Things to do in Thousand Islands, Canada

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.

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/

Board a sightseeing cruise and embark on a journey to the Thousand Islands from Kingston. Marvel at the scenic beauty of the area while passing by the pretty small cottage islands, Wanderer’s Channel, Mandalay Mansion, and more. The world-famous 1,000 Islands begin in Kingston and span the St. Lawrence River for miles. Your round-trip route onboard the triple-deck Island Queen winds its way through the small cottage islands of the Admiralty group, which feature Napoleon’s Hat, the Wanderer’s Channel, the Bateau Channel, the opulent Mandalay Mansion, and the historic sights of Kingston. This cruise is one of the most in-depth cruises of the 1,000 Islands and is the perfect way to explore the scenery that has made the region famous throughout the world. Onboard, enjoy live entertainment, and listen to commentary about history and folklore as you pass by spectacular scenery and island homes. You will also have access to a full-service canteen and bar.

Take in views of the 1000 Islands from the water and glide along Brockville’s historic waterfront on this scenic catamaran cruise from Brockville. Pass in the shadows of the large ships that traverse the St. Lawrence Seaway Channel. Cast off from Brockville aboard a comfortable catamaran that is large enough to accommodate 120 passengers. Cruise along the St. Lawrence River and revel in views of palatial waterfront mansions and quaint island cottages. Have the option to purchase food and drinks on board. Wind your way through the labyrinth of islands, get close to nature as your sail through narrow passages that are not available to larger tour boats in the region. Capture pictures of the massive vessels that use the St. Lawrence Seaway as a gateway to the Great Lakes. Return to your meeting point with a greater appreciation for the 1000 Islands and the St. Lawrence Seaway Channel.

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.

Set sail in the warm glow of the setting sun for a 3-hour dinner cruise. Enjoy the scenic views as we sail into the heart of the Admiralty Islands, with its charming cottages and grand mansions. You’ll be treated to a three-course meal with a choice of four entrees, all prepared on board and served to your table. A full-service bar serving wine, cocktails, and beer is available onboard (at own expense).  It’s dinner and a show: your entertainer and evening host will provide music along with a commentary of the sights. On Mondays & Tuesdays you'll sail on our iconic 3 deck paddle-wheeler the Island Queen; Wednesday to Sunday you'll enjoy 360 degree views under the glass-topped canopy of the Island Star.

Set sail from downtown Kingston for a 3-hour journey to explore the Thousand Islands. Admire the remarkable scenery that has made the region famous throughout the world as you savor a delicious meal freshly prepared onboard. Wind your way through the small cottage islands of the Admiralty Group featuring Napoleon's Hat, Wanderer's Channel, the Bateau Channel, the new, opulent Mandalay Mansion, and the historic sights of Kingston. Enjoy live entertainment, and a description of the history and folklore as you pass by spectacular scenery and island homes, as well as a full-service canteen and bar. Bask in the beautiful views of the islands from the panoramic second deck of the triple-decked paddle-wheeler, the Island Queen. Relax inside with live entertainment, then head outside to promenade on the open-air deck between courses. Select lunches sail aboard the Island Star, and enjoy the air conditioned cabin with fully translucent glass canopy, allowing for 360 degree views no matter where you're seated on board.

Set sail on the Island Belle and tour Kingston’s spectacular waterfront on a 1-hour sightseeing experience. Sit back and relax while live commentary highlights the iconic scenery of Royal Military College, Fort Henry, Kingston harbor, and the local islands. Kingston is a UNESCO World Heritage Destination for its remarkable and well-preserved 19th-century defense fortifications. Learn about the history and waterfront of Kingston, located at the beginning of the St Lawrence River. The cruise begins at the confluence of three major waterways: the Rideau Canal, the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. The Island Belle winds her way along the shorelines of Point Frederick, Navy Bay, Deadman's Bay and Cedar Island. From here, sail on toward the open water of Lake Ontario, with views of Wolfe Island’s powerful wind turbines. Take in the sights of some of Kingston’s most prominent landmarks including Murney Tower, Kingston Penitentiary, the Tett Centre, and Gord Downie Pier.

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.

Cruise the Thousand Islands in the morning light. Explore the remarkable scenery that has made the region famous throughout the world. This 3-hour cruise is the perfect way to combine an in-depth cruise to the Thousand Islands with a leisurely brunch. Offered Wednesday through Sunday from July to August, a delicious brunch is served onboard the Island Queen. See the world-famous Thousand Islands, which begin in Kingston and span the St. Lawrence River for miles. You'll wind your way through the small cottage islands of the Admiralty Group, passing through small islands and large estates that attract visitors from around the world. Enjoy live entertainment and hear the history and folklore as you pass by spectacular scenery and island homes. Brunch is freshly prepared onboard and hot and cold drink options are available on board for additional purchase.