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Available May 17 – October 14, 2024. Visit kpass.ca for included attractions and pricing.

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• Sightseeing Cruises

See historic Kingston! The Discovery Cruise provides an informative introduction to the unique sights and heritage of the 1000 Islands region, with a main focus on the historic waterfront of Kingston. The cruise passes close to National Historic Sites such as Fort Henry, Canada’s Royal Military College, and the imposing Kingston Penitentiary.

Discover History and Heritage

A lively narration highlights the history and waterfront of the city of Kingston, and its place at the beginning of the St. Lawrence River and the 1000 Islands region. Kingston is a UNESCO World Heritage Destination well-known for its remarkable and well-preserved 19th-century defense fortifications, abundant shipwrecks, and classical architecture.

See Frequently Asked Questions for information on parking, boarding, reservations and cancellations.

All tickets are non-refundable. Changes to your reservation can be made with 24h advanced notice.

Schedule: Early Spring (April 20-May 10) and Late Fall (October 15-27) departs at 4pm. Spring (May 11-June 27) , Summer (June 28-Sept 2) and Fall (Sept 3-Oct 14) departs at 11:30am, 1pm, 3pm, 4:30pm.

The River Awaits!

Discover Kingston’s historic waterfront on this 1 hour sightseeing cruise.

Live-hosted commentary provides an overview of Kingston’s history and setting.

A full-service bar, serving wine, cocktails and beer is available on board for purchase.

Our on board canteen has assorted snack items and drinks available for purchase. 

Add a Trolley Tour

Hop on the Kingston Trolley to explore more of Kingston. Enjoy a live-guided tour through downtown highlighting National Historic Sites and visitor attractions like Fort Henry, Queen's University and Kingston Penitentiary.

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Go on a cruise

Thousand islands national park.

Take in the sights and sounds of the Thousand Islands from the comfort of a tour boat. Public and private cruises are available from Kingston to Brockville. Thematic cruises highlight the cultural and natural places of interest. Routes and prices vary. Find the following Canadian operators organized by location.

1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises

Rockport Cruises Andress Boat Works

Gananoque Boat Line

Gananoque Boat Line Harmer’s Cottages

St. Lawrence Cruise Lines Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises

Related links

• Camping and overnight accommodations
• Guided nature and forest therapy walks
• Paddling in the Thousand Islands
• Shuttles and boat rentals
• Visitor centre
• Bird watching
• Snowshoeing
• Kitesurfing
• Photography
• Scuba Diving
• Wildlife Viewing
• Parks Canada Xplorers

• Reservations

Experience the Thousand Islands Your Way!

Get Your Motor Runnin' aboard the 'WildCat'

Rock da boat on a special event cruise or private charter, explore canada's oldest railway tunnel, dog gone fun, we’re pet friendly, some restrictions apply., valid aboard 1.5 hr ‘jewels of the st. lawrence’ cruise only..

Experience the 1000 Islands YOUR WAY!

Sightseeing Cruises

Our convenient and affordable traditional-style 90-minute excursion of the 1000 Islands. 

WildCat Cruises

Get you motor runnin’ aboard the Islands’ only high-speed catamaran, the ‘WildCat’! A safe, soft adventure that’s fun for all ages.

Dining Cruises

The 1000 Islands are a feast for the eyes and the palate aboard our ‘St. Lawrence Soiree’ Dinner Cruises.

Special Events

Party Cruises, Full-Moon Cruises, Karoke, Drag Cruises, Search Light Cruises and More! Or, Charter one of our vessels to create one of your own!

Welcome to Brockville and the Thousand Islands

Welcome to 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises in Brockville, an enchanting destination that invites you to explore the breathtaking beauty of the St. Lawrence River and the renowned 1000 Islands region.

Nestled on the City’s historic waterfront, at the eastern gateway to the Thousand Islands, 1000 Islands and Seaway Cruises is the only boat tour operating from Brockville and plays host to tens of thousands of visitors annually aboard our fleet of modern, Transport Canada certified tour boats. 

The Thousand Islands are a ‘must see’ attraction when visiting Eastern Ontario and we invite you to experience them YOUR WAY. Climb aboard one of our traditional sightseeing excursion or, get your motor runnin’ on the Islands’ only high speed catamaran, the ‘WildCat’; a soft adventure that’s fun for all ages! As evening falls over the mighty St. Lawrence River, climb aboard for a sunset dinner cruise or special event and experience the quiet serenity of the Islands by night.

While in Brockville, be sure to take in some of the City’s other attractions including, the ‘Aquatarium’ – a 32,000 sq. ft. interactive learning centre devoted to the ecology, geography and history of the 1000 Islands or, stroll through Canada’s Oldest Railway Tunnel, running a quarter mile under the City – a testament to our rich industrial past and another ‘must do’ City attraction. Take in one of the City’s many festivals, offered on most weekends, all summer long or simply enjoy a stroll through our New England style Courthouse Square historic downtown where you’ll discover rich architectural treasures of this one-time ‘Millionaire’s Capital of Canada’.

Come and discover for yourself why Brockville is the ‘City of the 1000 Islands’ !

The TALL SHIPS return to Brockville…June 24-26, 2022

1000 Islands Cruises — Gananoque

Looking for 1000 Islands cruises? Hop on with City Cruises Gananoque (formerly Gananoque Boat Line), Gananoque’s very first tour boat company. It operates five triple-decker, all-aluminum vessels with on board facilities such as restrooms, coffee shops, bars and refreshment areas. Each boat has its own open deck and two enclosed decks.

City Cruises Gananoque is located at 280 Main Street in the town of Gananoque, in southeastern Ontario. Gananoque is about a two-hour drive along the ON-401 E from Toronto, and 90 minutes from Ottawa.

To learn more information about tours, bookings, and general information about City Cruises Gananoque, we recommend that you visit their official website . For more information about what you can see around the area, keep scrolling to read Destination Ontario’s recommendations.

Accessibility Features

Accessible entrances/exits, accessible parking, accessible restaurant, accessible seating, accessible washroom, assistive listening devices available, service animals welcome, support persons welcome, universal washroom, wheelchair accessible, wheelchair and/or mobility devices available, more about 1000 islands cruises — gananoque.

City Cruises Gananoque started out with a local mailman taking passengers along on his boat as he delivered mail to residents living on the 1000 Islands. In 1951, the boat line grew to include Linda 7, a wooden tour boat that could hold 55 passengers. A few years later it was joined by four more wooden, single-decker boats: Linda 4, Miss Rockport 2, the Island Wanderer, and Pickle. In the 1960s, Miss Gananoque 1 and Miss Gananoque 2 joined the roster.

It wasn’t until the 1970s that the City Cruises Gananoque started building its current vessels, starting with the Thousand Islander. It spanned almost 34 metres, had three decks, and could carry 380 people. When it set sail, it became the first, all-aluminum tourist vessel in North America.

Today, City Cruises Gananoque offers many tours to choose from. For visitors wanting a quick introduction of the 1000 Islands, there's the Landmarks of the 1000 Islands Cruise. The tour takes visitors around 1000 Islands’ most well-known landmarks including the Statue of St. Lawrence, the 1000 Islands International Bridge (the shortest international bridge in the world), Zavikon Island and Boldt Castle.

Visitors curious about the 1000 Islands’ history will want to get on the Original Heart of the 1000 Islands Cruise. It takes passengers for a one-hour jaunt around the Admiralty and Navy group of Islands, and provides a close look at several generations-old cottages and summer homes dotting the islands.

Visit ghost ships resting underwater with the two-and-a-half hours Lost Ships of the 1000 Islands Cruise. The tour visits seven 18th to 19th century shipwrecks while using video and audio commentary, as well as side-scan sonar images to bring their stories to life. Visitors can also catch a glimpse of the famous Boldt Castle, St. Lawrence Statue, 1000 Islands International Bridge, as well as the many lavish homes that stand on Millionaire’s Row.

Chase the sunset on the Sunset Cruise, a favourite among photographers and romantics alike. It takes visitors on a one-and-a-half hour cruise around the Admiralty Group of Islands, with intimate views of UNESCO and Parks Canada-classified islands, and details their unique ecosystems and aquatic wildlife––all while surrounded by the dazzling colours of the setting sun.

Visitors who appreciate a good love story will want to hop aboard the Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise. The tour goes around all of usual 1000 Island haunts, but also makes a 2 hour stopover at Boldt Castle, allowing passengers to explore the castle and its grounds. The Boldt Castle, located on Heart Island, was built by the proprietor of world-renowned Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, George C Boldt. Originally intended to be a grandiose symbol of love for his wife, it was hastily abandoned when his wife died in 1904.

Please note, all visitors to Heart Island (Boldt Castle) will be required to have a valid passport or a valid VISA and passport since Heart Island is an American Island.

The boats undergo constant inspections and certifications by Transport Canada, so you can be sure you’re boarding a boat with high safety standards every time.

Looking for more things to do after a tour with City Cruises Gananoque? Explore the town of Gananoque by taking a walk around the many sculptures at Sculpture Park , or splash around historic Joel Heritage Park and Beach. Try your luck with any of the 500 slot machines at the Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands , or catch a show at the historic  Thousand Island Playhouse .

Last updated:  April 15, 2024

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THE 10 BEST Ontario's Thousand Islands Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in ontario's thousand islands.

• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Speed Boats Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Boldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House
• Thousand Islands Bridge
• City Cruises Gananoque
• 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises
• 1000 Islands Tower
• Saint Lawrence River
• Singer Castle
• Wellesley Island State Park
• Clayton Island Tours
• Rock Island Lighthouse State Park
• Brockville Railway Tunnel
• Wellesley Island
• Thousand Islands
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Boldt Castle and 2 Nation Tour

2. 5-Hour 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise from Gananoque

3. 3-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque with views of Boldt Castle

4. 1-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Ivy Lea with views of Boldt Castle

5. 1000 Islands 90-minute Sightseeing Cruise

6. 1-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque

7. Half Day Breakfast Tour in 1000 Islands

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

9. 1 hour 'Singer Castle Express' Wildcat 1000 Islands Cruise

10. 2 hour 1000 Islands 'Castle Prowler' WildCat Cruise

What travellers are saying.

• 3-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque with views of Boldt Castle
• 5-Hour 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise from Gananoque
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• 1000 Islands 90-minute Sightseeing Cruise
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1000 Islands Cruise Guide: Everything You Need to Know

The Thousand Islands is a beautiful destination and a must-do Ontario road trip whether you’re from the province or visiting it. This group of 1800+ islands has plenty to see and do, but one experience you can’t miss out on is a 1000 Islands cruise. In this guide, you’ll find all the information you need to plan your own 1000 Islands cruise while ensuring you have a wonderful experience.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Why Take a 1000 Islands Cruise?

The 1000 Islands are the Saint Lawrence River’s iconic archipelago. It was created when the roots of an ancient mountain range flooded after the retreat of the last ice age. Spanning over 75km, the area is made up of 1867 “islands” – 997 are known to be actual islands, while the others are mainly shoals and rocks. As you can imagine, there’s plenty of beauty to be discovered within the area. What better way to tour the Thousand Islands than with a cruise!

Why should you take a 1000 Islands cruise? First, who doesn’t love to hit the water and explore? A cruise allows you to cover a lot more ground than you could by staying on land or hopping on a kayak. It also allows you to catch a glimpse of some of the more famous islands like Heart Island (home to Boldt Castle) as well as some of the private cottages which I guarantee will have you daydreaming about owning one yourself. Lastly, the views are absolutely gorgeous so sit back, relax and listen to the commentary as you enjoy the scenery.

My Thousand Islands Boat Tour Experience

It’s been a very long time since I visited the Thousand Islands myself, so I was excited to get back and explore more. My parents and I used to visit the area with my parents when I was much younger. I can remember are bits and pieces from our trips to Alexandria Bay on the US side so I was looking forward to experiencing the area now that I’m older!

Grab a spot along the edge of the deck as you take off onto the calm waters of the Saint Lawrence River. Soon after your departure, you’ll hear your guide over the loudspeakers as they share some information tidbits during your tour. They’ll also share specific points of interest that are unique to the area. One of my favourites is the smallest international bridge which you’ll spot connecting one island in Canada and one in the USA. It looks more like a little walkway than a bridge!

I have to say, it was surprising to see just how many of the islands had cottages on them. I had no idea so many of the islands were privately owned. If you’re wondering how these isolated destinations have access to power, it’s thanks to underwater cables!

While this is all fine and dandy, chances are you’re on this cruise to catch a glimpse of the famous Boldt Castle. Located on Heart Island, this historic site is just as hauntingly beautiful as the story of its creation. Construction started in 1900 as George Boldt began building the castle as a gift to his beloved wife. However, Boldt’s wife tragically passed in 1904 very suddenly. Upon her death, Boldt could never return to Heart Island and chose to leave the unfinished castle as a monument to his love.

For over 70 years it was left to face the elements until the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority purchased it in 1977 for $1. Why so cheap? The agreement was created so that all revenue would go towards restoring the castle and maintaining it for future generations. If you want to go inside, you’re in luck as tours are available of the castle from both the Canadian and American side of the Thousand Islands.

Planning Your 1000 Islands Cruise

Are you ready to book your own cruise around the Thousand Islands? Fantastic! Here are all the details you’ll need to plan this awesome adventure.

How to Get to 1000 Islands

The 1000 Islands is a region that encompasses parts of both Canada and the USA. It extends from Cornwall to Kingston on the Canadian side and from Massena to Oswego on the American side. In this area, you’ll find a number of popular destinations within the 1000 Islands including Brockville, Gananoque and Mallorytown.

Gananoque is considered your entrance to the Thousand Islands region and is located about a 3 hour drive from Toronto along Highway 401. It’s also a great getaway from both Ottawa and Montreal as driving times are 2 hours and 3 hours respectively. From the American side, it’s less than 2 hours from Syracuse to the 1000 Islands and about 3 hours from Rochester.

By far the easiest way to get to the Thousand Islands area is by car. If you’re visiting from out of the country, I highly recommend renting a car . As places of interest are spread out across the area, this will make it easy for you to get around and not have to worry about trying to find transportation.

If you don’t drive, there is a Via Rail service to Gananoque that runs twice daily as well as two airports in the 1000 Islands area. You can get flights to Kingston as well as flights to Gananoque . Lastly, there’s a Megabus service that has stops in Kingston, Brockville and Cornwall, but you’ll need to taxi or rent a car from there to get around the area.

Where to Take a 1000 Islands Cruise

As you can imagine, there are a number of Thousand Islands cruises you can take. Not only are there plenty of tour operators but there’s also the time of day, special events and other things to think about when planning your trip. While it can mean an overwhelming number of options, it also means there’s probably a tour to fit your schedule.

To start, there are five cities that are home to Thousand Islands boat tours and each of these companies have multiple offerings. I’ll go by city and then by the tour company to try and keep this as simple as possible. For full details on what you’ll see on each tour, head to their respective websites.

Our first city is Rockport where you’ll find the aptly named Rockport Cruise Lines which is the tour company I went with. They have seven different cruise offerings ranging from just under an hour long to six hours. Their longer tours allow you to stop and visit Boldt Castle as well as Singer Castle, located on Dark Island. These castle tours would be what I would do on my next trip to the 1000 Islands! They have sunset cruise offerings as well.

Next is Gananoque which is home to the Gananoque Boat Line. These tour companies are very creative with their naming.  They offer six different cruises ranging from one to five hours. Gananoque Boat Line stands out from the others as it has a very unique tour offering – their Lost Ships of the 1000 Islands Cruise.

A Canadian signature experience , this tour combines audio/video commentary and sonar images to share the stories of ships that have been lost along the Saint Lawrence Seaway. Note that some of their cruises depart from Ivy Lea so be sure to double-check your departure city!

We’ll finish off the list with Kingston where you’ll find two boat tour companies. First is the 1000 Islands Cruises which leaves out of both Kingston and Brockville. They have two sightseeing cruises (90-minute Discovery Cruise and a 3 hour Heart of the Islands Cruise) and three dining cruises (brunch, lunch and sunset dinner) each 3 hours long. They also offer special event concert cruises throughout the summer. Second is St Lawrence Cruise Lines which offers multi-day cruises that visit a number of cities including Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec City.

How Much is it to Take a Thousand Islands Boat Tour?

This can vary depending on the length of the tour, what company you go with and other amenities included within your tour. For a general hour long sightseeing cruise, it seems as though the price is the same across the board at approximately $27 per adult. Longer tours like the Rockport Cruise Line’s Two Castle tour are upwards of $120 per adult.

If you’re planning on a cruise with a meal, a lunch cruise will typically run you between $70-$90 per adult. As far as I know, 1000 Islands Cruises out of Kingston is the only tour company to offer a lunch cruise. They also have a summer brunch cruise at $66 per adult. For sunset dinner cruises, Gananoque Boat Line is the cheapest at $55 per adult. Second is Rockport at $64 per adult and finally, 1000 Islands Cruises is between $90 and $120 per adult.

Which Thousand Islands Cruise is Best?

Ah, the big question. Honestly? I can’t say for certain as I haven’t been on every single cruise line. However, I can share my conclusions based on my experience and research.

If you’re short on time and are looking for a quick cruise that hits the main hotspots, Rockport Cruises is a great option. It was easy to get to, the staff were nice and our guide onboard was full of information and happy to answer any questions the group had.

Are you a history buff that wants to know more about some of the important events along the Saint Lawrence River? I’d recommend Gananoque Boat Lines for their Lost Ships of the 1000 Islands cruise or Rockport Cruise Line’s Two Castle tour.

Calling all adrenaline junkies – if you’re looking for something with a little more oomph to it, you’ll want to check out the Wildcat tour from 1000 Islands Cruises. Departing out of Brockville, you’ll zip across the water past historic lighthouses and through inlets the larger boats can’t reach. They’re the only ones that offer this speedy experience so if you’re not a fan of the low-key tours, this might be for you!

Thinking of ending your day with a sunset dinner cruise? I’d recommend taking a look at the menus before booking to make your decision. It might be worth it to pay a few extra bucks if it means you’ll enjoy the food more! That’s just my two cents anyway.

Tips For Your 1000 Islands Tour

Based on my experience, here are a few of the things you should do in order to make sure your 1000 Islands boat tour goes off without a hitch.

If you can manage to get there in the morning, I highly recommend you book the first tour if possible . During peak season, this is often around 9:00 am and will help you dodge the crazy crowds that come with the bus tours. Just the difference between my 9:00 am departure compared to the crowds at 10:00 am was mind-boggling. 10:00 am is apparently when all the tour buses show up so go earlier to avoid those crowds! This will ensure your 1000 Islands cruise is as relaxing and enjoyable as can be.

Planning to visit during peak season? You’ll want to book in advance . It’s not uncommon for certain times to sell out so if you’re set on a specific time, try to book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

In case you’re wondering, yes there are bathrooms onboard . Depending on the tour you book, you might not have as large of a boat meaning the facilities might not be super fancy, but you’ll be covered if you gotta go.

If you go on a tour where you will be disembarking to visit Boldt or Singer Castle, you will need your passport . No passport means no entry so don’t forget it! Also, admission to the castles isn’t always included in your cruise ticket price so be sure to confirm this before booking your tour to avoid any nasty surprises.

One additional fee you need to look out for is parking. Unfortunately, many of the tour companies don’t offer free parking … except for Rockport Cruise Lines! This might sway your decision to know that they make planning your trip a little easier.

My biggest tip is don’t forget your coupon ! Lindsay… there are coupons for these things!? There sure is if you know where to look! Head on over to Attractions Ontario’s website as they have coupons that can help you save some money on your tour.

Ready to Enjoy a Thousand Islands Tour?

This is seriously one of the experiences you can’t miss out on when exploring the Thousand Islands. Even if you’re short on time, try to pencil in a stop so you can enjoy the natural beauty. On the off-chance you’re looking to take your Thousand Islands trip to the next level, check out this helicopter tour !

I do encourage you to spend plenty of time exploring this beautiful area as the 1000 Islands make for a wonderful getaway in Ontario. Check out some of the hotels in the area , check out some reviews on TripAdvisor or book an Airbnb if that’s more your speed.

Do you like taking sightseeing cruises? Have you ever taken one around the 1000 Islands? If you haven’t, you really should change that. This is a cruise that’s not to be missed!

Planning to take a 1000 Islands Cruise? Pin it for later!

10 Comments

Suvarna arora.

Wow this is something I would enjoy doing. Loved reading it.

I didn’t even realise that there were 997 islands on the Saint Lawrence River, and now I’m amazed by the beautiful structures on them. And a little sad for George Boldt for this loss of his wife and not being able to visit Heart Island. Thanks for the great tips on the different cruises you can take!

Oh, this looks wonderful! I would love to explore all those islands and castles! A sunset cruise sounds perfect to me. Thanks for sharing your tips.

I’ve always wanted to kayak or take a houseboat there. This was really good information on the area. Thanks. Pinning it for later.

Lindsay,thank you for the informative blog.

Lindz author

You’re very welcome, Elmar! I hope you get to enjoy one of these great cruises soon! 🙂

Thank you very informative! Will try to come with family in October 2023. Thank you Silvana

I’m so happy to hear that, Silvana! I hope you’re able to visit with your family later this year. The fall colours will be stunning in October! 🙂

Thanks for the article. Which months are best for fall colors? Thanks

Hey Krish! It really depends on the year but early to mid October is typically the best time for the fall colours. Unfortunately there’s no guarantee though as Mother Nature decides when the weather changes haha!

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Where Your Next Adventure Begins

Perhaps it starts with an inspiring sunrise on the Canadian side of the St. Lawrence Seaway or ends with a breathtaking sunset from the U.S. Maybe it includes views of storybook castles, a good fish story, a taste of craft beverages or a trip back in time. On the pristine waters or in quiet villages, there are thousands of things to see and do.

Experiences

First-time visitors, cycling & paddling, castles & cruises, winter activities, craft & culinary, history & culture, 1000 s of stories, chasing sunsets in the 1000 islands, family vacation, redefined, boatless in the 1000 islands visit a state park, if you do one thing in the 1000 islands….

The 1000 Islands is home to one of the most inspiring love stories ever told. Bring your story, your inspiration, your passion to life here. The 1000 Islands exudes romance and is long time favorite place to exchange wedding vows, renew your commitment to each other or enjoy a memorable honeymoon or milestone anniversary.

Meetings & Conferences

The Thousand Islands Region on the St. Lawrence River and Eastern Lake Ontario areas combine to offer the perfect blend of business and pleasure. From waterfront resorts in villages such as Clayton, Sackets Harbor and Alexandria Bay, to national brand hotels in Watertown, NY, the region offers a variety of meeting, conference and convention venues.

Free our boats, Kingston cruise operators urge federal government

Several boats trapped on wrong side of damaged, closed lasalle causeway.

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Cruise boat operators in Kingston, Ont., say they're desperately seeking to free vessels marooned on the wrong side of the LaSalle Causeway as the damaged bridge remains closed and the beginning of the busy marine season nears.

With time running out, the companies have proposed opening up another section of the span or hoisting their ships over it.

The unexpected and total shutdown of the causeway has left the Canadian Empress, Island Belle and Island Star all high and dry — blocked from the St. Lawrence River and the wharf where they pick up passengers.

They're trapped, said Eric Ferguson, general manager for Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises, which operates the Island Belle and the Island Star.

"May is very busy in Kingston," he said. "Mother's Day weekend is on the way. The Victoria Day weekend is on the way. We would expect to see thousands of passengers. It is not an option to leave those vessels in the Inner Harbour."

No timeline for repairs

The causeway opened more than a century ago and is a key crossing between downtown Kingston and the city's eastern suburbs. Part of it is a  Bascule bridge , which uses a counterweight to let boats through.

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) said crews were carrying out scheduled repair work on March 30 when a steel truss supporting that counterweight was damaged.

The bridge has been closed to all users ever since.

In an update on April 12, PSPC announced the bridge would remain closed for "several weeks." While it's working to open it as soon as possible, it has said the problem would not be fixed in time for the beginning of the marine season on May 1.

• Kingston's LaSalle Causeway expected to remain closed for 'several weeks'

That's left dozens of recreational and personal crafts stranded in the Inner Harbour, just a short distance away, along with several cruise boats undergoing maintenance there during the off-season.

Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises and St. Lawrence Cruise Lines said the impact of a closure this spring could result in more than a million dollars in lost tourism and economic revenues.

Cruise tickets range from around $40 to $140, depending on the type of excursion. The prices swell upwards of $2,000 for overnight trips, according to prices listed on the cruise companies' websites.

PSPC says 1-time opening not possible

While the priority is getting the bridge open to regular traffic, the companies said they want a solution to their problem.

They say their preferred solution for retrieving their boats would be to have several temporary lifts of the bridge, either using its own mechanism or a crane.

In a statement, a PSPC spokesperson said they're aware the closure has "impacts on marine-based businesses."

However, "a one-time opening of the causeway to allow cruise ships through is not feasible," because the damage to the span prevents it from lifting, their statement said.

Over, under or through

Still, the cruise operators say they're determined to see their vessels somehow get through, under or over the causeway.

They've proposed removing a section of the concrete span from the causeway using a crane or barge, which would allow boats through.

Ferguson has another suggestion.

"Some of those tour boats could be lifted over the causeway," he said. They would use "big cranes," he explained, though acknowledged that would be a more "challenging" option.

His company is fortunate in one sense: one of their boats, the triple-decked Island Queen, is already moored on the correct side of the bridge after being put to work earlier this year during a sold-out eclipse day cruise.

Ferguson said despite the difficulties, he's had encouraging conversations with PSPC and is confident a solution can be found so the boats will be on the right side of the bridge by May.

"We are frustrated, but we're hopeful."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dan Taekema is CBC’s reporter covering Kingston, Ont. and the surrounding area. He’s worked in newsrooms in Chatham, Windsor, Hamilton, Toronto and Ottawa. You can reach him by emailing [email protected].

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top cruises in gananoque.

• 1–hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque
• 1–hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Ivy Lea
• 3-hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque
• 5-hour 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise

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• 1000 Islands Charters

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Water & boat attractions in gananoque.

1000 Islands Cruises from Gananoque and Ivy Lea | Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour | Exclusive first on the boat Niagara Falls Tour & Journey Behind the Falls | Falls Fireworks Cruise | Toronto Harbour Dining and Sightseeing Cruises

Things to do near Gananoque

Things to do in Toronto | Things to do in Niagara Falls | Things to do in New York | Things to do in Chicago | Things to do in Philadelphia | Things to do in Washington DC | Things to do in Baltimore

Recommended for Gananoque

Niagara Water Power: Skylon Tower & Tailrace Tunnel Tour | Niagara at Night: Wine Tasting and Illumination Tower Experience | NYC Cruises | City Cruises New York | Devour Food & Drink Tours | Walks | Statue Cruises | Greenwich Village NYC Food Tour | New York Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour | Fully Guided Statue of Liberty Tour with Ellis Island

Trending Attractions

Voyage to Niagara Falls Boat Tour | Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour | Exclusive first on the boat Niagara Falls Tour & Journey Behind the Falls | Falls Fireworks Cruise | Chicago Seadog Lakefront Speedboat Tour | New England Aquarium Whale Watch Cruise | Boston’s Freedom Trail with North End Neighborhood Walk | CODZILLA Thrill-boat Ride | Chicago Seadog River & Lake Architectural Tour | New Jersey Statue of Liberty Pedestal Reserve | Washington DC Monuments Tour From The Wharf

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• Airlines + Airports

Why Airplanes Fly at 35,000 Feet, According to a Former Pilot

The cruising altitude for commercial planes typically ranges between 30,000 and 42,000 feet.

Olena Ruban/Getty Images

Picture this: It's about 20 minutes after takeoff, and you hear your captain make an announcement. "Ladies and gentlemen, we've reached our cruising altitude of 35,000 feet," they say. Or, maybe they say 36,000 feet, or 40,000 feet, or 33,000 feet. Cruising altitude isn't actually a fixed number — there are many factors that go into computing this for every flight.

That said, planes generally fly at higher altitudes — usually between 30,000 to 42,000 feet — because the air gets thinner the higher you go. When the air is thinner, planes can fly faster and more efficiently, using less fuel to maintain the speed required to develop lift. 

However, the air must not be too thin. "Most commercial airliners have what we call a 'service ceiling' of up to 45,000 feet," says former pilot Dan Bubb, now a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. "The service ceiling is the point where the airplane can no longer develop lift, and gravity begins pulling it down to the ground."

Additionally, flying at higher altitudes allows planes to avoid most weather issues during the cruise phase of flight. Plus, there tends to be less turbulence at higher altitudes, according to NASA .

(An aside — flying at these high altitudes is why airplane cabins are pressurized. Even though the planes thrive in thinner air, the human body does not, so cabins are pressurized to a more comfortable level for the sake of their occupants.)

As for determining the specific cruising altitude for each commercial flight, aircraft dispatchers select the optimal flight path preflight. To do so, they consider factors like the specific aircraft and its weight, the wind and weather conditions, air traffic, and even the direction of the fight. 

"Generally speaking, aircraft flying south, southwest, west, and northwest must be at an even altitude, like 36,000 feet. Aircraft flying north, northeast, east, and southeast must fly at an odd altitude, like 37,000 feet," says Bubb. "This enables air traffic controllers to safely space aircraft flying at different altitudes." Aircraft are allowed to pass within 1,000 vertical feet of one another, which is one of the reasons why planes stick to 1,000-foot increments for cruising altitude.

Then, once in-flight, the cruising altitude can change as conditions shift. For instance, if the pilots in one aircraft report turbulence at a specific altitude, those flying behind that plane may adjust their altitude to "find clear air," as you might hear over the loudspeaker.

The bottom line: As it goes with all things air travel, flying at a specific cruising altitude has everything to do with efficiency and safety .