1000 Islands Cruise Ontario: Boldt Castle & Narrow Channels

An hour that feels like stepping into another time on the water

You board at Ivy Lea and spend an hour cruising narrow channels between islands, passing historic cottages and viewing Boldt Castle from the water. Bilingual audio commentary, an onboard bar and snack service, and free parking are all included. The boat runs in most weather, and you're back on shore within the hour.

Step-by-step itinerary

1-hour 1000 Islands sightseeing cruise

• Depart from Gananoque waterfront
• Cruise narrow channels of Admiralty Islands
• Pass by McDonald Island and White Calf Islands
• View Howe Island on St. Lawrence River
• See various 1000 Islands and cottages
• Return to Gananoque waterfront

The experience

There's something about being on the water that makes you stop talking. The boat leaves Ivy Lea and within minutes you're threading through channels so narrow you can almost touch the islands on either side: fifth and sixth generation family cottages tucked into the shoreline, some of them barely bigger than a boathouse. The 1000 Islands aren't a myth. There are actually 1,864 of them scattered across 50 miles of the St. Lawrence River, and this one-hour cruise takes you into the part most people never see. The Iroquois called it the "Garden of the Great Spirit," and once you're in the Admiralty and Navy group of islands, you understand why.

The audio commentary runs in English and French, so you're getting the history as you float past: the wars, the smuggling, the stories that live in these islands. Boldt Castle appears at a certain point, and Zavikon Island too, along with the 1000 Islands International Bridge framing the distance. It's not a rushed tour. It's an hour that actually feels like time on the water, not time being managed. The boat has a full bar onboard if you want wine or a cocktail, a snack bar for basics, and restrooms, so you're not uncomfortable for the duration. Free parking at the dock means you don't have to think about where to leave your car.

The cruise runs rain or shine (they only cancel if the water gets genuinely unsafe), so you're not gambling on the weather. Families with small children can bring strollers, and the boat is wheelchair accessible. Service animals are welcome. It's the kind of thing that sounds simple until you're actually on it and realize how rare it is to be this close to islands this old, with this much quiet around you.

What’s included

Your hour includes departure from Ivy Lea, bilingual audio commentary covering the islands' history, views of Boldt Castle, Zavikon Island, and the 1000 Islands International Bridge, an onboard restroom, and access to the snack bar and full bar. Free parking is available at the dock.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 15:00

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?Right for anyone wanting to see the 1000 Islands without arranging a boat or spending hours on the water. The one-hour format gets you into the narrow channels and back to shore before the day moves on.

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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.

How long is the cruise?

One hour, departing from Ivy Lea.

What do you see on the cruise?

Boldt Castle, Zavikon Island, the 1000 Islands International Bridge, and narrow channels lined with family cottages. The boat cruises the Admiralty and Navy group of islands.

Is food and drink available onboard?

Yes. There's a snack bar with assorted items and drinks for purchase, and a full bar serving wine, cocktails and beer.

Is parking included?

Yes, free parking is available on-site at Ivy Lea.

What languages is the audio commentary in?

English and French.

Is the boat accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible.

Can I bring a stroller or pram?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.