Best Vrbo Vacation Rentals On The 1000 Islands

Maria Cristina
Maria Cristina 
Updated
| 6 min read

There are 1,864 islands that make up the Thousand Island archipelago stretching 50 miles (80.46 kilometers) across the St. Lawrence River and flanked by Brockville and Kingston. These clusters of islands bridge together the United States and Canada with the longest non-military border between the two great countries. These lovely islands are blessed with Mother Nature’s bounty – filled with wildlife and lush surroundings where the early Native Canadian settlers hunted and fished. From the 19th century, the islands have become a popular summer destination of New York’s elite. Its deep blue waters abundant with fish and shipwrecks are a diver’s paradise. Come and see Singer and Boldt castles - a trademark of the lavish lifestyle on the islands. Book the best Vrbo vacation rentals on the 1000 Islands and have a luxurious stay on the “Garden of the Great Spirit”.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on March 13, 2023.

1. Cozy home beside St. Lawrence River (from USD 345)

Stay no less than two nights in this lovely cottage by St. Lawrence River near hiking and biking trails, Smugglers Glen golf course, and Shorelines Casino. A boat dock and a vast landscaped garden surround the main cottage. A huge wooden furnished deck is built on top of the water for dining al fresco with river views. Three spacious air-conditioned bedrooms equipped with Wi-Fi and two ensuite bathrooms accommodates eight guests comfortably. Two bedrooms have a private balcony while the master’s bedroom has patio access with river views. The main floor open layout features cathedral ceilings and bay windows that offer splendid views while dining or watching TV in the living room or while cooking family meals in the open kitchen.

Stayed at this property?
15 reviews   Wifi Available
House 8 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 8
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Location:
best location to visit 1000 islands
Read more reviews

2. Country cottage with garden and river views (from USD 300)

This riverside country-style cottage is on Clayton’s mainland. It’s a gorgeous single-level structure with high cathedral ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that open to a balcony with breathtaking views of the river. There’s a living room with a fireplace, a dining area that seats six, and a fully stocked kitchen sharing the open plan. Two large bedrooms with a queen and double bed sleep four guests comfortably. They are separated from the other rooms by a sliding barn door. Get into a seat out on the garden and relax with a beer while watching the ships sail by. The cottage comes with two boat houses where you can dock your boats. Enjoy at least a three-day stay in this cottage.

Stayed at this property?
42 reviews   Wifi Available
cottage 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4
Minimum Nights: 3
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great view from floor to ceiling windows in both the kitchen and living room
Cleanliness:
very clean and comfortable place
the place was spotless the bed comfortable and the sunsets breathtaking
cottage is lovely and spotless
Host:
the weather was perfect and our host was very accommodating
beth was a perfect host
Location:
the weather was perfect and we love the location
Read more reviews

3. Simple bungalow for two-night stays (from USD 225)

This modestly sized country-style cottage sandwiched between Clayton and Cape Vincent admits four guests for at least two nights. Built beside the river with a private harbor, you can dock your boat and go swimming, fishing, or do other marine activities. Outside the cottage is a furnished patio for barbecues and al fresco dining. There’s a grassy lawn where kids can run around with their pets while the adults can sit back and enjoy the views. The cottage has a simple layout with a cozy lounge, dining area, and fully equipped kitchen. Sleep in comfort in two spacious carpeted bedrooms furnished with double beds, air conditioning, TV, heating, and a private bathroom.

Stayed at this property?
53 reviews   Wifi Available
cottage 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
everything is clean owner super nice
it was amazingly clean and silke was very attentive
the cottage was very clean and pet- friendly which was important to us
house was clean and cozy and the owner silke was very helpful
we highly recommend this cottage it was clean and comfortable
Host:
silke was a great host and responsive to all our questions
the neighbors are friendly and it is a wonderful place to relax
Location:
beautiful location and plenty to do nearby
it was a great location to start from for exploring the 1000 islands
Read more reviews

4. Riverfront cottage with amazing sunset views (from USD 203)

The owner requires a four-night stay to fully appreciate this riverfront cottage, along with its stunning sunset views. It is a capacious bungalow with a covered front deck facing St. Lawrence River and with a wide garden for picnics and barbecues. It has a private dock and deck where guests can tie their boat or use it as a jump-off when swimming or fishing. Inside the cozy abode is a fully equipped kitchen, a six-seater dining table, and a living room for a complete home-like stay. A small group of family of five will have restful sleep in the two bedrooms with a private bathroom. Comforts like Wi-Fi, heating, cable TV, and laundry facilities are available.

Stayed at this property?
19 reviews   Wifi Available
cottage 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 5
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beautiful view great yard and very comfortable cottage
two cottages on the lot with shared outdoor facilities
Cleanliness:
the cottage is clean and very comfortable
it comfortably fits 5-6 and is clean and well appointed
excellent location cottage very clean and well equipped
wonderful owners cottage was spotless well decorated and had everything and anything one could need for a delightful stay
Host:
the hosts are very responsive and accommodating
not only were the accommodations amazing-the owner was fabulous
dave the owner is incredibly nice and goes out of his way to make you feel welcome
if i needed to talk to david he was always very helpful and returned calls or text promptly
Location:
location is excellent to shopping dining sightseeing
marina close by and a great walking/jogging track at zenda farms about seven miles away
the location is perfect for driving from cape vincent to clayton to alexandria bay
the location is perfect for swimming fishing or just enjoying river views
Read more reviews

5. Cozy loft-style beach house (from USD 199)

The cabin is half an hour away from Watertown International Airport built on Chaumont Bay shores. It has a hip and cool atmosphere with its wooden interiors and retro-style furniture. By the entrance is a wide deck overlooking a grassy lawn with picturesque views of the lake. The ground floor has floor-to-ceiling windows giving guests splendid outdoor views while in the living room, dining room, kitchen area, and loft-style bedroom. To sleep eight guests, there’s a queen bed in the ground-floor bedroom and another queen bed and a sofa bed in the loft. Air beds are available for additional guests. Enjoy luxuries like the internet, flat-screen TV, laundry facilities, and free parking. Children and pets are welcome.

Stayed at this property?
21 reviews   Wifi Available
House 8 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 8
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
recommend a simple purchase of a window air conditioning unit for the master bedroom
the house was well kept and loved the living room/ dining room addition with loft sleeping
nice house with plenty of room to stretch out and relax
Cleanliness:
beautiful place clean welcoming and close to the lake
Host:
you really will enjoy this experience and our host thought of everything
helena is very kind and truly wants to make sure you enjoy your stay thank you helena
helena is a very nice and responsive owner and we look forward to staying again in the future
Read more reviews

6. Great old cottage near the best fishing areas (from USD 225)

This centenarian cottage is in Snowshoe Bay strategically located near Lake Ontario. It is a boat ride away from where you can catch the best fish like lake trout, salmon, perch, and more. It has a long dock where you can tie your boat or where the kids can sit while fishing. It’s a well-kept cottage with wooden interiors and old fashioned furnishings. It has four huge bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms to host six guests and a small pet for a minimum of four nights. It’s equipped with a living room with a TV and piano for entertainment, a dining area, and a fully stocked kitchen. You can relax in the screened-in porch with a cup of coffee or dine outdoors while watching the river flow by.

Stayed at this property?
6 reviews   Wifi Available
House 6 Guests 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 7
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Location:
the house is in a great location especially have kids
great location safe for kayaking and swiming in the bay
perfect location owners were wonderful to deal with
excellent location clean with great view
Read more reviews

7. Private island near St. Lawrence River (from USD 250)

You have complete privacy of this home in O’Connor Island in St. Lawrence River. The house is built 40-feet (12.19 meters) above the water level so you have unobstructed river views. It is surrounded by lush trees and foliage which you can explore with your kids. There’s a small cove ideal as a jump-off point for swimming. The house has a wide view deck and terrace where you can enjoy the view from sitting on the loungers or while having barbecues. The interior is a modest space with a retro-style living room, dining area set for six, and an open kitchen. To sleep six guests, the two bedrooms contain two twin beds and a queen bed while a sofa bed that sleeps two is in the living room.

Stayed at this property?
46 reviews   Wifi Available
cottage 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the mattresses were comfortable to sleep on
the cabin was comfortable although maybe better for a family than two couples
Cleanliness:
while there were clean sheets towels etc
the cabin could use a deep clean
the interior of the house was clean and well equipped with linens and towels
the cottage was very clean with a few bugs for visitors (but it's a cottage)
Host:
owner/property manager: just good people
the owner was perfect to deal with
host and representative very helpful
jeff the property manager was very helpful and quick to respond
john and jeff were perfect hosts
Location:
the location is perfect close to supplies marinas many places to visit
it was an amazing experience i only wish it was closer so we could come back regularly
close to the mainland if you need to pop back to get supplies but so private and beautiful
Read more reviews

8. Lovely cottage with river views on Hay Island (from USD 172)

Book this cottage with stunning views of St. Lawrence River! It’s on Hay Island near Gananoque Marina and accessible by boat and water taxi. Newly renovated in 2019, the cottage upgraded to a modern country-style motif. Its open layout features a living room with a flat-screen TV, a dining area set for six, and a fully equipped kitchen. Three huge bedrooms are equipped with thick-cushioned double beds and a private bathroom. A bunkhouse nearby has two single beds and a private bathroom to sleep extra guests. Enjoy lemonades on the wide deck or under the shade of trees in the garden. Steps away from the cottage is a boat dock and the river. Though a three-night stay is required, the owner allows weekly or monthly stays.

Stayed at this property?
Gananoque, ON, CA
12 reviews  
cottage 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the cottage is cozy but comfortable
lawrence and a great dock for the kids to fish off of or jump in for a swim
it is not luxury but it is comfortable the way a cottage should be
Host:
thank you anne for hosting us
ann the owner is right next door and very helpful if anything is needed
we had an awesome time and anne is fantastic and accommodating
Location:
great time location and fishing
lots of fish beautiful location
Read more reviews

Grand stays in secluded places

Have a grand holiday in one of the most secluded places on earth! Not only do you have the privacy of the home and the entire island, but you can also access the nearest fishing grounds and other attractions in and around the islands. You might want to make it a permanent vacation once you’ve booked the best Vrbo vacation rentals on The 1000 Islands!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Tina is a free-spirited writer and traveler. She likes to experience unfamiliar places, cuisines, and scenery. She prefers beaches to mountains though as she is afraid of heights. Visiting museums,...Read more

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