After arriving, your first stop should be the Chamber of Commerce, in the heart of the village on historic Riverside Drive.  The friendly staff will answer all of your questions, and help with maps, guides and anything else you need.  With so many choices, your most difficult decision will be where to begin!

Why not take in a museum?  Clayton is home to three museums.  After visiting the museums, you'll be ready for some shopping Clayton was literally built with that in mind. Most of downtown was constructed in the late 19th century to meet the needs of shoppers coming from both land and water.  Be sure to look up while you stroll our main streets.  The upper stories share attractive architectural features- window crowns, and cast-iron cornices.  If you are interested in architecture, be sure to pop into the Chamber of Commerce for their walking tour brochure.  It’s a self-guided passport into the intriguing history and charm of Clayton’s commercial buildings, homes and churches.  Weekly evening guided tours are also available during the peek summer months.

The natural beauty of the St. Lawrence River has inspired artists for centuries, so its no wonder that Clayton is home to a number of galleries.  Visit the Winged Bull Studio or the St. Lawrence River Art Gallery.  Corbin’s River Heritage Shop houses a huge collection of historical photographs and books of the 1000 Islands. Whether your taste runs to watercolor paintings or period photographs, you’re certain to find something you’ll love. 

Art galleries are just the beginning.   A leisurely stroll down our main streets brings you to an array of unique shops including clothing boutiques, jewelry shops, as well as shops offering 1000 Islands collectibles to take home as a keepsake.  Maybe you are looking to take home a taste of the 1000 Islands from one of several gourmet food emporiums including “River Rat” Cheese or a bottle of the famous “Original” Thousand Islands Dressing that was created right here.

The local library on John Street welcomes visitors, and has Internet ready computers where you can check your e-mail.

You are welcome to join us on Sunday morning at one of our many friendly churches.  

Want to take a moment to relax?   

Why not treat yourself to a massage or facial at a day spa or maybe a haircut?  Clayton’s salons welcome walk in visitors.

After a full day of activities, you’ll welcome a chance to relax at one of Clayton’s many restaurants.  Watch the boats go by from the deck of one of our river front eateries.  Be sure to ask a native whether that cargo ship was a  “laker” or a “salty”!  Unwind with a leisurely, gourmet dinner; or grab a quick bite at a cafe or pizzeria.   Have a sandwich wrapped to go and picnic at one of our beautiful parks. Don’t forget to stop for ice cream!  

For The Outdoor Enthusiast...

Explore the natural side of the 1000 Islands. The 1000 Islands Region is filled with activities that take advantage of this natural paradise. Clayton offers an outdoor recreational playground to enjoy from fishing to kayaking, to diving and snorkeling, to golfing, hiking, boating, biking and camping.

Kayaking is very popular in Clayton, and exploring the islands is a very exhilarating experience. Take a canoe or kayak and venture into the wilderness and wonders of the French Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Small game and songbirds are found in here in open meadows and hardwood uplands. Waterfowl and furbearers find suitable homes as well in cattail marsh that borders the open waters of French Creek. The WMA is also suitable for hikers and biking. Unpaved roads within the WMA provide good access, but foot travel or paddle is the primary means of movement throughout the area.

For the more sports-minded among our visitors we offer several excellent golf courses for golfers of all skill levels. Several area resorts offer golf and accommodations packages as well as meeting rooms and corporate golf tournaments. 

Looking to exercise? Clayton has a gym with day passes available or you can head up to Clayton Recreation Park were can swim a few laps at the outdoor community pool, walk the paved recreation walking trail, play a set on one of the lighted tennis courts or shoot some hoops on the basketball court. 

For those who are looking for a total outdoor adventure, camping opportunities are abound in the Clayton area of the 1000 Islands, with both private and state parks offering a wide range of camping options. Campers will find everything from wooded tent sites with full hook ups. Clean restrooms, ample picnic tables, hot showers and nearby access to the river are amenities available at all of our campsites.

You can easily use Clayton as your vacation "home base," with the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center, miniature golf, the 1000 Islands Bridge, historic Boldt Castle and the Canadian border all close by.