boat tour ontario canada

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Niagara City Cruises

Ride the Hornblower and embark on a breathtaking voyage to the base of Niagara Falls. This unforgettable journey offers spectacular views of the Niagara Gorge, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, culminating in an up-close encounter with the iconic Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Experience the thunderous roar, immense power, and refreshing mist of these natural wonders, with a complimentary recyclable mist poncho provided for your comfort. For a magical twist, opt for the evening tour to enjoy the illuminated falls and a gentle mist experience.

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Discover the story of Niagara Parks and all of the must-see Canadian experiences found along its 56-kilometre parkway with our digital visitor guide!

An Unforgettable Experience

Plan your visit with ease and convenience! Take advantage of timed ticketing options to make the most of your time in Niagara Falls.

On board, keep dry from the mist with a complimentary recyclable poncho and discover the incredible story of the falls with audio commentary.

Save up to 57% on Niagara's most popular attractions

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Hours of operation may vary by date.

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All prices are in Canadian Dollars and do not include applicable tax (13% HST).

5920 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X8

AWAY YOU GO!

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Niagara City Cruises | Niagara Falls Tourism

Ottawa Region

Southeastern ontario, kawarthas and northumberland, algonquin park, muskoka and parry sound, bruce, grey and simcoe, northeastern ontario, northwest ontario, greater toronto area, hamilton, halton and brant, niagara region, cross-border cruises, on this page, sightseeing boat tours and cruises in ontario.

Over a quarter million freshwater lakes and 100,000 kilometres of riverways make Ontario the ultimate boating and cruising destination.

From sightseeing boat tours and leisure cruising tours to high-speed jet boat rides, there are endless boating adventures to enjoy in Ontario.

Explore Ontario’s waterways, including heritage canals and rivers of Southern Ontario to the legendary lakes in the North, on these guided river boat tours and lake cruises.

Ottawa Boat Cruise

Travel through the heart of Ottawa via the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Choose from several different options, including tours that combine a cruise on the canal with cycling, dining or a double-decker bus ride through the city.

Location: Rideau Canal, Ottawa

Pirate Life

Families with younger kids are invited to climb onboard the interactive theatre cruise on Mooney’s Bay. It’s an exciting, immersive adventure with swashbuckling pirates, treasure hunts and water cannons. Pirate Life excursions are also offered in Toronto, Barrie and Hamilton.

Location: 588 Hog’s Back Road, Ottawa

St. Lawrence Cruise Lines

St. Lawrence Cruise Lines offers overnight cruises on the St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers.

Enjoy calm water cruising on a classic Canadian riverboat down beautiful, intricate riverways with historic attractions along the way.

Locations: Multiple ports from Kingston to Ottawa

1000 Islands Cruises

Tour Kingston’s historic harbour on a one-hour cruise. Or explore the 1000 Islands on a sightseeing cruise starting from downtown Kingston. The scenic three-hour tour includes live entertainment, a delicious meal and up-close views of landmarks such as the historic Boldt Castle or the lavish properties along Millionaires’ Row.

Location: 1 Brock Street, Kingston

Rockport Cruises

Add a little Rockport hospitality to your 1000 Islands tour.

Choose between the popular Heart of the Islands or Palaces & Palisades tour. Each tour features fascinating historical landmarks and stunning scenery, with a licensed bar and snacks onboard.

Location: 20 Front Street, Rockport

Ontario Waterway Cruises

Experience the peaceful atmosphere and friendly hospitality of the 45-passenger Kawartha Voyageur Riverboat on multi-day trips on the Trent-Severn.

Look for special fall season cruises or check out more trips on the Rideau Canal and Bay of Quinte.

Location: Trent-Severn Waterway

With a steamship heritage that out-dates Canada, cruising is a must-do in Muskoka and Georgian Bay.

Georgian Spirit Cruises

Experience a tour like nothing else through the 30,000 islands in Georgian Bay aboard Georgian Spirit Cruises out of Midland.

The ship sails daily, offering lunch, dinner, sunset and sightseeing tours.

Location: 165 King Street, Midland

Parry Sound Cruise Line

There are several ways to tour Georgian Bay with Parry Sound Cruise Lines.

Enjoy a serene morning cruise aboard the historical M.V. Chippewa III (a decommissioned Maid of the Mist). Opt for one of the afternoon, dinner or sunset cruises, or arrange for a private charter tour just for you and your crew.

Location: 20 McIsaac Way, Parry Sound

Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre

Experience one of the family-friendly sightseeing tours or “high-sea adventure” themed tours aboard Muskoka Steamships.

The fleet includes the Royal Mail Ship Segwun, North America’s oldest operating steamship. The Wenonah II, a larger replica steamship, departs daily from the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst.

Location: 185 Cherokee Lane, Gravenhurst

Sunken shipwrecks, heritage lighthouses and famed sunsets are just a few of the highlights to enjoy while cruising on Lake Huron and southern Georgian Bay.

Bruce Anchor Cruises

Book a glass-bottom boat cruise and experience an unforgettable viewing of two nineteenth-century shipwrecks.

Book a night or two in one of their well-appointed cottages for a comfortable stay before you board the cruise in the morning.

Location: 61 Front Street, Tobermory

Blue Heron Cruises

In addition to glass-bottom cruises, Blue Heron Cruises offers exhilarating open-air jet boat cruises. In a comfortable forward-facing seat, feel the wind on your face (and maybe a splash of the Bay) as you admire the iconic Flowerpot Island rock formations and the spectacular view of the Niagara escarpment.

Location: 7425 Highway 6, Tobermory

MS Chi-Cheemaun

Ojibwe for “big canoe,” the MS Chi-Cheemaun offers much more than a ferry service.

Sit back for a two-hour cruise between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island, breathe in the beautiful air and admire the largest freshwater island in the world. The sunset dining and “stargazers delight” cruises make the perfect date.

Locations: 8 Eliza Street, Tobermory or 41 Water Street, South Baymouth

Shaka Wasaga Boat Cruise

Be transported to the tropics aboard the Shaka Wasaga Boat Cruise. Cruise along the crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches of Georgian Bay and take in the gorgeous sunset with a full menu and bar at your service.

Location: 55 Mosley Street, Wasaga Beach

Learn about the history of the area’s most famed lakes and waterways on a cruise in Northeastern Ontario.

Chief Commanda II

The Chief Commanda II cruises into the magnificent vistas of Callander Bay on Lake Nipissing in North Bay. There are also boat tours to explore the Manitou Islands and the scenic French River.

Make your cruise extra special with the sunset dining option or book a cruise featuring live entertainment.

Location: 200 Memorial Drive, North Bay

From Superior to Lake of the Woods, the legendary lakes of Northwest Ontario are unforgettable.

Sail Superior

Depart out of Thunder Bay for a journey along the greatest of the Great Lakes.

Take a heart-pounding tour on the 12-person Zodiac aptly named the Superior Rocket. Or opt for a more leisurely Wine and Cheese Cruise aboard a larger vessel.

Location: 1 Marina Park Drive, Thunder Bay

M.S. Kenora

A visit to Kenora in Sunset Country isn’t complete without a sundowner aboard the M.S. Kenora, along the scenic water of Lake of the Woods.

The region is known as Sunset Country for its proximity to the prairies, causing spectacular colours due to the sun’s reflection off the land.

Location: Kenora

Grace Anne II

Feel transported through time as you sail across the Lake of the Woods aboard this luxurious vessel.

Experience a unique level of elegance and craftsmanship with its gleaming mahogany decks and staterooms, Persian carpets and white glove service.

Southern Ontario also has its share of amazing boat tours and cruises.

City Cruises Toronto

Glide along the water next to the biggest city skyline in the country.

Dial up the romance with dinner and cocktails in the harbour surrounded by a dramatic sunset and an unforgettable view of Toronto’s skyline at night.

Location: 207 Queens Quay West, Toronto

Cruise Southern Ontario’s largest watershed that is also a Canadian Heritage River System.

Grand River Cruises

For a dinner to remember, book an evening cruise with Grand River Cruises, just south of Hamilton.

Admire the scenic Grand River from your own private window table while enjoying a delicious four-course dinner.

Location: 36 Brant County Road 22, Caledonia

See the mighty Niagara Falls from the water on an exciting boat tour.

Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours

For adrenaline seekers, Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours will zip you out on a one-hour, high-speed ride through the rapids below Niagara Falls.

Ride the famous open-topped Wet Jet or the enclosed Dry Freedom Jet, where you can stay dry and snap pictures.

Location: 55 River Frontage Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara City Cruises

Witness the most powerful waterfalls in North America on a twenty-minute boat ride. Elevate the experience on a forty-minute Falls Fireworks Cruise, where you can also enjoy the Falls at night.

Location: 5920 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls

Many of Ontario’s legendary waterways are shared with the United States and some of the most exceptional cruises explore these bodies of water that are cherished by Canada and the U.S.

Pearl Seas Cruises

Explore the Great Lakes and Georgian Bay with Pearl Seas Cruises that extend from seven to 11 days, concluding in various U.S. cities.

Experience spacious amenities, private balconies, attentive hospitality and daily entertainment. It’s a complete luxury experience along historical waters and breathtaking natural vistas.

Viking Expeditions

Sail the Great Lakes and Niagara River on an expert-led, eight-day tour that disembarks in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Glide past urban skylines, explore the complex ecosystems and hidden treasures of uninhabited islands and feel the thunderous roar of Niagara Falls.

PONANT also offers an eight-day cruise that will have you departing from Toronto and transferring from town to town as you make your way along Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Superior and finally Lake Michigan, beholding some of the most exquisite natural and made-made marvels this world has to offer.

Adventure Life

Take an eight-day cruise from Milwaukee to Toronto. Experience the change in elevation between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes via the Soo Locks of Sault Ste Marie. Discover the charming towns along the way that represent the gateway to Manitoulin Island and the heart of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Conclude the cruise in Southern Ontario to experience the treasures of Port Colborne and the diversity of Toronto.

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Last updated:  July 29, 2024

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Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour Get #InTheMist aboard Canada’s Top Visitor Experience – the Voyage to the Falls boat tour.

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Falls Fireworks Cruise There’s nothing quite like the sights and sounds of exploding fireworks over the brink of Niagara Falls.

Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour

Get up close and personal with canada’s top visitor experience, fall fireworks cruise, there’s nothing quite like the sight of exploding fireworks over the brink of niagara falls to make your trip a memorable one..

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Niagara Falls Canada – USA Border Crossing

Our most popular question from U.S. and International visitors is information regarding crossing the Canadian and United States border. Click here to find what you need to know.

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Niagara Falls is a natural phenomenon that attracts millions of tourists every year. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, there are plenty of things to do in Niagara Falls that will make your trip unforgettable.

Niagara Falls History

The history of Niagara Falls is as vast and beautiful as the falls themselves. About 12,000 years ago, erosion from melting Ice Age glaciers created the Niagara River’s majestic waterfalls, which run along the border between Canada and the United States. These natural marvels are one of North America’s most popular tourist destinations in Niagara Falls State Park.

Due to its location on the southern end of Lake Erie and at the beginning of Lake Ontario, this region has always been an important transportation corridor for travelers heading westward across North America.

Fun Activities in Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls has something fun for everyone in your group, regardless of age. Here are a few of the most popular activities people do when visiting Niagara Falls.

Take a Boat Cruise

Niagara Falls is best experienced by taking a boat cruise. However, get closer than most tourists by taking an evening cruise where you can see how different lights play off each other at night. Niagara City Cruises is the official supplier to Niagara Parks, providing Canada’s only Niagara Falls boat tour experience.

Niagara City Cruises – Voyage to the Falls

The 20-minute Voyage to the Falls boat tour will take you on the journey of a lifetime! Enjoy breathtaking views of the Niagara Gorge, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, and come face-to-face with the famous Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Feel the thunderous roar and incredible power of one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders.

Niagara City Cruises – Falls Fireworks

Marvel at the nightly Niagara Falls Illumination light show from the water on the Falls Fireworks cruise . Every evening beginning at dusk, Niagara Falls is transformed into an incredible, multi-coloured water and light masterpiece. Then at 10:00 pm each night from Victoria Day weekend to Canadian Thanksgiving (weather permitting), enjoy an unforgettable evening in Niagara Falls with a jaw-dropping fireworks displays against the backdrop of the American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

Niagara City Cruises is located at 5920 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X8, Canada.

Outdoor Recreation

Niagara Falls parks, trails and gardens are easily accessible to biking, hiking, walking – or even just a nice afternoon picnic. The Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens offers 40 hectares (99 acres) of beautifully maintained gardens to explore and is home to the Butterfly Conservatory , providing a truly enriching experience for all seasons. The heart of the Niagara Parks, Queen Victoria Park celebrates every season in style with a visual spectacle, from daffodils and tulips in spring to tree branches covered with the freezing mist of the Falls in winter. Niagara gardens such as the Parks Floral Showhouse , Centennial Lilac Garden , Floral Clock , Dufferin Islands , Oakes Garden Theatre and Queenston Heights Park provide inspiration and delight. Whether by foot or bike, discover 56 kilometers (35 miles) of historical and horticultural sights along the Niagara River Recreational Trail , described by Sir Winston Churchill as “the prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world.” The Recreational Trail connects Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake , meandering through parkland with views of the Niagara River and winding past places of historical and cultural interest, Niagara Falls, wineries, lookout points and beautiful homes.

Book a Tour

Local companies offer sightseeing tours of Niagara and the Falls, while visitors may also indulge a particular interest with a themed Niagara tour. Niagara wine tours traverse the region in search of the perfect Chardonnay, double decker tours lend a different perspective to the city, or Niagara adventure tours take visitors on a whirlwind of the area’s most exciting attractions.

Taking a tour in Niagara Falls will allow you to interact with knowledgeable tour guides that can give you all the valuable tid- bits of everything Niagara. Often times they take the burden a way of finding your way, parking and in some cases front of the line options at Niagara Falls attractions. Taking a combination tour between Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls is a great way to spend the week in Niagara.

Go Shopping

Head to the Canada One Factory Outlet on Lundy’s Lane with over 20 brand name stores or visit the Outlet Collection in Niagara-on-the-Lake , a unique open air collection of over 100+ brand name stores.

Within the heart of the tourist district there are also many shopping options. On Clifton Hill there are a number of shops where you can pick up souvenirs from your visit to Niagara Falls.

If you are looking for shopping decadence then we would recommend the Fallsview Casino Resort Shopping Galleria , great shops integrated with great restaurants and a Casino right there for a one stop shopping experience.

See the Falls from Skylon Tower

The Skylon Tower is a 456-foot tower with a 360-degree observation deck, giving fantastic views of the falls. You can also see Lake Ontario, Navy Island, and Toronto.

Walk Across the Rainbow Bridge

The Rainbow Bridge is a pedestrian suspension bridge that spans the Niagara River between Rainbow Boulevard in Niagara Falls, New York, and Prospect Avenue in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

The bridge was built in 1938 by the Canadian Pacific Railway company to carry passengers between both sides of the river. Still, it is now open to pedestrians 24 hours a day and year-round. Canada and the United States have designated the structure as a National Historic Civil Engineering Site. In addition, it won an award for its beauty at its dedication ceremony.

Take a Helicopter Tour

Helicopter tours are a great way to see the falls from a different perspective. While you won’t be able to fly directly over the falls, you can see them from above. You’ll also get breathtaking views of Lake Ontario and its surrounding towns. Book your tour in advance because they sell out quickly on busy days.

Wineries, Breweries and Distilleries in Niagara Falls

Niagara Ontario Canada has become famous for its wines. Whether you are looking for wineries in the Niagara Region, or a specific winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake , Niagara is gaining international recognition as ‘must visit’ destination to enjoy a beautiful country escape with a bit of food and drink. Twenty-five vineyards dot the landscape just 15 to 20 minutes outside Niagara Falls, Canada in quiet and charming Niagara on-the-Lake. The entire Niagara wine region along the shores of Lake Ontario is home to over 50 wineries. Discover the best of the region’s vineyards by following the Wine Route of Ontario through the countryside by car, bike or guided tour . Many Niagara wineries have restaurants, where they pair their fine wines with regional cuisine, and an overnight outing can easily be arranged at nearby a bed-and-breakfast or inn for a Niagara Falls romantic getaway . And if you fall in love with our wine, consider planning a Niagara vacation around one of our popular annual Niagara festivals . The Niagara Wine Festival, which occurs annually in autumn, includes tours and tastings at Niagara vineyards, concerts, Niagara cuisine, artisan shows, and family entertainment. The Niagara Icewine Festival in January celebrates Ontario’s most famous wine in a winter wonderland setting, and the Niagara New Vintage Festival in summer gives visitors a chance to be the first to try the year’s wines.

Visit Old Fort Erie

Old Fort Erie is a National Historic Site of Canada. It was built in 1812, making it one of the first buildings in Fort Erie. This fort was a key site during the War of 1812 and played an important part in Canadian history.

This remarkable site features three main attractions:

The restored Officers’ Quarters: houses exhibits that discuss life within a military garrison.

The Blockhouse: a fortified structure with artifacts from several wars, including American Independence, War of 1812, and World War II.

The Museum exhibits military life, including uniforms and weapons used by soldiers.

Ride the Niagara SkyWheel

If you like to get out of your comfort zone, then the Niagara SkyWheel is for you. The tallest observation wheel in Canada, the SkyWheel, is located on Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls. It has 42 air-conditioned gondolas that can fit up to 8 people each and offers spectacular views of both sides of the falls (especially at night). The best part? It’s open year-round.

Dine Looking at the Falls

Table Rock House Restaurant is located in the Table Rock complex, known for its views of Niagara Falls. The restaurant has a seasonal outdoor patio and indoor seating with great views of the falls. So whether you sit in the dining room or at the bar, you can enjoy your meal while looking out at one of nature’s most legendary displays: Niagara Falls.

Experience the Theatre in Niagara Falls

When looking for theatre or shows in Niagara Falls, there’s an eclectic choice of Niagara entertainment for the entire family at one of our many theatres. Enjoy a Las Vegas style magic show at the Greg Frewin Theatre , or see dramatic productions chronicling the history of Niagara Falls at the Niagara Falls Adventure Theatre . From family-friendly entertainment to a couples-night-out, select from one of these shows for a well-rounded Niagara Falls getaway.

If you’re a theatre buff then you’ve heard of the famous Shaw Festival Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake . Only minutes away from Niagara Falls, the Shaw Theatre host an amazing selection of must-see live theatre productions.

What is the Best Time of Year to See Niagara Falls?

The peak tourist season is summer. However, spring and fall provide for a quiet getaway if you prefer not to deal with crowds and long lines.

However, not to be overlooked, Niagara Falls has a breathtaking calm during winter when ice and snow turn the Falls into a majestic winter castle.

The weather at Niagara Falls can dramatically affect whether your trip will go smoothly or turn into a disaster zone. Between June and September (and even into early October), the average temperature is in the 80s. Spring and fall temperatures range from 40F to 70F, while the cold Canadian wind keeps winter below zero.

Make sure to wear layers no matter when you visit Niagara Falls, so you are prepared for any weather changes.

Is Niagara Falls in Canada or New York?

Niagara Falls is located in both countries because it lies on the border between Canada and the United States. However, activities, dining, accommodations, and shopping vary significantly between the Canadian and American sides.

Do I Need a Passport to Go to Niagara Falls, Canada?

Yes. A Passport (or a Passport Card or Enhanced Driver’s License if coming by land) is required for crossing the border into Canada unless you are age 15 or younger. Please visit the government website for any further details.

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Mike is an avid Northern traveller, having spent years traversing its backroads, and visiting its remote lodges and fun cities by car, RV, motorcycle, and boat. There's always something new to discover in the North and Mike never shies away from the next great adventure. Mike is the chairman of the board for the Tourism Technology Company .

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JET BOAT SEASON IS HERE!

Choose your experience.

Choose between our open-topped Wet Jet (the ride that made us famous) or the new Wet Freedom Jet with guaranteed ‘Power Row’ seating. Prepare to get completely soaked on either tour.

Looking to stay dry? We’ve got you covered! The same thrill as the wet tours, but you can stay totally dry inside our enclosed Dry Freedom Jet. Feel free to bring your camera to snap some cool photos.

CHOOSE YOUR LOCATION

Join us at our Canadian location in Queenston, Ontario. Just a short 15-20 minute drive from the Falls. Wet and Dry trips departing daily.

Join us at our USA location in Lewiston, NY. Just a short 10-15 minute drive from the Falls. Wet and Dry trips departing daily.

A 45-MINUTE ADVENTURE TOUR INTO THE NIAGARA GORGE

WET OR DRY TOURS - YOU CHOOSE!

What our guests have to say about their experience....

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Niagara’s Ultimate Whitewater Adventure Tour! 🇨🇦 Niagara Falls, ON 🇺🇸Lewiston, NY

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LANDMARK CRUISES

With iconic windswept pines, clear blue water, endless beaches and rocky grandeur - a lunch cruise, dinner cruise, sightseeing cruise or speedboat tour of Georgian Bay and its many inlets and islands is the perfect getaway for your friends, family, clients and co-workers.

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Thousand Islands Cruise From Kingston (Our Boat Tour Experience)

Links in this article may earn us a little money if you book/ order stuff. More here

Choosing A Thousand Islands Cruise From Kingston Can Be Tough!

Want to explore the famous Thousand Islands region in the Saint Lawrence River? Great idea!

This beautiful region is a piece of classic “Canadiana” and – as a simple day trip from Kingston – there’s no better way to explore it than by water on an island cruise!

As a refresher, the 1000 Islands are a geographically and historically significant area of the St. Lawrence shared between Ontario (Canada) and New York State (United States).

That said, there are a few cruises to choose from and it can be confusing to find the best island cruise for you. Some cruises offer breakfast or dinner while others vary by tour boat prices and lengths.

Being Kingston locals for several years, we did the 3 Hour Thousand Islands Riverboat Cruise from Kingston . Eric had already done the Kingston sunset cruise, but Lisa hadn’t been out on the water yet.

So, in this guide, you’ll see what we experienced and get an overview of different 1000 Island boat tours available that leave from Kingston. If you want to leave from Gananoque, you can check here for Gananoque Boat Line . You can even tour from the USA with Uncle Sam Boat Tours.

* Friendly Disclosure: We paid for the boat tour we did ourselves – this is not a sponsored post .

Table of Contents

Thousand Islands Cruise – Boat Tour Options

If you know the kind of boat tour you’re looking for, feel free to jump ahead and click through to learn more below.

Be sure to make note of the specific details, the reviews, addresses, how to book, etc. All you have to do is book the one you like and show up to the waterfront!

• For the Classic 3 Hour Thousand Islands Cruise (We Did This) – Check Out This Boat Tour
• For the 1.5-Hour Discovery Cruise – Check Out This Boat Tour
• For a Sunset Dinner Cruise – Check Out This Site

Below, you’ll find more details about the above boat cruise tours so keep reading to make the right decision for you and your group!

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Classic 3 Hour Thousand Island Riverboat Tour (Our Tour)

If you want to experience the 1000 Islands, the cruise that we did is probably the best bet.

This cruise explored an area called The Admiralty Islands (which was beautiful) and is entirely sightseeing so you don’t get off the boat. Tour times for this longer tour are 10:30 am and 2:00 pm. We did the 10:30 am.

There is also no meal included – but you get live entertainment and amazing views of the historic waterway.

This tour also comes with audio commentary (which is really interesting) in English and there are audio guides available for Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German, and Japanese!

Overall, we really liked our tour – it was well organized and enjoyable. There’s a shop on-board where you can buy alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic drinks, and even snacks/food like popcorn.

This tour can actually be done with a breakfast or brunch add-on but this is a different ticket altogether.

You can read about our sightseeing tour in more detail below – we’ve included LOTS of photos so you can get see what we saw on tour!

⇒ Check out the exact sightseeing cruise we went on here

Kingston & 1000 Islands: 1.5-Hour Discovery Cruise

If you’re short on time but want to get out on the Kingston waterfront, you can always do a 1.5 Hour Kingston Discovery Cruise. This cruise is on a smaller boat than the Island Queen (what we took) called the Island Belle.

To compare, this cruise focuses much more heavily on Kingston and not so much on seeing the Islands. The tour covers the rich history of Canada’s first capital city and the waterways that shaped our nation – which is admittedly very interesting!

Since the cruise is shorter, they offer more times throughout the day. You can book to leave at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, or 5:00 pm. The 5:00 pm wouldn’t be quite at sunset but close enough and certainly not as hot as midday!

This tour also comes with audio commentary in English and audio guides for Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German, and Japanese!

⇒ Check the times to book your 1.5 Hour Island Discovery Cruise

Sunset Dinner Cruise

If you’re keen to have a meal and experience the sunset on the water, you can book a sunset dinner cruise. These cruises make use of the long, flat, glass-domed roof boat called the Island Star.

Cruises are 3 hours long and tables by the windows book up in advance so be sure to lock in your cruise if you know you want this option!

⇒ Check the prices and times here

Our Thousand Islands Cruise Experience

Since there are quite a few options, we went on a boat tour to show you exactly what it’s like.

The tour itself is run through Kingston Destination Group – the same group that runs the Tourist Information Centre downtown in Confederation Park and handles lots of Kingston tourism tours/activities like the famous Kingston Trolley Tour .

Overall, we really liked our tour. We knew it was sightseeing which meant 3 hours of sailing around in the sunshine and learning about stuff. That worked perfectly for us – and many others on the boat also enjoyed the tour!

We booked the boat cruise through GetYourGuide (a really good travel company) because the official tour booking website used to be very outdated.

That said, you can also book in person when you get to Kingston. However, the summer months are VERY busy in Kingston so some of these tours might sell out if you wait.

Personal advice: If you know the day you want to cruise, we’d suggest booking in advance.

After having booked online, we just walked up to the Kingston ticket pavilion before the cruise, showed the email voucher we got and received our paper tour tickets. Simple.

If you want to learn more about the tour and/or booking process, you can check out our boat tour here .

What You’ll Need For This Boat Tour

If you do end up on this sightseeing cruise, here’s a shortlist of the things you might want to have with you for a great day on the water. Some of these items are weather dependent, but in general:

• A hat – with a string to stay around the neck in wind
• A windbreaker jacket (in the spring or fall)
• A water bottle
• Hair tie (if you have longer hair)
• Seasickness pills (it’s not too rough, though)

Thousand Islands Cruise Itinerary

So, to give you a better idea of exactly what we experienced on our island cruise, here’s a detailed breakdown of the day.

The boat tour was advertised as 3 hours long and it ended up being a little longer (by about 10 minutes) because the boat had to slow down in the high water around the islands.

Pick-up/Drop-off

We started our day at the Kingston waterfront. If you are unfamiliar with Kingston, head for the massive building called Kingston City Hall.

On the side that faces the water, you will see a large green park called Confederation Basin/Park. This is the park full of attractions and the Kingston Tourist Information Centre.

In the water, (that’s Lake Ontario), you’ll see many small boats at the Kingston waterfront docks. Looking at the water, look left and you will see the large tour boats (you physically cannot miss them) and the round ticket pavilion that says “BOAT TOURS” on the side.

The address for this ticket office and island cruise boat pier is: 1 Brock St, Kingston, ON K7L 2Z1, Canada

The tour boats leave from this above address and NOT where you catch the ferry to Wolfe Island – which is located at Barrack St, Kingston, ON K7K 2X9, Canada.

As expected, we went into the office, exchanged our online voucher for paper tickets, and walked to the nearby pier where a line was forming to get on the boat.

We were 30 minutes early and it’s wise to be early so you get good seats on the boat and so you aren’t running down the dock as it sails away!

We got our tickets checked, got a souvenir photo taken, and climbed aboard. We immediately went to the top deck where it’s open to the sun and the air but you can sit on the first deck (shown above) or the second deck for some shade and still have amazing views.

At the end of the day, the boat returned to this exact spot on the pier. We got off, thanked the crew, had a look at our souvenir photo (didn’t buy it but honestly ALMOST did), and walked downtown for dinner and a drink!

Heading For The Thousand Islands From Kingston

Once we pushed off from the pier, they went over safety procedures thoroughly which was really good. With that many people aboard it was good to know there was a plan in place if things went bad out on the water.

The entertainer introduced himself – he was an older gentleman who played classic tunes on both a banjo and a guitar.

He was hooked up to the loudspeaker so he could wander the decks and take requests from people. He was really good – and provided some comedic commentary.

Heading out of the Kingston waterfront, the entertainer shared time with the audio guide which was a narration over the loudspeakers.

The guide was actually really interesting and shared historical dates, locations of events, shipwrecks, famous battles, you name it! We learned a ton in the first leg of the trip.

We passed Wolfe Island and left Kingston behind as we headed up the Saint Lawrence. The cottages/homes on the shore were lovely and the whole area, in general, is just really, really pretty.

It was the perfect day weather-wise, too. We actually went inside for a bit because we didn’t want to get TOO much sun!

If you want, you can grab a snack or a drink at either “shop” they have on both the first and second interior decks. Families with kids were snacking on popcorn and some people even cracked a bottle of wine or a beer.

We didn’t buy anything so we don’t know about prices – but many people took advantage of the food and drinks for purchase.

Arriving At The Thousand Islands

After about an hour we arrived at the edge of the Thousand Islands. It does take a bit to actually get there but the ride was lovely (and lively) so we didn’t mind.

On this cruise, you learn all about the island chain – and explore a region of islands called the Admiralty Islands.

We learned that different parts of the islands were named by different people or groups and so that’s why there are different naming conventions all through the region! In any case, the Admiralty Islands were lovely.

Touring The Thousand Islands

Once “in” the islands, the boat started weaving between big ones, small ones, etc. The audio commentary started up and provided the names of the important islands and the history of it.

Usually, there was a historic cottage or building on it built by someone from “back in the day” – each with a small story attached.

The fact that basically every island had a short story attached made the experience so much richer. If they said “here’s a bunch of islands” it would have been pretty but boring.

However, learning the names and getting a sense of the history of the area was very worth the trip… and we just scratched the surface!

It was also easy to see the islands and snap photos from any of the decks so don’t feel like you have to stand at the top the whole time.

The large port windows make for excellent photo-taking spots – and these seats are closer to the bar and the snacks!

At one point, we could even see the waterfront of Gananoque in the distance. The small town – being even closer to the actual islands – is also rich with history.

We’ll write about Gananoque on this site soon because even Eric hasn’t explored the town in-depth yet!

Returning To Kingston

Once we zigzagged around the islands for a while, we left the grouping of islands to enter the big river again. And back to Kingston we went.

The entertainer started up again to play a few songs and take requests – and we enjoyed the sunshine and snapped as many photos as we could.

Eventually, you start to recognize the Martello Towers (the stone towers with red tops built by the British) and know that you are back in the waters near Kingston.

You actually learn more on the way back but not as much from the audio commentary as heading out for the day.

Once we got back – as we mentioned above – it was great to see Kingston from the water for a change and snapped lots of photos.

We docked, waited not too long to get off, had a look at our souvenir photo, and went downtown for a drink! The captain and crew were there to see us off and it was a great way to end the day.

Related Articles

If you are hanging around Kingston (or travelling to Kingston from Toronto ), check out these other posts for trip planning – we know LOTS about the historic city!

• Things to Do and See in Kingston
• Great Restaurants + Bars & Pubs in Kingston
• Awesome Kingston Breweries to Visit
• Coffee Shops in Kingston You Should Try
• Where to Stay in Kingston

And there you have it – our experience on a Thousand Islands cruise from Kingston. What do you think? Have you been on any of these boat tours before?

We honestly really liked the boat tour we went on . That said, let us know how your island cruise goes – we’re always interested in hearing about the best experiences Ontario has to offer!

As always, Keep exploring, eh? -E&L

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Eric Wychopen

Hi, we're Eric and Lisa - an Ontario-born Canadian and a German! After settling in Ontario together, we realized that there is lots more to explore in this beautiful Canadian province! On Ontario Away, we as well as local contributors cover everything from cities and hikes to wineries, attractions, accommodations, and more.

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Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours

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Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours has two locations, one in Queenston and one in Lewiston, New York, USA. The Whirlpool Jet Boats ride is a must do when visiting Niagara. If you are looking for a wild ride this is it!

Of course the combatants of the War of 1812 didn't travel the mighty Niagara River on Whirlpool Jet Boats, but in this day and age you can retrace their historical journey as part of a Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour (WJBT). The jet boat tour is more than just the historical nuances of the Niagara area. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to comfortably experience what is commonly referred to as the "Mount Everest" of white water.

As you speed along the Lower Niagara River at 80 km/h in the confines of this truly one of a kind jet boat, the river guide will tell you all about the fascinating history of the Niagara area, local points of interest as well as the mechanics of the impressive vessel you are touring in. Highlights of your round trip will include the power plants of the Niagara Gorge, the 175ft. stone wall canyon, and the Whirlpool Areo Car . You'll be astounded as the 31,000 lbs. of thrust from the jet boat vanquishes the mighty Class 5 whitewater of the Devil's Hole Rapids and the swirling waters of the Whirlpool. Rest assured, you're in professional hands as all captains and Whirlpool Jet Boats are certified by both the United States Coast Guard and Transport Canada.

Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours departs daily in season from the Water Street Landing in Lewiston, NY and from 55 River Frontage Road in Queenston/Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada. Passengers can choose between either a "Wet Jet" or "Freedom Jet" experience. WJBT's one-of-a-kind Wet Jet white water tour will hydrate your senses as you take on Class 5 white water that's guaranteed to leave you absolutely soaking wet and amazingly refreshed. If getting wet is not for you, the Freedom Jet tour follows the exact route as the Wet Jet but shelters you from the water. Passengers are ultimately encouraged to bring their cameras for the journey as they are presented with unparalleled photo opportunities while in the Gorge. For a unique and exciting Niagara adventure, Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours is a perfect fit.

2 WHIRLPOOL JET BOAT LOCATIONS - Canadian departures from 55 River Frontage Road, Queenston/Niagara on the Lake, ON, US departures from 115 South Water Street, Lewiston, NY.

55 River Frontage Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake Ontario Canada

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Hamiltonian Tour Boat

In 2003 the Hamiltonian 12-passenger tour boat began operations.  Now entering its 19th season, the tour boat offers a leisurely narrated 50 minute tour of Hamilton Harbour with the captain providing interesting stories and history of one of North America’s most noteworthy harbours.  The tour provides unique views of the natural, recreational and industrial faces of Hamilton.

OPEN daily from June 29 to September 2nd

The Tour departs from Pier 7 Docks (near Williams Fresh Cafe) as follows:

12:00pm -- 1:00pm -- 2:00pm --

3:30pm -- 4:30pm -- 5:30pm

Please check Today on Waterfront for schedule updates.  The tour does not operate in poor weather conditions.

$21.00  Adults

$19.00  Seniors (age 65 & over)

$12.00  Children ages 4 to 17

free  Children 3 and under

*includes HST charges

Purchase tickets at Ticket Office

Ticket Office is located next to Outdoor Rink

 *  SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE  See TODAY ON THE WATERFRONT for daily updates

905-523-4498

  No Reservations Required

Miss Marie Sault Lock Tours

Sault Lock Tours presents the "Miss Marie" and a spectacular tour experience in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Canada.

The tour is approximately two hours long and will take you through both the Canadian and American Locks. Passports are not required for the tour. The "Miss Marie" carries 100 passengers. Please book soon, seats fill fast!

Please arrive on the dock at 65 Foster Drive, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled tour. The Miss Marie departs the dock promptly at the scheduled tour time.

This is a great experience for families!

Tickets are $48 for adults, $35 for seniors (60+), $16 for children 5-12 years old and free for children 4 and under when accompanied by an adult. Check out our private charter option for more information on booking a private cruise.

Book Your Tour Today!

Daily tours at 10am and 1pm with private charters available for the evening

BUY TICKETS

For Group Rates (20+ people) use code GROUP10 for 10% off or email [email protected]

Gift certificates available - contact us

We look forward to having you join us!

If you have any questions or concerns please  contact us .