Best Ontario Island Hopping Tours — Our Top 7

1.3-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque with views of Boldt Castle

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 388 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $42Our pick

From Gananoque, you’ll cruise the St. Lawrence River past Millionaires Row, the international bridge, Zavikon Island, the 1,000 Islands Tower, and Boldt Castle. English and French audio commentary adds context, while onboard snacks, drinks, seating, and a restroom make the three-hour trip easy to manage. You’ll view Boldt Castle from the water, not tour it.

“My sister and I really enjoyed the 3 hour cruise. The cruise left on time, and returned on time. We would recommend this cruise to anyone.”

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2.5-Hour 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise from Gananoque

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 236 reviews · from $65

Set out from Gananoque at 9:30 a.m. for a five-hour cruise through the American span of the 1000 Islands. You will have about two hours at Boldt Castle on Heart Island, with admission included, plus views of Zavikon Island, Millionaires Row, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and the Thousand Islands Bridge. English and French audio commentary is provided.

“Awesome experience on our cruise to Boldt castle, would highly recommend. Very well organized and informative, my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed it.”

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3.1-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Ivy Lea with views of Boldt Castle

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 99 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $31Best value

Board City Cruises Gananoque at Ivy Lea for a one-hour ride through the 1000 Islands. You’ll see McDonald Island, Howe Island, cottage-dotted islets, and Boldt Castle from the water. Commentary is provided in English and French, with some departures offering additional language support. The boat returns to Ivy Lea.

“The view of Boldt Castle was great and so far the journey was good because the weather was cooperative”

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4.1-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 81 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $31

From City Cruises at 280 Main Street in Gananoque, you’ll spend about an hour on the St. Lawrence River, passing McDonald Island, Howe Island, Half Moon Bay, Leek Island, and more. Audio commentary in English and French, with other language options available, explains the islands, homes, cables, and local history. Food and drinks are sold onboard, and the boat returns to the same dock.

“It was such a relaxing time. Very informative as well. We just loved it! Thank you for the beautiful experience.”

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5.1000 Islands 90-minute Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 80 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Set out from Brockville on a 90-minute sightseeing cruise through the Thousand Islands. A bilingual captain explains Millionaire’s Row, passing ships, Brockville’s industrial past, and Canada’s First Railway Tunnel. The boat has restrooms, a licensed snack bar, several daily departures, and space for up to 100 people.

“We spent a very good time ....can't wait to do it again.”

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6.2-Hour Two Castle 1000 Islands Cruise from Ivy Lea

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 24 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $36

Set out from Ivy Lea at 4:00 pm for a 2-hour-15-minute cruise through the 1000 Islands. You’ll see Boldt Castle, Singer Castle, Zavikon Island, the Thousand Islands Bridge, and the St. Lawrence statue, with English and French audio commentary, outdoor viewing decks, drinks, and snacks for sale.

“The whole tour was great, the facilities are good. If there was a food service, our participation on the tour could be even better.”

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7.Private 1.5 hour 1000 Islands Cruise for up to 10 people

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2 reviews

Cruise the eastern 1000 Islands from Brockville with your own group of up to 10 people. This 90-minute, fully narrated boat trip covers the St. Lawrence River, Brockville’s industrial past, the First Railway Tunnel, small islands, and waterfront homes. Expect a private setting, family-friendly pace, and no food or drinks included.

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