If you are planning a tour to Canada this summer, it's important to know that there is much more to experience in Canada besides the stunning Niagara Falls. There are several beautiful sites that add to the charm of Ontario, Canada in addition to the famous Niagara Falls. One such breathtaking site is Thousand Islands, a cluster of over 1000 breathtaking islands that straddle across the US and Canada border along the St. Lawrence River. Wouldn't it be a dream to cruise through these spectacular islands and wonder in amazement about the history of their formation? Your dream can come true if you take The Thousand Islands cruise during your Niagara Falls Tour that takes you on a journey amidst this amazing archipelago. Here are some interesting facts about these islands that will increase your excitement about discovering them when you tour Niagara Falls!
* Thousand Islands were formed during the retreat of the last ice age, which exposed the hard granite and gneiss characteristic of the Canadian Shield. Covered with vegetation, the islands often appear to pop out of the water, resembling mushroom caps.
* Although the region is called Thousand Islands, in reality they are 1,864 islands.
* Boldt Castle located on one of the islands called Heart Island in the Thousand Islands region, was built in the 1890's by millionaire George Boldt for his beloved wife Louise. It is a popular landmark and a tourist attraction. George Boldt altered the shape of the island into a 'heart-shape', and changed its name from 'Hart Island' to 'Heart Island'.
* Louise passed away at a young age. Boldt was heartbroken and stopped the construction of the partly erected castle. It stands to this day unfinished, although in recent years some of its rooms have been improved.
* Heart Island has been host to some spectacular fireworks displays over the years. In August of 1938, almost 20,000 people gathered to witness the $2,500 display of fireworks celebrating the dedication of the Thousand Island Bridge. Almost a year later, on August 6, 1939 another fireworks display.
* The male deer, or stags, which can be seen throughout the Heart Island known as 'harts'.
* The Thousand Islands Bridge is an international bridge over the Saint Lawrence River connecting northern New York in the United States with southeastern Ontario in Canada.
* The famous "Shortest International Bridge" that joins two equally tiny islands lies is in reality entirely within Canada, contrary to the popular belief that one of the islands is situated in Canada and the other in United States. However, local tour guides for decades touted the bridge as the shortest span between Canada and United States and that's why it got its name as "Shortest International Bridge".
* The popular Thousand Island dressing originated in the Thousand Island Region. It's made from ketchup, mayonnaise and pickle relish.
Articles by Tia Jones, a freelance writer who contributes for affordable travel tours for tours4fun.com.For more information about how Tours4fun can help you plan a trip to your next travel destination visit: tours4fun.com.
Not to mention the excellent bass and pike fishing in the river
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