Our most recommended things to do in Thousand Islands, Canada

Gananoque/Ivy Lea: 1000 Islands Highlights Scenic Cruise

1. Gananoque/Ivy Lea: 1000 Islands Highlights Scenic Cruise

Come on board in Gananoque and join a one or three-hour cruise taking you closer to the scenery than any other cruise available in the 1000 Islands. Referred to by the Iroquois Nation as the “Garden of the Great Spirit,” the tranquility of the area belies a history of adventures, wars, and rebellions. See fifth and sixth-generation family cottages. Cruise the narrow channels of the Admiralty and Navy group of islands in the most intimate tour the 1000 Islands has to offer. Join the 1-hour cruise from the port at Ivy Lea or Gananoque and experience the beauty of the region from the St. Lawrence River. During this cruise in the heart of the 1000 Islands, see Boldt Castle, the 1000 Islands International Bridge, and Zavikon Islands, containing the smallest international bridge in the world. Cruise past the Statue of St. Lawrence while he watches peacefully over the moving vessels on the river. This statue is only visible from the water, standing high above on a rock cut. The 3-hour cruise departs from Gananoque, and it is a Canadian signature experience. This tour tells the story of the 1000 Islands region, its history, and the stories of those who have called it home. You will see the famed Boldt Castle and the 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 1000 Islands cruise with an onboard audio commentary is the perfect way to explore the scenery that has made the region famous throughout the world.

Gananoque: 1000 Islands Cruise with Boldt Castle Admission

2. Gananoque: 1000 Islands Cruise with Boldt Castle Admission

Set sail on a 5-hour 1000 Islands Cruise and cruise through the Canadian and American span of the 1000 Islands. Enjoy the narrated cruise going by popular attractions such as Zavikon Island, Millionaire’s Row, the St. Lawrence Seaway and the 1000 Islands Bridge as you see the area's most breathtaking scenery. Enjoy this beautiful, must-see destination when visiting Ontario. Experience the views of the grandiose structure by George C. Boldt that was to be a display of his love for his wife on Heart Island, one of the most popular of the 1000 islands. You SAVE TIME with this cruise. For your convenience, the price of the Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise INCLUDES the Boldt Castle Admission Fee (PASSPORT REQUIRED for entrance and PASSPORT and VISA required for visitors from outside the U.S. or Canada). Therefore, once you arrive at Boldt Castle you can bypass the ticket booth once you clear Customs. A valid passport is required to board this cruise. Boldt Castle is also an Official Port of Entry into the United States in Alexandria Bay, New York. No guests will be admitted to the cruise without a valid passport. There are no exceptions. ** IMPORTANT NOTE ** If you are a citizen of a country outside of Canada or the U.S., additional travel documentation is required. Citizens of countries outside of Canada or the U.S. require a visitor’s visa as well as their passport. An approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will be required as U.S. Customers & Border Control will no longer accept a Visa Waiver Form. Please contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for more details. Please contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for more details. To visit their website at https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/know-before-you-visit To cruise around Boldt Castle, without a stopover, select the 3-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise departing from Gananoque, or the 1-Hr 1000 Islands Cruise departing from Ivy Lea. All City Cruises Gananoque vessels are fully accessible on the first deck. Learn more about Boldt Castle: at the turn of the century, George C. Boldt, (millionaire proprietor of the world-famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel) set out to build a full-size Rhineland Castle on picturesque Heart Island. The grandiose structure was to be a display of his love for his wife, Louise. 300 workers fashioned the six-story, 120-room castle. Not a single detail or expense was spared. In 1904 his wife passed away suddenly, and all construction was halted. Boldt never returned to the island, leaving behind the structure as a monument of his love. Currently, it is owned by the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority which is restoring the castle to its intended glory. Seasonal departure schedule: May 13-14, 20-21, 27-28: 10:00am June 3 to June 30: 10:00am July 1 to September 4: 10:00am and 3:00pm September 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 30 and October 1, 7-9: 10:00am

1000 Islands: 10, 20, or 30-Minute Scenic Helicopter Tour

3. 1000 Islands: 10, 20, or 30-Minute Scenic Helicopter Tour

Experience the 1000 Islands from the air on a breathtaking helicopter tour. Choose your own adventure with three unique tour options ranging from 10 to 30 minutes. Depart from Gananoque Heliport, located within a 20-minute drive east of Kingston via Highway 401 in beautiful Gananoque, Ontario.  Check in at the front desk then relax in the lounge before your pre-flight briefing. Feel the thrill as you rise above lush greenery, sandy beaches, and rocky cliffs, admiring the sights from your guaranteed window seat.  Wear audio headsets complete with microphones for easy communication. Enjoy pilot-narrated commentary in English or select one of the recorded multilingual audio tours. The duration depends on your selected option. Choose the 10-minute tour for a taste of the 1000 Islands, including the town of Gananoque, the Admiralty Islands, Navy Islands, and the Lake Fleet Islands. Explore further on an Ontario Signature Experience: a 20-minute tour that includes both the U.S. and Canadian spans of the Ivy Lea Bridge, and Boldt Castle on Heart Island.  The most popular option is a Canadian Signature Experience: an extended 30-minute ‘Two Castle’ tour that sends you flying over sunken shipwrecks and nation-spanning bridges, as well as Boldt and Singer Castles.

From New York City: 5-Day Tour w/Niagara Falls & White House

4. From New York City: 5-Day Tour w/Niagara Falls & White House

Embark on a 5-day trip to Niagara Falls, Toronto, the 1000 Islands, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and the Amish Country in Lancaster from New York City. Witness the magnificent Niagara Falls, visit the Arlington National Cemetery, and enjoy the convenience of included accommodation and entry tickets. Day 1: NEW YORK – FINGER LAKES – NIAGARA FALLS Depart from the Big Apple heading north where you will pass the beautiful Delaware Water Gap to Watkins Glen State Park in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. Walk through Watkins Glen Canyon to visit the beautiful waterfalls and then continue to Niagara Falls passing Seneca Lake, arriving in the late afternoon. Tour the US side of Niagara including the American Falls, Goat Island, and Luna Island. Experience the power of Niagara aboard the Maid of the Mist. At night, you can appreciate the colorful lighting of the waters. Stay at the Ramada by Wyndham. Day 2: NIAGARA FALLS – TORONTO – 1000 ISLANDS Start with the magnificent Horseshoe Falls view followed by the visit to the picturesque village of Niagara on The Lake. Continue to Toronto, the financial capital of Canada. Visit the HTO Park, Brookfield Place — home of the Hockey Hall of Fame — City Hall, and The Distillery Historic District. Towards the evening, depart Toronto east along the world-famous Lake Ontario for an evening arrival to the 1000 Islands area (in April, based on weather conditions the tour may return to Niagara Falls for overnight). Stay overnight at Gananoque – Comfort Inn (April, Niagara Falls – Ramada by Wyndham). Day 3: 1000 ISLANDS – NEW YORK Start the day with a cruise through the amazing 1000 Islands along the St. Laurence River. See the houses of the rich and famous built atop private islands — such as Boldt Castle and Heart Island. Enjoy a shopping excursion at one of the large outlet malls along the way. Arrive at your hotel in New Jersey at the La Quinta Inn and Suites. Day 4: NEW JERSEY – PHILADELPHIA – WASHINGTON DC Depart from New Jersey to Pennsylvania and to the city of brotherly love Philadelphia. Visit the famous Liberty Bell, Constitution square, and Congress Hall. Continue on a panoramic tour of Philadelphia that includes the financial district, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Historic Philadelphia, and more. See the famous “Rocky Steps” and then continue to Lancaster county home of the Amish people. Enjoy an authentic Amish Buggy ride through the Amish farm country. In the late afternoon, depart east for an evening arrival in Washington DC where you will stay at the Fairfield Inn and Suites Alexandria. Day 5: WASHINGTON DC – NEW YORK Start the day with a visit to Thomas Jefferson Memorial, by the Tidal Basin, surrounded by famous Japanese cherry blossom trees. Visit the Arlington National Cemetery, the Changing of the Guard, and the Kennedy family gravesite. The next stop is Capitol Hill. See the US Capitol and the White House to understand the core of the US government. Continue to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (while the Air and Space Museum is closed due to renovations) before visiting the Lincoln, Korea, and Vietnam Memorials. In the late afternoon, depart for an evening arrival in New York.

From New York City: Niagara Falls & 1000 Islands 3-Day Tour

5. From New York City: Niagara Falls & 1000 Islands 3-Day Tour

Experience the fury of Niagara Falls with a ride on the Maid of the Mist and cruise through the Thousand Islands on this three-day tour from New York City. Day 1: New York - Finger Lakes - Niagra Falls An early morning departure takes you north from the Big Apple as you pass the beautiful Delaware Gap to Watkins Glen State Park in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. Walk through Watkins Glen Canyon to visit the beautiful waterfalls and then continue to Niagara Falls, passing Seneca Lake, where you will arrive in the late afternoon. Tour the U.S. side of the falls including the American Falls, Goat Island, and Luna Island. At night, tour Niagara Falls where you can marvel at the colorful lighting of the waters while on board the Maid of the Mist. Overnight: Ramada by Wyndham. Day 2: Niagra Falls - Toronto - 1000 Islands Start the day with the Horseshoe Falls’ view followed by a visit to the picturesque village of Niagara on the Lake. We continue to Toronto, the financial capital of Canada. Visit the HTO Park, Brookfield Place, city hall, and The Distillery Historic District.  Towards the evening, take off from Toronto along the world-famous Lake Ontario for an evening arrival to the 1000 Islands area (in April, based on weather conditions, you may return to Niagara Falls to stay overnight). Overnight: Gananoque at Comfort Inn (April: Ramada by Wyndham). Day 3: 1000 Islands - New York  Start the day with a cruise through the amazing 1000 Islands along the St. Laurence River. See the houses of the rich and famous built atop private islands. After lunch, head to New York State. On the way, enjoy a shopping excursion at one of the large outlet malls where you can shop for bargains in name-brand stores before your return to New York City in the evening.

Kingston: Waterfront Discovery Cruise

6. Kingston: Waterfront Discovery Cruise

Set sail on the Island Belle and tour Kingston’s spectacular waterfront on a 1-hour sightseeing experience. Sit back and relax while live commentary highlights the iconic scenery of Royal Military College, Fort Henry, Kingston harbor, and the local islands. Kingston is a UNESCO World Heritage Destination for its remarkable and well-preserved 19th-century defense fortifications. Learn about the history and waterfront of Kingston, located at the beginning of the St Lawrence River. The cruise begins at the confluence of three major waterways: the Rideau Canal, the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. The Island Belle winds her way along the shorelines of Point Frederick, Navy Bay, Deadman's Bay and Cedar Island. From here, sail on toward the open water of Lake Ontario, with views of Wolfe Island’s powerful wind turbines. Take in the sights of some of Kingston’s most prominent landmarks including Murney Tower, Kingston Penitentiary, the Tett Centre, and Gord Downie Pier.

Thousand Islands: Helicopter Tour with Cider Mill and Lunch

7. Thousand Islands: Helicopter Tour with Cider Mill and Lunch

There’s no better way to experience Thousand Islands than the sky. Head to the heliport in Gananoque and hop onboard your helicopter for your 30 minutes aerial adventure.  Soar through the skies and soak up panoramic views of the many islands below. From the helicopter, see famous landmarks including Boldt Castle, Singer Castle, Millionaires Row, Thousand Islands International Bridge, and more. Back on land, visit BUSL Cider, the region’s newest cider mill. Enjoy a guided tour of the mill and learn how cider is produced while tasting a selection of ciders. Wander through the mill’s sprawling orchards, and stop at a nearby bakery. End the experience with a light lunch, and sample the region’s world-famous Thousand Islands Dressing.

Gananoque: Helicopter Tour with Craft Brewery Stop and Lunch

8. Gananoque: Helicopter Tour with Craft Brewery Stop and Lunch

Discover the lush 1000 Islands archipelago and gaze through crystal-clear waters at old shipwrecks on a thrilling helicopter tour from Gananoque. Land at ARBRU Craft Brewery for a pizza lunch and paired with a sampler flight at Canada’s first off-grid craft brewery. Get checked in a the tour supplier's office and get ready for your flight. Strap in and experience the thrill of lift off. Hear your pilot clearly with the headphone and microphone system.  Glide over the the majesty of the 1000 Islands, taking in spectacular views of Boldt Castle, Singer Castle, Millionaire's Row, the 1000 Islands International bridge and shipwrecks which can be seen resting on the bottom of the mighty St. Lawrence River.  Disembark at the ARBRU Craft Brewery and walk along a path through hops fields, which are used to craft a range of exceptional brews. Be greeted with a flight of craft brews and a personal-size stone-fired pizza. Choose from pepperoni, meat lovers, or margarita. Enjoy a delicious and relaxed meal before heading back to the helicopter for your flight back to your meeting point in Gananoque.

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What people are saying about Thousand Islands, Canada

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 579 reviews

The tour was very nice. Our tour guide Joseph organized everything very well and designed the tour very well. The hotels were good although on the Canadian side not on the American side as the description says. However, that was more of an advantage for us because we wanted to experience more of Canada. The hotel at Niagara Falls was also only a 15-minute walk from the falls, so we could walk there again in the evening and see the illuminated falls including the fireworks. The other hotel at the 1000 Islands was also close to the water which was nice. A good mix of nature and city (Toronto) sightseeing with one more outlet shopping stop in America. I couldn't have asked for a better tour and would recommend everyone to see Niagara Falls and 1000 Islands.

The tour was amazing by all means. The staff and pilot welcome us in a very friendly manner. Take off and landing were very smooth and if you are lucky and it is shiny day, you will enjoy the scenery of the islands and the sun reflection on the lake surface. The choppers are not noisy as the common bigger ones and you can communicate with the fellow traveler and the pilot thru the mix and headphones. Lots of videos and pictures can be taken. The price is reasonable given the coordinated team involved in making this happens

Martine, our pilot, was an extremely lovely lady!! We had great conversation and she was very knowledgeable. The BUSL cider mill had a lovely lunch for us and the cider flights were delish! I 100 percent recommend and I hope to visit again, in the winter!

This helicopter adventure was nothing short of fantastic. We recommend this to anyone looking for a unique adventure out of the ordinary. Worth every penny! Thanks everyone! Bob and AnneMette

Exceptional trip over the StLaurence on a beautiful day.