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• Sightseeing Cruises

See the 1000 Islands! The world-famous 1000 Islands begin in Kingston and span the St. Lawrence River for miles. Wind your way through the small cottage islands of the Admiralty group featuring Napoleon’s Hat, Wanderer’s Channel, the opulent Mandalay Mansion and the historic sights of Kingston on the Heart of the Islands Sightseeing Cruise.

Experience the 1000 Islands

Cruise from downtown Kingston into the heart of the Admiralty Islands, home to the highest concentration of small cottage islands and picturesque channels in the 1000 Islands. The Heart of the Islands Cruise is our most in-depth cruise in the 1000 Islands: it’s the perfect way to explore the scenery that has made the region famous throughout the world.

Onboard you’ll enjoy live entertainment and live-hosted commentary which describes the history and folklore of the 1000 Islands. A full service-bar and canteen is available. The 3-hour Heart of the Islands Cruise is also available with Lunch daily.

See  Frequently Asked Questions for information on parking, boarding, reservations and cancellations.

All tickets are non-refundable. Changes to your reservation can be made with 24h advanced notice.

Schedule: Spring   (April 20-June 27)   and Fall   (Sept 3-Oct 27) departs at 12:30pm. Summer  (June 28-Sept 2) departs at 10:30am and 2pm.

The Island Queen Awaits!

Set sail for the 1000 Islands on this 3 hour sightseeing cruise.

Live musical entertainment will set the tone for the perfect 1000 Islands experience.

A full service bar, serving wine, cocktails and beer is available onboard for purchase.

Our on board canteen has assorted snack items and drinks available for purchase.

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Hop on the Kingston Trolley to explore more of Kingston. Enjoy a live-guided tour through downtown highlighting National Historic Sites and visitor attractions like Fort Henry, Queen's University and Kingston Penitentiary.

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Castles & Cruises

An archipelago of more than 1,800 islands creates an unparalleled water recreation land. Scenic narrated boat tours meander through channels, between islands and under bridges from spring through fall, sharing the history of the region.

Tour companies take visitors past fairytale castles, historic lighthouses and stately mansions that take you back to the area’s heyday as a playground for the rich and famous. Stories of pirates and bootleggers, industry titans and secret societies await. Sightseeing cruises can include stops at Boldt and/or Singer Castle , and Rock Island Lighthouse. For a different option, take a lunch cruise or pair an evening sunset cruise with dinner on board.

Tours depart from several communities along each side of the border. Cruising companies regularly host thematic cruises centered to fun, education and experiencing the culinary assets of the region.

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1000 islands & seaway cruises.

Brockville, ON

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1000 Islands Cruises Rockport Boat Line

Rockport, ON

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1000 Islands Excursions

Clayton, NY

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1000 Islands Water Taxi Scenic Tours

Alexandria Bay, NY

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1000 Islands Water Tours

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Boldt Castle and Boldt Yacht House

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Classic Island Cruises

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Gananoque City Cruises

Gananoque, ON

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Horne’s Ferry to Canada & USA

Wolfe Island, ON

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Houseboat Holidays

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Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises

Kingston, ON

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Lake Effect Charters

Sackets Harbor, NY

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R.J. Marine

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Chippewa Bay, NY

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St. Lawrence Cruise Lines

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Voyageur Canoe Tours

Smiths Falls, ON

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Your Wave Tours

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Thousand Islands Cruise From Kingston (Our Boat Tour Experience)

Links in this article may earn us a little money if you book/ order stuff. More here

Choosing A Thousand Islands Cruise From Kingston Can Be Tough!

Want to explore the famous Thousand Islands region in the Saint Lawrence River? Great idea!

This beautiful region is a piece of classic “Canadiana” and – as a simple day trip from Kingston – there’s no better way to explore it than by water on an island cruise!

As a refresher, the 1000 Islands are a geographically and historically significant area of the St. Lawrence shared between Ontario (Canada) and New York State (United States).

That said, there are a few cruises to choose from and it can be confusing to find the best island cruise for you. Some cruises offer breakfast or dinner while others vary by tour boat prices and lengths.

Being Kingston locals for several years, we did the 3 Hour Thousand Islands Riverboat Cruise from Kingston . Eric had already done the Kingston sunset cruise, but Lisa hadn’t been out on the water yet.

So, in this guide, you’ll see what we experienced and get an overview of different 1000 Island boat tours available that leave from Kingston. If you want to leave from Gananoque, you can check here for Gananoque Boat Line . You can even tour from the USA with Uncle Sam Boat Tours.

* Friendly Disclosure: We paid for the boat tour we did ourselves – this is not a sponsored post .

Table of Contents

Thousand Islands Cruise – Boat Tour Options

If you know the kind of boat tour you’re looking for, feel free to jump ahead and click through to learn more below.

Be sure to make note of the specific details, the reviews, addresses, how to book, etc. All you have to do is book the one you like and show up to the waterfront!

• For the Classic 3 Hour Thousand Islands Cruise (We Did This) – Check Out This Boat Tour
• For the 1.5-Hour Discovery Cruise – Check Out This Boat Tour
• For a Sunset Dinner Cruise – Check Out This Site

Below, you’ll find more details about the above boat cruise tours so keep reading to make the right decision for you and your group!

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Classic 3 Hour Thousand Island Riverboat Tour (Our Tour)

If you want to experience the 1000 Islands, the cruise that we did is probably the best bet.

This cruise explored an area called The Admiralty Islands (which was beautiful) and is entirely sightseeing so you don’t get off the boat. Tour times for this longer tour are 10:30 am and 2:00 pm. We did the 10:30 am.

There is also no meal included – but you get live entertainment and amazing views of the historic waterway.

This tour also comes with audio commentary (which is really interesting) in English and there are audio guides available for Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German, and Japanese!

Overall, we really liked our tour – it was well organized and enjoyable. There’s a shop on-board where you can buy alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic drinks, and even snacks/food like popcorn.

This tour can actually be done with a breakfast or brunch add-on but this is a different ticket altogether.

You can read about our sightseeing tour in more detail below – we’ve included LOTS of photos so you can get see what we saw on tour!

⇒ Check out the exact sightseeing cruise we went on here

Kingston & 1000 Islands: 1.5-Hour Discovery Cruise

If you’re short on time but want to get out on the Kingston waterfront, you can always do a 1.5 Hour Kingston Discovery Cruise. This cruise is on a smaller boat than the Island Queen (what we took) called the Island Belle.

To compare, this cruise focuses much more heavily on Kingston and not so much on seeing the Islands. The tour covers the rich history of Canada’s first capital city and the waterways that shaped our nation – which is admittedly very interesting!

Since the cruise is shorter, they offer more times throughout the day. You can book to leave at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, or 5:00 pm. The 5:00 pm wouldn’t be quite at sunset but close enough and certainly not as hot as midday!

This tour also comes with audio commentary in English and audio guides for Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German, and Japanese!

⇒ Check the times to book your 1.5 Hour Island Discovery Cruise

Sunset Dinner Cruise

If you’re keen to have a meal and experience the sunset on the water, you can book a sunset dinner cruise. These cruises make use of the long, flat, glass-domed roof boat called the Island Star.

Cruises are 3 hours long and tables by the windows book up in advance so be sure to lock in your cruise if you know you want this option!

⇒ Check the prices and times here

Our Thousand Islands Cruise Experience

Since there are quite a few options, we went on a boat tour to show you exactly what it’s like.

The tour itself is run through Kingston Destination Group – the same group that runs the Tourist Information Centre downtown in Confederation Park and handles lots of Kingston tourism tours/activities like the famous Kingston Trolley Tour .

Overall, we really liked our tour. We knew it was sightseeing which meant 3 hours of sailing around in the sunshine and learning about stuff. That worked perfectly for us – and many others on the boat also enjoyed the tour!

We booked the boat cruise through GetYourGuide (a really good travel company) because the official tour booking website used to be very outdated.

That said, you can also book in person when you get to Kingston. However, the summer months are VERY busy in Kingston so some of these tours might sell out if you wait.

Personal advice: If you know the day you want to cruise, we’d suggest booking in advance.

After having booked online, we just walked up to the Kingston ticket pavilion before the cruise, showed the email voucher we got and received our paper tour tickets. Simple.

If you want to learn more about the tour and/or booking process, you can check out our boat tour here .

What You’ll Need For This Boat Tour

If you do end up on this sightseeing cruise, here’s a shortlist of the things you might want to have with you for a great day on the water. Some of these items are weather dependent, but in general:

• A hat – with a string to stay around the neck in wind
• A windbreaker jacket (in the spring or fall)
• A water bottle
• Hair tie (if you have longer hair)
• Seasickness pills (it’s not too rough, though)

Thousand Islands Cruise Itinerary

So, to give you a better idea of exactly what we experienced on our island cruise, here’s a detailed breakdown of the day.

The boat tour was advertised as 3 hours long and it ended up being a little longer (by about 10 minutes) because the boat had to slow down in the high water around the islands.

Pick-up/Drop-off

We started our day at the Kingston waterfront. If you are unfamiliar with Kingston, head for the massive building called Kingston City Hall.

On the side that faces the water, you will see a large green park called Confederation Basin/Park. This is the park full of attractions and the Kingston Tourist Information Centre.

In the water, (that’s Lake Ontario), you’ll see many small boats at the Kingston waterfront docks. Looking at the water, look left and you will see the large tour boats (you physically cannot miss them) and the round ticket pavilion that says “BOAT TOURS” on the side.

The address for this ticket office and island cruise boat pier is: 1 Brock St, Kingston, ON K7L 2Z1, Canada

The tour boats leave from this above address and NOT where you catch the ferry to Wolfe Island – which is located at Barrack St, Kingston, ON K7K 2X9, Canada.

As expected, we went into the office, exchanged our online voucher for paper tickets, and walked to the nearby pier where a line was forming to get on the boat.

We were 30 minutes early and it’s wise to be early so you get good seats on the boat and so you aren’t running down the dock as it sails away!

We got our tickets checked, got a souvenir photo taken, and climbed aboard. We immediately went to the top deck where it’s open to the sun and the air but you can sit on the first deck (shown above) or the second deck for some shade and still have amazing views.

At the end of the day, the boat returned to this exact spot on the pier. We got off, thanked the crew, had a look at our souvenir photo (didn’t buy it but honestly ALMOST did), and walked downtown for dinner and a drink!

Heading For The Thousand Islands From Kingston

Once we pushed off from the pier, they went over safety procedures thoroughly which was really good. With that many people aboard it was good to know there was a plan in place if things went bad out on the water.

The entertainer introduced himself – he was an older gentleman who played classic tunes on both a banjo and a guitar.

He was hooked up to the loudspeaker so he could wander the decks and take requests from people. He was really good – and provided some comedic commentary.

Heading out of the Kingston waterfront, the entertainer shared time with the audio guide which was a narration over the loudspeakers.

The guide was actually really interesting and shared historical dates, locations of events, shipwrecks, famous battles, you name it! We learned a ton in the first leg of the trip.

We passed Wolfe Island and left Kingston behind as we headed up the Saint Lawrence. The cottages/homes on the shore were lovely and the whole area, in general, is just really, really pretty.

It was the perfect day weather-wise, too. We actually went inside for a bit because we didn’t want to get TOO much sun!

If you want, you can grab a snack or a drink at either “shop” they have on both the first and second interior decks. Families with kids were snacking on popcorn and some people even cracked a bottle of wine or a beer.

We didn’t buy anything so we don’t know about prices – but many people took advantage of the food and drinks for purchase.

Arriving At The Thousand Islands

After about an hour we arrived at the edge of the Thousand Islands. It does take a bit to actually get there but the ride was lovely (and lively) so we didn’t mind.

On this cruise, you learn all about the island chain – and explore a region of islands called the Admiralty Islands.

We learned that different parts of the islands were named by different people or groups and so that’s why there are different naming conventions all through the region! In any case, the Admiralty Islands were lovely.

Touring The Thousand Islands

Once “in” the islands, the boat started weaving between big ones, small ones, etc. The audio commentary started up and provided the names of the important islands and the history of it.

Usually, there was a historic cottage or building on it built by someone from “back in the day” – each with a small story attached.

The fact that basically every island had a short story attached made the experience so much richer. If they said “here’s a bunch of islands” it would have been pretty but boring.

However, learning the names and getting a sense of the history of the area was very worth the trip… and we just scratched the surface!

It was also easy to see the islands and snap photos from any of the decks so don’t feel like you have to stand at the top the whole time.

The large port windows make for excellent photo-taking spots – and these seats are closer to the bar and the snacks!

At one point, we could even see the waterfront of Gananoque in the distance. The small town – being even closer to the actual islands – is also rich with history.

We’ll write about Gananoque on this site soon because even Eric hasn’t explored the town in-depth yet!

Returning To Kingston

Once we zigzagged around the islands for a while, we left the grouping of islands to enter the big river again. And back to Kingston we went.

The entertainer started up again to play a few songs and take requests – and we enjoyed the sunshine and snapped as many photos as we could.

Eventually, you start to recognize the Martello Towers (the stone towers with red tops built by the British) and know that you are back in the waters near Kingston.

You actually learn more on the way back but not as much from the audio commentary as heading out for the day.

Once we got back – as we mentioned above – it was great to see Kingston from the water for a change and snapped lots of photos.

We docked, waited not too long to get off, had a look at our souvenir photo, and went downtown for a drink! The captain and crew were there to see us off and it was a great way to end the day.

Related Articles

If you are hanging around Kingston (or travelling to Kingston from Toronto ), check out these other posts for trip planning – we know LOTS about the historic city!

• Things to Do and See in Kingston
• Great Restaurants + Bars & Pubs in Kingston
• Awesome Kingston Breweries to Visit
• Coffee Shops in Kingston You Should Try
• Where to Stay in Kingston

And there you have it – our experience on a Thousand Islands cruise from Kingston. What do you think? Have you been on any of these boat tours before?

We honestly really liked the boat tour we went on . That said, let us know how your island cruise goes – we’re always interested in hearing about the best experiences Ontario has to offer!

As always, Keep exploring, eh? -E&L

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Eric Wychopen

Hi, we're Eric and Lisa - an Ontario-born Canadian and a German! After settling in Ontario together, we realized that there is lots more to explore in this beautiful Canadian province! On Ontario Away, we as well as local contributors cover everything from cities and hikes to wineries, attractions, accommodations, and more.

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1000 Islands Cruise Guide: Everything You Need to Know

The Thousand Islands is a beautiful destination and a must-do Ontario road trip whether you’re from the province or visiting it. This group of 1800+ islands has plenty to see and do, but one experience you can’t miss out on is a 1000 Islands cruise. In this guide, you’ll find all the information you need to plan your own 1000 Islands cruise while ensuring you have a wonderful experience.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Why Take a 1000 Islands Cruise?

The 1000 Islands are the Saint Lawrence River’s iconic archipelago. It was created when the roots of an ancient mountain range flooded after the retreat of the last ice age. Spanning over 75km, the area is made up of 1867 “islands” – 997 are known to be actual islands, while the others are mainly shoals and rocks. As you can imagine, there’s plenty of beauty to be discovered within the area. What better way to tour the Thousand Islands than with a cruise!

Why should you take a 1000 Islands cruise? First, who doesn’t love to hit the water and explore? A cruise allows you to cover a lot more ground than you could by staying on land or hopping on a kayak. It also allows you to catch a glimpse of some of the more famous islands like Heart Island (home to Boldt Castle) as well as some of the private cottages which I guarantee will have you daydreaming about owning one yourself. Lastly, the views are absolutely gorgeous so sit back, relax and listen to the commentary as you enjoy the scenery.

My Thousand Islands Boat Tour Experience

It’s been a very long time since I visited the Thousand Islands myself, so I was excited to get back and explore more. My parents and I used to visit the area with my parents when I was much younger. I can remember are bits and pieces from our trips to Alexandria Bay on the US side so I was looking forward to experiencing the area now that I’m older!

Grab a spot along the edge of the deck as you take off onto the calm waters of the Saint Lawrence River. Soon after your departure, you’ll hear your guide over the loudspeakers as they share some information tidbits during your tour. They’ll also share specific points of interest that are unique to the area. One of my favourites is the smallest international bridge which you’ll spot connecting one island in Canada and one in the USA. It looks more like a little walkway than a bridge!

I have to say, it was surprising to see just how many of the islands had cottages on them. I had no idea so many of the islands were privately owned. If you’re wondering how these isolated destinations have access to power, it’s thanks to underwater cables!

While this is all fine and dandy, chances are you’re on this cruise to catch a glimpse of the famous Boldt Castle. Located on Heart Island, this historic site is just as hauntingly beautiful as the story of its creation. Construction started in 1900 as George Boldt began building the castle as a gift to his beloved wife. However, Boldt’s wife tragically passed in 1904 very suddenly. Upon her death, Boldt could never return to Heart Island and chose to leave the unfinished castle as a monument to his love.

For over 70 years it was left to face the elements until the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority purchased it in 1977 for $1. Why so cheap? The agreement was created so that all revenue would go towards restoring the castle and maintaining it for future generations. If you want to go inside, you’re in luck as tours are available of the castle from both the Canadian and American side of the Thousand Islands.

Planning Your 1000 Islands Cruise

Are you ready to book your own cruise around the Thousand Islands? Fantastic! Here are all the details you’ll need to plan this awesome adventure.

How to Get to 1000 Islands

The 1000 Islands is a region that encompasses parts of both Canada and the USA. It extends from Cornwall to Kingston on the Canadian side and from Massena to Oswego on the American side. In this area, you’ll find a number of popular destinations within the 1000 Islands including Brockville, Gananoque and Mallorytown.

Gananoque is considered your entrance to the Thousand Islands region and is located about a 3 hour drive from Toronto along Highway 401. It’s also a great getaway from both Ottawa and Montreal as driving times are 2 hours and 3 hours respectively. From the American side, it’s less than 2 hours from Syracuse to the 1000 Islands and about 3 hours from Rochester.

By far the easiest way to get to the Thousand Islands area is by car. If you’re visiting from out of the country, I highly recommend renting a car . As places of interest are spread out across the area, this will make it easy for you to get around and not have to worry about trying to find transportation.

If you don’t drive, there is a Via Rail service to Gananoque that runs twice daily as well as two airports in the 1000 Islands area. You can get flights to Kingston as well as flights to Gananoque . Lastly, there’s a Megabus service that has stops in Kingston, Brockville and Cornwall, but you’ll need to taxi or rent a car from there to get around the area.

Where to Take a 1000 Islands Cruise

As you can imagine, there are a number of Thousand Islands cruises you can take. Not only are there plenty of tour operators but there’s also the time of day, special events and other things to think about when planning your trip. While it can mean an overwhelming number of options, it also means there’s probably a tour to fit your schedule.

To start, there are five cities that are home to Thousand Islands boat tours and each of these companies have multiple offerings. I’ll go by city and then by the tour company to try and keep this as simple as possible. For full details on what you’ll see on each tour, head to their respective websites.

Our first city is Rockport where you’ll find the aptly named Rockport Cruise Lines which is the tour company I went with. They have seven different cruise offerings ranging from just under an hour long to six hours. Their longer tours allow you to stop and visit Boldt Castle as well as Singer Castle, located on Dark Island. These castle tours would be what I would do on my next trip to the 1000 Islands! They have sunset cruise offerings as well.

Next is Gananoque which is home to the Gananoque Boat Line. These tour companies are very creative with their naming.  They offer six different cruises ranging from one to five hours. Gananoque Boat Line stands out from the others as it has a very unique tour offering – their Lost Ships of the 1000 Islands Cruise.

A Canadian signature experience , this tour combines audio/video commentary and sonar images to share the stories of ships that have been lost along the Saint Lawrence Seaway. Note that some of their cruises depart from Ivy Lea so be sure to double-check your departure city!

We’ll finish off the list with Kingston where you’ll find two boat tour companies. First is the 1000 Islands Cruises which leaves out of both Kingston and Brockville. They have two sightseeing cruises (90-minute Discovery Cruise and a 3 hour Heart of the Islands Cruise) and three dining cruises (brunch, lunch and sunset dinner) each 3 hours long. They also offer special event concert cruises throughout the summer. Second is St Lawrence Cruise Lines which offers multi-day cruises that visit a number of cities including Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec City.

How Much is it to Take a Thousand Islands Boat Tour?

This can vary depending on the length of the tour, what company you go with and other amenities included within your tour. For a general hour long sightseeing cruise, it seems as though the price is the same across the board at approximately $27 per adult. Longer tours like the Rockport Cruise Line’s Two Castle tour are upwards of $120 per adult.

If you’re planning on a cruise with a meal, a lunch cruise will typically run you between $70-$90 per adult. As far as I know, 1000 Islands Cruises out of Kingston is the only tour company to offer a lunch cruise. They also have a summer brunch cruise at $66 per adult. For sunset dinner cruises, Gananoque Boat Line is the cheapest at $55 per adult. Second is Rockport at $64 per adult and finally, 1000 Islands Cruises is between $90 and $120 per adult.

Which Thousand Islands Cruise is Best?

Ah, the big question. Honestly? I can’t say for certain as I haven’t been on every single cruise line. However, I can share my conclusions based on my experience and research.

If you’re short on time and are looking for a quick cruise that hits the main hotspots, Rockport Cruises is a great option. It was easy to get to, the staff were nice and our guide onboard was full of information and happy to answer any questions the group had.

Are you a history buff that wants to know more about some of the important events along the Saint Lawrence River? I’d recommend Gananoque Boat Lines for their Lost Ships of the 1000 Islands cruise or Rockport Cruise Line’s Two Castle tour.

Calling all adrenaline junkies – if you’re looking for something with a little more oomph to it, you’ll want to check out the Wildcat tour from 1000 Islands Cruises. Departing out of Brockville, you’ll zip across the water past historic lighthouses and through inlets the larger boats can’t reach. They’re the only ones that offer this speedy experience so if you’re not a fan of the low-key tours, this might be for you!

Thinking of ending your day with a sunset dinner cruise? I’d recommend taking a look at the menus before booking to make your decision. It might be worth it to pay a few extra bucks if it means you’ll enjoy the food more! That’s just my two cents anyway.

Tips For Your 1000 Islands Tour

Based on my experience, here are a few of the things you should do in order to make sure your 1000 Islands boat tour goes off without a hitch.

If you can manage to get there in the morning, I highly recommend you book the first tour if possible . During peak season, this is often around 9:00 am and will help you dodge the crazy crowds that come with the bus tours. Just the difference between my 9:00 am departure compared to the crowds at 10:00 am was mind-boggling. 10:00 am is apparently when all the tour buses show up so go earlier to avoid those crowds! This will ensure your 1000 Islands cruise is as relaxing and enjoyable as can be.

Planning to visit during peak season? You’ll want to book in advance . It’s not uncommon for certain times to sell out so if you’re set on a specific time, try to book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

In case you’re wondering, yes there are bathrooms onboard . Depending on the tour you book, you might not have as large of a boat meaning the facilities might not be super fancy, but you’ll be covered if you gotta go.

If you go on a tour where you will be disembarking to visit Boldt or Singer Castle, you will need your passport . No passport means no entry so don’t forget it! Also, admission to the castles isn’t always included in your cruise ticket price so be sure to confirm this before booking your tour to avoid any nasty surprises.

One additional fee you need to look out for is parking. Unfortunately, many of the tour companies don’t offer free parking … except for Rockport Cruise Lines! This might sway your decision to know that they make planning your trip a little easier.

My biggest tip is don’t forget your coupon ! Lindsay… there are coupons for these things!? There sure is if you know where to look! Head on over to Attractions Ontario’s website as they have coupons that can help you save some money on your tour.

Ready to Enjoy a Thousand Islands Tour?

This is seriously one of the experiences you can’t miss out on when exploring the Thousand Islands. Even if you’re short on time, try to pencil in a stop so you can enjoy the natural beauty. On the off-chance you’re looking to take your Thousand Islands trip to the next level, check out this helicopter tour !

I do encourage you to spend plenty of time exploring this beautiful area as the 1000 Islands make for a wonderful getaway in Ontario. Check out some of the hotels in the area , check out some reviews on TripAdvisor or book an Airbnb if that’s more your speed.

Do you like taking sightseeing cruises? Have you ever taken one around the 1000 Islands? If you haven’t, you really should change that. This is a cruise that’s not to be missed!

Planning to take a 1000 Islands Cruise? Pin it for later!

10 Comments

Suvarna arora.

Wow this is something I would enjoy doing. Loved reading it.

I didn’t even realise that there were 997 islands on the Saint Lawrence River, and now I’m amazed by the beautiful structures on them. And a little sad for George Boldt for this loss of his wife and not being able to visit Heart Island. Thanks for the great tips on the different cruises you can take!

Oh, this looks wonderful! I would love to explore all those islands and castles! A sunset cruise sounds perfect to me. Thanks for sharing your tips.

I’ve always wanted to kayak or take a houseboat there. This was really good information on the area. Thanks. Pinning it for later.

Lindsay,thank you for the informative blog.

Lindz author

You’re very welcome, Elmar! I hope you get to enjoy one of these great cruises soon! 🙂

Thank you very informative! Will try to come with family in October 2023. Thank you Silvana

I’m so happy to hear that, Silvana! I hope you’re able to visit with your family later this year. The fall colours will be stunning in October! 🙂

Thanks for the article. Which months are best for fall colors? Thanks

Hey Krish! It really depends on the year but early to mid October is typically the best time for the fall colours. Unfortunately there’s no guarantee though as Mother Nature decides when the weather changes haha!

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Go on a cruise

Thousand islands national park.

Take in the sights and sounds of the Thousand Islands from the comfort of a tour boat. Public and private cruises are available from Kingston to Brockville. Thematic cruises highlight the cultural and natural places of interest. Routes and prices vary. Find the following Canadian operators organized by location.

1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises

Rockport Cruises Andress Boat Works

Gananoque Boat Line

Gananoque Boat Line Harmer’s Cottages

St. Lawrence Cruise Lines Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises

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Everything You Need to Know About Cruising the 1000 Islands

By Caitlin Carpenter

Once patrolled by pirates and bootleggers, the 1000 Islands between Kingston and Brockville are now a sightseer’s paradise where you’re just as likely to discover historic castles and quaint waterfront villages as opulent vacation homes and rich wildlife. And perhaps the best view of it all comes while aboard one of the many different cruises offered in the region. Here’s what you can expect from the six cruise operators setting off in the 1000 Islands this summer.

1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises

The sightseeing and dining tours offered by 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises should satisfy almost every one of your cruising needs. In 2011, the Brockville-based company introduced a high-speed catamaran called the “WildCat” that whisks you into the heart of the 1000 Islands on a two-hour “AdrenIsland” cruise ($59.95) featuring views of Boldt and Singer Castles or a one-hour “Singer Castle Express” cruise ($32.50). If speed isn’t your thing, there are traditional tours, including the 1.5-hour Jewels of the St. Lawrence Tour ($22.50), which features a tour of the Eastern Group of the Thousand Islands, Millionaire’s Row and Brockville’s historic waterfront. There are also fully licensed lunch, brunch and dinner cruises available starting at just $37.17. 1000islandscruises.com

1000 Islands Gananoque

Gananoque boat line.

With five triple-decker aluminum vessels at its disposal, Gananoque Boat Line is the oldest and largest cruise operator in the 1000 Islands. That size and experience allows it to offer traditional one-hour tours of the islands around Gananoque ($20.95) and Ivy Lea ($20.95) as well as a rare five-hour Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise ($40.74) and a 2.5-hour Lost Ships of the 1000 Islands Cruise ($31.43) that uses side sonar technology, researched interpretation, underwater video and historical photos to reveal several shipwrecks in the area. They also have a full lineup of evening tours, including a pirate cruise, dinner and dancing cruises, live music cruises, and a murder mystery dinner cruise. ganboatline.com

Rockport Boat Line

Rockport is a tiny village about twenty kilometres east of Gananoque that’s now a major terminus for seven Thousand Islands cruises offered by the Rockport Boat Line. The relaxing “Heart of the Islands” cruise is a one-hour tour that takes you past Boldt Castle, Zavikon Island and Millionaire’s Row ($22). For castle lovers, there’s the “Boldt Castle Tour,” which takes you on a 3.5 hour long voyage and includes a stopover at Boldt Castle ($30 plus $8 admission fee to the castle), and the “Two Castle Tour,” which includes stops at Boldt Castle and Singer Castle ($95). The two-hour “Palaces & Palisades Cruise” features the Canadian Palisades where a statue of St. Lawrence watches over the river that bears his name ($28). There’s also a “Sunset Cruise” without a dinner option ($30). rockportcruises.com

Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises

One of two cruise companies operating out of the Limestone City, Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises has three ships for you to choose from. The Island Star is a 200-passenger capacity glass top vessel perfect for cruising the islands while sampling from the lunch or dinner menus, which feature items like Atlantic salmon and chicken Florentine. The Island Queen, a 300-passenger capacity Mississippi Paddlewheeler, takes you on three-hour “Heart of the Island” tours through the small cottage islands of the Admiralty group, past the new Mandalay Mansion and by the historic sights of Kingston. The Island Belle is a 150-passenger capacity replica St. Lawrence Steamer that offers 90-minute “Discovery Cruises.” Narrated by the living spirit of Canada’s First Prime Minister and Kingston native son, Sir John A. Macdonald, these cruises are the perfect introduction to the unique sights and heritage of the region and Canada’s first capital. 1000islandscruises.ca

St. Lawrence Cruise Lines

This family business that’s been operating for thirty plus years offers a four-day, three-night voyage of the 1000 Islands that boards and disembarks from Kingston. The stately Canadian Empress — which features two decks, a dining room, a grand salon, a lounge and three observation decks — will be your guide as you meander your way amongst the bays, channels and passages of the Thousand Islands. The tour also includes stops at Fort Wellington and a bus trip to the 1000 Islands SkyDeck, among a variety of other activities. Your overnight ports will be 1000 Islands Anchorage, Ivy Lea and Brockville. stlawrencerivercruise.com

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1000 Islands Cruises — Gananoque

Looking for 1000 Islands cruises? Hop on with City Cruises Gananoque (formerly Gananoque Boat Line), Gananoque’s very first tour boat company. It operates five triple-decker, all-aluminum vessels with on board facilities such as restrooms, coffee shops, bars and refreshment areas. Each boat has its own open deck and two enclosed decks.

City Cruises Gananoque is located at 280 Main Street in the town of Gananoque, in southeastern Ontario. Gananoque is about a two-hour drive along the ON-401 E from Toronto, and 90 minutes from Ottawa.

To learn more information about tours, bookings, and general information about City Cruises Gananoque, we recommend that you visit their official website . For more information about what you can see around the area, keep scrolling to read Destination Ontario’s recommendations.

Accessibility Features

Accessible entrances/exits, accessible parking, accessible restaurant, accessible seating, accessible washroom, assistive listening devices available, service animals welcome, support persons welcome, universal washroom, wheelchair accessible, wheelchair and/or mobility devices available, more about 1000 islands cruises — gananoque.

City Cruises Gananoque started out with a local mailman taking passengers along on his boat as he delivered mail to residents living on the 1000 Islands. In 1951, the boat line grew to include Linda 7, a wooden tour boat that could hold 55 passengers. A few years later it was joined by four more wooden, single-decker boats: Linda 4, Miss Rockport 2, the Island Wanderer, and Pickle. In the 1960s, Miss Gananoque 1 and Miss Gananoque 2 joined the roster.

It wasn’t until the 1970s that the City Cruises Gananoque started building its current vessels, starting with the Thousand Islander. It spanned almost 34 metres, had three decks, and could carry 380 people. When it set sail, it became the first, all-aluminum tourist vessel in North America.

Today, City Cruises Gananoque offers many tours to choose from. For visitors wanting a quick introduction of the 1000 Islands, there's the Landmarks of the 1000 Islands Cruise. The tour takes visitors around 1000 Islands’ most well-known landmarks including the Statue of St. Lawrence, the 1000 Islands International Bridge (the shortest international bridge in the world), Zavikon Island and Boldt Castle.

Visitors curious about the 1000 Islands’ history will want to get on the Original Heart of the 1000 Islands Cruise. It takes passengers for a one-hour jaunt around the Admiralty and Navy group of Islands, and provides a close look at several generations-old cottages and summer homes dotting the islands.

Visit ghost ships resting underwater with the two-and-a-half hours Lost Ships of the 1000 Islands Cruise. The tour visits seven 18th to 19th century shipwrecks while using video and audio commentary, as well as side-scan sonar images to bring their stories to life. Visitors can also catch a glimpse of the famous Boldt Castle, St. Lawrence Statue, 1000 Islands International Bridge, as well as the many lavish homes that stand on Millionaire’s Row.

Chase the sunset on the Sunset Cruise, a favourite among photographers and romantics alike. It takes visitors on a one-and-a-half hour cruise around the Admiralty Group of Islands, with intimate views of UNESCO and Parks Canada-classified islands, and details their unique ecosystems and aquatic wildlife––all while surrounded by the dazzling colours of the setting sun.

Visitors who appreciate a good love story will want to hop aboard the Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise. The tour goes around all of usual 1000 Island haunts, but also makes a 2 hour stopover at Boldt Castle, allowing passengers to explore the castle and its grounds. The Boldt Castle, located on Heart Island, was built by the proprietor of world-renowned Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, George C Boldt. Originally intended to be a grandiose symbol of love for his wife, it was hastily abandoned when his wife died in 1904.

Please note, all visitors to Heart Island (Boldt Castle) will be required to have a valid passport or a valid VISA and passport since Heart Island is an American Island.

The boats undergo constant inspections and certifications by Transport Canada, so you can be sure you’re boarding a boat with high safety standards every time.

Looking for more things to do after a tour with City Cruises Gananoque? Explore the town of Gananoque by taking a walk around the many sculptures at Sculpture Park , or splash around historic Joel Heritage Park and Beach. Try your luck with any of the 500 slot machines at the Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands , or catch a show at the historic  Thousand Island Playhouse .

Last updated:  April 15, 2024

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Opening in April 6, 7 & 8 for the 2024 Eclipse!

Uncle Sam Boat Tours: 1000 Islands Boat Tours in Alexandria Bay NY

The 2 Nation Tour

Quick details:.

• Duration: 2 1/4 hour tour
• Stops at Boldt Castle, unless otherwise noted , at the end of the trip.
• Boldt Castle tour is optional & admission is not included

***Departures before May 11th and after October 14th WILL NOT stop at Boldt Castle as it will be closed to the public at that time.***

What you will experience:.

Expanding on the route of our Millionaire Row tour, takes a 22-mile journey through the international waters of America and Canada. Giving you the best view of this truly unique geographical area shared by two nations and you don’t even need a passport!

This international tour offers close-up enjoyment of historic and scenic wonders in both the American and Canadian sections of the 1000 Islands.

Professional guides will share the colorful history of the magnificent homes built during the gilded age as well as biographical information about their owners, point out landmarks such as Devils Oven, Sunken Rock Lighthouse, the Canadian Span of the 1000 Islands Bridge System, and Tom Thumb Island, detail historic events that took place during the War of 1812 and much, much more.

Your cruise will take you through narrow passages where it seems you can almost reach out and touch the islands and will expose you to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country.

Of course, as long as Boldt Castle is open, ALL Uncle Sam Tours allow guests to disembark and tour the Heart Island at the end of the tour! Boldt Castle admission is extra but you may tour as long as you wish before boarding our shuttle (free of charge) when you are ready to return to the mainland.

For more information about Boldt Castle’s history, click here .

For Boldt Castle’s current schedule and admission rates, click here .

Highlights of this Thousand Island cruise include:

• Millionaires Row
• Twin Pine Treehouse on Cherry Island & Millionaire’s Row
• Devil’s Oven — hiding place of Pirate Bill Johnston during the Patriot’s War of 1837
• Hopewell Hall — summer home of George Boldt’s daughter and granddaughter
• Boldt Castle
• The Summerland group of islands
• Thousand Island Skydeck
• Rockport Ontario
• Canadian Pallasades
• Sunken Rock Lighthouse
• Artificial Island
• Deer Island
• Zavikon Island
• The Skull & Bones Society

Ticket Information

Tickets are time & date-specific. 

The ticket barcode must be scanned before boarding.

Schedule subject to change without notice

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top cruises in gananoque.

• 1–hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque
• 1–hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Ivy Lea
• 3-hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque
• 5-hour 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise

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• 1000 Islands Charters

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Water & boat attractions in gananoque.

1000 Islands Cruises from Gananoque and Ivy Lea | Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour | Exclusive first on the boat Niagara Falls Tour & Journey Behind the Falls | Falls Fireworks Cruise | Toronto Harbour Dining and Sightseeing Cruises

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Niagara Water Power: Skylon Tower & Tailrace Tunnel Tour | Niagara at Night: Wine Tasting and Illumination Tower Experience | NYC Cruises | City Cruises New York | Devour Food & Drink Tours | Walks | Statue Cruises | Greenwich Village NYC Food Tour | New York Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour | Fully Guided Statue of Liberty Tour with Ellis Island

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THE 10 BEST Thousand Islands New York Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in thousand islands new york.

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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. The Ultimate Heart of 1000 Islands Sightseeing Boat Tour

2. Boldt Castle and 2 Nation Tour

3. 3-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque with views of Boldt Castle

4. 5-Hour 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise from Gananoque

5. 1000 Islands Sunset Cruise from Clayton, NY

6. Islands, Lighthouses, and Castle Tour on the St. Lawrence River

7. St Lawrence River - Rock Island Lighthouse on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour

8. 1 hour 'Singer Castle Express' Wildcat 1000 Islands Cruise

9. Half Day Breakfast Tour in 1000 Islands

10. 2 hour 1000 Islands 'Castle Prowler' WildCat Cruise

What travelers are saying.

• 3-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque with views of Boldt Castle
• 5-Hour 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise from Gananoque
• 2 hour 1000 Islands 'Castle Prowler' WildCat Cruise
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1,000 Islands Castle & Cruise

Join us today on a splendid trip to the Thousand Islands region of New York State to experience the natural beauty and history of this great area.

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Click the DEPARTURE DATES TAB to begin your reservation!

$139 per person (Adult)  Internet Price (Regular price: $144pp )

Join us on a splendid trip to the Thousand Islands region of New York State to experience the natural beauty and history of this great area.  We’ll travel to Alexandria Bay where we’ll embark on a 2 hour & 15 minute cruise 2-Nation Tour through the 1,000 Islands.  A professional guide will unfold a colorful history of the river, the islands, and the magnificent lakefront homes that you’ll view on this special tour.  A boxed lunch is included on the boat with your choice of 1) Ham on Rye, 2) Roast Turkey on White and 3) Roast Beef on Whole Wheat each with chips, fruit, cookie, pickle, condiments and coffee, tea or soda.  The tour will stop at Boldt Castle on Heart Island where you may tour the home and grounds on your own.  A shuttle back from Heart Island is included. A dinner stop will be made on the way home.

An 8% admin fee will be added to this tour at the time of booking. This fee covers various operational costs, including record-keeping, customer support, and maintaining the web site that offers you the convenience to book tours 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Departure Points:

Yankee Trails, Rensselaer - 6:30am Pet Smart, Crossgates Commons - 7:00am Amsterdam, Exit 27 Park & Ride - 7:25am

Return Information

We will depart at 5:00pm with an approximate arrival in the Capital District at 9pm. One rest stop en route; one dinner stop on return.

Tour Includes:

Round-Trip Motorcoach Transportation

Narrated Boat Cruise of 1,000 Islands

Boxed Lunch

Boldt Castle Admission

75 Travel Points

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1000 Islands route

Take the Thousand Islands Parkway to experience the tranquil views of the St. Lawrence River and the Thousand Islands. You will travel through Rockport, Gananoque, and Brockville, to Prescott and Athens, then back to Kingston via Highway 15. This 238 km (175 mile) route take about 3 hours, 45 minutes.

From the Visitor Information Centre (209 Ontario Street), drive east on Ontario Street/Highway 2, crossing the LaSalle Causeway.

Points of interest, Kingston

The lasalle causeway.

The LaSalle Causeway links downtown Kingston to Kingston East near the mouth of the Cataraqui River. It was built in 1917, replacing the 1829 “Penny Bridge,” a wooden toll bridge with a swing section to allow passage of marine vessels.

Grass Creek Park

Grass Creek Park is a 95-acre community park on Highway 2 in Kingston East.  It offers a large sandy beach with cordoned-off swimming area, a picnic area, and an off-leash area for dogs.

MacLachlan Woodworking Museum

The MacLachlan Woodworking Museum at the entrance of Grass Creek Park is housed in an 1855 log cabin.  The museum has an extensive collection of historic woodworking tools and offers hands-on learning programs.

Optional stop: Take the ferry to Howe Island.

Howe Island is the fourth largest of the Thousand Islands. It is a farming community, and also has several cottages. It is connected to the mainland by two ferries, one closer to Kingston and one closer to Gananoque.

Continue on Highway 2 to Gananoque. Follow King Street East through Gananoque.

1000 Islands History Museum

This family-friendly waterfront museum explores 10,000 years of the area’s history and heritage, from the Indigenous Peoples to European settlement, the War of 1812 and more.

Turn right onto Thousand Islands Parkway. Follow the parkway through Grey’s Beach, Halstead’s Bay, and Ivy Lea.

Optional stop: Past Ivy Lea, turn left to merge onto ON-137 South to visit Hill Island/Thousand Islands Tower.

Hill Island /The 1000 Islands Tower

The 1000 Islands Tower offers visitors an aerial view of the Thousand Islands region. With a quick 40-second elevator ride up, the observation deck provides visitors with a spectacular panoramic view of the islands and the St. Lawrence River.

Continue on Thousand Islands Parkway through Rockport and Mallorytown.

Merge onto Highway 401 East, then take exit 687 for County Road 2 into Brockville.

Points of interest: Brockville

Fulford place museum.

the Fulford Place Museum allows visitors to experience the Edwardian mansion of Senator George Taylor Fulford, built between 1899 and 1901. Designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1992, the mansion is open to the public for tours. The gardens were originally designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Olmstead, who also designed New York City’s Central Park.

Explore the biology and history of the St. Lawrence River through an aquaria, interactive exhibits, and activities for kids and adults.

Continue on County Road 2 to Prescott.

Point of interest: Prescott

Fort Wellington

Fort Wellington was built as defence during the War of 1812 for protection against American invasion along the St. Lawrence shipping routes. Take in a tour, and explore the fort, which includes the wreck of an 1812-era gunboat. The fort is open from late May to mid-October.

From Fort Wellington National Historic Site, take Boundary Street north, turn left at Churchill Road East, then Edward Street North to Highway 401 westbound.

Turn right onto Stewart Boulevard/County Road 29 and right on Dubruge Road to visit Mac Johnson Wildlife Area.

Point of interest: Mac Johnson Wildlife Area

Mac johnson wildlife area.

North of Brockville, the Mac Johnson Wildlife Area includes 532 hectares of wetland, field, and forest. This bio-diverse area includes 11 kilometres of trails for exploration.

Continue back on County Road 29, travelling west. Turn left onto County Road 42 west to Athens. Turn left onto Lyndhurst Road (signs for County Road 33). Continue on County Road 33 to Lyndhurst.

Turn left onto Highway 15 and continue on Highway 15 to Brewer’s Mills.

Follow Highway 15 back into Kingston. Make a stop at the Barriefield Rock Garden before you return to the city.

Point of interest: Barriefield Rock Garden

At the corners of highways 15 and 2, the Barriefield Rock Garden is accessible by foot from Barriefield’s Main Street. With perennials and trees complementing the surrounding imestone rock, the garden also offers pathways and seating areas for the traveller to stop and take in the beauty of nature. Created in 1990 by Bill Robb, a retired engineering technician, the garden is maintained by volunteers.

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