From the Editor, February 2026
by: Susan W. Smith
Yes, something is different – this month's issue is going live on the 12th, not the 14th. Back in 2012, when I took over the helm after the death of Paul Malo, I promised my mentor, Ian Coristine, to get the issue out by the 15th – always. It was important timing, since Ian published his Wallpaper blog on the 1st of the month. It seems like only yesterday, but now 19 years later, we are still going strong.
Interesting reading . . .
January and February 2026 have given many readers who have stayed home in the North Country or blustery Ontario more time than necessary to cope with snow, snow and even more snow. However, those who did venture to warmer climates have been hit with cold arctic air. Some have written to say having been without power for several days, they had time to read by daylight – but it was no fun. Our only hope is that the frozen lakes and piles of snow will mean some better water levels in the coming summer.
I hope you find time to read this month's issue - it's filled with some amazing facts. In fact . . . I have some questions you can answer after reading this issue.
• What is the connection with the North country and Pikes Peak in Colorado?
• Is there a River Rat who helps in disasters?
• Do you know what land the Charity Casino was built upon?
• Where can you take your girls (old and young) that they will love?
• Do you recognize a family name without going to church?
• Have you tried to count all of the islands from above?
• When was the first time your volunteering made an impact?
• Any birds flying by today?
• What was a worry before covid?
• Were you ever unlucky and missed a River conference?
• How often do you look at your River charts?
And don't forget to do the Sudoku!
A Crime Show from the Thousand Islands
As we go to "posting" we received the publicity material for an exciting new crime drama TV Series THE BORDERLINE, filmed entirely in Gananoque and the Thousand Islands region. Local press have published articles with announcements, and those of us who are in the north are invited to attend the Kingston Canadian Film Festival (KCFF) before the series starts streaming on CRAVE. The free event (must register) will take place on Friday, February 27, at the Baby Grand, 9:30 p.m.
The Kingston Canadian Film Festival is dedicated exclusively to Canadian films and runs from February 25-March 1.
Official Trailer for The BORDERLINE, Crave original. Readers are invited to attend the free showing on February 27, 2026 in Kingston.
Conclusion
Please leave comments or questions or send them to me to post (there is a glitch using some web browsers.)
A winter visit to Cape Vincent and Tibbetts Point by Stephen Friot
If you are on the River's edge, please remember to take photos so that we can all see what Winter 2026 is like in the Thousand Islands!
Be sure to check out all of the different chambers of commerce around the River: Chamber of Commerce pages for: Kingston, Gananoque, Brockville, & Cape Vincent, Clayton, and Alexandria Bay.
Live updates!
And have fun visiting in the winter: Alexandra Bay Camera, Hucks Marine at Rockport, ON. (Nothing like a live camera to make you smile.)
Stay safe and well!
By Susan W. Smith, Editor, info@thousandislandslife.com
Plus, the TI Life Team: Elspeth Naismith is the "Real Editor," and our proofreaders are Georgia Barker, Dane Zabriskie, John Stencell, and Rick Taylor. Jennifer Caddick manages social media, Dan Mathias shares events, Beth Lavos posts books, Marie-Anne Erki illustrates, Allison Burchell-Robinson, Mark Murray, and Paul Reichert are new members, and last but not least, Mike Cox is our IT magician!
Header photo for From the Editor this month is by Erin McCarthy Greene, Wellesley Island.
Header photo for Volume 21, February 2026 is by Ian Coristine courtesy Photo ©Ian Coristine/1000IslandsPhotoArt.com.
Andrew Kane (Feather in Flight Photography) shares some of his storm photos taken this winter. (Hey everyone, come back to see what it looks like in summer 2026!)
Comments
Mike Brick writes, " Look forward to reading the articles every time it is published. I love THE RIVER !!!! I don’t get there often anymore. As a kid my parents had a cottage on Steele Point in Clayton and that started may love of THE RIVER. Spent a great deal of time there summers from 1950’S - 1980’S … Made lots of friends , the locals, in Clayton and spent a great deal of time on Round Island. Now turning 86 like to remember the god ole days.
