Cape Vincent’s quiet coastal village offers a slower pace
Coastal charm, a historic small-town feel and access to outdoor recreation attract residents to Cape Vincent, a town cradled on the edge of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River in upstate New York. Landmarks like Tibbett’s Point Lighthouse create a unique historical tapestry that showcases Cape Vincent’s legacy. While a profound past keep locals rooted, the town has been seeing steady growth as its tourism industry continues to draw visitors, and more home buyers are deciding to buy primary residences. “Cape Vincent is going through a revitalization period,” says local Realtor Noah Taylor of Keller Williams Northern New York. “It has a quaint and quiet village, and the waterfront is the draw, so more people are living there year-round. It’s similar to Clayton without the level of tourism; it’s a little more isolated.”
Waterfront homes dominate Cape Vincent’s housing landscape
Most homes in Cape Vincent line the waterfront or are clustered close to the shore, with few homes in the more rural areas. Inland, roads cut through forests and fields, set sparsely with modest homes. Waterfront properties range from quaint cottages to contemporary retreats. Colonial-inspired cottages, rustic bungalows and ranch-style homes are most common among smaller single-family homes. Larger waterfront properties, especially newer builds from the last 20 years, take on more contemporary stylings with heavy Neo-Colonial influences. Single-family homes start at around $145,000. Waterfront homes with more spacious layouts tend to price around $450,000 and can range up to $1.4 million. Manufactured homes, typically located more inland, price between $15,000 and $95,000.
Cape Vincent blends historic landmarks with outdoor spaces
Cape Vincent’s location on the easternmost side of Lake Ontario gives residents unlimited access to water activities as the lake turns into St. Lawrence River. Marinas like East End Waterfront Park & Boat Launch dot the coastline, offering river and lake access for boating, fishing and more. The park also features a riverfront boardwalk for relaxing walks. Larger waterfront spaces include Cedar Point State Park and Burnham Point State Park, both destinations for outdoor recreation like fishing, swimming and hiking. In town, the Cape Vincent Village Green and Town of Cape Vincent Recreation Park offer additional green space; the latter also features a playground and athletic facilities such as tennis courts, baseball diamonds and new pickleball courts that were added in 2023.
The town blends its historic significance with its recreation, offering landmarks and attractions such as the iconic Tibbetts Point Lighthouse. The tower is listed on the National Register of Historic Places on national and state scales for being one of the oldest lighthouses in the state and the only still operating with a classical Fresnel lens. The Cape Vincent Historical Museum tells the local story of the town’s significance in the 1800s and as a coastal port. Additional landmarks include the Captain Louis Peugnet House and the Cape Vincent Breakwater Lighthouse, both of which help preserve the town’s legacy.
Students attend Thousand Islands schools from K to 12
The Thousand Islands Central School District serves kids in Cape Vincent and earns a B-minus overall score from Niche. Students may begin at Bashaw Elementary School before advancing to Thousand Islands Middle and Thousand Islands High School. Home of the Vikings, the high school offers a variety of sports programs, including soccer, swimming, basketball and more. Students can also get involved in a diverse range of clubs and activities such as Ski Club, marching band and National Honor Society.
Brewery, market and winery help shape the town’s charm
Life is centered around Cape Vincent’s village, where a few establishments cluster around the Village Green and waterfront buildings. A little strip of charming locales, including a gift shop, café, brewery and grocery store, sits across from the shoreline. Cape Vincent Brewing Company is a popular spot for its craft beers and casual, laid-back atmosphere. Aubrey’s French Towne Market anchors the commercial strip, offering grocery and pantry essentials. The Cape Winery and Snug Harbor Restaurant & Bar also provide relaxed ambiances that help foster Cape Vincent’s small-town vibe. Watertown, about 37 minutes away, has national grocery stores like Walmart and Aldi as well as familiar retailers for shopping in Salmon Run Mall.
Routes 12 and 12E connect Cape Vincent to nearby towns
Cape Vincent residents rely on cars and travel mainly via Routes 12 and 12E, which connect to Watertown and nearby areas. Interstate 81 is easily accessible to the east, offering routes south to Syracuse and north to Canada. A seasonal ferry links Cape Vincent to Point Alexandria, Ontario, providing a unique international crossing. For air travel, residents use Watertown International Airport for regional flights or Syracuse Hancock International Airport, about 75 miles south, for broader options.
![Christina von Claparede-Crola]()
Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
![Greg Dunbar]()
Photography Contributed By
Greg Dunbar
