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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.

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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

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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

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• Camping and overnight accommodations
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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
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• 1000 Islands Tower
• Saint Lawrence River
• Singer Castle
• Wellesley Island State Park
• Clayton Island Tours
• Rock Island Lighthouse State Park
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• 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. 3-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque with views of Boldt Castle

3. 5-Hour 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise from Gananoque

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

5. 1-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque

6. 1000 Islands 90-minute Sightseeing Cruise

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

8. Half Day Breakfast Tour in 1000 Islands

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
• 1-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque
• 1-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Ivy Lea with views of Boldt Castle
• 1000 Islands 90-minute Sightseeing Cruise
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• Cruising Kingston, the Rideau, and the 1000 Islands

Cruising the 1000 Islands. Famously a playground for the rich, a hot commodity for family cottages, and the destination we can thank for that salad dressing, the 1000 Islands are one of the most beautiful places on earth — with endless shorelines, majestic views, and a storied history.

After exploring Kingston’s Historic Waterfront , cruise around Kingston and the 1000 Islands on a sightseeing, dining or private charter cruise. Whatever your preference, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable time on the water. Take a Mardi Gras themed trip, indulge in wine or beer-tasting, or sit back and enjoy a music or comedy performance while you cruise.

Step aboard a Bateau-Mouche styled Catamaran, a Mississippi River paddlewheeler or a St. Lawrence Steamer and cruise the 1000 Islands in style.

Your cruise might be over but the night is still young!​ ​ Hop back into Kingston ​ and experience our vibrant nightlife ​, dine at our​ ​ restaurants ​, cafés and pubs, and enjoy the summer​ ​ patio scene ​.

Choose a Kingston 1000 Islands Cruise

There are a thousand reasons to ​ choose a Kingston 1000 Islands Cruise ​.

Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises

Food, Fun and Entertainment is this company’s motto. They offer a wide range of cruisess from sightseeing to fine dining and entertainment. Hit the open water with ​ Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises ​.

Ontario Waterway Cruises

Meet new friends on a Canadian river cruise and explore Ontario’s magnificent heritage waterways. We invite you to take time to unwind on our peaceful riverboat as an ever-changing panorama of scenic lakes, rivers and locks slowly pass before your eyes; the perfect backdrop to whatever you choose to do onboard. Learn more.

St. Lawrence Cruise Lines

Experience the beautiful and historic St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers on a classic Canadian riverboat. St. Lawrence Cruise Lines offers the very best in calm-water river cruising with an emphasis on safety, comfort, and hospitality. This overnight cruise line operates from May to October, and will be celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2021.

The M/V Canadian Empress is a 64-passenger ship designed with a nostalgic Victorian exterior and a stylish contemporary interior, making it the ideal setting to spend 4, 5, 6, or 7 nights exploring Canada’s majestic inland waters. Some of the sights you will see include the 1000 Islands, International Seaway locks, the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa, and the historic old ports of Montreal and Quebec City.

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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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Home > Cruises > Upper River Expedition

Upper River Expedition

Kingston to upper canada village and return 4 nights, 5 days starting at $2096 cad per person.

Our Upper River Expedition is tailor-made for those passengers who want to experience the full beauty and history of the Thousand Islands. Your cruise vacation will depart from Kingston, Ontario to cruise and thoroughly explore the picturesque Thousand Islands before continuing east past Brockville. Cruising downriver past Prescott, you will encounter the first lock in the St. Lawrence Seaway system at Iroquois, Ontario. The Seaway Control Dam here stretches from the Canadian to the American side of the St. Lawrence River and this dam regulates the water depth throughout the Seaway to Montreal. Beyond Iroquois, as you journey towards Morrisburg, Ontario you will pass over the “Lost Villages” of the Seaway en route to historic Upper Canada Village.

Highlights of this Cruise: This cruise is an excellent chance to witness opulent summer homes, scenic bays, and intimate island passages. With additional stops at the 1000 Islands Heritage Museum in Gananoque, Fulford Mansion in Brockville, and Fort Wellington in Prescott, this cruise vacation is full of the colonial history of Upper Canada and the Thousand Islands.

Overnight Ports

Attractions, in alphabetical order.

1000 Islands

This cruise will take you to witness the island paradise and natural and man-made charm of the archipelago..

1000 Islands Boat Museum

The 1000 islands boat museum is a hands-on museum where history becomes something that can be touched, built, and experienced. the museum includes a boatbuilding shop, an activity center, and exhibit galleries..

1000 Islands Heritage Museum

On Gananoque’s waterfront there’s a grand Victorian building designed in the tradition of the late 19th century two storey “grand cottage”. This museum is dedicated to interpreting the history, geology, ecology, and culture of the 1000 Islands region.

Fort Wellington

The first fort wellington was built during the war of 1812 high above the st. lawrence river at prescott. the second fort wellington, still standing today, was built as a result of the upper canada rebellion of 1837-38. today, fort wellington is a national historic site, and is now administered by parks canada..

Fulford Place Mansion

The fulford family donated the mansion and its opulent decor to the ontario heritage foundation in 1991. contained within this 35 room mansion is a diverse and elegant collection of original furnishings. step back into a more spacious and gracious setting and enjoy some of the refinements that some of our most distinguished dignitaries once enjoyed..

Seaway Locks

All locks on the seaway are similar in size. in width they are 80 feet; the depth over the sill is 30 feet; and the length - that is breast gate to fender - is 766 feet. ships can be raised or lowered from 45 feet to 49 feet depending on the season of the year..

Upper Canada Village

Upper canada village is a living museum community that recreates the life, work, and development of the early settlements along the upper st. lawrence river valley. it is representative of rural eastern and upper canada from 1784 to 1867 when agriculture was fundamental to the province's existence., cruise choices, celebration of spring, join us as we kick off the 2024 cruise season with 7 nights and 8 days of fresh spring air on the st. lawrence river and watch the flora and fauna of the river spring to life. this cruise features a unique itinerary and travels from kingston to montreal and return for 7 nights at a special 6 night rate. starting at $3144 cad per person., explore cruise, seaway discovery cruise, cruise with us in the heart of the summer for 7 nights and 8 days of relaxation on the st. lawrence river. this cruise travels from kingston to montreal and return, and features a unique itinerary that highlights the history of the international seaway. during this time of year the river bustles with lake freighters and pleasure boats. starting at $4076 per person., heritage summer cruise, cruise with us for 7 nights and 8 days of warm summer weather on the beautiful and historic st. lawrence river. this cruise will explore the thousand islands region and retrace the routes of early upper canada explorers. learn about the history of the early trade route between kingston and montreal. starting at $4076 per person., discovery cruise series, these 4 night, 5 day cruises were created for those that want to deepen their knowledge of the history, geography, and culture of the 1000 islands and st. lawrence river. discovery cruise itineraries are enhanced with unique attractions, step-on speakers, and an educational focus. starting at $2096 per person., canada's capital cruise, start or end your cruise vacation in canada's capital of ottawa. the historic significance of the lower ottawa river coupled with the amazing 1000 islands and st. lawrence seaway makes this 5 night, 6 day cruise an unforgettable voyage. starting at $2910 per person., come and explore the beauty and the history of the st. lawrence river and the 1000 islands for 4 nights and 5 days. marvel at the intricate passages and channels of this amazing archipelago of 1870 islands known as the 1000 islands. starting at $2096 per person., fall harvest & colour cruise, as autumn unfolds, the shore and islands ignite with a blaze of colour and travellers come from far and wide to take part in this parade of colour for 7 nights and 8 days. the comibination of fall colours and the invigorating river climate makes this our most popular cruise vacation. starting at $4076 cad per person., canadian connection cruise, experience the beauty of quebec and the richness of french canadian culture on this cruise as your ship passes through all 7 of the st. lawrence seaway locks. this cruise vacation includes 6 nights 7 days on canada's showpiece, the st. lawrence river, between quebec city and kingston, ontario. starting at $3144 cad per person., additional savings, save on your next adventure — discover additional packages & savings on all available cruises., explore savings, talk to an expert & book your vacation 1 800 267 7868, employment • faq • cancellation policy • privacy policy, ©2022 - 2023 st. lawrence cruise lines, website designed & maintained by aliado marketing group..

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Old Quebec, Ottawa 1000 Islands Cruise

May 17-21, 2024

TRIP INCLUDES:

“Experience” your own 1 Night on the town in Old Quebec and guided tour the next day, including Montmorency Falls, St-Anne de Beaupre, with a visit to the Saint-Anne Basilica, Plains of Abraham, Place Royale, Grande-Allee, Joan of Arc Gardens and much more

A Full Day guided tour of Ottawa during the “World Famous Tulip Festival”, see our Nation’s Capital in all its spring beauty, Museum of History, visit “Rideau Hall”, Byward Market, the Ornamental Gardens at the Central Experimental Farm and of course …. LOTS & LOTS of Tulips

A 2 hour cruise in the uniquely beautiful 1000 Islands on the mighty St Lawrence River with buffet lunch provided after which a tour of the “1000 Island Parkway”

Fri May 17: Leaving Fredericton Frex parking lot at 8AMwe proceed up the Saint John River valley on one of the most picturesque drives in our part of this country we pass through the forests and farmlands through York and Carleton Co’s past Woodstock and Hartland and further on up the valley, The French Fry capital of the world, Florenceville, Pert-Andover and Grand Falls arriving at Edmundston for our first “comfort stop” of the day at “Grey Rock”, a good “Tims” and clean restrooms.

After this brief stop we will continue heading north very soon entering the hills od Quebec passing by familiar towns to some, remember St Louis de Ha Ha? and arriving at River de Loupe for a lunch stop with a very good variety to help ease those hunger pangs creeping in. Tims, Thai Express, KFC, A&W, pizza, Subway and of course no stop complete without a McDonalds.

After lunch we turn west on Hgwy A20 and parallel the mighty St Lawrence River until we arrive at Quebec City where we will check into the Econo Lodge at the north end of the “bridge”and take some time to rest up before heading down town to “Old Quebec City for a “free time night” for you to explore and or visit your fav eating establishment for evening meal on your own and basically do whatever you want to do, returning to the hotel at 9:30 to rest up for A full day of guided tour of the city and surrounding area.

Sat 18 8AM: Check out and breakfast as we will not be returning to the hotel our tour guide for the day arriving at 9AM. Our tour today will include Montmorency Falls, St-Anne de Beaupre, with a visit to the Saint-Anne Basilica, Plains of Abraham, Place Royale, Grande-Allee, Joan of Arc Gardens with lunch on your own.

Saying goodbye to our tour guide and old QC we continue west on A20 passing by Drummondville with a comfort stop on the way skirting around the south side of Montreal and entering ON shortly after crossing over the St Lawrence Seaway canal, keep your eyes open as ships from all over the world can be seen in this canal. Shortly we will be arriving at our hotel in Cornwall, the Best Western for 3 nights which has a good restaurant and pub environment as part of their complex and a lot of other choices variety within a short walking distance.

Sun May 19: Breakfast buffet is served at 7:30 and we leave for Ottawa in about 1 hr away through the the heart of the farm land of south east ON arriving at the famous Byward Market to meet our tour guide for the day that will take us around Ottawa during its world famous Tulip Festival with stops at Museum of History, visit “Rideau Hall”, Byward Market, the Ornamental Gardens at the Central Experimental Farm and of course …. LOTS & LOTS of Tulips, Lunch on your own. Supper will be on our way back to the hotel at a very popular ON buffet the very popular “Mandarin”. Arriving back at the hotel at approx. 8:30 for a relaxing evening.

Mon May 20: Starts off with another complimentary sit-down buffet breakfast at the hotel at 7:30AM. No need to check out as we will be returning later today. We will be heading further west to Rockport in the heart of 1000 Islands for a 2 hr cruise in the one of the most beautiful waterways for pleasure craft and commercial boat traffic. This 2 hour cruise features the Canadian Palisades where a statue of St. Lawrence watches over the river that bears his name and is one of Canada’s Signature Experiences. Sail under the 1000 Islands International Bridge and discover a stretch of cottage country called Millionaire’s Row. Cruise around magnificent Boldt Castle, built as a tribute to George Boldt’s wife who tragically passed away before construction was completed. Watch for Zavikon Island, Casablanca on Cherry Island, a grand estate built in 1892 as well as many other beautiful homes in this photographer’s paradise, followed by a complimentary buffet lunch dockside back at the marina. After which we will be bus touring some of the sights from the land side on the 1000 Islands Parkway, the land where my ancestors arrived 250 years ago and my birthplace, arriving at Gananoque for another great meal, on your own. For those that want there will be time available to try your luck, before returning to the hotel, arriving at 9PM.

Tues May 21: Arrives too early and starts with our last buffet breakfast and after 4 days we will beheading east at 9AM with a comfort stop in about 2.5 hrs, and lunch around 1 PM, Arriving back in Freddy after seeing the sights in QC, and ON, including our nation’s capital, Ottawa, and 1000 Islands.

PRICE OPTIONS:

Price per person includes:

ALL PRICES ARE per-person IN CANADIAN DOLLARS WITH TAXES INCLUDED

Quad: $829   Triple: $869   Double: $1049   Single: $1579

 For Reservations call: 506-460-8018

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The Best Things To Do In 1000 Islands Gananoque For A Road Trip or Day Trip

If you’re looking for a nearby escape, 1000 Islands is an excellent choice for your destination!  . It’s the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and beautiful scenery. From crystal clear waters, picturesque views, and lots of surrounding islands,you’ll feel like you’ve found your own slice of paradise. I recently revisited as an adult and absolutely loved my time here. It’s hard to believe this beautiful destination is less than 2 hours from Ottawa. Here’s some things to do in 1000 Islands to help you plan for your own trip.

Day Trip Vs. Road Trip To 1000 Islands

Under 2 hours from Ottawa | Under 3 hours from Toronto and Montreal

My recommendation would be to go for a road trip. There’s so much to see and do in the area and it will give you the flexibility to slow down and really enjoy your time. I recommend spending 2 nights. You could easily head to 1000 Islands for a weekend getaway. If you would prefer a slower pace, feel free to add on a few nights and totally relax and unwind by the water. 

For a day trip you could easily hit a few activities like 1000 Islands Kayaking, hiking the Landon Bay Lookout and swimming. Use the suggestions below to guide your day trip. 

Are There Actually 1000 Islands? 

You’ll find 1864 islands in 1000 Islands. We learned that to be counted as an island, the island  must have at least 2 trees. 

1000 Islands Gananoque Itinerary

Explore the sights, hike or swim mallorytown landing in 1000 islands national park.

Mallorytown Landing  is part of the 1000 Islands National Park. If you’re in a vehicle it will be $6.50 to park for 24 hours. There are picnic tables and washrooms available so this would be a great swimming option for a day trip. See if you can find the Park’s Canada Red Chairs for the best view 😉 Along the pathway that leads to the water’s edge are several outdoor exhibits including commemorative stone carvings that honour First Nations. This would be a great spot to pack a lunch and enjoy it. 

Hike To The Lookout At Jones Creek Trail

Closeby to Mallorytown Landing, you’ll find  Jones Creek Trai l. It’s part of 1000 Islands National Park. Hike the Heron Loop Trail to the lookout where you’ll find the red Park’s Canada Chairs for the best view. It’s an easy hike that will take about 20 minutes to get to the top. Enjoy an overhead view of the marsh. The lookout was so peaceful and it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. This would be a great spot to bring lunch and enjoy it at the top. Watch out for the mosquitoes! 

Interested In A More Difficult Hike? Head To The Marble Conservation Area

The Marble Conservation Area  is part of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Region, which is one of the 18 biosphere regions within Canada. Lots of the trail is on or near exposed bedrock and some trails will take you to lookouts. 

Explore Downtown Gananoque

There are plenty of shops and restaurants to pop into in  Downtown Gananoque . Spend some time walking down King Street. You’ll find the old railroad path that will lead you to Confederation Park. Keep an eye out to find a pair of swans floating in the water. If you park downtown on the main street, keep in mind that it is paid parking. If you drive closer to the water there are places you can park for free and it’s a quick walk back. 

Sunset Hike On The Landon Bay Centre Lookout Trail

• Best hike: Donovan to Lookout Trail
• Time: 20 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate with some incline 

You’ll find  Landon Bay Centre  inside the world-famous  Frontenac Arch Biosphere . Landon Bay is 225 acres of forest and trails. Choose from 5 trails. I recommend the Donovan Trail that will lead you to a stunning lookout. I recommend heading here around sunset but head down before it’s dark. Parking is available across the street at Halstead Bay.

Catch the End of Sunset At Halsteads Bay

If you head down early enough, you can catch some vibrant colours beyond islands at Halstead Bay. This spot blew me away. It’s well known by locals but once you stumble upon it you’ll see why. Head through the small trail towards the rocks that will lead you to the perfect swimming area. Once you’re past the rocks it’s sandy. I wore water shoes. The only downside to this spot is there is no washroom. Make sure to go swimming here at some point during your trip. 

Explore the Water and Islands:

Option 1: 1000 islands kayaking tour .

1000 Islands Kayaking is a great way to explore the islands. I included them on my list of places to kayak near Ottawa.  1000 Islands Kayaking  offers a half day, full day and camping kayaking tours. We explored the Admiralty Islands and saw wildlife, a shipwreck and many other islands along the way. 

Head out on the water with an experienced guide and learn about the history of the island and enjoy beautiful views along the way. You’ll glide on top of clear water as you make your way to different highlights. We did the half day tour in the morning (better for pictures and temperature). I love doing kayaking tours with a guide because they take you to interesting spots but they’re also experienced onthe water. There’s lots of different types of boats to watch out for in the water as well as areas with underwater currents so it’s helpful to go with a guide that knows the water. 

Keep your belongings in one of their storage lockers or use one of their dry bags to store it in your kayak. 

Option 2: Self-Guided Kayaking

If you’re experienced and would prefer to do a self-guided tour, you can launch your kayak at Joel Stone Park where you can explore islands or Landon Bay for a quieter spot to kayak. Keep in mind there are lots of different types of boats using the water so I recommend choosing this option if you’re a more experienced kayaker. 

Option 3: Interested In Something More Chill? Swap Kayaking for a 1000 Islands Cruise

Experience 1000 Islands with  Rockport Boat Line  on a cruise. We did the heart of 1000 islands cruise. We learned so much about the area, went through Millionaire row of stunning properties and got to cruise by the stunning Boldt Castle. This is a nice and leasurely way to enjoy the islands from the water.

Option 4: Interested in Something More Adventurous? Go Diving

Did you know you can enjoy world class diving in 1000 Islands? It has some of the best freshwater diving in the world. Underneath the water you’ll be able to see lots of different shipwrecks. Because of the water’s cool temperature (don’t worry it’s still great for swimming), it helps preserve the shipwrecks. 

Go Swimming

Option 1: halsteads bay.

My favourite spot for swimming was Halstead Bay. Although well known by the locals it feels like you’ve found a hidden gem. I recommend bringing water shoes for this location. Camp out on the long rocks that lead into the water and then head for a swim. We went swimming after dinner because it’s quieter and you’re able to catch the sunset. 

Option 2: Brown’s Bay Beach or Gray Beach

You can also swim at Brown’s Bay Beach. This is one of the oldest parks of the St. Lawrence. This is also a nicespot to bring a picnic lunch. There are washrooms available. Another popular swimming spot that was recommended by a local was Gray’s Beach. 

Option 3: Joel Stone Park

Although you can swim here, the beach is quite small so I would recommend the other options first. 

See A View Of 1000 Islands From Above

Option 1: helicopter over 1000 islands.

The view from above is absolutely breathtaking and definitely offers a very unique perspective! I absolutely loved this experience with  Fly 1000 Islands . I’m not a huge fan of heights but I felt completely calm and was so mesmerized by the view below us. Our pilot was so friendly and I loved learning more about the region from him. They have different flight times as well as packages available. We did the 20 minute 1000 Islands helicopter ride and I would recommend it. 

Not only will you get a stunning view of the islands but you’ll also be able to see the famous, Boldt Castle. This castle was started by George C. Boldt on Heart Islandisland as a display of love for his wife. In 1904, when his wife suddenly died, he stopped all construction on the castle. It has since been finished with the original concept in mind, each room completely furnished.. It was truly spectacular to view the castle and shape of heart island from above! 

Option 2: 1000 Islands Tower

Enjoy a breath-taking view of the 1000 Islands from this observation tower. The elevator takes only 40 seconds to reach the first of three observation areas on the  1000 Islands Tower . It’s a stunning view a the top and has 3 different viewing areas.

Lunch in Gananoque

There are plenty of spots to grab a bite in town. I didn’t have a chance to dine here but Riva and Stonewater Pub were also recommended. 

Cycling The Waterfront Trail

The 1000 Islands Waterfront Trail will take you to lots of touchpoints like Landon Bay Centre and more. The Trail isn’t right beside the water but you’ll find some scenic views and it has its own dedicated lane. We started at Halstead Bay where there is free parking and then continued towards Ivy Lea. 

Where To Eat in Gananoque and 1000 Islands

Breakfast at panache bakery.

Enjoy baked goods and fresh sandwiches at  Panache Bakery  in Gananoque. Their breakfast sandwich was so good and filled with of fresh ingredients. I also really enjoyed their iced latte.  Confederation Park would be a great spot to enjoy your food.

Dinner from The Purple House Cafe at Joel Stone Park

Take out woodfired pizza from The Purple House Cafe. They have a beautiful garden that looks like they would have a great patio in pre-pandemic times. Bring your pizza to Joel Stone Park for a view of the water while you enjoy your meal. Call ahead and they can have your pizza ready when you get there. We got the butter chicken and the sausage pizza. They have vegetarian options available. Next time I would love to try their strawberry and chicken pizza!

Joel Stone Park is a central location and perfect spot to enjoy dinner near the water. You’ll find lots of picnic tables and benches or you can set up a picnic on the grass. There’s a small beach where you can go swimming or a splash pad for the kids. Walk around and get your photo in front of the lighthouse, lifesaver photo frame, or giant chairs. This is a main hub with lots of activities and there are public washrooms you can access. 

Laverne’s Eatery

You’ll find this cafe in downtown Gananoque.  Laverne’s Eatery  has a cute patio where you can enjoy a bite. They offer a variety of very tasty sandwiches. This is a great spot to get a breakfast sandwich and coffee. If you head here at lunch, I recommend the pulled pork or thai sandwich. They also have a great dinner menu.

Dinner at Muskie Jake’s

Enjoy a waterfront view while you dine at  Muskie Jake’s  in 1000 Islands. Enjoy classic pub fare while you take in a view of the water from their patio. I loved sitting here with a glass of wine and watching the boats go by. 

Lighthouse Provisions

This is the perfect stop for a quick bite to take with you to enjoy by the water. I loved their Italian sandwich, and they have a fun selection of pastries. You’ll find so many unique snacks and pantry items here, including hard-to-find items.

Enjoy an upscale dining experience in 1000 Islands at Riva. The restaurant has a gorgeous interior and a great menu of Italian specialties. I recommend getting the spinach arancini and ricotta gnocchi.

Laverne’s Eatery

We had dinner here on Fiesta Friday and it did not disappoint. Enjoy tacos, fajitas, burritos, fresh margaritas and more. They have a beautiful patio and interior.

Gan Brewing Co.

Stop by for a beer at  Gan Brewing Co . Their brewery is in a historically designated building and they have a nice patio. Try a seasonal brew or something from their core lineup like boat house or naughty otter. I recommend getting a beer flight so you can try a bit of everything. They have a great patio and at night its lined with twinkle lights. It’s the perfect spot for a drink pre or post-dinner. They also welcome you to bring food to their patio and pair it with their beers. If you like sours you need to try their Cherry Sour!

Pistachio Café

Enjoy a vegetarian/vegan menu full of delicious items, from sandwiches to brownies. We warmed up inside with their grilled cheese, tomato soup, and a latte during the Christmas festivities (details below). It’s a great cafe right on Main Street, perfect for re-fuelling between adventures. It’s family owned and operated. 

Unique Experiences in 1000 Islands

You’ll find BUSL Cider in Mallorytown. Enjoy cider in a muskoka chair on their terrace overlooking their beautiful orchard or shop in the boutique. They have some unique flavours like haskap. Get their cider flight so that you can try a few different ones.

Arbru Brewery

Arbru Brewery is Canada’s first destination solar brewery. That means everything at this brewery is solar powered from making the beer to lighting. They have a great selection of beers and wood-fired pizzas. I loved the interior of the brewery, and they even have special domes you can dine in. You can book this dome experience in advance here . Each dome has its theme where you can enjoy beer, wood-fired pizza and pretzels in a unique setting.

Meet Some Friendly Alpacas at Hidden Meadow Alpacas

Meet a friendly herd of Alpacas at Hidden Meadow Alpacas. This was such a cool experience and I was giggling like a kid the whole time. Alpacas are such cute and gentle creatures.

Karen and Mike are the sweetest couple and shared so many facts and stories about the Alpacas with us. We also had a chance to feed the alpacas!

Feeding alpacas was similar to feeding horses, you have to keep your palm flat. The alpacas were timid but gained the courage to approach us when we had food. There were moms and babies and a lots of different colours.

While we were here we learned that alpaca yarn is hypo-allergenic, 5 times warmer than sheep wool and comes in 22 different colours. They have items like mitts and scarves that you can purchase if you want to stay toasty in the colder months.

This experience is fully accessible and perfect for kids of all ages 🙂 I absolutely loved our time here. Make an appointment to visit the farm by calling 613-387-3006.

Visiting In Fall? Go Pumpkin Picking at Field View Farms

Walkthrough their patch and find the perfect pumpkin at Field View Farms . You might even find some surprises in their field! Once you’ve found the perfect pumpkin, make sure to get a photo in front of the haystack in front of the barn. They also have a beautiful display at the front.

1000 Islands History Museum

Learn about the history of the 1000 Islands from the ice age to the present day at the 1000 Islands History Museum. The museum is free to browse and brings you through the decades, including the golden era. Its on the waterfront so its the perfect activity to add onto strolls near Joel Stone Park or other water activities.

Christmas in 1000 Islands

Make a road trip to 1000 Islands at Christmas time and it feels like you’re in your very own Christmas movie. There are plenty of Christmas moments to enjoy in town.

Gananoque Festival of Lights

I loved the Festival of Lights and already can’t wait to return! See the beautiful town hall park transformed into a winter wonderland full of beautiful lights, decorations and Christmas trees. This event is completely free, and lights are on seven days a week until Dec. 31st.

The town hall reminded me of the house in Home Alone, and the whole festival gave me Gilmore Girl vibes with the community spirit and decorations in the main square. There were lots of special details we loved, like the lights on the fountain, beautifully lit to mimic flowing water. Walk through candle cane lane and light arches for different photo ops. Check out the event calendar before going for additional things to do while you’re visiting.

I went for the kick-off celebration, and it was such a fun night of lights, music, and hot chocolate. The next night there was the Santa Claus Parade, where I saw my first-ever boat parade floats! Both events were such a great way to kick off December, and I would recommend them for next year. Until then, definitely head to Gananoque to enjoy the Festival of Lights until Dec. 31st.

A few more Christmas-themed activities we added onto this visit:

• Warming up with a soup and sandwich at Pistachio Cafe (details above)
• A fancy dinner at Riva
• Beer and wood-fired pizza in festive domes at Arbru Beer (details below)
• Exploring downtown Gananoque and popping into different shops
• Holiday Market at The Ivy, a beautiful venue and restaurant that opened its doors to local artisans for a special event
• A casual dinner at Anthony’s before the parade. Ask for a seat by the window, and you’ll catch parts of the parade from inside.
• Enjoy a beer inside Gan Brewing Co. They have a cozy fire inside and they’ve decorated for the holidays.

Where To Stay In 1000 Islands

Where i stayed.

We stayed at the  Holiday Inn Express in Gananoque . You’re a quick drive from the water and downtown and right by the Parkway, which leads you to many adventures. Everyone wore a mask in common areas. They disinfect everything and have sanitizer available at the entrance. They even disinfected my credit cards when they gave them back. Your stay comes with a complimentary breakfast.

I’ve also stayed at the Comfort Inn and Suites . This hotel is within walking distance from downtown Gananoque and the water. The rooms were spacious, and they had a grab-and-go breakfast available as well. There’s also an indoor heated pool.

Accommodation By The Water

• Gananoque Inn & Spa : this is where Muskie Jakes is. The building looked a bit outdated but the photos of the rooms looked more up-to-date. It would definitely be nice waking up with a beautiful view of the water. 
• Watermark Cottages : these luxe cottages are just minutes from Gananoque
• Harmer’s Cottages  was recommended as a nice waterfront cottage. You’ll find them 1 mile east of Gananoque. During the high season (June to September) you can rent them by the week only. 

Camping On An Island

You can camp in  1000 Islands National Park  on one of the islands. You can reserve a camping spot on Beau Rivage, McDonald, Georgina, Constance, Camelot, Aubrey, Gordon and Mulcaster Islands. There are also glamping options in their oTENTik tents . 

Camping By The Water

Ivy Lea Campground was recommended by a local and is something I biked by. It offers campsites by the water and is still a very quick drive to downtown Gananoque and other attractions. 

Check availability and find more places to stay:

How To Get Around 1000 Islands

You’ll need a car to get around 1000 Islands. Once you get to 1000 Islands, it’s easy to walk around Gananoque and main attractions. You can also cycle along the Waterfront Trail to get places. 

Need to make it to one of the islands? You can take the water taxi. Find more information on water taxis  here . 

Stops On The Drive Home from 1000 Islands 

Rock dunder trails + lookout.

Head to Rock Dunder for another picturesque lookout on your way home. This is another trail in the Frontenac Arch Biosphere. Take the 3.9km Summit Loop for a beautiful panoramic view of the Rideau Waterway. 

Merrickville

Stop in the charming town of Merrickville on your way home. There’s plenty to explore from historic views of the Rideau Canal to boutique shops. Check out my full Merrickville guide here .

This post was created in partnership with 1000 Islands Tourism. As always, all opinions and thoughts are my own.  I’m so grateful to be able to experience this incredible destination with and I hope you are able to enjoy it on a trip of your own 🙂 

Julia started Little Miss Ottawa as a way to explore her hometown as a traveller would. She’s always planning her next adventure, whether it’s local or abroad. You’ll find her exploring with her camera in hand. She hopes Little Miss Ottawa helps bring you on new and fun adventures. Happy exploring :)

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I think I’ve just decided that we’re going to do some kayaking and cycling in Gananoque when we’re in Belleville

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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.

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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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