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• Cruising Kingston, the Rideau, and the 1000 Islands

Cruising the 1000 Islands. Famously a playground for the rich, a hot commodity for family cottages, and the destination we can thank for that salad dressing, the 1000 Islands are one of the most beautiful places on earth — with endless shorelines, majestic views, and a storied history.

After exploring Kingston’s Historic Waterfront , cruise around Kingston and the 1000 Islands on a sightseeing, dining or private charter cruise. Whatever your preference, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable time on the water. Take a Mardi Gras themed trip, indulge in wine or beer-tasting, or sit back and enjoy a music or comedy performance while you cruise.

Step aboard a Bateau-Mouche styled Catamaran, a Mississippi River paddlewheeler or a St. Lawrence Steamer and cruise the 1000 Islands in style.

Your cruise might be over but the night is still young!​ ​ Hop back into Kingston ​ and experience our vibrant nightlife ​, dine at our​ ​ restaurants ​, cafés and pubs, and enjoy the summer​ ​ patio scene ​.

Choose a Kingston 1000 Islands Cruise

There are a thousand reasons to ​ choose a Kingston 1000 Islands Cruise ​.

Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises

Food, Fun and Entertainment is this company’s motto. They offer a wide range of cruisess from sightseeing to fine dining and entertainment. Hit the open water with ​ Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises ​.

Ontario Waterway Cruises

Meet new friends on a Canadian river cruise and explore Ontario’s magnificent heritage waterways. We invite you to take time to unwind on our peaceful riverboat as an ever-changing panorama of scenic lakes, rivers and locks slowly pass before your eyes; the perfect backdrop to whatever you choose to do onboard. Learn more.

St. Lawrence Cruise Lines

Experience the beautiful and historic St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers on a classic Canadian riverboat. St. Lawrence Cruise Lines offers the very best in calm-water river cruising with an emphasis on safety, comfort, and hospitality. This overnight cruise line operates from May to October, and will be celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2021.

The M/V Canadian Empress is a 64-passenger ship designed with a nostalgic Victorian exterior and a stylish contemporary interior, making it the ideal setting to spend 4, 5, 6, or 7 nights exploring Canada’s majestic inland waters. Some of the sights you will see include the 1000 Islands, International Seaway locks, the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa, and the historic old ports of Montreal and Quebec City.

Plan Your Trip to Kingston

Make your stay even easier by knowing how to get to—and around—Kingston. Find interactive maps, public transit information, the Visitor Information Ccentre, international travellers’ passport requirements and more. Start planning your stay .

• Fort Henry National Historical Site
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Athletes of Kingston

Aaliyah edwards gets ready to take on the world, spirit city: exploring spooky kingston with the haunted walk, where history comes to life.

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Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston

• Cruise to Hyde Park from Kingston during this Hudson River sightseeing cruise 
• Choose to sit in an enclosed deck or in a partially covered deck
• Listen as a guide points out landmarks and tells you info about the area
• Restrooms are on board for your convenience 
• See itinerary
• Professional guide
• Entry/Admission - Hudson River Cruises, Inc.
• Food and drinks, full bar service, available for purchase
• Kingston, NY 12401, USA Departure Point: Kingston, New York (approx. two hours from NYC by car) Address: Dock: 1 East Strand Street, Kingston, NY 12401 Dates: Seasonal May-October.  Tuesday-Sunday June-October.  Weekends in May/ Return point: Returns to original departure point
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• The boat has a lower enclosed deck, a middle deck which is a shaded but otherwise open are, and an open air upper deck with bench seating.
• A fully stocked bar with alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages and a snack bar with light fare such as hot dogs & fresh popped popcorn is available on the lower main deck at your own expense.
• Outside food and beverages are not allowed on board the boat
• There is plenty of seating on the boat, both inside and on the upper deck, which consists mainly of bench-style seating; the main lower deck has chairs; seating is on a first-come first-served basis, so be sure to arrive early if you’d like to sit in a particular area of the boat
• If you or someone in your group is in a wheelchair or has limited mobility, contact the tour operator to discuss accessibility
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 200 travelers
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Kingston Kingston, NY 12401, USA Departure Point: Kingston, New York (approx. two hours from NYC by car) Address: Dock: 1 East Strand Street, Kingston, NY 12401 Dates: Seasonal May-October.  Tuesday-Sunday June-October.  Weekends in May/ Return point: Returns to original departure point See address & details
• 1 Hudson River Cruises, Inc. Stop: 90 minutes - Admission included Enjoy a relaxing, 90 minute cruise on the Historic Hudson River. Enjoy the breeze on the top deck or the a/c on the lower deck as you take in the sights, wildlife and beautiful homes and scenery. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• Lightlover53 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles NICE LITTLE CRUISE ON THE HUDSON RIVER Nice cruise up the Hudson River from Kingston. Crew was very nice. Ship was clean and had plenty of seating. 2 issues however prevented this from being 5 stars. #1...lets put some decent speakers on the top level near the front of the ship. The whole cruise, we could not hear anything the Captain was telling people over the engine of the ship. I am sure I not the only one who would say this is badly needed. # 2 - All correspondence and literature on the cruise said credit cards and debit cards would be accepted for drinks and snacks. Well, when I went down paper signs around the cash register said no debit and no credit cards...and no change given, need exact amount cash payment. Well, my beer and my wife's glass of wine cost me $30.00 because the cashier could not give change. Left me with a feeling of a money grab. No reason you cannot have sufficient change on board. Your know well in advance how many people will be on board. Then once docked, the Captain politely said tips are not required but they are appreciated. Well, you got my $8.00 tip when you could give me change at the snack bar. Left a bad taste in my mouth. Overall a nice experience and it was cool to see a couple of lighthouses. Read more Written February 22, 2024
• bromleyclan 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Anniversary trip Very good trip. Crew were very nice. Educational. First time seeing the Hudson River. Loved the captains jokes, Read more Written October 31, 2023
• psdm62 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Rip Van Winkle sightseeing boat ride Took my mom who needs a wheelchair and the crew was just fantastic in assisting to get her on and off the boat. Very friendly staff!! We had a warm pretzel and the also offer a full bar. We really enjoyed our trip. Very informative narration as you go along the river. Job well done all the way around! Read more Written October 31, 2023
• teresaL5791VO 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Serenity Very smooth check in and peaceful atmosphere and serene ride all the way around. I be very happy to ride again on my next visit. Read more Written October 30, 2023
• prillamo 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Enjoyable look at the Hudson We took the trip and got a different perspective of the Hudson River Valley. Our guide had interesting information about the area, history, and the lighthouse and "cottages" along our way. The ship had a spot for everyone - a heated area on the lowest deck, less breeze on the middle deck, and the upper deck was pretty breezy. If I had anything to criticize, it would be that it was hard to hear our guide over the speaker system unless you were standing right by it. Read more Written October 28, 2023
• 444444444444444ccc 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Audioguide Perhaps should be particularized to a specific deck. Or maybe be rendered silently as part of a concise foldable brochure. How tranquil the river cruise would otherwise be. Also, the historical passages pertaining to Indian peoples being utterly annihilated is inaccurate and misleading as many tribes have proliferated unto the present day. The presentation resonates as a white hand closing the book on a melanined minority. Read more Written October 24, 2023
• mgrubic 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Beautiful cruise The boat was very nice. They gave a lot of historical information. Scenery was beautiful. The length of the cruise was just right. Read more Written October 24, 2023
• stephenr19442021 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles boat trip we are senior citizens from tuxedo. the boat ride and the captain's commentary were great. the boat hands were very helpful,, one came around and asked if passengers wanted them to take pictures with their cell phones, the whole trip was a great experience. the . tour person Read more Written October 22, 2023
• chefdante4 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Birthday party The captain was funny and was Historically informative . Great experience 👍 Beautiful day. Great beverage bar loved it Read more Written October 21, 2023
• j0gger3 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Cruise was okay The leaves did not all change yet. Maybe because of the rain, it is later this year. There were not that many sights to see. The weather was fine so we stayed upstairs. Seats are very uncomfortable. I think it's time to upgrade the chairs. Read more Written October 20, 2023
• Kerry S 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Something different, simple and fun My fiancé and I went on the boat to see the fall foliage. Unfortunately the weather was cloudy and cold, and the trees had only begun to change so there wasn’t a lot of foliage, but that’s nothing the cruise can change! The guided tour takes you around the river and points out historical landmarks, castles, lighthouses, and tells you about things in the area. There were 3 levels you could roam, the top being exposed to the elements and the bottom being temperature controlled. There were clean bathrooms on board. There is a fully stocked bar with a good amount of options but we paid $28 for 1 beer and 1 mixed drink with tip. I guess it’s not bad but the mixed drink came in a small cup. We didn’t try the pretzels, pop corn or hot dogs they were selling. Luckily there were only about 50 people on board so we had plenty of room to sit and move around. Overall this was a different and fun experience and we are thinking of going again during the warmer months! Read more Written October 16, 2023
• 462lylej 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Fall ride We took an early fall ride during the rain on the Rip Van Winkle. We were a little early to see the peak colors, but it was a very nice smooth ride. The crew and the drinks were great (although the drinks were a little pricey). We had a great time. Read more Written October 16, 2023
• 98mayk 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Boat Tour Husband and I are both interested in the trading and industrial development, and maritime history of the country, and therefore of the vital Hudson River area. The history we wanted was included in the friendly narration provided, plus so much more! Also the stories of the lighthouses and their keepers, backgrounds of families still plying their trades, and the tales of successful and failed business ventures into the present. Brids seen while on board and at the dock: two adult swans with their cygnet between them, lots of cormorants and fun-to-watch seagulls, blue jays, sparrows. We lucked out on the weather, with cool breezes and bright warm sunshine. Even took off our outer jackets and jwere happy in our vests and long sleeves. Friendly passing boaters waved, fellow passengers were polite when taking their photos. Both charis and benches available, and open and covered seating areas. Popcorn was hot, candies and drinks (both sofr and "adult") available for purchase. So everyone was happy. The river was smooth and winds light so this seasick-prone sailor had zero issues. Some trees had begun to put on their fall show; lovely reflections of color in the water. The surrounding cliffs and hillsides must be gorgeous when the colors are at their height. Very good restaurants right at the dock, one has a patio with water view and open-air bar. Parking is free and convenient if you show up early. Some handicapped spots available, or just get dorpped off and the dirver can then find parking. Excellent cover from the weather provided by an overpass. Can't be happier with our experience. Read more Written October 14, 2023
• Carol Z 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Pleasant cruise The cruise was relaxing, the boat was clean, and the speaker was interesting. It was a leaf peeping cruise but, unfortunately we saw no fall colors, which, of course, had nothing to do with the cruise company! We are both glad we took the river cruise as a relaxing break from our busy sightseeing schedule. Read more Written October 12, 2023
• Laurel D 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Lovely outing and nice staff. Pretty cruise. Saw a Great Blue Heron and a sail boat race. Make sure you dress warmly. The staff were friendly and we enjoyed a glass of wine while sight seeing. Read more Written October 10, 2023

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston provided by Hudson River Cruises, Inc.

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Available May 17 – October 14, 2024. Visit kpass.ca for included attractions and pricing.

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Bellevue house, the pumphouse, 1000 islands cruises, kingston trolley tours, sunset dinner cruise.

• Dining Cruises

Join us on the Sunset Dinner Cruise for a spectacular evening on the water; it’s a floating restaurant where the scenery is always changing. Dine aboard the glass-topped Island Star, where you’ll be treated to a three-course dinner prepared fresh and served to your table. Sunset Dinner Cruises sail Fri-Sun in the Spring (May 6-June 29) and Fall (Sept 5-Oct 9) , and daily in the Summer (June 30-Sept 4) . Prices vary by season.

Dinner aboard the Island Star scenic and entertaining; enjoy live music and live-hosted commentary about the region as you sail historic and notable sites. Relax inside with panoramic views, then head outside in the open-air to promenade on the top deck at dusk. A Sunset Dinner Cruise hits all the right notes! This cruise includes a delicious three-course dinner .

Upgrade to a Premium Table

Enjoy the ultimate dinner cruise experience by upgrading your reservation to the Sunset Dinner Cruise with Premium Table. A Premium reservation includes a guaranteed window table for your party, a specialty appetizer in addition to your meal, and priority boarding. This experience is available for an additional $30+hst per guest. Only a select number of Premium tickets are available.

Join us for special themed entertainment aboard the Island Star on Thursday nights.

The Sunset Dinner Cruise is also offered on select nights aboard the Island Queen.

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

Dinner and a Show!

Set sail along Kingston’s historic waterfront on a 3 hour Sunset Dinner Cruise.

Live musical entertainment sets the tone for your dinner cruise experience.

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

A three-course dinner is included with a choice entrée. See the menu .

Add a Trolley Tour

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.

Filter Listings

1000 islands & seaway cruises.

Brockville, ON

Details about 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises

1000 Islands Cruises Rockport Boat Line

Rockport, ON

Details about 1000 Islands Cruises Rockport Boat Line

1000 Islands Excursions

Clayton, NY

Details about 1000 Islands Excursions

1000 Islands Water Taxi Scenic Tours

Alexandria Bay, NY

Details about 1000 Islands Water Taxi Scenic Tours

1000 Islands Water Tours

Details about 1000 Islands Water Tours

Boldt Castle and Boldt Yacht House

Details about Boldt Castle and Boldt Yacht House

Classic Island Cruises

Details about Classic Island Cruises

Clayton Island Tours

Details about Clayton Island Tours

Gananoque City Cruises

Gananoque, ON

Details about Gananoque City Cruises

Horne’s Ferry to Canada & USA

Wolfe Island, ON

Details about Horne’s Ferry to Canada & USA

Houseboat Holidays

Details about Houseboat Holidays

Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises

Kingston, ON

Details about Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises

Lake Effect Charters

Sackets Harbor, NY

Details about Lake Effect Charters

Ontario Waterway Cruises

Details about Ontario Waterway Cruises

R.J. Marine

Details about R.J. Marine

Rideau Heritage Cruise Line

Details about Rideau Heritage Cruise Line

Sail Ontario

Details about Sail Ontario

Simcoe Island Ferry

Details about Simcoe Island Ferry

Singer Castle

Chippewa Bay, NY

Details about Singer Castle

St. Lawrence Cruise Lines

Details about St. Lawrence Cruise Lines

Uncle Sam Boat Tours

Details about Uncle Sam Boat Tours

Voyageur Canoe Tours

Smiths Falls, ON

Details about Voyageur Canoe Tours

Your Wave Tours

Details about Your Wave Tours

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.

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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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Tour Updates & Safety Information

Hudson River Cruises is excited to continue our almost 40-year tradition of sightseeing cruises on the historic Hudson River. The health and well being of our guests and crew members is our number one priority. Our policies are designed to keep everyone safe, while also allowing for an enjoyable experience.

• All unvaccinated guests over the age of 2 are requested to wear a facial mask while indoors on the vessel.

We are running at up to full capacities which does not allow for much distancing on a passenger vessel. Please bring your mask if you are uncomfortable in what could be a crowded environment or if you are unvaccinated.

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Have a question about one of our riverboat cruises? Take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions below.

If you are still not finding the answers you need, please reach out! Give us a call at  (845) 340-4700 – we would be happy to help you.

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

Advanced purchase is highly recommended. To maximize the chance of getting the day and time you prefer, be sure to book well in advance. Tickets can be purchased online through FareHarbor. Tickets can also be purchased with a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or Amex) at the ticket booth starting 1 hour prior to departure. Tickets for Dinner Cruises must be purchased in advance. They can be purchased online or through our business office by credit card.

Where does the boat go?

The boat will cruise south on the Hudson River to about Hyde Park, before doubling back to Kingston. The cruise is 90 minutes long.

Is the cruise narrated?

Yes, the 90 minutes cruise is narrated and throughout the cruise we will point out the historic sites as well as their history and other highlights as we approach them.

What happens if it rains?

The cruise will run regardless of weather. However, if the Captain deems the weather dangerous, we will cancel the cruise. In the event that we cancel a cruise, you will receive a refund or the option to reschedule.

Is there shade or air-conditioning on the boat?

The Rip Van Winkle II II has a climate controlled lower enclosed deck and the upper deck is partially covered, providing shade.

Can I purchase food or beverages on board?

Yes, on our lower main deck we have a fully stocked bar including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages as well as a snack bar that includes light fare such as , hot dogs, popcorn, soft pretzels and other snacks. Please note we accept credit cards on board the boat (no cash payments allowed).

Can I bring my own food or beverages on the boat?

No, outside food and beverages are not allowed on board the boat.

Do cruises run year round?

No, our season runs from mid-May through the end of October.

Are there any stops along the way?

We will be viewing all of the beautiful sights from the boat and will not be stopping to get off the boat at any time during the cruise.

Is the boat safe? Is it US Coast Guard certified?

The Rip Van Winkle II is a US Coast Guard certified boat and we follow all USCG regulations, including having enough life jackets for all passengers on board. Please pay attention to the safety announcement at the start of the cruise for details on where the life jackets are located. Please note that you are not required to wear life jackets during the cruise.

What type of seating is available?

There is plenty of seating on the boat, both inside as well as on the upper deck. The upper deck consists of mainly bench-style seating and the main lower deck has chairs. Seating is on a first come first serve basis, so be sure to arrive early if you’d like to sit in a particular area of the boat.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

We will do our best to accommodate disabled persons to the extent that our vessel will allow. The boat has 3 decks and we typically board on the middle deck and the decks are separated by stairs (no elevators on board). We can usually accommodate manual wheelchairs but we cannot accommodate mechanical wheelchairs or motorized scooters. There are several handicapped parking spaces in the lot near our ticket office for easy access to the boat. If you or someone in your group is in a wheelchair or has limited mobility, contact us to discuss accessibility.

Is tip included in the ticket price?

Tip for the crew is not included in the ticket price. While they are greatly appreciated, tips are completely up to guests.

Where should I park at the departure location?

There are two small free parking lots located nearby. One is directly in front of our booth which has 13 parking spots, two of which are designated as handicapped spots. The other free lot is located across the street. This lot has two handicapped spots and two electric vehicle charging stations as well . If both lots are full, there is also on street metered street parking available in the area. Payment for parking can be made with your quarters or by downloading the Flowbird parking app.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes, there are two bathrooms available on the main lower deck of the boat.

Is smoking allowed on the boat?

No, smoking is not allowed on board.

Can I bring my pet?

Only service animals are permitted on board.

Do you offer a group discount?

Yes, we do offer a discount for large groups of 10 or more adults (anyone 12 and over)! Group tickets must be purchased in advance. Contact us for more information or to book your group reservation.

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Toll-free: 1-800-267-7868, international: +1-613-549-8091, email: [email protected], calm-water cruising on a classic canadian riverboat., with each nautical mile, nature's northern masterpiece unfolds., choose a cruise or view cruise rates, kingston & 1000 islands, quebec city, explore intricate river channels, gorgeous scenery & historic attractions., discover the experience or order a brochure, the st. lawrence river - your journey begins, the st. lawrence river has its source from the largest collection of fresh water lakes on the globe, and among all of the big rivers of the world, it is the only one whose volume is not greatly affected by the elements. this river, which sir j.m. lemoine called "the noblest, the purest, most enchanting river on all god's beautiful earth," for miles upon miles acts as a natural boundary between the good friends of canada and the united states., relax and enjoy the st. lawrence seaway, spectacular locks and man-made canals., find a cruise & on-shore excursions, cruise choices, celebration of spring, join us as we kick off the 2024 cruise season with 7 nights and 8 days of fresh spring air on the st. lawrence river and watch the flora and fauna of the river spring to life. this cruise features a unique itinerary and travels from kingston to montreal and return for 7 nights at a special 6 night rate. starting at $3144 cad per person., explore cruise, seaway discovery cruise, cruise with us in the heart of the summer for 7 nights and 8 days of relaxation on the st. lawrence river. this cruise travels from kingston to montreal and return, and features a unique itinerary that highlights the history of the international seaway. during this time of year the river bustles with lake freighters and pleasure boats. starting at $4076 per person., heritage summer cruise, cruise with us for 7 nights and 8 days of warm summer weather on the beautiful and historic st. lawrence river. this cruise will explore the thousand islands region and retrace the routes of early upper canada explorers. learn about the history of the early trade route between kingston and montreal. starting at $4076 per person., discovery cruise series, these 4 night, 5 day cruises were created for those that want to deepen their knowledge of the history, geography, and culture of the 1000 islands and st. lawrence river. discovery cruise itineraries are enhanced with unique attractions, step-on speakers, and an educational focus. starting at $2096 per person., canada's capital cruise, start or end your cruise vacation in canada's capital of ottawa. the historic significance of the lower ottawa river coupled with the amazing 1000 islands and st. lawrence seaway makes this 5 night, 6 day cruise an unforgettable voyage. starting at $2910 per person., upper river expedition, come and explore the beauty and the history of the st. lawrence river and the 1000 islands for 4 nights and 5 days. marvel at the intricate passages and channels of this amazing archipelago of 1870 islands known as the 1000 islands. starting at $2096 per person., fall harvest & colour cruise, as autumn unfolds, the shore and islands ignite with a blaze of colour and travellers come from far and wide to take part in this parade of colour for 7 nights and 8 days. the comibination of fall colours and the invigorating river climate makes this our most popular cruise vacation. starting at $4076 cad per person., canadian connection cruise, experience the beauty of quebec and the richness of french canadian culture on this cruise as your ship passes through all 7 of the st. lawrence seaway locks. this cruise vacation includes 6 nights 7 days on canada's showpiece, the st. lawrence river, between quebec city and kingston, ontario. starting at $3144 cad per person., additional savings, save on your next adventure — discover additional packages & savings on all available cruises., explore savings, talk to an expert & book your vacation 1 800 267 7868, employment • faq • cancellation policy • privacy policy, ©2022 - 2023 st. lawrence cruise lines, website designed & maintained by aliado marketing group..

Montego Bay side trips: From Bob Marley’s birthplace to bamboo rafting and bioluminescence lagoon

• Updated: Apr. 14, 2024, 12:29 p.m. |
• Published: Apr. 14, 2024, 8:04 a.m.

Bamboo rafting down the Martha Brae River near Montego Bay, Jamaica. Susan Glaser, Cleveland.com

• Susan Glaser, cleveland.com

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – Sure, you could spend your entire Jamaican vacation inside your resort. But why would you?

There’s so much to see in this island nation, and my five-day trip last month didn’t scratch half of it.

Here’s a list of several trips I took from my Montego Bay resort, and a few destinations I would have liked to see. Note: Transportation costs are extra, and can be pricey.

Rafting on the Martha Brae River

Australian actor Errol Flynn reportedly popularized this tourist activity in Jamaica, which got its start as a way to transport bananas to port. Flynn turned it into a leisure activity, and today, it’s one of the country’s top tourist attractions. There are a several places in Jamaica to take a bamboo raft ride, but the Martha Brae River near Falmouth is the most popular. Guides lead groups of two down the river on 30-foot rafts made almost entirely of bamboo. Most tours last about an hour and travel three miles. Some include a foot massage. Tip: We visited on a day with no cruise ship docked in Falmouth and had the river nearly to ourselves. Cost: $99 for two. Information: jamaicarafting.com

Luminous Lagoon

Another popular attraction near Falmouth takes place at night in the brackish Luminous Lagoon, where the Martha Brae River meets the Caribbean Sea. The result: One of a handful of places on Earth that produces the perfect environment for tiny glow-in-the-dark microorganisms known as dinoflagellates. Visitors are transported via boat to the center of the lagoon, where swimmers can get in the water (or not). Moving around in the water makes the organisms light up. Note: The water here is only about 4 feet deep; the bottom is muddy and water shoes are recommended. Tour cost: $25. Information: glisteningwaters.com/luminous-lagoon-tour

Playing in the pools at YS Falls, one of dozens of scenic waterfalls in Jamaica. Susan Glaser, Cleveland.com

There are numerous scenic waterfalls in Jamaica that operate as swimming holes, including YS Falls on the south side of Jamaica. The falls features seven levels of pools to play in, along with a couple of swings to launch yourself into the water. Other falls within driving distance of Montego Bay include Dunn’s River (the most-visited attraction in Jamaica), Blue Hole Falls and Mayfield Falls. Admission to YS Falls: $21, $13 ages 3-15. Information: ysfalls.com

Bob Marley fans may want to make the trek to Nine Mile, a small village in the mountains where the reggae superstar was born in 1945. Visitors can tour Marley’s childhood home and final resting place. The small village is at least a two hour drive from Montego Bay. Note: Serious fans recommend traveling all the way to Kingston, home to the Bob Marley Museum , located in the musician’s former residence.

Built in the late 18th century, Greenwood Great House near Montego Bay, Jamaica, is filled with authentic furnishings, books and musical instruments. Susan Glaser, Cleveland.com

Greenwood Great House

Construction on this fascinating home began in 1780 and was completed by 1800, built by Richard Barrett, cousin of English poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning. At one time, Barrett owned the largest sugar plantation on the island, with 8,000 acres and 2,000 slaves. Unlike most other plantation homes, this one was undamaged during the slave rebellion of Christmas 1831, which was one of the catalysts for the abolition of slavery throughout the British colonies three years later.

About 70% of the house contents are original, including exquisite antique furniture and more than 300 books, most at least 200 years old. Among the memorable pieces: a first-edition “Dombey and Son” by Charles Dickens and a piano made for King Edward VII by Thomas Broadwood, who made pianos for Beethoven (“and who actually satisfied him, when others could not,” according to our guide).

Also on display: a roster of the enslaved people owned by Barrett, alongside a mantrap, which was used to catch runaway slaves.

Located between Montego Bay and Falmouth on a hilltop overlooking the sea, the house is currently occupied by Bob Betton, who purchased the property in 1976 and opened it to the public, and who may be around to chat about its history. Admission: $20. Information: greenwoodgreathouse.com

Nearby: Rose Hall Great Hall, built in the 1770s, destroyed during the Christmas Rebellion and restored in the 1960s; tours focus on the legend of Annie Palmer, whose ghost is said to haunt the house. Information: rosehall.com

Music Mansion

Another historic house worth a stop: The Music Mansion, open since 2022, filled with photos and other artifacts from some of the world’s best known rock stars, including John Lennon, Prince, Bob Marley, Tina Turner and numerous others. Audio tours include intimate observations from the owner – “Mr. X” – a former music executive from Canada.

The house doubles as a small inn, with rooms themed to individual musicians, from Madonna to Mick Jagger. Also available here: Jamaican cooking classes and night-time dance parties. The owner also offers private tours of nearby caves as well as Nine Mile. For information: [email protected]

5 days in Jamaica, from Negril to Montego Bay, beaches, bamboo rafting and waterfalls

Will this new Frontier flight from Cleveland to the Caribbean last? Enjoy it while you can

Is Jamaica safe? State Department advisory raises concerns; here’s what to know

How a guy from Shaker Heights built a 30-year tourism career in Jamaica

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