1000 island cruise tour

We use cookies and related technologies to personalize and enhance your experience. By using this site you agree to the use of cookies and related tracking technologies.

Gananoque City Cruises

Toll Free Phone: (800) 459-8105

Get ready to set sail and experience the wonder of the  Thousand Islands  aboard  City Cruises Gananoque  with ports in Gananoque and Ivy Lea. Visit the magnificent  Boldt Castle  on Heart Island, discover and learn about the 1000 islands region, its history, and stories of those who have called it home. Or enjoy a cruise at sunset with breathtaking views of majestic estates and small cottage islands.  With many cruise options to choose from, your visit to the Thousand Islands is sure to be an amazing experience! 1-Hour to Half-Day Cruises available including an officially curated 3-Hour Cruise with views of Boldt Castle, a  Canadian Signature Experience .

2023 Boat Cruise Options:

1-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Ivy Lea

1-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque

3-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque

5-Hour 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise from Gananoque

Uncle Sam Boat Tours

Experience the 1000 islands aboard uncle sam boat tours.

Two Nation Tour

The Uncle Sam Two Nation Tour has long been a favorite of visitors to the Thousand Islands Region. On this scenic tour you will pass by many island mansions owned or visited by some of the most famous names in American history, learning many interesting facts and legends along the way.

For over a hundred years the Thousand Islands area has been a popular vacation retreat for some of the wealthiest and most influential people in North America. You’ll recognize many names, like Kellogg (of breakfast cereal fame), Abraham & Strauss (who married twin sisters and built twin mansions here, and who died together in the sinking of the Titanic), John Jacob Astor, George Pullman (the inventor of the Pullman railroad car), and Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States, Thomas E. Dewey, Governor of New York, to name just a few.

I have nothing but fond memories of the many times I toured the Thousand Islands on Uncle Sam, dating from childhood to becoming ancient. Don’t leave the 1000 Islands without riding Uncle Sam. Their dinner cruise is especially wonderful.

We come from Lordstown, Ohio almost every year and go the two nation tour. The trip on Uncle Sam Boat Tour is wonderful and we are going to do it again in Oct 2014.

My wife and I visited Alex Bay and really enjoyed the 2 Nation Tour. With the stop at Boldt Castle, we spent 3-4 hours on the river and it was a remarkable day. A really unique experience. Thanks,

Places to Stay

Places To Eat

Business Listings

Communities

• 1000 Islands
• Map of Businesses
• Advertise Your Business
• United States

The content and images on this site are Copyrighted © 2024, 1000 Islands All Rights Reserved.

• Our Best Selling Tour!

The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour in the 1000 Islands

Designed for guest to experience the most attractions from the St. Lawrence River in an afternoon! Opportunity to walk on and explore 2 of the 1000 Islands - Boldt Castle on Heart Island and Rock Island Lighthouse on Rock Island

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 5.0 hours
• Clock Times: 11:30am
• Users Ages: All Ages Welcome
• Info Includes: Includes: Admission to Boldt Castle, Admission to Rock Island, and Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a picnic lunch and cash bar as we weave among the islands through US and Canadian waters.  Visit Boldt Castle on Heart Island and Rock Island Lighthouse on Rock Island.  Admissions included.

Ages 13 and up

Ages 5 to 12, ages 4 and under, seniors, military, first responders, ages 65 and up, the ultimate sightseeing tour on the st. lawrence river.

Enjoy a Picnic Lunch  and fully licensed bar as you experience our one of a kind “Heart of the 1000 Islands Tour!”  We stop at Boldt Castle on Heart Island to explore millionaire George Boldt’s Rhineland style castle, cruise “Millionaires Row”   to view magnificent summer homes of the rich and famous of the gilded age,  visit Rock Island Lighthouse on Rock Island to explore the “Keepers Cottage” museum & gift shop, climb to the top of the lighthouse to enjoy the magnificent view of the St. Lawrence Seaway.  You may even spot a “Salty” or “Laker” as the ships cruise the seaway from all over the world and great lakes, pleasure boats of all sizes, or kayakers enjoying the scenery.  Your Boat, Captain and Crew will be with you every nautical mile for this intimate tour as your guide shares history, mystery, legends and lore of the region.  We cruise over 25 Unique miles on the St. Lawrence River, weaving among the islands, getting you closer to more islands than any tour and the only public boat tour to Rock Island Lighthouse State Park.

2024 Schedule

Highlights of this tour include:.

• St. Lawrence Seaway shipping channel
• Round Island
• Rock Island Lighthouse on Rock Island
• Thousand Island Park
• Travel under one of the Canadian and American spans of the 1000 Island Bridge System
• Cherry Island
• 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 & granddaughter
• Boldt Castle
• Boldt Castle Yacht House
• Millionaires Row
• Clayton Waterfront

Meeting Location

• Boarding takes place 15 minutes prior to departure.
• Meeting Address: 39611 Chateau Lane, Clayton, NY 13624
• FREE parking, buses and RVs welcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Chevron down What is included?

Admission to Boldt Castle Admission to Rock Island Picnic Lunch

• Chevron down Are there concessions on-board?

We do not have concessions on our boats. We do offer food and beverages from Kay’s Kitchen, our onsite concessions.

Breakfast in-season Lunch in-season Catering for group/private charters aboard our boats

You may bring your own food and beverages on-board. No Alcohol.

• Chevron down Do you travel if it is raining?

Yes, our boats are covered and have windows that roll up or down in inclement weather. We do not travel in severe storms or high winds. If the weather prevents us from departing we will let you know as soon as the decision is made.

• Chevron down Are Passports Required?

Passports are not required.

• Chevron down Where do I park?

We have ample free parking. Motorhomes are welcome.

• Chevron down Are pets allowed?

Only Service Animals are allowed. No pets, Comfort Animals or ESA’s are allowed.

• Chevron down Can I smoke on the boat?

Our boats are smoke free.

Related Boat Tours

• #1 Attraction on the River
• Hour Glass 3.5 hours

Boldt Castle and Two Nation Tour

Experience the most unique and complete Boldt Castle Tour in the 1000 Islands.   Narrated & intimate boat tour travels over 27 unique miles among the islands through US and Canadian waters on the St. Lawrence River .  Stop at Boldt Castle on Heart Island to explore the grounds and castle.

• Only Public Tour to Rock Island Lighthouse
• Hour Glass 2.75

Rock Island Lighthouse on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Glide through the clean waters of the 1000 Islands on our Glass Bottomed Boat, “The Night Heron,” for an unparalleled view of this mighty river we call The St. Lawrence. Bring your camera because this tour offers many unique opportunities to photograph natural settings, many bird species (perhaps even a Great Blue Heron), ships traveling from around the world, and so much more!

• 2 Hour Boat Tour on the St. Lawrence Seaway
• Hour Glass 2 hours

Islands, Lighthouses, and Castle Tour

Join us for 2 hour narrated tour among many of the islands on the St. Lawrence River, including Rock Island Lighthouse on Rock Island, Sunken Rock Lighthouse on Bush Island, and Boldt Castle on Heart Island

"More than just a boat ride...."

• PRIVATE SCENIC TOURS

315-727-1939

1000 Islands Scenic Boat Tours

Alexandria bay, n.y. private boat tours of the beautiful thousand islands.

Private Boat Tours

Welcome to 1000 Islands Scenic Tours. We provide boat tours of the 1000 Islands boarding from Alexandria Bay, New York. Leisure activities are important while visiting the beautiful 1000 Islands.... and experiencing the river  "ON THE RIVER" is our specialty. Make the most of your free time.  For those who are visiting the 1000 Islands without boat transportation...or are just unfamiliar with navigating the expansive St. Lawrence River, we provide your best option.  

Whether you desire a lengthy scenic tour or a shorter ride around Boldt Castle and the surrounding islands, you'll feel like you're on your own private vessel.  We have no signage or advertisements on our boats.  You will board either our 26' authentic wooden Lyman "APACHE" or a comfortable, easy on/easy off pontoon boat at a convenient Alexandria Bay location.  We will customize your cruise to your personal preferences and carry up to  six passengers of your own party. You're invited to bring your own refreshments and of course your camera and relax while you serenely drift down the river, get close to nature and wildlife, view the island mansions or cruise to your specific destination.  The options are limitless with your own private boat and captain.  Avoid the cruise boat crowds and structured tours.  This is YOUR TIME on the river and it should be SPECIAL.

Contact us to request how we can make your stay at the 1000 Islands most memorable. 

• to read about tours and prices..click on Private Scenic Tours at top of page
• to read about your captain....click on About Us  at top of page
• to contact us....click on Contact US at top of page

Photo Gallery

Copyright © 2019 

1000 Islands Scenic tours -  

All Rights Reserve

BOAT CRUISES AVAILABLE FROM MAY THRU SEPTEMBER

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

Explore by Activity

Experiences

City cruises gananoque.

Because the 1000 Islands deserve to be seen up close.

• 280 Main Street Gananoque, Ontario
• 613-382-2144
• www.cityexperiences.com

With a variety of sightseeing day cruises or special event night cruises, you’ll get the chance to experience the best of the area out on the water.  Be sure to listen to the on-board audio commentary, which gives insight into the incredible wonders of the St. Lawrence River.

Watch our video trailer

What you’ll see.

• Boldt Castle
• Millionaire’s Row
• 1000 Islands International Bridge
• Statue of St. Lawrence
• Zavikon Islands
• Fifth and sixth-generation family cottages

( This varies according to the cruise you select .)

Tours/Options

Three-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque

One-hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Ivy Lea

One-hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque

Five-hour 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise from Gananoque

View all details about this activity.

Don’t miss the boat!

Additional Information

• Sight-seeing day cruises and special event night cruises are available
• Recognized as a “Canadian Signature Experience”
• English and French audio commentary are available
• Choose your cruise carefully, depending on the landmarks you want to see
• You don’t need a passport (unless you’re on the five-hour 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise from Gananoque)
• All City Cruises Gananoque vessels are fully accessible on the first deck

“Great tour!!! We did the 5 hour Boldt Castle tour and it was just perfect. 2 hours on the island is just enough, not too long and not too short. Highly recommend!!! Staff are super friendly and the price is right.”

“Excellent value for money. The 1hr tour gives you a good insight on the islands history and their present as well as the characteristics of the region. The 3hr tour takes you to the beautiful Body castle and the international bridge and also has a really good description of the area.”

“If you go to visit 1000 Islands this is a must do! We absolutely loved our 2.5 hour cruise. The weather was nice and we managed to make some great photos of Boldt castle. The boat crew was very nice and their boat was very clean and spacious. It was a great experience for us and our kids and we enjoyed the scenery.”

Cancellation Policy

Your reservations may be made online , over the phone, through our online chat, and in-person at ticket booths at select locations.

Tickets are not required for boarding. When boarding, you can check in with your confirmation number and the last name that is on your reservation.

Option 1: You may transfer to a different cruise date of your choosing. If you are rescheduling to a lower priced cruise, the company will refund you the difference. If you are rescheduling to a higher priced cruise, payment will be required for the difference once the new date is selected. Prices are subject to change based on demand and peak cruise times.

Option 2: If you are unsure of a new date when you can cruise, you may move your funds to a gift card. Gift cards never expire.

Option 3: If you are unable to join the cruise at a future date, you will receive a full refund back to the original form of payment. Please allow three to five business days for the funds to appear in your account.

Service animals are permitted. 

What You'll See

Tours / options, enjoy a comfortable stay.

Colonial Resort 1000 Islands

Howard Johnson Inn Gananoque

Holiday Inn Express 1000 Islands Gananoque

Holiday Inn Express

Comfort Inn & Suites 1000 Islands

Comfort Inn & Suites 1000 Islands

Related Articles

Family Friendly , Restaurants , Travel Trade & Media

Ice Cream Shops in the 1000 Islands

Family Friendly , Outdoor Activities

Camping in the 1000 Islands

Accommodations , Castle Tours , Cruising , Entertainment , Restaurants , Travel Media , Travel Trade

Planning a Weekend Getaway in the 1000 Islands

Extend your visit overnight, you may also like.

Treetop Trekking 1000 Islands

High-flying adventure for all ages.

Live Waterfront Theatre

A first-class, live theatre experience.

1000 Islands Drive-In

Watch the stars under the stars.

1000 Islands Tower

Breathtaking views of the 1000 Islands and the St. Lawrence River.

Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands

A first-class gaming experience in the heart of the islands.

1000 Islands Kayaking

Kayak in the Beautiful 1000 Islands.

1000 Islands Helicopter Tours

Gain a whole new perspective of the 1000 Islands.

Experience fabulous amenities and a fantastic location in the heart of the 1000 Islands.

Gananoque Inn & Spa

Gananoque’s only waterfront accommodation

One of the newest hotels in Gananoque close to many local attractions.

More than seven acres of landscaped acres in the Heart of the Canadian 1000 Islands.

Don’t miss a thing.

Explore the timeless beauty of the 1000 Islands throughout the year. Subscribe to our newsletter for insights into upcoming events and more exciting things to do in the 1000 Islands!

Enter your email here and we’ll make sure you’re always up to date!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Visitor Information

• (613) 382-8044
• 10 King St E, Gananoque, ON K7G 1E6

Explore by Experience

Copyright © 2023 1000 Islands Tourism.

Terms & Privacy Policy

1000 Islands Tourism acknowledges that we are on traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee (Hoe-den-oh-show-nee) and Anishinabe (A-nish-in-‘a-bay) and First Peoples, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land.

THE BEST WAY TO EXPERIENCE THE THOUSAND ISLANDS 

Experience the Top-Rated Private Boat Tours in the 1000 Islands Region

The #1   Private Tour Experiences in the 1000 Islands

Take a look below at some of the spots our customers love the most

Our Signature  Tour Packages

Book online, via email, or over the phone, with next day booking available!

The Ultimate Boat Day

A SPLASH OF EVERYTHING

6 Guests Max

Available at: 

The Ultimate 1000 Islands experience, with all the best the river has to offer! Experience Boldt Castle, Millionaire's Row, the Lost Channel, Rock Island Lighthouse, and much more all from the water! Including extra time to swim or relax, with snorkel gear and water toys provided on the boat.

The Island Explorer

WATER & ISLAND ADVENTURES

Choose one of four destinations that are only accessible by boat, then cruise over and explore it yourselves! Destinations include: the famous Boldt Castle, beautiful Grindstone Island Winery, historic Rock Island Lighthouse, or the relaxing Picnic Point! Plus, see our favorite river spots along the way!

The Sunset Cruise

GOLDEN HOUR CRUISE

A relaxing cruise through serene waters to finish off your day! Great for groups or couple's date night. Watch the sun disappear over the horizon while putting through Eel Bay, one the best sunset spots on the river.

Meet Your Captain

Hi, I'm Jordan! I'm a U.S. Coast Guard certified Captain.

I've grown up year-round in the 1000 Islands since I was a kid, and I've developed a deep love for the area.

One of my favorite things is sharing it with others, and I love having the opportunity to do that with these tours.

How We Got Started

Growing up in the 1000 Islands, I've discovered so many special parts of the river that visitor's rarely get to see.

From untamed islands to little-known coves and passageways that larger tour boats can't reach. And of course the beloved local landmarks like castles, lighthouses, and historic private estates.

My goal is to help people experience the most special parts of this region through the eyes of a lifelong local.

Customer's Reviews

Joan Canastraro

1000 ISLANDS PRIVATE BOAT TOURS WAS PHENOMENAL!

"Jordan truly wants his guests to enjoy every minute of the tour. He is super cool and very accommodating!

You will not be disappointed! I HIGHLY recommend you give him a call and book a tour."

Hourly Rates for Custom 1000 Island Cruises

We offer tours by-the-hour! 

Experience the best of the 1000 Islands in one fun boat day! We offer unique tour packages and custom hourly tours upon request. Perfect for those looking to explore the Thousand Islands in whatever way suits them. Contact us to book your personalized private boat tour!

• [email protected]
• +1 917-207-2181

Small, Private Tours of the Thousand Islands

Custom tours made just for you.

See the many back waters and other lesser-known areas where only shallow-draft boats like ours can visit. Our tours are customized for you .

Wonderful Variety of Wildlife and Bird Species

Mammal species commonly seen include white-tailed deer, woodchucks, raccoons, red squirrels, beavers, otters, and mink.

Go for a snorkel and see if you can spot a bass, northern pike, or the famous muskie. Bird species commonly found in the Thousand Islands:

• Great Blue Heron
• American Black Duck (winters and breeds)
• Common Loon (breeds)
• Least Bittern (possible breeder)
• Osprey (breeds)
• Bald Eagle (winters)
• Northern Harrier (breeds)
• Red-shouldered Hawk (possible breeder)
• American Woodcock (probable breeder)
• Black Tern (historic breeder)
• Whip-poor-will (probable breeder)
• Red-headed Woodpecker (possible breeder)
• Willow Flycatcher (possible breeder)
• Wood Thrush (probable breeder)
• Cerulean Warbler (confirmed breeder, two nests observed on Thousand Islands Land Trust property)
• Vesper Sparrow (possible breeder)

Make Yourselves Comfortable

Based in Alexandria Bay, New York, a bustling tourist town with many nicknames (Alex Bay, A Bay, or just The Bay), 1000 Islands Water Tours has two 6-passenger boats, a 34-foot Parker and a 25-foot center console Olympia, which can can travel distances quickly if needed or just putter slowly to take in the scenery.

The charming village of Clayton, New York, is only 10 miles upstream from Alexandria Bay and is the other main American town of the Thousand Islands.

Book a cruise for your special occasion: birthday, anniversary, proposal, graduation.

Rates for a private tour are $175 per hour.

As an officer in the Royal Marines Commandos for 8 years, Andrew served on various appointments at sea and on land including tours for which he received extensive training in parachuting, Arctic survival, and combat swimming with oxygen rebreathers. He was a member of the British National Parachute team and commanded the world-record-holding Royal Marines Free Fall Team.

What are you waiting for?

See us on facebook.

Find us at the marina at Keewaydin State Park in Alexandria Bay. Park admission is $6.00.

Email Address

©2017–2024 1000 Islands Water Tours Website by Lisa Goodlin Design

• Skip to main content
• Skip to header right navigation
• Skip to site footer

Daily tours starting April 27th!

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

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!

Subscribe to Ontario Away!

Receive updates & our monthly Ontario Events Calendar straight to your inbox.

• I agree to receive email updates and promotions. | For more details, review our  Privacy Policy . *

You can unsubscribe anytime. No spam.

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

Pin it for later!

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.

Connect With Us On Social

If you'd like to join the conversation and get more tips, you can find us on social media as well!

• Reservations

Experience the Thousand Islands Your Way!

1000 Islands Lunch & Dinner Cruises

Get your motor runnin' aboard the 'wildcat', rock da boat on a special event cruise or private charter, explore canada's oldest railway tunnel, dog gone fun, we’re pet friendly, some restrictions apply., valid aboard 1.5 hr ‘jewels of the st. lawrence’ cruise only..

Experience the 1000 Islands YOUR WAY!

Sightseeing Cruises

Our convenient and affordable traditional-style 90-minute excursion of the 1000 Islands. 

WildCat Cruises

Get you motor runnin’ aboard the Islands’ only high-speed catamaran, the ‘WildCat’! A safe, soft adventure that’s fun for all ages.

Dining Cruises

The 1000 Islands are a feast for the eyes and the palate aboard our ‘St. Lawrence Soiree’ Dinner Cruises.

Special Events

Party Cruises, Full-Moon Cruises, Karoke, Drag Cruises, Search Light Cruises and More! Or, Charter one of our vessels to create one of your own!

Welcome to Brockville and the Thousand Islands

Welcome to 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises in Brockville, an enchanting destination that invites you to explore the breathtaking beauty of the St. Lawrence River and the renowned 1000 Islands region.

Nestled on the City’s historic waterfront, at the eastern gateway to the Thousand Islands, 1000 Islands and Seaway Cruises is the only boat tour operating from Brockville and plays host to tens of thousands of visitors annually aboard our fleet of modern, Transport Canada certified tour boats. 

The Thousand Islands are a ‘must see’ attraction when visiting Eastern Ontario and we invite you to experience them YOUR WAY. Climb aboard one of our traditional sightseeing excursion or, get your motor runnin’ on the Islands’ only high speed catamaran, the ‘WildCat’; a soft adventure that’s fun for all ages! As evening falls over the mighty St. Lawrence River, climb aboard for a sunset dinner cruise or special event and experience the quiet serenity of the Islands by night.

While in Brockville, be sure to take in some of the City’s other attractions including, the ‘Aquatarium’ – a 32,000 sq. ft. interactive learning centre devoted to the ecology, geography and history of the 1000 Islands or, stroll through Canada’s Oldest Railway Tunnel, running a quarter mile under the City – a testament to our rich industrial past and another ‘must do’ City attraction. Take in one of the City’s many festivals, offered on most weekends, all summer long or simply enjoy a stroll through our New England style Courthouse Square historic downtown where you’ll discover rich architectural treasures of this one-time ‘Millionaire’s Capital of Canada’.

Come and discover for yourself why Brockville is the ‘City of the 1000 Islands’ !

Header Menu

• Call: 1-800-848-0011

One Pass, One Price, All of Kingston

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

Copyright 2024 Kingston Destination Group

K-Pass is Back for 2024!

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

Save on Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises this fall! This page features our best rates on cruise tickets, bundles and packages. All prices plus HST.

• Search Experiences
• Manage Booking
• Phone # SMS #
• My Offers 5

5-Hour 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise from Gananoque

Be the first to get offers and news, shopping cart, find your experience.

I spent $7,000 on an 8-day luxury cruise with just 100 passengers on board. I can't recommend it enough.

• I went on an eight-day Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic cruise.
• The $7,000 cruise included snorkeling with sea lions, hiking, and close encounters with gray whales.
• The all-inclusive trip ended up being a great value and I'd gladly do it again.

In February, I went on a Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic cruise that was unlike any other trip I'd ever been on before.

I snorkeled next to sea lions, swam with exotic fish, and came so close to a gray whale that I could've reached out and touched it.

Although $7,000 per person for an eight-day, seven-night journey isn't cheap, my trip came with a lot of perks — and I didn't spend any additional money on board.

Here's why this bucket-list experience was worth every penny.

Getting to the boat was easy, and the staterooms were comfortable

My son and I flew nonstop from Los Angeles to Loreto, Mexico, where Lindblad's team greeted us. Comfy coaches whisked us to our temporary floating home, the National Geographic Venture.

The luxurious ship had outdoor decks, an indoor lounge with seating for all passengers, and numerous practical amenities, such as a fitness center.

The Venture has 50 cabins for 100 guests. We shared a stateroom with Scandinavian-style furniture, including two single beds, a foldout couch, and a desk.

Our room's large windows allowed us to watch the scenery float by.

Experts aboard the ship ensured we made the most of our adventure

As soon as we unpacked, passengers and crew got acquainted at an introductory meeting.

Related stories

Our captain mapped out the route: We'd start in Loreto on the Sea of Cortez and loop around the Baja Peninsula to the Pacific Ocean. We would disembark in San Carlos, where a coach would escort us back to the Loreto airport.

The ship's team of naturalists, educators, and photography instructors introduced themselves and shared their enthusiasm from the start.

There was never a dull moment on this trip

One standout part of the Venture was its fleet of Zodiacs. These sturdy, inflatable boats hold a dozen passengers and would allow us to access places larger vessels can't, ferrying us to remote locations for up-close observations and interactions with marine life.

Accompanied by a naturalist, we'd board the Zodiacs early in the morning and go on adventures every day.

We got to experience the striking landscape of red volcanic ash and fossilized sand dunes on remote Puerto Gato. There, we chose which activity to partake in: I snorkeled and kayaked while my son balanced on a paddleboard.

Together, we also hiked the dry riverbed with a naturalist who pointed out exotic desert vegetation.

While in Los Islotes, we encountered dozens of playful sea lions as they sunbathed on rocks and frolicked in the sea.

At Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, we snorkeled around coral reefs filled with colorful fish.

I've snorkeled in many parts of the world, but being in Cabo Pulmo made it clear to me why oceanographer Jacques Cousteau once referred to Baja as "the world's aquarium."

Of course, we saw many whales during the trip. After all, our itinerary was called Baja California: Among the Great Whales .

February is Baja's prime whale-watching season , so the calendar was in our favor.

In Puerto Lopez Mateos, we boarded small boats and observed gray whales, which travel from their Arctic feeding grounds to breed and raise their calves in these sheltered waters. I got so close to these majestic mammals that I nearly touched one.

Cultural experiences were also woven into the trip.

We spent an afternoon watching a folkloric dance performance, visited an organic cattle farm, and sampled authentic local cuisine at several Baja restaurants.

There was also plenty to do on the ship

We spent a lot of each day off of the ship, but we had fun on it.

While on board, life revolved around spotting humpback whales on deck, attending lectures with the naturalists, trying hands-on photography clinics, and partaking in a daily sunrise exercise class.

The onboard lounge was a guest magnet. Bartenders mixed cocktails, and the lounge steward made sure there was always plenty of hot coffee available — even for an early bird like me who craves caffeine at 6 a.m.

The scenery around us was stunning, and the ship offered great views every time of day.

Food was abundant and satisfying

The onboard meals were delicious. Breakfast was a buffet with made-to-order eggs. Lunch and dinner were multi-course, plated meals with five or six different main dishes featuring locally caught fish.

The daily cocktail hour and a morning snack for early risers kept us well-fed.

Above all, the all-inclusive pricing ensured there weren't any surprise expenses

I really appreciated Lindblad's all-inclusive pricing. Once I paid the $7,000 per person, I never opened my wallet again.

The cost of the trip included all activities, equipment (like wetsuits and loaner cameras), food, beverages, and airport transfers. I also got access to satellite internet, which allowed me to check my email and send text messages.

Service was attentive right up to the very end of the trip when the staff prepared boxed lunches for us to eat as we waited for our flights home.

It was an unforgettable experience that I'd book again in a heartbeat.

Watch: I went shark diving in the middle of Denver, Colorado. It was surreal to see the massive animals in my landlocked state.

• Main content