Thousand Islands Bridge

Thousand Islands Bridge is an international crossing in New York and Ontario that spans the Saint Lawrence River through several sections, linking both countries. The system includes five separate structures, among them a suspended span over the American channel and lower truss sections on the Canadian side.

The crossing was built between 1937 and 1938, opening in August of that year with ceremonies led by both heads of government. Since then it has linked both shores without interruption, easing trade and travel between the two nations.

The structure takes its name from the hundreds of small islands scattered between the American and Canadian shores along this section of the river. Travelers cross a border here that opens daily in both directions, connecting families, workers, and visitors moving between two countries.

The crossing operates day and night and offers several lanes for border checks on both sides. Travelers should keep valid identification ready, as waiting times at checkpoints vary depending on the hour and traffic volume.

Between the bridge sections lies Wellesley Island, an inhabited island with its own roads and homes that travelers pass through on the way from one shore to the other. This island divides the crossing into two clearly separate parts, giving the route an unusual layout.

Location: New York

Inception: August 18, 1938

Longest Span: 240 m

Part of: Canada–United States border

GPS coordinates: 44.34742,-75.98350

Latest update: December 20, 2025 11:30