City Cruises Gananoque
Explore the 1000 Islands on the St. Lawrence River
Gananoque has long been known as the gateway to the 1000 Islands, where breathtaking scenery, historic castles, charming waterfront villages, and the natural beauty of the St. Lawrence River come together. For more than 70 years, City Cruises Gananoque has helped visitors discover this remarkable destination with unforgettable sightseeing cruises departing from Gananoque and Ivy Lea, creating lasting memories on one of Canada's most iconic waterways.
Exploring the 1000 Islands by water reveals more than 1,000 islands, grand island estates, historic castles, and picturesque shorelines stretching along the St. Lawrence River between Ontario and New York State. Each cruise offers a front-row view of the region's rich history, stunning landscapes, and world-famous landmarks, making it one of the most memorable ways to experience the beauty and heritage of the 1000 Islands.
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Featured Experiences
What to Expect with City Cruises Gananoque
With City Cruises Gananoque, you'll enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery in Ontario while learning about the history and stories that shaped the region.
Whether you're joining a sightseeing cruise, castle tour, sunset cruise, or specialty experience, every journey offers a unique perspective on the 1000 Islands.
- Explore the world-famous 1000 Islands
- Cruise along the St. Lawrence River
- Experience historic castles and waterfront estates
- Enjoy incredible photography opportunities
- Relax while learning about the region's history
- Discover one of Canada's most scenic destinations
What You'll See Along the 1000 Islands
Depending on your cruise route, highlights may include some of the region's most iconic landmarks:
- Boldt Castle
- Singer Castle
- Millionaires Row
- Zavikon Islands
- Thousand Islands International Bridge
- St. Lawrence Seaway
- Historic waterfront estates
- Private island retreats
- International border waters
- Scenic island channels
Every cruise offers a unique opportunity to experience the region's beauty from the perspective it was meant to be seen.
Discover Boldt Castle & the Region's Famous Landmarks
One of the most iconic sights in the 1000 Islands is Boldt Castle.
Often called the "castle of love," Boldt Castle remains one of the most photographed landmarks in the 1000 Islands region. Located on Heart Island, this magnificent six-storey castle was built by hotel magnate George C. Boldt as a tribute to his wife Louise.
Today, Boldt Castle stands as one of the most recognizable attractions on the St. Lawrence River and continues to captivate visitors from around the world.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Gananoque City Cruises departs from 280 Main Street, Gananoque, Ontario, located along the waterfront in the heart of the 1000 Islands region.
Ivy Lea departures are located at 95 Ivy Lea Road, Lansdowne, Ontario, just minutes from the Thousand Islands International Bridge and Thousand Islands Parkway.
Both departure locations offer spectacular 1000 Islands sightseeing experiences. Gananoque is the primary departure location for the 1-Hour Cruise, 3-Hour Cruise, and Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise, while Ivy Lea is home to the popular 2-Hour Two Castle Cruise featuring views of both Boldt Castle and Singer Castle.
Yes. Complimentary on-site parking is available for guests. During peak season and busy periods, parking may be limited, so we recommend arriving early.
Many City Cruises vessels are wheelchair accessible and offer accessible boarding areas, indoor spaces, and accessible washrooms on select vessels. Accessibility features may vary by vessel and departure location, so guests with specific mobility needs are encouraged to contact Guest Services before sailing to ensure the best experience.
City Cruises Gananoque welcomes guide dogs or service animals on our premises. The service animal is required to always accompany the guest. The guest is responsible for their service animal while on our premises. Service animals are defined as being visibly apparent that the customer requires the animal for reasons relating to a disability. City Cruises Gananoque will request documentation from the guest (i.e., identification card) confirming that the guest requires the animal for reasons relating to a disability. All other animals and pets are not permitted on City Cruises Gananoque property.
Yes. Complimentary on-site parking is available for guests departing from Ivy Lea. During peak periods, parking may be limited, so arriving early is recommended.
We recommend arriving at least 15-20 minutes before your scheduled departure. During peak summer weekends and holidays, guests may wish to allow additional time for parking, ticket collection, and boarding.
Yes. All guests, including infants and young children, require a ticket to board the vessel.
Outside food and beverages are not permitted on board. However, guests departing from Gananoque can purchase food, beverages, snacks, and refreshments from Dockside Restaurant or onboard concessions. Guests departing from Ivy Lea can purchase food and beverages from the Upper Deck Patio and bring those items aboard their cruise. Select snacks and beverages may also be available for purchase onboard, depending on the vessel and sailing.
A cruise is often the highlight of a visit to Gananoque, but it's only part of the experience.
The region offers opportunities for:
Island Exploration
Discover the islands, waterfront communities, and natural beauty that make the area famous.
Historic Landmarks
Learn about the castles, estates, and maritime heritage of the St. Lawrence River.
Outdoor Adventures
Enjoy boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking, cycling, and waterfront recreation throughout the region.
Sunset Cruises
Experience the beauty of the islands as the sun sets over the river and the landscape begins to glow.
No. Suitcases, carry-on luggage, coolers, trunks, roller bags, and other oversized items are not permitted onboard.
Guests may bring small personal items such as purses, handbags, cameras, diaper bags, and small backpacks. All items may be subject to inspection prior to boarding.
Guests and personal belongings may be subject to security screening before boarding as part of our ongoing commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone on board.
No. Smoking, vaping, and the use of tobacco or cannabis products are not permitted onboard City Cruises vessels.
Absolutely. The 1000 Islands offers some of Canada's most spectacular photography opportunities, including castles, island landscapes, waterfront estates, historic landmarks, and scenic river views.
The 1000 Islands is a world-famous destination located along the St. Lawrence River between Ontario and New York State. The region is home to more than 1,800 islands, ranging from tiny rocky outcroppings to private islands featuring historic castles and grand estates.
Whether you're looking for a quick sightseeing tour or a half-day adventure, City Cruises Gananoque offers a variety of ways to experience the region.
1-Hour Cruise
Perfect for visitors short on time, offering a scenic introduction to the beauty of the 1000 Islands.
3-Hour Cruise
Our most popular experience and a Canadian Signature Experience, featuring Millionaires Row, Boldt Castle, Zavikon Islands, and the heart of the 1000 Islands.
2-Hour Two Castle Cruise
Departing from Ivy Lea, this unique cruise showcases both Boldt Castle and Singer Castle from the water.
5-Hour Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise
Travel to Heart Island and enjoy exploring the famous Boldt Castle and grounds at your own pace.
Yes. Guests departing from Gananoque can enjoy waterfront dining, snacks, beverages, and ice cream at Dockside Restaurant and the Ice Cream Stop before or after their cruise. Guests departing from Ivy Lea can relax at the Upper Deck Patio, featuring food, drinks, and scenic views of the St. Lawrence River and 1000 Islands.
Most sightseeing cruises do not require a passport because guests remain on board throughout the experience. However, passport requirements apply for cruises that stop at Boldt Castle in the United States. Additional documentation is required for international guests. Guests should review the requirements for their specific cruise before booking. Please contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for more details. 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 will not issue any refunds for these instances.
The cruising season offers something unique throughout the year. Spring brings blooming landscapes and quieter waterways, summer offers warm weather and vibrant activity throughout the region, and fall showcases spectacular autumn colours along the St. Lawrence River and island shorelines.
Depending on your cruise route, highlights may include Boldt Castle, Singer Castle, Millionaires Row, Zavikon Islands, the St. Lawrence Seaway, waterfront estates, island communities, and spectacular river scenery.
Absolutely. A cruise is one of the best ways to experience the beauty, history, and unique geography of the 1000 Islands while enjoying views that cannot be seen from land.
Comfortable clothing and weather-appropriate layers are recommended. Conditions on the St. Lawrence River can change throughout the day, particularly during spring and fall.
Few places in North America combine natural beauty, history, and waterfront charm quite like the 1000 Islands.
Located along the border of Canada and the United States, the region features more than 1,800 islands scattered throughout the St. Lawrence River. From tiny rocky outcroppings to private islands with grand estates, every cruise reveals something different.
Visitors are drawn to the areas:
- Scenic island landscapes
- Historic castles and mansions
- Waterfront villages
- Rich maritime history
- Outdoor recreation opportunities
- Spectacular river views
Yes. City Cruises Gananoque welcomes guests of all ages. Families, couples, groups, and solo travelers enjoy our sightseeing cruises, making them one of the most popular experiences in the 1000 Islands region.
Known as the gateway to the 1000 Islands, Gananoque offers a unique combination of scenic waterways, historic castles, island landscapes, outdoor recreation, waterfront dining, and small-town charm that cannot be found anywhere else in Ontario.
In addition to a 1000 Islands cruise, visitors can explore downtown Gananoque, visit the Thousand Islands Playhouse, enjoy waterfront dining, discover local shops and galleries, cycle the Thousand Islands Parkway, and experience the natural beauty of the St. Lawrence River.
Boldt Castle is one of the most famous landmarks in the 1000 Islands. Located on Heart Island, the castle was built by George C. Boldt as a tribute to his wife Louise and remains one of the region's most popular attractions.
Singer Castle is a historic castle located on Dark Island in the 1000 Islands. Built in the early 1900s, it remains one of the region's most recognizable landmarks and is featured on select cruise routes.
Located in the heart of the 1000 Islands region, Gananoque serves as the perfect starting point for exploring the St. Lawrence River.
Conveniently located between Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal, Gananoque offers easy access to one of Canada's most spectacular waterfront destinations. Its historic downtown, vibrant waterfront, accommodations, restaurants, and proximity to the islands make it the ideal base for exploring the region.
From sightseeing cruises and waterfront dining to outdoor adventures and cultural attractions, Gananoque delivers the complete 1000 Islands experience.
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