Gananoque: 1000 Islands Cruise & Optional Boldt Castle Entry
About This Experience
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 departing from the Gananoque port passes majestic views of the Admiralty and Navy group of islands. Note: the one-hour cruise does not have views of Boldt Castle or Millionaire's Row.
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.
Highlights
- Located in the heart of 1000 Islands, sail along the St. Lawrence River
- Enjoy audio commentary in English & French highlighting the region's history
- See landmarks like the Boldt Castle & Zavikon Islands (3-Hour & 5-Hour Cruise)
- Choose the 5 Hour option for admission to Boldt Castle, located on Heart Island
- Food & drink available for purchase onboard
What's Included
- ✓ 1, 3, or 5-Hr 1000 Islands Cruise
- ✓ Boldt Castle Admission (if 5 hour option selected)
- ✓ Onboard audio commentary in English and French
- ✓ On-board licensed snack bar with assorted food, snacks, soft drinks and alcoholic drinks available for purchase
- ✓ Restaurant, gift shop, washrooms and more are available at port
- ✓ Paid parking available at port
Not Included
- Snacks and drinks bar (snacks and drinks available for purchase)
Good to Know & Caveats
- - Passport is only required for the 5-hour Cruise with Boldt Castle Entry from Gananoque
- - All passengers on the 5-Hour Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise are subject to U.S. Customs & Border Protection and require a valid passport and/or Nexus card to board, no exceptions. Citizens outside of Canada or the US require a visitor’s visa & their passport. An approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is required as US Customs & Border Protection no longer accept a Visa Waiver Form
- - For more details on required documentation, contact the U.S. Customs & Border Protection: https://www.cbp.gov/
- - City Cruises is not responsible for passengers without the proper documentation
- - It is at the discretion of U.S. Customs & Border Control to refuse entry to Boldt Castle to any person(s). In this case, City Cruises Gananoque shall not be held responsible & no refunds will be issued
- - City Cruises is not responsible for time spent at Boldt Castle, as it depends on U.S. Customs processing
Meeting Point
Your departure port is located at: City Cruises Gananoque, 280 Main Street, Gananoque, ON, K7G 2M2 Parking passes are available for purchase at the lot or in the ticket office.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.5/5 by 5325 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
I think another half hour to an hour would have been perfect! but it was enough time to see the castle and grounds
— Misa, August
It gives you a very good overview of the 1000 Islands region... the pleasant surprise was the translation into French of all the explanations, which allowed our children to understand everything without us having to translate (only English was mentioned when booking). We took the 1-hour package and found it to be just perfect for getting a good overview
— Marlene, August
It was perfect. A very nice experience. I recommend it.
— Cecile, August
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cruise length should I pick from Gananoque?
The 1-hour cruise covers the Admiralty Islands but skips Boldt Castle. The 3-hour cruise adds Boldt Castle and Millionaires' Row views from the water. The 5-hour cruise is the only option that actually docks at Heart Island so you can tour Boldt Castle in person — it includes castle admission.
Do I need a passport for the Gananoque cruise?
Only for the 5-hour cruise with the Boldt Castle stopover — Heart Island is U.S. territory, so U.S. Customs & Border Protection requires a valid passport or NEXUS card, no exceptions. The 1-hour and 3-hour cruises stay in Canadian waters and need no travel documents.
Where does the Gananoque cruise depart from?
City Cruises Gananoque, 280 Main Street, Gananoque, ON, about 30 minutes from Kingston. Paid parking is available at the lot or ticket office.
