Part hidden getaway, part international charm, Cape Vincent, New York is one of the state’s most quietly spectacular waterfront escapes.
Recently, World Atlas named Cape Vincent one of New York’s most fairytale towns — a well-deserved nod that we agree needs to have its moment in the spotlight.
Nestled up North where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence River, this Thousand Islands gem offers sweeping water views, historic streets, and a small-town elegance that feels straight out of a European fairytale.
Just 25 minutes from Alexandria Bay or Clayton (and around 6 hours from NYC), Cape Vincent offers a uniquely “passport-worthy” small-town experience without leaving New York—complete with the state’s only international ferry connection to Canada’s Wolfe Island and onward to Kingston.
Cape Vincent’s slogan, “Where the Lake and River Meet,” isn’t just marketing—it’s geography in motion.
From Tibbetts Point Lighthouse, one of the most photographed beacons in the Thousand Islands, you can watch Lake Ontario flow into the St. Lawrence River, see freighters glide past, and even catch a sunset that looks like it belongs on the French Riviera.
The lighthouse, built in 1827, houses a small maritime museum and visitor center, and remains a top spot for photographers and casual wanderers alike.
A fairytale town rooted with French frontier history
Founded in 1809 by French land baron James LeRay de Chaumont, who named the village after his son Vincent, Cape Vincent retains centuries of French influence.
LeRay, whose family had supported the Continental Army during the American Revolution, envisioned a cultured French enclave in northern New York, inviting aristocrats, military officers, and craftsmen fleeing the French Revolution to settle here. For a time, parts of Cape Vincent were known as “Little France on the St. Lawrence.”
Local lore even suggests that Napoleon Bonaparte considered Cape Vincent as a possible exile destination—his former chief of police, Count François Réal, built a mansion nicknamed “The Cup and Saucer House” along the river, supposedly ready to welcome the Emperor.
Réal remained in the village until his death in 1821, living alongside other displaced nobles and soldiers of the Empire, and legends of a French ship carrying Napoleon’s treasure have kept local ghost stories alive for centuries.
During the War of 1812, Cape Vincent sat at the U.S.-Canadian front line, and the Cape Vincent Historical Museum preserves the town’s evolution from a fortified settlement to a lively river-trade outpost, complete with shipbuilders, taverns, and ferry crossings.
Many French settlers stayed long after France granted amnesty, and French Catholic traditions—bilingual church services, tricolor flags, and cultural celebrations—remain a vibrant part of village life today.
Strolling through Cape Vincent is like stepping into a storybook: cobblestone streets, charming boutique shops, and waterfront parks lined with colorful blooms and autumn leaves. The town’s French roots peek through in its architecture, signage, and annual cultural events, giving visitors a little slice of Europe without needing a passport.
Whether you’re sipping wine by the harbor, watching freighters glide past, or catching a ferry to Canada for a day trip, there’s a touch of magic around every corner.
Things to do in Cape Vincent (Fall & Winter edition)
🍂 Leaf-watching & lighthouse strolls
Fall foliage generally lasts through late October and Tibbetts Point Lighthouse is arguably New York’s northernmost “leaf-peeping lighthouse,” — with unobstructed views where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence.
🎃 Trek & Treat – October 25, 2025
Cape Vincent’s annual Halloween walk transforms the Village Green and downtown into a costumed wonderland!
Families parade through decorated storefronts, collecting candy and sipping cider amid the late-autumn river glow.
🛍️ Small Business Saturday – November 29, 2025
Support local artisans during this vibrant downtown shopping weekend!
Broadway Street boutiques and cafés sparkle with holiday lights and festive displays, featuring antiques, handmade ornaments, and local wines.
Nearby Clayton’s Holiday Open House (Nov 29–30) adds sleigh-bell carolers and craft pop-ups along Riverside Drive.
🎄 Christmas in the Cape – December 5–21, 2025
If you’re planning an end of 2025 visit, this marquee holiday event transforms Cape Vincent into a storybook village with:
- Tree-lighting ceremony on the Village Green
- Live caroling and nightly waterfront illuminations
- Holiday Craft Fair at the fire hall
- House-decorating contests
- Cookie Walk and Winter Tales storytelling at the community library
Where to eat & stay
Dining
- Cape Vincent Brewing Company – A family owned brewery and restaurant on the banks of the St Lawrence River, serving the best beers in the town.
- Snug Harbor Restaurant & Bar– A self-proclaimed “home away from home” serving comfort food like speciality pizzas, signature burgers, and more.
- Cup of Joy Cafe – Coffee extraordinaires who are there to help fuel your fall walks.
Stays
- The Barracks Club – A hillside retreat on the banks of Lake Ontario. More info
- The Cape Motel – No-frills lodging option in the village’s downtown—close to Tibbetts Point Lighthouse.
- The Cottage on Rose Bay – The ultimate cottage style, 1 bedroom vacation home of your dreams with private access to the St. Lawrence River. More info