After a perfect night in Gananoque, it was time to say goodbye to Canada and begin the journey back into the USA. The plan for Day 8 of our East Coast USA road trip was simple: follow the scenic route south through the Thousand Islands, cross the border, and spend the night in Saratoga Springs. The weather couldn’t have been better — sunshine, blue skies, and that familiar feeling of adventure as we loaded the car for another day on the road.
Crossing the Thousand Islands
The drive out of Gananoque was nothing short of stunning. We crossed a series of bridges linking the islands that make up the Thousand Islands region, each one offering views of forested shores and glittering blue water. It’s easy to see why this area is so popular with boaters and photographers — every turn seemed to reveal another postcard view.
Just before the border, we stopped at the Canada Duty Free shop to pick up a few last-minute souvenirs — including, inevitably, something shaped like a moose. It felt strange to be leaving Canada after a week of friendly faces, scenic roads, and excellent coffee (thank you, Tim Hortons!).
Back into the USA
Border control on the American side was as slow as expected but provided some unintentional comedy. The officer asked, “Where have you come from?” — “Canada,” seemed the obvious answer. “Is this your car?” — we showed our UK passports and explained it was a rental, though the humour didn’t seem appreciated. Finally came the classic: “Do you have anything to declare?” to which I replied, “Only a wooden moose.” Again, not a big hit. Still, after a few raised eyebrows and a polite search, we were waved through and officially back in Upstate New York.
Through Forests and Quiet Roads
The scenery changed almost instantly — rolling fields, lakes, and winding forest roads replaced the open Canadian shoreline. We stopped at a roadside service area for a map and the obligatory photo next to the big I ❤️ New York sign before continuing through a series of picture-perfect small towns.
Our first real stop was Boonville, chosen purely because I wanted a photo of the town sign — a nod to Clint Boon from the Inspiral Carpets. From there we wound our way through Coldbrook, the Black River Wild Forest, and on towards Wells and Edinburg. It was classic small-town America: quiet roads, tall pines, wooden houses, and barely another car in sight. We even passed an Amish family in a horse-drawn buggy trotting down the centre of a four-way highway — a surreal but beautiful moment.
Arriving in Saratoga Springs
After a long but peaceful drive, we rolled into Saratoga Springs around 5 p.m. The town immediately had a collegiate, lively feel — grand old buildings, tree-lined streets and plenty of bars and cafés. Our stop for the night was the Spa City Motor Lodge, a modernised roadside motel with plenty of character. The building once featured a central outdoor pool, now filled in and roofed over to create a quirky communal atrium. The result felt somewhere between retro-cool and minimalist prison chic — oddly charming and surprisingly comfortable.
Evening in Saratoga Springs
We headed out to explore as the evening settled in, wandering through a few open shops before walking down to Congress Park for photos. Dinner was at Drucker’s Pub on the high street, where we enjoyed local beers, soft pretzels with a cheesy beer dip, and fresh salads. Simple food, great beer, and a friendly crowd — the perfect end to the day.
There’s clearly more to discover in Saratoga Springs, with its famous horse racing history and grand Victorian charm, but for us it was a restful stopover before the next leg of the journey.
Next Up
Tomorrow we continue east to Boston — our final major stop on the road trip. Another border crossed, another chapter written, and a few more miles of open highway waiting ahead.
