1000 Islands Cruise: Boldt Castle & Bridge Views

See Boldt Castle and a century of riverside mansions without leaving the boat

A 3-hour cruise departing from Gananoque on the St. Lawrence River passes Boldt Castle, the 1000 Islands International Bridge, and the grand homes of Millionaires Row, with onboard audio commentary in English and French. The boat is wheelchair accessible and carries restrooms. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Cruises run rain or shine unless severe weather makes sailing unsafe.

Step-by-step itinerary

3-hour 1000 Islands sightseeing cruise

• Depart from Gananoque
• View Thousand Islands International Bridge
• See Boldt Castle on Heart Island
• Pass by 1000 Islands Tower observation point
• Observe Zavikon Island and shortest international bridge
• Learn onboard history and stories
• Return to Gananoque

The experience

The boat leaves Gananoque and heads into the 1000 Islands, a region that straddles the Canada-US border with two-thirds of the islands belonging to Canada. Audio commentary in English and French plays throughout, telling the history of the region and the people who built their fortunes here. You'll pass the lavish homes of Millionaires Row and see the 1000 Islands International Bridge, a steel span completed in 1937 that connects New York to Ontario across the St. Lawrence River.

Boldt Castle is the centerpiece of the cruise. Built starting in 1900 by millionaire hotel magnate George C. Boldt as a summer home for his wife Louise, the castle was designed to rival European estates. Construction stopped abruptly when Louise died before the castle was finished, and the property sat empty for over seventy years. Seeing it from the water (a stone mansion rising from Heart Island) is the reason most people book this cruise. The commentary explains the engineering behind the St. Lawrence Seaway and points out smaller oddities, like Zavikon Island's 32-foot international bridge, the shortest in the world, connecting a Canadian island to an American one in the middle of the river.

Restrooms are on board and the deck is wheelchair accessible. Food and drinks are sold on the boat, though you can bring your own. Parking is available at the departure point for a fee. The cruise runs in all weather except when unsafe water conditions force a cancellation.

What’s included

• Three-hour cruise on the St. Lawrence River.
• audio commentary in English and French.
• views of Boldt Castle, Millionaires Row, the 1000 Islands International Bridge, and the St. Lawrence Seaway.
• onboard restroom.
• wheelchair accessibility.
• food and beverages available for purchase on board.
• parking available at the departure point (fee applies).

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 12:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 225

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcome

Operated by City Cruises Gananoque

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a free afternoon and want to see Boldt Castle and Millionaire's Row from the water on a fixed three-hour schedule that fits between other activities.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I bring my own food and drinks on the 1000 Islands cruise from Gananoque?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks. The boat also has food and beverages available for purchase if you prefer to buy on board.

What is Boldt Castle and why is it famous?

Boldt Castle is a stone mansion built starting in 1900 on Heart Island by millionaire George C. Boldt as a summer home for his wife Louise. Construction stopped when she died before the castle was finished, and it sat abandoned for over seventy years. It is the most recognizable landmark on the 1000 Islands and the main reason travelers take this cruise.

Is the cruise accessible for people in wheelchairs?

Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible and has restrooms on board. Service animals are also allowed.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my cruise?

Cruises run rain or shine. However, if severe weather or unsafe water conditions develop, the operator will cancel the cruise rather than sail.

What is the 1000 Islands International Bridge?

The 1000 Islands International Bridge is a steel span system built in 1937 (with additions in 1959) that crosses the St. Lawrence River and connects northern New York to southeastern Ontario. You'll see it from the boat during the cruise.