Best view of the 1000 islands 2024 open date is May 30th 2025 calendar now open

2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 693 sq m

Popular amenities

Pet-friendly

Fireplace

Kitchen

Barbecue grill

Free WiFi

Outdoor space

Check out the area

Lansdowne, ON

Smuggler's Glen Golf Course4 min drive
Thousand Islands National Park6 min drive
Thousand Islands Bridge10 min drive
Kingston, ON (YGK-Norman Rogers)46 min drive

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Towels provided · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Dining Area

About this property

O'Connor Island is a 1.1-acre island in the St. Lawrence River. The cottage, which is about 1000 sq. feet, and is on the highest part of the island, 40 feet above the water line, with extensive decks and unparalleled views of the river. Enjoy coffee out front in the morning and cocktails in the afternoon.

The cottage has a master bedroom with a queen size bed and private half bath, and a second bedroom has bunk beds. The second bathroom has a tub and shower. All linens are provided. There is a large flat screen TV with satellite and Firestick in the living room. There is also a smaller smart TV with a DVD player in the bedroom with the bunk beds. The Wi-Fi works throughout the cottage and on the decks outside of the cottage. Download speeds are good for about 2 to 4 devices streaming at once, on those rainy days you are stuck inside. We added a new wi-fi router this year with a larger footprint area. Speeds are ok for 2 or 3 devices at once, but if you bring an XBOX and try to stream movies and play games all at once, you will get lag. Remember you are in the middle of the river, so speeds vary.

The kitchen has a microwave, automatic ice maker, coffee maker, and a four-burner range with an oven. Bring bottled water to drink. While we do have running water it is strongly advised not to drink it. The dining room table seats 6 to 8. The sofa bed in the living room sleeps 2.

The cove is ideal for swimming, make sure you wear some type of protective footwear when wading in the water, it is a rocky bottom along with zebra muscles. The boathouse can accommodate 2 smaller boats and there is extensive dock space which can accommodate boats up to 36 feet. There are shore power hookups inside the boathouse and on the dock outside for larger boats. Drafts with average river water levels are 8+ feet deep to 2.5+ feet closer to the island.

In the afternoon, enjoy the breeze coming off Lake Ontario. It the wind is too strong, retreat to the decks on the east side of the cottage where someone may be using the gas grill.

Tired of cooking? The Ivy Lea Club has a five-star restaurant. It is just a few minutes away by boat.

O'Connor Island will be available for rental from mid June 2024 to October 2024.

Rates are $275 USD in 2024, a 2-night minimum stay is also required

O'Connor Island is only accessible by boat, we only accept renters who can comply with these options for arriving to our island.

1 - Bring your own boat, launching is available at Peck's Marina (which is closest to the island, but other options are available in the Ivy Lea area)
2 - Rent a boat at Peck's Marina, or at other close by marinas in the area

Former renters, I know in times past we have worked with you with water taxi services to get you to and from the island. We have come to the decision that the liability is too high for you and your family to be on the island without a way to get off quickly if you have emergency. I hope you understand.

Whichever option you can choose, Jeff will be there to greet you and show you around. The boat ride from Peck’s Marina/Ivy Lea area to the island is about 5 - 10 minutes.

Property manager

Eric Mackenzie and family - Owner

Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Kitchen

Pet-friendly

Free WiFi

Outdoor space

Barbecue grill

Water view

Hot tub

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 12:00 PM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings

Pets

Pets allowed: less than 50 lb per pet (limit 2 pets total)

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20

Seniors-only community.

Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Leeds and the Thousand Islands

Located in Leeds and the Thousand Islands, this cottage is on the waterfront. Rock Island Lighthouse State Park and Boldt Yacht House are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Gananoque Boat Line and Alex Bay 500 Go-Karts. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Lansdowne, ON

What's nearby

Smuggler's Glen Golf Course - 4 min drive
Thousand Islands National Park - 6 min drive
1000 Islands Tower - 9 min drive
Thousand Islands Bridge - 10 min drive
St. Lawrence Islands National Park - 12 min drive

Getting around

Gananoque Station - 16 min drive
Watertown, NY (ART-Watertown Intl.) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

McDonald's - 11 min drive
Riley's by the River - 24 min drive
Boldt Castle Food Concession - 23 min drive
Coleman's Dock Of The Bay - 24 min drive
The Gal's Place - 19 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Best view of the 1000 islands2024 open date is May 30th2025 calendar now open pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 50 lb per pet.

What time is check-in at Best view of the 1000 islands2024 open date is May 30th2025 calendar now open?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Best view of the 1000 islands2024 open date is May 30th2025 calendar now open?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Best view of the 1000 islands2024 open date is May 30th2025 calendar now open located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within 1 mile (2 km) of Lake Ontario and Saint Lawrence River. Smuggler's Glen Golf Course is 1.9 mi (3 km) away.

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Jelena S.

25 June 2018

Amazing!!!

This place is amazing. Close to the mainland if you need to pop back to get supplies but so private and beautiful. I wish we had more time on the island. It was an amazing experience I only wish it was closer so we could come back regularly. John was very easy to deal with and very accommodating. Thanks so much for having us and sharing this amazing place with us.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Natalie D., Ottawa, Ontario

5 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful island property in the heart of the 1000 Islands!

Wonderful quaint cottage on pristine private island! Our favourite boating get-away! Beautiful swimming cove with gradual entry, awesome fire pit area, multiple decks and seating areas for every spectacular view. We had an amazing time here!

Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lynn A., Burlington, Ontario, Canada

27 Aug 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Island Getaway

We enjoyed a week on this island getaway with our two dogs. Went swimming and paddle boarding with them. Jeff (property manager) and Eric (owner) were great. Informative and easy to contact when required. Weather was great except for the last 2 days.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Adam C.

22 Aug 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome stay

Had a great time on O’Connor island. We will be back!

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Jessica R.

21 Aug 2023

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely location

Perfect private cottage for vacation with small family. Location is exceptional. Cottage feels like a true cottage, a little dated decking/boat house but it’s he cottage is clean and well stocked.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

About the host

Hosted by Eric Mackenzie and family - Owner

Although the official name is O'Connor Island, it has long been known by the locals as Butternut Island, due to the presence of a grove of Butternut trees during the early part of the 20th century down near the cove. Until 1956 the only structure on the island was a "hunter's shack" with neither water nor electricity. It was purchased by my great aunt and uncle, Dr. and Mrs. Harry F. Pennington of Meriden, CT that year. They converted the existing structure into what is now the two bedrooms and two bathrooms, enlarged the cottage to what is now the living room and kitchen, and built the decks and a boathouse. Plumbing was installed, and the hot water heater, refrigerator, and stove were fueled by propane. Electricity was supplied for lights and small appliances by a generator located in the pump house. The cottage was wired in such a way that, when a light switch was turned on, the generator would start. In 1967, Dr. Pennington passed away, but Mrs. Pennington spent every summer here for the next 25 years. She had telephone service installed after his death for extra security. In the spring 1987, five of the islands (including Butternut) signed up for Hydro (electricity). The generator disappeared, and electric appliances replaced the propane. Two years later the now existing boathouse replaced a much smaller one. The island was passed along to my father and Aunt. Our families spent every summer here as their children were growing up. As we married and had their own families, the island was visited less frequently. In 2014 the decision was made to share this unbelievable destination with others. To that end, some furniture was replaced, and Wi-Fi and satellite TV were installed. We sincerely hope that you, our guests, enjoy the island as much as we do when we are here. Sadly in 2021 my father died and the island was passed down to myself and sister. We have been slowly been making improvements to the cottage each year since his passing.

Why they chose this property

This vacation destination offers something for everyone. For those seeking privacy and relaxation, the island is yours and yours alone. The only sound you will hear is the call of the loons in the morning, and the occasional flock of geese flying by. There is definitely no need to lock the doors at night! On the other hand, there is much to do a short boat ride back to your car. For those so inclined, there is a Casino just outside Gananoque. This town, just a few kilometers away on the 1000 Islands Parkway, calls itself the "Canadian Gateway to the 1000 Islands". Enjoy shopping on King Street. Spend some time by the river where the Gananoque Boat Line Tours come and go. There is an interesting Museum there, which is free but donations are accepted. Be sure to have an ice cream cone across the street, but only order one scoop - it is all you can handle! The Gananoque Boat Line offers a 1 hour tour, a 2 hour tour (which passes by O"Connor Island), and a 5 hour tour with an unlimited stopover at Boldt Castle. For those who like live theater. the 1000 Islands Playhouse offers performances daily except Mondays. The playhouse can be reached either by car or by boat. Back at the island, you can keep the children busy all day fishing off the dock. Be sure to use hooks without barbs for easy catch and release. The fish love bologna. When the Canada geese come by, give the kids some bread to feed them in the cove. Swimming in the cove is excellent because the water is shallow and protected from the wind. In the afternoon or evening you can toast marsh mellows in the grove. There is a fire pit for that purpose. Finally, there is always the board games, Wi-Fi, and streaming services on those wet days stuck inside. Enjoy your stay!

What makes this property unique

The view is worth the price of admission. We were lucky enough to have a island that has elevation change so you can see so much or the river, and also do not have any neighbors to share the island with. To have complete privacy on your vacation has always been important to us and we are sure that is for your family as well.

We also have been slowly making improvements each off season. Nothing major, we always want to have the cottage feel, but we do realize this is 2020s and not 1955. So each year we have done some minor changes. New roof, new windows, modern appliances, and so on. Our big projects for the off seasons of 2023, 2024, and 2026 will be; new living room furniture, new floors in the grand room, updates to both bathrooms, and a major overhaul of the boat house. We are hoping to turn the upstairs/loft of the boathouse into a play area for kids and teens who need time away from mom and dad on the long stays stuck in the rain.

My sister and I have been coming up every summer since 1977 and it is a true family getaway and we want to keep it that way. You will never see marble countertops in the kitchen or super high end fixtures in the bathrooms. We want to keep this feeling like a cottage until the next generation comes along and decides what they would like to do with it. We do out best to make you feel like you are staying with the extended families of Mackenzie's and Pennington's.