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 eight. 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 on the mainland. 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
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