Things to do in Thousand Islands

Our most recommended things to do in Thousand Islands

From Ivy Lea: 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Scenic Cruise

From Ivy Lea: 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Scenic Cruise

Join a scenic sightseeing cruise from the City Cruises Port in Ivy Lea, exploring the stunning 1000 Islands region. Choose between a one-hour and two-hour/two castle cruise that offers a closer look at the region's scenic beauty, famous landmarks, and rich history. The one-hour Ivy Lea cruise showcases famous landmarks visible only from the water, such as the majestic Boldt Castle, Millionaires, Zavikon Islands - featuring the world's smallest international bridge, and the Statue of St. Lawrence. Or climb aboard an all-new 2-Hour, Two Castle Cruise! Revel in the majestic beauty and rich history of the 1000 Islands’ most iconic landmarks, and enjoy breathtaking views of the two famous 1000 Islands Castles - Boldt Castle and Singer Castle.

Gananoque: 1000 Islands Cruise & Optional Boldt Castle Entry

Gananoque: 1000 Islands Cruise & Optional Boldt Castle Entry

Join a scenic sightseeing cruise from the City Cruises Port in Gananoque, exploring the stunning 1000 Islands region. Choose between a one, three, or five-hour cruise that offers a closer look at the region's scenic beauty, famous landmarks, and rich history. The one-hour cruise showcases famous landmarks visible only from the water, such as the majestic Boldt Castle, Millionaires, Zavikon Islands - featuring the world's smallest international bridge, and the Statue of St. Lawrence. The three-hour cruise from Gananoque offers a deeper dive into the region, including breathtaking scenic beauty paired with sights like Boldt Castle and the lavish homes on Millionaire’s Row. This tour includes stories about the area's past and present, and the engineering marvels of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Or set sail on a 5-hour 1000 Islands Cruise and cruise through the Canadian and American span of the 1000 Islands, before your stopover at the majestic Boldt Castle (admission included), located on the famous Heart Island. The narrated cruise takes you past Zavikon Island, Millionaire’s Row, the St. Lawrence Seaway and the 1000 Islands Bridge as you see the area's most breathtaking scenery. You’ll then dock at Heart Island for your Boldt Castle self-guided tour, before reboarding and returning to Gananoque. Important Information About Required Documentation (Please read): - As Boldt Castle is in U.S. territory, all passengers on this cruise are subject to U.S. Customs & Border Protection. - All passengers require a valid passport, and/or Nexus card, and to board this cruise. There are no exceptions. - Citizens of countries outside of Canada or the U.S. require a visitor’s visa as well as their passport. An approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will be required as U.S. Customs & Border Protection no longer accept a Visa Waiver Form. If you need more details on required documentation, please contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection prior to purchasing a ticket: https://www.cbp.gov/

1000 Islands: 10, 20, 30, or 60-Min Scenic Helicopter Tour

1000 Islands: 10, 20, 30, or 60-Min Scenic Helicopter Tour

Experience the 1000 Islands from the air on a breathtaking helicopter tour. Choose your own adventure with three unique tour options ranging from 10 to 30 minutes. Depart from Gananoque Heliport, located within a 20-minute drive east of Kingston via Highway 401 in beautiful Gananoque, Ontario.  Check in at the front desk then relax in the lounge before your pre-flight briefing. Feel the thrill as you rise above lush greenery, sandy beaches, and rocky cliffs, admiring the sights from your guaranteed window seat.  Wear audio headsets complete with microphones for easy communication. Enjoy pilot-narrated commentary in English or select one of the recorded multilingual audio tours. The duration depends on your selected option. Choose the 10-minute tour for a taste of the 1000 Islands, including the town of Gananoque, the Admiralty Islands, Navy Islands, and the Lake Fleet Islands. Explore further on an Ontario Signature Experience: a 20-minute tour that includes both the U.S. and Canadian spans of the Ivy Lea Bridge, and Boldt Castle on Heart Island.  The most popular option is a Canadian Signature Experience: an extended 30-minute ‘Two Castle’ tour that sends you flying over sunken shipwrecks and nation-spanning bridges, as well as Boldt and Singer Castles.

From Montreal: Toronto, Niagara Falls & 1000 Islands Tour

From Montreal: Toronto, Niagara Falls & 1000 Islands Tour

Embark on an exhilarating Toronto & Niagara Falls 2-Day Adventure starting from Montreal. Begin with a journey to the breathtaking Thousand Islands, where you’ll cruise through scenic waters and marvel at this unique archipelago. Next, head to the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls and experience its grandeur from various perspectives—whether riding the Niagara SkyWheel for panoramic views, boarding the Hornblower Cruise to feel the powerful mist up close, or exploring the Journey Behind the Falls tunnel in winter for a one-of-a-kind experience. Spend the night at a hotel within walking distance of Niagara Falls, where the nighttime views are just as mesmerizing. On Day 2, travel to vibrant Toronto to discover the city's highlights, including the iconic CN Tower, offering spectacular city views, and Ripley’s Aquarium, Canada’s largest, housing over 16,000 marine and freshwater species. After a day packed with Toronto’s top attractions, return to Montreal in the evening with unforgettable memories of this captivating adventure.

From NYC: Niagara Falls & 1000 Islands 3-Day Tour

From NYC: Niagara Falls & 1000 Islands 3-Day Tour

Experience the fury of Niagara Falls with a ride on the Maid of the Mist and cruise through the Thousand Islands on this three-day tour from New York City. Day 1: New York - Finger Lakes - Niagra Falls An early morning departure takes you north from the Big Apple as you pass the beautiful Delaware Gap to Watkins Glen State Park in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. Walk through Watkins Glen Canyon to visit the beautiful waterfalls and then continue to Niagara Falls, passing Seneca Lake, where you will arrive in the late afternoon. Tour the U.S. side of the falls including the American Falls, Goat Island, and Luna Island. At night, tour Niagara Falls where you can marvel at the colorful lighting of the waters while on board the Maid of the Mist. Overnight: Ramada by Wyndham. Day 2: Niagra Falls - Toronto - 1000 Islands Start the day with the Horseshoe Falls’ view followed by a visit to the picturesque village of Niagara on the Lake. We continue to Toronto, the financial capital of Canada. Visit the HTO Park, Brookfield Place, city hall, and The Distillery Historic District.  Towards the evening, take off from Toronto along the world-famous Lake Ontario for an evening arrival to the 1000 Islands area (in April, based on weather conditions, you may return to Niagara Falls to stay overnight). Overnight: Gananoque at Comfort Inn (April: Ramada by Wyndham). Day 3: 1000 Islands - New York  Start the day with a cruise through the amazing 1000 Islands along the St. Laurence River. See the houses of the rich and famous built atop private islands. After lunch, head to New York State. On the way, enjoy a shopping excursion at one of the large outlet malls where you can shop for bargains in name-brand stores before your return to New York City in the evening.

Gananoque: 1000 Islands Fireworks Cruise

Gananoque: 1000 Islands Fireworks Cruise

Head to the meeting point and check in for your evening cruise departing from Gananoque. Hop aboard and get ready to celebrate as you watch a fireworks display from the water. Sit back and relax as the boat cruises along the St. Lawrence River, admiring the lush greenery and picturesque landscapes that surround you. Learn about the history of the area as you glide along the water and past iconic sights. Choose the Canada Day cruise to enjoy views of the fifth and sixth-generation family cottages and cruise the narrow channels of the Admiralty and Navy group of islands. Or, join the Fourth of July cruise for views of the St. Lawrence Seaway, the International Bridge, Boldt Castle, Millionaires Row, and more. Whichever celebration you opt for, your cruise culminates with a spectacular fireworks display. Watch as the colorful explosions light up the night sky, reflecting in the waters below for added effect. Then, once the festivities are over, return to the dock, where your celebratory Canada Day or Independence Day cruise comes to an end.

From Montreal: Kingston City Day Trip & 1000 Island Cruise

From Montreal: Kingston City Day Trip & 1000 Island Cruise

Start with pickup from a centrally-located meeting point in Montreal or pickup at your accommodation (within a 5-kilometer radius of the meeting point). Hop aboard a comfortable car and sit back and relax on the air-conditioned drive to the city of Kingston. Immerse yourself in Kingston's rich heritage with a guided city tour. Begin at the historic Kingston City Hall, a neoclassical masterpiece dating back to 1844. Wander through Confederation Park, offering stunning waterfront views. Visit the prestigious Royal Military College of Canada and Queen's University, which is steeped in academic excellence and tradition. Enjoy free time to explore downtown Kingston's charming shops and cafes before embarking on a scenic cruise through the legendary 1000 Islands. Marvel at historic mansions and natural wonders as you cruise along the St. Lawrence River. Learn about the area's history and legends with commentary along the way. Don't miss iconic sights like Boldt Castle and Zavikon Island, connected by the world's shortest international bridge. Return to Montreal in the evening, filled with memories of Kingston's beauty and the majesty of the 1000 Islands.

Thousand Islands: Helicopter Tour with Cider Mill and Lunch

Thousand Islands: Helicopter Tour with Cider Mill and Lunch

There’s no better way to experience Thousand Islands than the sky. Head to the heliport in Gananoque and hop onboard your helicopter for your 30 minutes aerial adventure.  Soar through the skies and soak up panoramic views of the many islands below. From the helicopter, see famous landmarks including Boldt Castle, Singer Castle, Millionaires Row, Thousand Islands International Bridge, and more. Back on land, visit BUSL Cider, the region’s newest cider mill. Enjoy a guided tour of the mill and learn how cider is produced while tasting a selection of ciders. Wander through the mill’s sprawling orchards, and stop at a nearby bakery. End the experience with a light lunch, and sample the region’s world-famous Thousand Islands Dressing.

Gananoque: Helicopter Tour with Craft Brewery Stop and Lunch

Gananoque: Helicopter Tour with Craft Brewery Stop and Lunch

Discover the lush 1000 Islands archipelago and gaze through crystal-clear waters at old shipwrecks on a thrilling helicopter tour from Gananoque. Land at ARBRU Craft Brewery for a pizza lunch and paired with a sampler flight at Canada’s first off-grid craft brewery. Get checked in a the tour supplier's office and get ready for your flight. Strap in and experience the thrill of lift off. Hear your pilot clearly with the headphone and microphone system.  Glide over the the majesty of the 1000 Islands, taking in spectacular views of Boldt Castle, Singer Castle, Millionaire's Row, the 1000 Islands International bridge and shipwrecks which can be seen resting on the bottom of the mighty St. Lawrence River.  Disembark at the ARBRU Craft Brewery and walk along a path through hops fields, which are used to craft a range of exceptional brews. Be greeted with a flight of craft brews and a personal-size stone-fired pizza. Choose from pepperoni, meat lovers, or margarita. Enjoy a delicious and relaxed meal before heading back to the helicopter for your flight back to your meeting point in Gananoque.

Toronto,Niagara Falls&Thousand Islands 3-day Tour from NY

Toronto,Niagara Falls&Thousand Islands 3-day Tour from NY

Guests will be picked up in New Jersey and New York early in the morning. We will head north to Watkins Glen State Park located in upstate New York. Following, we will go to Niagara Falls and to overlook the American Falls, Horseshoe Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls. You will be easily astounded by the deafening roar of the falls. The combination of height and volume make the Niagara Falls so beautiful. On the second day, join us as we enjoy the Niagara Falls in the morning before making our way over to Toronto! Toronto is known for its various cultural institutions, museums, galleries, festivals, historic sites, and so much more! It attracts over 25 million tourists each and every year. Explore with us what makes Toronto so unique. In addition to taking in the scenery, passengers on the boat tours of this area can learn some of the historic insights of the region. Sit back and relax while enjoying views of some famous spots.The Thousand Islands Cruise Tour is a unique and one-of-a-kind passageway to view the most amazing sites in Canada. Explore with us today a ride of a lifetime before we make our way back to New York. Day 1: Itinerary: New York → Watkins Glen State Park + Finger Lake (Optional, 90 mins, Watkins Glen State Park will not be visited when it is closed) → Niagara Falls Night Tour (Mandatory, 90mins) Notes: 1. Watkins Glen State Park only opens in summer, usually from April to October each year. If Watkins Glen State Park is closed, the attraction will be replaced with the Corning Museum of Glass (Optional, 90 mins). 2. In order to ensure a better experience for guests, it is guaranteed that guests can watch the fireworks show at the waterfall on that day (except that there is no fireworks show on that day). Hotel:Sleep Inn Amherst;The Garden Place Hotel;Lockport Hotel or similar Day 2 Itinerary: Niagara Falls (Canada) → IMAX: Niagara (Canada side) (Optional, 30mins) → Hornblower Niagara Cruise (Optional, 30 mins) → Skylon Tower Observation Deck & Lunch (Optional, 120 mins) → Toronto → Toronto Sightseeing Harbour Tour (Optional, 60 mins) → CN Tower (Optional, 60 mins) → Ripley's Aquarium of Canada (Optional, 60 mins) → Chinese Dinner in Toronto Chinatown (Optional, 60 mins) Special Note: 1. If the Toronto Sightseeing Harbour Tour is closed, the attraction will be replaced by Casa Loma (Optional, 60 mins). Hotel:Best Western Belleville; similar Day 3 Itienrary: Toronto → Thousand Islands (Canada) → Thousand Islands Cruise (Optional, 60 mins) → New York/New Jersey

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What people are saying about Thousand Islands

Overall rating

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4
4.4 out of 5 stars
(96 reviews)
5 out of 5 stars

I went with my partner and my parents. The trip was long enough for us to enjoy, and the scenery along the river was spectacular. I would say the best time to go is fall because the foliage colors are beautiful, and the temperature is cooler. In the summer, you might get a very hot sunny day, and the trees along the river may be just green. The narrator was informative. Anything that looked interesting along the route was talked about in detail. Overall satisfying experience, and lots of pretty pictures.

5 out of 5 stars

Enjoyed the ride. ITT was a beautiful day and fantastic scenery. Guide was difficult to hear at outside locations, which were preferred due to the beautiful weather.

5 out of 5 stars

Very nice overall, the staff where nice and the sites very beautiful, I hade a lot of fun

5 out of 5 stars

Guides are informative and helpful, includes driver too

5 out of 5 stars

The staff are really friendly and very accommodating.