1000 islands cruises gananoque boat line

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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.

Comfort Inn & Suites 1000 Islands

Comfort Inn & Suites 1000 Islands

Holiday Inn Express 1000 Islands Gananoque

Holiday Inn Express

Travelodge by Wyndham Gananoque

Colonial Resort 1000 Islands

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Visitor Information

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

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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.

1000 Islands Cruises — Gananoque

Looking for great 1000 Islands cruises? Hop on with City Cruises Gananoque and discover the world-famous 1000 Islands. City Cruises operates triple-decker, all-aluminum vessels with on-board facilities such as restrooms, coffee shops, bars and refreshment areas. Each boat has its own open and enclosed decks.

Choose from one, three or five-hour cruises to enjoy Gananoque’s natural beauty and iconic landmarks such as Boldt Castle and Heart Island. Sail the narrow channels of the Admiralty and Navy group of islands while savouring delicious food and onboard entertainment.

Visit the City Cruises Gananoque website

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How to get to 1000 Islands Cruises — Gananoque

Location: City Cruises Gananoque, 280 Main Street, Gananoque

By car: Gananoque is about a three-hour drive along the ON-401 E from Toronto, and two hours from Ottawa. Paid parking is available onsite.

By transit: VIA Rail provides daily service to Gananoque train station. Take a taxi from the station to the Gananoque City Cruises port.

Know before you go

Outside food and drinks are not permitted onboard. Food and beverages are available for purchase on board.

All passengers on the Boldt Castle stop-over cruise are required to have a valid passport and/or Nexus card to board this cruise as Boldt Castle is an Official Port of Entry into the United States.

Book tickets and find the current City Cruises Gananoque tour schedule online .

Things to do at 1000 Islands Cruises — Gananoque

Discover more activities and experiences.

See famous attractions

Hop on the 3-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise and take in the stunning scenery Gananoque is renowned for. Snap amazing pictures as you sail past the iconic Boldt Castle and Millionaire’s Row.

Explore scenic islands

Learn the history of the 1000 Islands with the 1-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise . Cruise narrow channels and discover generations-old cottages dotting the Admiralty and Navy group of islands.

Visit a historic castle

Stop over at Heart Island and tour Boldt Castle with the 5-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise . Other notable sights include Zavikon Island, the St. Lawrence Seaway and the 1000 Islands Bridge.

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Interesting facts about 1000 Islands Cruises—Gananoque

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

In the 1970s, City Cruises Gananoque began building its current vessels, starting with the Thousand Islander. When it set sail, it became the first, all-aluminum tourist vessel in North America.

Accessibility Features

Accessible entrances/exits, accessible parking, accessible restaurant, accessible seating, accessible washroom, assistive listening devices available, service animals welcome, support persons welcome, universal washroom, wheelchair accessible, wheelchair and/or mobility devices available.

Last updated:  May 17, 2024

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City Cruises - Gananoque

Cruise through history and mystery. A Canadian and Ontario Signature Experience, cruise the St. Lawrence River’s 1,000 Islands region with Gananoque Boat Line. See Millionaire’s Row’s lavish mansions of the rich and famous, captains of industry and railway barons. Pass Boldt Castle, a palatial, six-storey tribute to a loved one featuring Italian gardens, sculptures and tapestries from Europe. Spy the haunts of villains and vagabonds on islands big and small. Sail beneath the Thousand Islands International Bridge connecting Canada and the United States. Hear tales of four centuries of shipwrecks lying in the St. Lawrence, a watery resting place. Explore the spooky remnants of schooners, barges, paddle wheelers and freight carriers entombed in the river’s depths through historical photos, side-scan sonar imaging, video and knowledgeable commentary. Come away with a sense of the mighty river’s history, mystery, tragedy and heartbreak.

280 Main St Gananoque ON K7G 2M2 Canada

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1 hour 1000 islands cruise (city cruises gananoque).

• 1 Hour Cruise Gananoque
• Views of the Admiralty and Navy group of islands
• Showcasing the beautiful generations old Cottages and Summer Homes
• Audio & Video Commentary is available in 8 languages with audio headsets

Original Heart Of The Islands Cruise: 1 Hour 1000 Islands Cruise

Gananoque, located approximately 3 hours from Toronto, 2 hours from Ottawa, and 3 hours from Montreal, is the gateway to the 1000 Islands. Gananoque is only 15 minutes from the 1000 Islands Bridge, which connects Ontario and New York State, while Watertown is only 50 minutes away. From Kingston, Ontario, Highway 401 and Highway 2 provide access to our community.

Tour Highlights:

• Join us on a 1-hour trip that will bring you closer to the 1000 Islands than any other cruise.
• The area's peacefulness, dubbed the
• See the cottages of the fifth and sixth generations of a family.
• In the most intimate tour of the 1000 Islands, cruise the small passages of the Admiralty and Navy group of islands.

1 Hour 1000 Islands Cruise From Gananoque Schedule:

*Timed ticketing is in effect. **Schedule is subject to change without prior notice. Schedule updated on Feb 27, 2024.

Tour Itinerary

Where to meet.

• City Cruises Gananoque, 280 Main Street, Gananoque, ON, K7G 2M2

1 Hour Cruise

Views of the Admiralty and Navy group of islands; generations old Cottages and Summer Homes

Get Off Cruise

Pickup information.

• Parking passes are available for purchase at the lot or in the ticket office.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Once payment is received, cruises are non-refundable. We are happy to reschedule your cruise date for the amount paid within 48-hour notice before your scheduled cruise.

Cruises are NON-REFUNDABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE within 48 hours of your cruise.

We do not compensate for no-shows or late arrivals. In the event your cruise was cancelled by our operator, you will receive two options sent via email and SMS text message to the number we have on file:

Option 1: You may transfer to a different cruise date. Please note that we will refund you the difference if you reschedule to a lower-priced cruise. If you are rescheduling to a higher-priced cruise, payment will be required for the difference, once the new date is selected. Please note, that prices are subject to change based on demand and peak cruise times.

Option 2: If you cannot join us on a future date, you will receive a full refund back to the original form of payment. Please allow 3-5 business days for the funds to appear in your account.

• Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I print tickets or show my boarding pass?

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

Q: What happens if it rains or snows?

We sail rain or shine. In the case of severe weather conditions or upon the direction of Transport Canada, we will remain dockside but provide the full dining service.

Q: Where can I find my boarding time?

Your boarding and cruise time are different – most cruises board 30 minutes before their departure time. Please check your confirmation email to confirm your cruise boarding & departure time.

Q: Are cameras allowed on tour?

Yes. We want you to capture all the great memories of your tour with us!

Q: What is the cancellation policy?

The cruises are non-refundable final sale, and you have up to 48 hours before the cruise to reschedule or receive a gift card. We do not compensate for any late arrivals or no-shows to a cruise.

Q: Is seating assigned onboard?

Our Captain and Marine Crew will direct you to your deck as you board. From there, the Host/Hostess will show your party to your assigned table(s). Decks are never guaranteed to non-private groups. We assign seats based on needs and capacity for each cruise.

Other Information

• Must arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to departure.
• Check-in is at the City Cruises Gananoque Ticket Office located just across from the boarding area
• Must ensure they arrive at the correct port location, Gananoque or Ivy Lea, when booking the 1-Hour 1000 Islands Cruises.

Tour Exclusions

• Meals and beverages

• CA$32.95 Book This Tour
• Book This Tour CA$32.95

• [email protected]
• : +1 800-653-2242

• 5 Brisdale Dr, Suite 208 Brampton, ON L7A 0S9, Canada

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IMPORTANT UPDATE

As of Sep 05, 2024, proof of COVID-19 vaccination with photo ID is required for restaurants and bars, casinos, concerts, theatres, cinemas, recreation and sporting facilities, festivals and more. Capacity limits for indoor and outdoor activities are based on maintaining a physical distance of 2m/6ft from others. Please follow all public health guidelines to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Keeping workplaces, staff and guests safe is our destination's primary focus. Key public health measures are in place and we all share a responsibility to stay informed, be prepared, be flexible and follow health and safety guidelines.

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Gananoque Boat Line – 1000 Islands Cruises

Gananoque Boat Line – 1000 Islands Cruises operates a fleet of five triple-decker vessels from the heart of the 1000 Islands in Gananoque, Ontario. Our crew are highly trained and our vessels are certified through Transport Canada to the highest standards.

Gananoque Boat Line has available parking, as well as a large gift shop and restaurant. On board our boats, you will find food, beverages and licensed bars. Our boats are spacious and combine indoor and outdoor seating to take in the breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River.

Although there are different anecdotes about Gananoque Boat Line’s early history, the first cruise operator in Gananoque was a local letter carrier who delivered mail to islanders and took passengers to complement his mail delivery activities. In 1951, three local men founded Gananoque Boat Line with the Linda 7, a wooden cruise ship that could carry 55 passengers. A few years later, they added the Linda 4, the Miss Rockport 2, the Island Wanderer and the Pickle—all of which are single-deck wooden vessels. In the 1960s, the Miss Gananoque I and the Miss Gananoque II joined Gananoque Boat Line’s fleet.

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Castles & Cruises

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

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

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

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5-Hour 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise from Gananoque

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City Cruises Gananoque – 5 iconic cruise options in the 1000 Islands

City Cruises Gananoque, the oldest and largest cruise line in the 1000 Islands, kicks off their 2022 season May 7th.

“The beauty of the 1000 Islands is unparalleled,” says Mory Dimaurizio, Chief Operating Officer of City Cruises in Canada. “Explore the history of lost ships, enjoy breathtaking views and visit the magnificent Boldt Castle. A cruise through the 1000 Islands is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

On May 7th, City Cruises Gananoque will launch its Original Hart, Depths and Discovery and Boldt Castle tours from its Gananoque port, while the Landmarks cruise will launch from its Ivy Lea port. The Sunset cruises will start June 25th.

Original Heart of the 1000 Islands

Take a one-hour cruise taking you closer than any other cruise available in the 1000 Islands. Referred to by the Iroquois Nation as the “Garden of the Great Spirit,” the tranquility of the area belies a history of adventures, wars and rebellions. See fifth- and sixth-generation family cottages. Cruise the narrow channels of the Admiralty and Navy group of islands in the most intimate tour the 1000 Islands has to offer.

Landmarks of the 1000 Islands Cruise

Sailing from the Ivy Lea port, experience the 1000 Islands and see Boldt Castle, the Statue of St. Lawrence, 1000 Islands International Bridge and Zavikon Islands containing the smallest International Bridge in the world, during this cruise in the heart of the 1000 Islands. Cruise past the Statue of St. Lawrence, while he watches peacefully over the moving vessels and mighty St. Lawrence River. This statue is only visible from the water, standing high above on a rock cut.

Depths and Discovery of the 1000 Islands Cruise

The three-hour Depths & Discovery of the 1000 Islands Cruise is a Canadian Signature Experience. This tour combines video and audio commentary along with side-scan sonar images, bringing events and stories back to life. You will see the famed Boldt Castle and lavish homes of the rich & famous on “Millionaire’s Row.” Discover the remarkable feats of engineering required to build the St. Lawrence Seaway, 1000 Islands International bridge and so much more!

Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise

Set sail on a five-hour cruise and sail through the American span of the 1000 Islands, before your two-hour stopover at Boldt Castle, where you will step back in time to explore the romantic legend of Boldt Castle. Enjoy a magnificent return voyage through the Canadian span of the 1000 Islands on the largest and most iconic passenger vessels on the St. Lawrence River.

Sunset Sightseeing Cruise

The 90-minute Sunset Cruise is a magical time to be experiencing the 1000 Islands. Many photographers refer to this time as the golden hour, a magnificent opportunity to capture pictures of scenery and wildlife. The sunset is also a perfect for romantic couples who will enjoy a calm and relaxing experience. This sunset cruise will take you to a world of relaxation and natural splendour as you see summer cottages of the 1000 Islands. You will be surrounded by a unique tapestry of plants and wildlife in one of the world’s most spectacular nature preserves as the sun sets on one of the most beautiful regions in the world.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit citycruises.com/Gananoque .

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One Ontario lady with a passion for travel and inspiring others to get outdoors and explore more

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Enjoy the Wild Beauty and History of the 1000 Islands with a Gananoque Cruise

by Stephanie · Published June 3, 2017 · Updated December 22, 2023

The rich, dark blue waters of the St. Lawrence River stretched out in front of me. Even though the wind ruffled my hair and sent chills down my neck I was thrilled to explore the 1000 Islands on a Gananoque cruise. There’s something serene and rejuvenating about being on the water. And when you combine all those refreshing feelings with a cruise through one of Ontario’s gems, the 1000 Islands, it can’t help but make for a great day!

One of the most spectacular waterways in Canada is the St. Lawrence River. Running between northern New York state in the United States and Southern Ontario in Canada, the St. Lawrence River is home to the 1000 Islands region. The 1000 Islands are made up of over 1800 islands, two castles, and countless bird life. And the best way to explore the 1000 Islands is aboard a Gananoque cruise.

Gananoque Boat Line

While there are various boat lines to choose from in both Canada and the United States, one of the best is Gananoque Boat Line. Over 60 years ago the Gananoque Boat Line had humble beginnings as they delivered mail to the people on the islands, and then started ferrying people between the islands too. It’s now grown to include five vessels, ushering up to 500 passengers a boat, and yet still remains a family run business with strong ties to the community.

The Gananoque Boat Line offers an assortment of cruises to choose from. From one-hour, two-hour, five-hour, or a special cruise that combines music and dinner along with a cruise around the 1000 Islands, the Gananoque Boat Line has a cruise to suit everyone’s taste.

Lost Ships of the 1000 Islands Cruise

The Gananoque Boat Line’s Lost Ships of the 1000 Islands Cruise is dubbed as a “ Canadian Signature Experience “. Along the ride they offer audio commentary about the 1000 Islands region, its history, and stories of those who have called it home. On the second deck there’s indoor seating to escape the elements and enjoy video, and side-scan sonar images, of the many shipwrecks that lay beneath the waters of the St. Lawrence. And on the first deck there is a small snack bar, where you can grab a coffee or some fresh popcorn.

During the two and a half hour cruise you’ll learn about a half a dozen of the over 200 shipwrecks that now call the area home. Like the A.E. Vickery, a wooden schooner that sank in 1889 after it struck a shoal in the ‘American Narrows’. It’s incredible to think of the treasures that these ships hold, from relics to stories

My Magical Gananoque Cruise

The sky was that perfect hue of azure, with the occasional white, fluffy cloud passing by, and the sun blazed. When the boat began boarding I headed straight up to the top deck, for the best views. As the boat set off through the rich, cobalt blue waters we were met with a chill from the open water winds.

All around small rock islands dotted the river. Some with quaint cottages, others with lone trees, and a few with the many birds that call this area home. With the wind blowing my hair, standing at the front of the ship, all I could do was smile, looking out at this wonderland of wild, untamed beauty.

As an animal lover, I was blown away by the wealth of bird life. Cormorants abound, covering small rock islands, and perched through trees otherwise bare. Osprey call this area an ideal home, with nests balanced on buoys. And I even craned my neck to take in a majestic bald eagle soar above the islands.

Among the many islands you cruise past everything from charming cottages to grand, million dollar homes. And there’s even a castle. Located on Heart Island, Boldt Castle was built by the owner of the world-famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel, George C. Boldt. While my cruise, the Lost Ships Cruise, doesn’t stop at the Castle, they do have a cruise that does. Giving you two hours to explore this grandiose, six-story castle, with 120 rooms, gardens, and other interesting structures, the Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise is an epic 5 hour tour.

*But make sure you have your passport if you want to take the Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise, as it’s on American soil .

Where to Eat

As my cruise began in the afternoon, I opted for lunch at Island Memories Restaurant. This restaurant shares the same building where you get your tickets for the Gananoque Boat Line cruises. It’s located across the street from where you catch your boat, making it incredibly convenient. There’s even a gift shop to browse and grab a souvenir of your trip.

I chose the spicy chicken sandwich, and it was delicious! And whatever type of bun they use was mouth-watering good. The menu is varied and the prices are very budget friendly.

Would I recommend a cruise with Gananoque Boat Line?

I was blown away by the Gananoque cruise! From the breathtaking location to the incredible highlights, like Boldt Castle, shipwrecks, and the expansive 1000 Islands International Bridge, the experience was all-encompassing.

Not only is the cruise a fabulous way to explore the 1000 Islands, but you’ll leave with an abundance of knowledge on the area and its history. The cruise left me with a profound appreciation of the 1000 Islands region.

Disclaimer: I was hosted by 1000 Islands Tourism, and asked to provide an honest review. As always, my opinions are all my own.

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I'm a Canadian gal with a passion for travel, the great outdoors as well as coffee and books. I hope to inspire others to feel the same way! Traveling mostly solo, I love to explore my own backyard of Ontario as well as exotic cities around the world.

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