions on Comfort Island, homes that have not been open to the public.
The experience begins with a boat ride across the St. Lawrence River, offering beautiful views of the islands before arriving at Comfort Island for the tour.
With limited capacity, this inaugural event promises to be a memorable experience.
Guests will enjoy:
• Exclusive tours in two historic private mansions
• A scenic boat trip across the St. Lawrence River
• Pontoon boat shuttle between the mansions
• Light refreshments
• A chance to experience the architecture and elegance of the Gilded Age
• An opportunity to support the charitable work of the Rotary Club of Alexandria Bay
W E D N E S D A Y, J U L Y 15
BEHIND THE DOORS
Preview Evening · 4:00–8:00 PM
An evening that helps open doors for the next generation
All proceeds from this event support the Rotary Scholarship Endowment Fund. This intimate reception at a distinctive art- and curio-filled home on Linden Cove offers the first glimpse of the spirit of the tour. Raffle and silent auction.
Tickets - $150
T H U R S D A Y, J U L Y 16
OPEN DOORS ON THE RIVER - HOUSE TOUR
Boats Departure Times · To be announced in May
Guests depart by boat from Uncle Sam Boat Tour Docks in Alexandria Bay to tour two extraordinary Comfort Island homes and experience the enduring romance of the Gilded Age. Docents will guide you through the mansions pointing out interesting details then a pontoon boat will take you to the next stop.
Tickets - $100
What to Expect on the House Tour
Your experience begins at the Uncle Sam Boat Tour Docks in Alexandria Bay, where guests will board boats for the short and scenic ride to Comfort Island.
Boat departures will take place at:
Times to be announced in May
Your ticket will be for a specific time
During the tour, guests will:
• Travel across the scenic St. Lawrence River to Comfort Island
• Enjoy guided access to two extraordinary private Gilded Age mansions
• Pontoon boats will shuttle you between the houses
• Light refreshments will be served
• Learn about the history and architecture of these historic homes
• Experience one of the most charming summer traditions of the Thousand Islands
Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable summer attire and walking shoes, as the tour includes uneven terrain. Bring rain gear if inclement weather.
FAQ’s
-
Boats depart from Uncle Sam Boat Docks in Alexandria Bay. Your ticket will be for a specific departure time. Parking can be tricky in Alexandria Bay so plan to arrive early. Boats can’t wait for stragglers. Please arrive 15-20 minutes early.
-
Guests should plan for approximately 2–2½ hours including boat travel and the home tours.
-
Summer casual attire and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. It may be breezy on the boats. If it is rainy, please wear rain gear. Umbrellas encouraged.
-
Yes. The tour will proceed rain or shine. Bring an umbrella and slicker if rain predicted
-
Visitor Acknowledgment & Liability Disclaimer
By purchasing a ticket and attending Open Doors on the River, guests acknowledge and agree to the following:
Assumption of Risk
Attendance at this event includes walking on docks, boarding and exiting boats, and touring private homes and grounds. Surfaces may be uneven, and conditions may vary.
Guests voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation in the event, including but not limited to slips, trips, falls, or other injuries.
Release of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, guests agree to release and hold harmless the Rotary Club of Alexandria Bay, event organizers, homeowners, volunteers, sponsors, and affiliated parties from any and all liability, claims, or damages arising from participation in this event.
Conduct Inside Private Homes
The homes featured in this tour are privately owned, historic residences and contain valuable furnishings, artwork, and personal items.
Guests are respectfully asked to:
• Not touch furnishings, artwork, or objects unless explicitly permitted
• Follow all posted guidelines and instructions from docents or volunteers
• Exercise care while moving through the homesGuests are responsible for any damage caused by their actions.
Any guest who breaks, damages, or removes property may be held financially responsible for repair or replacement.Event organizers reserve the right to refuse or revoke admission to any guest who does not comply with these guidelines.
By purchasing tickets and/or attending the event, guests acknowledge that they have read, understand, and agree to these terms.
Where Your Ticket Dollars Go
Proceeds from Open Doors on the River help The Rotary continue its impactful work in the Alexandria Bay community.
Most importantly, this event helps grow the Rotary Scholarship Endowment Fund, ensuring that local students can pursue meaningful career training for years to come.
All of the money raised at the Preview Evening will go to this Endowment. There will be raffle tickets and a silent auction to help raise additional funds.
By supporting trade and technical education, these scholarships help students gain practical skills and enter careers that offer long-term stability and income.
A B O U T T H E G I L D E D A G E
Homes of Comfort Island
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Thousand Islands became one of North America’s most fashionable summer destinations. Wealthy families from New York City, Boston, and other major cities built magnificent seasonal homes throughout the region, creating what became known as the Gilded Age of the Thousand Islands.
Comfort Island was among the many islands that became home to these remarkable estates. Built during a time when craftsmanship, architectural beauty, and waterfront living were celebrated, these homes were designed for summer gatherings, entertaining guests, and enjoying the natural beauty of the St. Lawrence River.
Many of these historic residences remain privately owned and rarely open to the public.
Through Open Doors on the River, guests will have the rare opportunity to step inside two private Gilded Age mansions on Comfort Island, experiencing the elegance and history of a bygone era.
S P O N S O R S
COMMUNITY SUPPORT MAKES THIS POSSIBLE
Our sponsors make the Open Doors on the River experience possible. Their generosity supports the Rotary Club of Alexandria Bay's charitable mission across the Thousand Islands region.
of Alexandria Bay
A B O U T T H E R O T A R Y C L U B
The Rotary Club of Alexandria Bay, founded in 1938, is part of the worldwide Rotary network dedicated to the principle of “Service Above Self.” Members are local business leaders, professionals, and community volunteers committed to improving the quality of life throughout the Thousand Islands region.
For generations, the club has supported important community initiatives including:
• The Weekend Backpack Program providing food for students in need
• Christmas Food Baskets for local families
• Youth exchange and leadership programs
• Senior citizen events and outreach
• Support for community institutions such as River Hospital and the Macsherry Library
Rotary’s service efforts continue to strengthen the Alexandria Bay community and provide meaningful support to residents of all ages.
of Alexandria Bay
S C H O L A R S H I P
The Rotary Scholarship Endowment Fund
One of the Rotary Club’s most important current initiatives is the Rotary Scholarship Endowment Fund, established in partnership with the Northern New York Community Foundation (NNYCF).
This endowment fund provides scholarships for local students pursuing trade school and technical training programs.
Many young people in our region aspire to careers in fields such as construction, electrical work, plumbing, healthcare services, marine trades, and other skilled professions. These careers provide stable employment and meaningful incomes, but the cost of training and certification programs can be a barrier.
The Rotary Scholarship Endowment Fund helps remove that barrier by providing financial support that allows students to pursue practical job training leading directly to long-term careers and financial independence.
By investing in these students, Rotary is helping strengthen the local workforce and ensure the long-term vitality of our community.
Learn more about the Northern New York Community Foundation at:
www.NNYCF.org
W H A T T O D O I N
Alexandria Bay While You’re Here
Visitors attending Open Doors on the River may wish to enjoy the many attractions Alexandria Bay has to offer.
Alexandria Bay is one of the most charming summer destinations in the Thousand Islands, and we hope you will take time to explore the area while attending the tour.
Popular local experiences include:
• Visiting the historic Boldt Castle on Heart Island
• Strolling in TI Park on Wellesley Island to see the Victorian cottages and scenic waterfront
• Shopping and dining in the downtown Alexandria Bay waterfront district
• Taking a scenic boat tour through the Thousand Islands
• Experiencing iconic wooden boats at Clayton’s Antique Boat Museum
Support the Community. Celebrate the Experience.
By attending Open Doors on the River or supporting the event as a Sponsor, you are helping strengthen the Alexandria Bay community and providing opportunities for local students to build meaningful careers.
Join us for a celebration of history, community, and the timeless beauty of the Thousand Islands.
Visitor Acknowledgment & Liability Disclaimer
By purchasing a ticket and attending Open Doors on the River, guests acknowledge and agree to the following:
Assumption of Risk
Attendance at this event includes walking on docks, boarding and exiting boats, and touring private homes and grounds. Surfaces may be uneven, and conditions may vary.
Guests voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation in the event, including but not limited to slips, trips, falls, or other injuries.
Release of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, guests agree to release and hold harmless the Rotary Club of Alexandria Bay, event organizers, homeowners, volunteers, sponsors, and affiliated parties from any and all liability, claims, or damages arising from participation in this event.
Conduct Inside Private Homes
The homes featured in this tour are privately owned, historic residences and contain valuable furnishings, artwork, and personal items.
Guests are respectfully asked to:
• Not touch furnishings, artwork, or objects unless explicitly permitted
• Follow all posted guidelines and instructions from docents or volunteers
• Exercise care while moving through the homes
Responsibility for Damage
Guests are responsible for any damage caused by their actions.
Any guest who breaks, damages, or removes property may be held financially responsible for repair or replacement.
Right to Refuse Admission
Event organizers reserve the right to refuse or revoke admission to any guest who does not comply with these guidelines.
Agreement
By purchasing tickets and/or attending the event, guests acknowledge that they have read, understand, and agree to these terms.