3-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque with views of Boldt Castle
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3-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque with views of Boldt Castle
By City Cruises Gananoque
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About
The Ctiy Cruises Gananoque 3-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise departing from Gananoque is a Canadian Signature Experience. This tour featuring onboard audio commentary in English and French tells the story about the 1000 islands region, its history, and stories of those who have called it home. You will see the famed Boldt Castle and lavish homes of the rich and famous on “Millionaire’s Row.” Learn about and discover the remarkable feats of engineering required to build the St. Lawrence Seaway, 1000 Islands International Bridge and so much more! The 3-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise is the perfect way to explore the scenery that has made the region famous throughout the world.
Ages 0-99, max of 225 per group
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Audio guide: English
More
- 3-Hour Cruise; a Canadian Signature Experience
- Views of the St. Lawrence Seaway, 1000 Islands International Bridge, Millionaires Row, Boldt Castle.
- Audio commentary in English and French
- Onboard food and beverages available for purchase
- Paid parking available on-site
- Restroom on board
What's not included- Parking Fees
- Start:
- City Cruises Gananoque, 280 Main St, Gananoque, ON K7G 2M2, CanadaA paid parking lot is available on-site. Parking passes are available for purchase at the lot or in the ticket office.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 54837P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travellers can participate
- Please note that our cruises will take place rain or shine. However, if severe weather or unsafe water conditions arise and we determine it is unsafe to sail, we will cancel the cruise.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 225 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 54837P1
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- 280 Main St, Gananoque, ON K7G 2M2, CanadaA paid parking lot is available on-site. Parking passes are available for purchase at the lot or in the ticket office.
- Pass byThousand Islands BridgeBoldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House1000 Islands TowerZavikon Island
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Expedition3044720 contributionsVery Positive ExperienceLove the Narrative from presumably Mr. Boldt (Castle). Impressive stats on the building of Canadian/US Bridge. Very nice that you also had translation narrative for the bus tours. It would be better if the outside speakers were louder as wind is always a factor. We were pleasantly surprised at the variety of indoor & outdoor seating. It was a beautiful balmy day, great cruise weather. ThanQWritten October 12, 2024
- W2635ULsharonl0 contributionsAmazing views and castle is fabulousAmazing to be on the seaway again. This never gets old. We went 10 years ago and now in September. The castle has made so much progress.Written October 6, 2024
- Nomad5902230 contributionsGood way to spend a dayGood way to spend a day. Staff on the boat were good. Takes way too long to clear US Customs, so ended up having to rush through the Castle, in order to see everything. Several speakers on the boat weren’t working, so ended up missing portions of the guided tour. Still an enjoyable day.Written October 6, 2024
- raheelhassans0 contributionsFabulous views and great routeThe ride went through scenic views of thousands islands and the narrator told us some great history about the Boldt Castle and the Fort. All in all the experience was great experienceWritten October 6, 2024
- Navigate2728450 contributionsStunning tour of 1000 islandsThe weather was stunning, low season meant lots of room on the upper deck The 1 hour tour certainly gave us a great look at the areaWritten October 5, 2024
- V9219LWlauriem0 contributions1 hour Bolt Castle visit advertised as 2 hourBeautiful day for the 5 hr Island Tour including visit to Bolt Castle. It took one hour to clear customs. We only had two hours on the island. Very disappointing. Even if there had been an announcement indicating time limits due to staffing, etc.. or some other compensation. Or do not advertise "2 hours on the island". For those who had mobility issues it would have been impossible to see or do much at all.Written September 30, 2024
- 217carolp0 contributionsNice way to see the areaA nice way to spend the hour seeing the 1000 islands by the water. It was a smooth ride on a beautiful day. Wish we could have heard the commentator better about the history of the area. They did it in English , French and Japanese. Would definitely recommend itWritten September 28, 2024
- L6981BJbarbarah0 contributionsRelaxed sailing, interesting castle, but no proper food and inattentive staff.The journey was relaxing and informative, it was easy to meet and talk with other journeyers. The castle was definitely worth the visit. Two issues. We were told definitely that we were not allowed to bring any food on board. Yet, for the 5 hour journey, all the food that was offered was hotdogs and snacks (popcorn). We were not told there was food at the castle but we discovered a concession there that served minimal food (hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken bits). The second disappointment was that the outdoor seating was wet because of rainfall just in the first 1/2 hour. The staff made no attempt to wipe off the seats, so we stood around on the outer decks. In the last hour or so, the wind had dried the seats, so everyone was outside in the later part of the day.Written September 26, 2024
- 604Catriona0 contributionsBoldt Castle is fantastic!We really enjoyed the 5 hour cruise through the 1000 Islands and the beautiful scenery . The Castle was amazing and well worth the extra 2 hours of the tour to include visiting it. The phone App to download for free once inside gave a really good audio tour as we went through the rooms, with no headsets necessary. There is an uphill walk to get up to the castle. The narration onboard the boat , however, was difficult to hear whether inside or out, so we unfortunately missed most of that. I would suggest to sit very near to the speakers. Paid Parking was handy near the dock area for $9.00 . I recommend this experience.Written September 19, 2024
- Sherri F0 contributionsBeautifulThe castle was beautiful. We were given time to wander about and explore. The cruise itself was great. We had great weather and sat topside.Written September 18, 2024
- Brenda H0 contributionsGreat day at Boldt CastleGreat tour. Boldt caste was interesting...didn't see it all in 2 hours. Boat was clean, well run. Hard to hear the commentary on the top deck. Water is allowed on board.Written September 18, 2024
- SusanLuc0 contributionsBoldt Castle is worth the tripWe had been on a three hour tour in the past looking at Boldt Castle so this time we decided to take the cruise in which you could visit the castle. The cruise was good and it was a beautiful Saturday the only major problem is that you have to go through customs when you disembark on the Island. I could understand this since we were advised but I didn't think it was going to be so serious, we waited at least 30 minutes to see the customs officer and the people behind us at least 45 minutes, the whole time passed on the Island was two hours counting the coming off and going back on the ship, apparently US Customs didn't calculate for a busy Saturday, too bad it was all in all a nice visit.Written September 15, 2024
- kimsB3184CN0 contributionsTime of our livesSo pretty. Wonderful adventure. Staff on tour were great. Very informative. Loved every minute. And the weather was amazing. Couldn’t have asked for a better day.Written September 11, 2024
- 321karlc0 contributionsBeware...read our advice before booking!!!!!!BEWARE!!!! We purchased the 5 hour cruise and although the trip there and back it quite spectacular the process of exiting the ship took over an hour. This highly affects the time given to visit the castle and enjoy seeing all the castle has to offer. We requested a credit for the castle part of our costs since we had LESS THAN AN HOUR to tour the grounds. When we contacted City Cruises we were told we were NOT being unreasonable. Today found out they are not responsible for the US customs times. They should make people aware!Written September 6, 2024
- 439behnazb0 contributionsI recommendIt was a good trip, the cruise left on time and the guide was in English and French with a clear voice. Overall, I recommend itWritten September 2, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Guy987654
Skipton, UK16 contributions
Jul 2022
We did the 3 hour - Depths & Discovery of the 1000 Islands Cruise from 4:30 - 7:30pm on a Monday in July.
I'm surprised by some of the bad reviews previously. Perhaps weekends are much busier.??
When we went there were a good number of people on board but still plenty of space to move around from the upper deck, enclosed lower decks (which have TV information on cruise), cafe and toilets etc.
The cruise was varied, interesting and informative. The crew were all very friendly and professional and the cost was very fair.
Would recommend.
I'm surprised by some of the bad reviews previously. Perhaps weekends are much busier.??
When we went there were a good number of people on board but still plenty of space to move around from the upper deck, enclosed lower decks (which have TV information on cruise), cafe and toilets etc.
The cruise was varied, interesting and informative. The crew were all very friendly and professional and the cost was very fair.
Would recommend.
Written July 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
someday0713
Brighton, Canada277 contributions
Enjoyed the cruise but once is enough. Scenery was beautiful but after an hour, pretty well just the same. What was really annoying was the canned commentary over the loudspeaker, and then hearing it a second time in French.... well I had to find somewhere on the boat to get away from it ...or bring earplugs, really annoying. Personal interaction with a guide is always best. Charging $9 to park for three hours is disgusting and basically just gouging people. Kids do become bored after an hour, which is understandable .....so expect them everywhere. It's off my bucket list, bye.
Written July 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Expedition303154
Pelham, Canada3 contributions
We had the perfect weather on board City Cruise, scenery was beautiful. Our disappointment was the taped conversation explaining what we we’re looking was very difficult to hear on the speakers. We tried listening inside but other guest talked loud and not paying attention. We tried out side on the aft end and found the wash from the props made it difficult to hear. People around us we’re asking what did they say? Flipping back and forth between English and French didn’t help.
Written August 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura C
Kettering, UK48 contributions
Sept 2024 • Friends
Very disappointed with this cruise, and it could have so easily been a fantastic experience as the views of the Islands and scenery is stunning. We were very lucky with the weather, warm and sunny.
The let down here was the company operating the cruise. They totally over crowded the boat. There was not enough seating available for everyone, and that included the extra 50 or so plastic patio style chairs they have crammed in to maximise the capacity...not sure if this meets with H&S regulations?! This meant that people were standing and would stand right in front of you at the barrier on the upper deck to get the view for themselves without any regard for those that had a seat looking out at the scenery.
They tell you you cannot take food or drink on, but when you arrive you are told water is ok...that would have been great at $4 for a bottle of water and nearly $11 for a can of beer a total rip off. In addition they charge $9 to park the car. City cruises totally have the monopoly of offering the cruises from Gananoque way. There are other operators at other ports not to far away and their boats looked a lot less crowded. So if I was to go again I would book with another operator as city cruises are clearly more about maximising profit than maximising the customer experience.
I would definitely recommend going on a cruise to see the 1000 Islands - but would not recommend you book this trip with them. (Its a shame as I have had positive experiences with this company on other cruises elsewhere!)
The let down here was the company operating the cruise. They totally over crowded the boat. There was not enough seating available for everyone, and that included the extra 50 or so plastic patio style chairs they have crammed in to maximise the capacity...not sure if this meets with H&S regulations?! This meant that people were standing and would stand right in front of you at the barrier on the upper deck to get the view for themselves without any regard for those that had a seat looking out at the scenery.
They tell you you cannot take food or drink on, but when you arrive you are told water is ok...that would have been great at $4 for a bottle of water and nearly $11 for a can of beer a total rip off. In addition they charge $9 to park the car. City cruises totally have the monopoly of offering the cruises from Gananoque way. There are other operators at other ports not to far away and their boats looked a lot less crowded. So if I was to go again I would book with another operator as city cruises are clearly more about maximising profit than maximising the customer experience.
I would definitely recommend going on a cruise to see the 1000 Islands - but would not recommend you book this trip with them. (Its a shame as I have had positive experiences with this company on other cruises elsewhere!)
Written October 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel
Brampton, Canada1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Family
Trip around the 1000 Islands were good, informative and beautiful. However, when we reached the US to get into the castle, the wait was one hour to see the US immigration officers to get permission to go into the castle, there were over 200 people, and only 2 Immigration officers to see everyone. I was so tired, that I had to sit down on the roped off benches with other people who were tired too (kids included). When we did see the officers, they were rude and unpleasant to the people myself and husband included. We had to get back to the boat within the tour was from 12-1pm and we had to return to the boat at 12:45pm. We got through to get into the Boldt castle at 12:30 we only had 15 minutes to see the castle which was huge, and there were other things to see which we didn't! We had barely enough time to run in and out of the castle and run back to line up for the cruise ship to return to Canada.
Written August 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. Our goal is to create an amazing experience for all guests and based on your feedback we did not meet your expectations.
Please note we highly value all comments and feedback from our guests, whether they’re positive or critical. Through this process of collecting and reviewing valuable feedback on a regular basis, we can improve the overall guest experience.
While your review provides us with some insight about your experience, please feel free to send us an email at info@citycruisescanada.com and let us know in more detail what we can do better next time.
Thank you in advance for helping us improve.
We look forward to hearing from you.
City Cruises
Written October 1, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LarryLFL
Jacksonville, FL538 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
Now here’s a tale of a fateful trip, aboard a tiny ship…it started from the Gananoque port, aboard this tiny ship. Three passengers set sail this day, for a three-hour tour…The weather didn’t get rough and we didn’t get lost. What a great day for this fearless crew!
City Cruises does it right! We took the 3-hour tour ... the 5-hour would have been nice because of the stop at the Boldt Castle but passports were not handy and they are needed for this one. We did, however, get an excellent view of the castle from afar, and it is as magnificent as they say!
There's food on board, and, thankfully, a restroom as well. Even some minimal souvenirs are available. I couldn't resist getting a refrigerator magnet. Also found an excellent t-shirt at the local shop after the cruise!
This was a genuinely relaxing, interesting and most pleasant three hours! All of us enjoyed the beautiful scenery, waterways and views of some spectacular homes on both sides of the border. I assume winters might be rough but if I win the lottery, I'm buying a summer home HERE!
If you've never seen this part of the world, it is stunningly beautiful, especially on a clear day and it's well worth the reasonable cost to take the ride.
City Cruises does it right! We took the 3-hour tour ... the 5-hour would have been nice because of the stop at the Boldt Castle but passports were not handy and they are needed for this one. We did, however, get an excellent view of the castle from afar, and it is as magnificent as they say!
There's food on board, and, thankfully, a restroom as well. Even some minimal souvenirs are available. I couldn't resist getting a refrigerator magnet. Also found an excellent t-shirt at the local shop after the cruise!
This was a genuinely relaxing, interesting and most pleasant three hours! All of us enjoyed the beautiful scenery, waterways and views of some spectacular homes on both sides of the border. I assume winters might be rough but if I win the lottery, I'm buying a summer home HERE!
If you've never seen this part of the world, it is stunningly beautiful, especially on a clear day and it's well worth the reasonable cost to take the ride.
Written August 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah H
1 contribution
Oct 2024 • Family
I thought the tour was really great. I went on a Friday afternoon in October, so it wasn't crowded at all. They were punctual and the boat was great. I did a similar tour in Parrysound, so I knew what to expect.
The boat is worn and nothing fancy but for the price, what would one expect? The cost of snacks was also expected, the bar staff were really kind and friendly and very nice. They even filled up our water bottles, of course after I bought my family of five an absolute ton load of snacks but whatever, I have 2 teenage boys, I'm used to this.
The less kind reviews complained about the volume of the prerecorded tour narrative, I sat near a speaker and like I said it wasn't crowded, so I heard most of it. If it had been louder, I couldn't have chatted with my family. Perhaps they could offer an optional headphone purchase, but I'm sure ppl would complain about that too.
I liked the casualness of the seating arrangements. You can either use the preset chairs and tables and benches, or take plastic chairs provided and put them in the ample empty spaces.
Tip 1; if you want a less crowded tour, go off season and during the week, otherwise, expect it to be busy.
Tip 2; if you want a fancier tour, book a fancier tour by all means. It'll cost much more that $40/person.
Tip 3; if you want to hear the recorded tour narrative stand under a speaker
In the end, you get what you pay for. We payed for a chill 3 hour tour around the 1000 islands and that's what we got. We had a great time and would definitely recommend this tour to other ppl.
ps. The Gilligan's Island theme song is living rent free in my head ATM
The boat is worn and nothing fancy but for the price, what would one expect? The cost of snacks was also expected, the bar staff were really kind and friendly and very nice. They even filled up our water bottles, of course after I bought my family of five an absolute ton load of snacks but whatever, I have 2 teenage boys, I'm used to this.
The less kind reviews complained about the volume of the prerecorded tour narrative, I sat near a speaker and like I said it wasn't crowded, so I heard most of it. If it had been louder, I couldn't have chatted with my family. Perhaps they could offer an optional headphone purchase, but I'm sure ppl would complain about that too.
I liked the casualness of the seating arrangements. You can either use the preset chairs and tables and benches, or take plastic chairs provided and put them in the ample empty spaces.
Tip 1; if you want a less crowded tour, go off season and during the week, otherwise, expect it to be busy.
Tip 2; if you want a fancier tour, book a fancier tour by all means. It'll cost much more that $40/person.
Tip 3; if you want to hear the recorded tour narrative stand under a speaker
In the end, you get what you pay for. We payed for a chill 3 hour tour around the 1000 islands and that's what we got. We had a great time and would definitely recommend this tour to other ppl.
ps. The Gilligan's Island theme song is living rent free in my head ATM
Written October 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tanja B
Toronto, Canada3 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We were really lucky with the weather!
Nevertheless, you should bring enough warm clothing if you want to stay outside on the upper deck. It is really windy at times!
During the tour, you receive information about the individual islands, bridges and buildings over loudspeakers in English and French. It is really very interesting.
At first we were disappointed that we couldn't book a tour with a visit without applying for an ESTA for the USA. That is strange. It is just an island that you visit briefly and then leave again straight away. It is really not worth the effort.
After the 3-hour tour, we are of the opinion that it is completely sufficient to see Boldt Castle from the water. There were also a lot of people there on land.
We can really recommend this tour, because many of these islands can only be seen from the water.
Nevertheless, you should bring enough warm clothing if you want to stay outside on the upper deck. It is really windy at times!
During the tour, you receive information about the individual islands, bridges and buildings over loudspeakers in English and French. It is really very interesting.
At first we were disappointed that we couldn't book a tour with a visit without applying for an ESTA for the USA. That is strange. It is just an island that you visit briefly and then leave again straight away. It is really not worth the effort.
After the 3-hour tour, we are of the opinion that it is completely sufficient to see Boldt Castle from the water. There were also a lot of people there on land.
We can really recommend this tour, because many of these islands can only be seen from the water.
Written October 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan R
Enterprise, Canada15 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
We took friends from the US on your 3 hour cruise. This is the fourth time we have taken family or friends to show the 1000 islands. The cruise was excellent. I understand that you do not wish any food brought on the tour, however, is it necessary to charge almost 8$ for a bag of popcorn? It almost felt like I was at a Jays game.
Written September 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. Our goal is to create an amazing experience for all guests and based on your feedback we did not meet your expectations.
Please note we highly value all comments and feedback from our guests, whether they’re positive or critical. Through this process of collecting and reviewing valuable feedback on a regular basis, we can improve the overall guest experience.
While your review provides us with some insight about your experience, please feel free to send us an email at info@citycruisescanada.com and let us know in more detail what we can do better next time.
Thank you in advance for helping us improve.
We look forward to hearing from you.
City Cruises
Written October 1, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AnneMarie M
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Family
It was a rainy day and while we had rain jackets, we were made to stand outside and wait in the pouring rain and got soaked. Many people were huddled together under umbrellas and getting soaking wet while the staff watched us with a pile of rain ponchos in hand. Staff were abrupt and at times rude while boarding. A parent was made to give up her toddler’s snacks (in the pouring rain) upon entering the boat. They are serious about no outside food and drink! They make you pay for parking in their lot while on their cruise. Overall disappointing service. The interpretive talk was all pre-recorded, so no one to answer questions.
Written July 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. Our goal is to create an amazing experience for all guests and based on your feedback we did not meet your expectations.
Please note we highly value all comments and feedback from our guests, whether they’re positive or critical. Through this process of collecting and reviewing valuable feedback on a regular basis, we can improve the overall guest experience.
While your review provides us with some insight about your experience, please feel free to send us an email at info@citycruisescanada.com and let us know in more detail what we can do better next time.
Thank you in advance for helping us improve.
We look forward to hearing from you.
City Cruises
Written October 1, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No need do ! if you stay entirely in Canadian water , also depends what Island
you are plan to visiting , passport do come handy , best find out from your tour operators ,so many different cruise to choose from , it is very cold and windy on the water , extra sweater not a bad idea , take a lot of pictures .
Written August 2, 2023
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