More Honey Bee Island History

At one point the island was the seasonal home of the director the Thousand Island Bridge authority who could be contacted by a direct submersed phone line, some of which still lies on the riverbed. Following WWII, it became a party island where previous owners report that drunken debauchery became the norm. The name ‘Honey Bee’ originated in the 60’s when it faced an infestation of them. The unofficial name stuck with all who followed.

Over the years, the Island has changed hands a total of 10 times. The cabin had been vacant for 20 years and on the verge of becoming a ruin when purchased by the current owners in 2000. Hailing from the sunny California coast where they maintain their primary residence, they set out to bring their summer home to its full potential. Electrical power and telephone service was introduced by submarine cable in 2002 and over the next several summers a full-blown renovation followed. Still, it remains a seasonal residence with its owners wintering at their home in France.

After a 2-year effort by the Island’s current stewards, on May 18th, 2004, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources granted the owner’s petition to officially name the property “Honey Bee Island”

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Vacation in style and comfort on a private island