boldt castle tour boat

Official Boldt Castle Website - Alexandria Bay NY in the Heart of the 1000 Islands

1000 Islands NY tour St. Lawrence River

Accessible by water taxi, tour boats and private boat, the castle is open for self-guided tours from mid-May through mid-October.  The five-acre island is fully handicapped accessible, has complete restroom facilities, extensive docking for  private boats, several picnic areas, a gift shop, and a food and beverage concession.

Inside the Castle the first floor has been restored to reflect George and Louise Boldt’s intended finished interior complete with furnishings.

Hundreds of windows have been replaced and beautiful custom made doors and decorative windows now enhance the entrances. The Castle rises six stories from the foundation level of the indoor pool to the highest towered room.

Web site courtesy of the: Thousand Islands Bridge Authority / Boldt Castle PO Box 428, Collins Landing Alexandria Bay, NY 13607

In Season: 315-482-9724 Off Season: 315-482-2501

Coordinates: +44° 20' 40.29" N, -75° 55' 21.27" W

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5-Hour 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise from Gananoque

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Boldt Castle and 2 Nation Tour

• Sightseeing boat cruise
• Local naturalist guide
• Restroom on board
• Entrance fees to Heart Island and Boldt Castle
• Picnic Lunches are available for all tour $12.50 Adult/$8.00 Children Please call for Pre order
• Entry/Admission - Boldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House
• 39611 Chateau Ln, Clayton, NY 13624, USA Located off Route 12 in Clayton, NY
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• No passport required
• Exclusions: Cost of boat ticket does not include admission into Boldt Castle: Adults $12.50 / Children (5 to 12 years) $9/ Children 4 and Under Free / Boldt Castle Admission Tickets are available to purchase at our ticket booth when you check in for your tour, call us in advance to reserve, upon arrival at Boldt Castle
• Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure. Receive boarding pass from our blue ticket booth
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Boldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House

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• You'll start at 39611 Chateau Ln 39611 Chateau Ln, Clayton, NY 13624, USA Located off Route 12 in Clayton, NY See address & details
• Pass by Clayton Island Tours Thousand Islands Wellesley Island
• 1 Boldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House Stop: 75 minutes - Admission excluded Boldt Castle on Heart Island is located near Alexandria Bay, NY in the famed 1000 Islands Region. Whether you are making an annual visit to see what’s new, looking for an affordable family vacation close to home or a couple seeking that romantic getaway, Boldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House has something for you! In fact, the Castles’ legendary beauty nestled among the St Lawrence Rivers’ 1000 Islands will keep you returning year after year! Read more Pass by Wellesley Island State Park Thousand Islands Bridge Thousand Islands New York Rock Island Lighthouse State Park Clayton Rockport Thousand Islands Bridge Thousand Island Park
• You'll return to the starting point

• F1192DVmarians 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Glass Bottom boat was Fantastic Tour! What a fantastic tour! The captain and tour guide were both very friendly and very informative. They answered all of our questions and were very comical too! A bag lunch was offered and was a great idea to have on the trip and inexpensive. Tour of the lighthouse was wonderful! Overall I would rate this tour a 10/10 and would do it again! Highly recommend it. Read more Written October 6, 2023
• julieoB6755JJ 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Poor The audio didn't work so there was no audible commentary/history about the area. I would have been better off doing it on my own. Read more Written September 30, 2023
• E D 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent tour boat experience! Fun and friendly crew. The guide was informative and charismatic with a lot of great stories to share. We all really enjoyed the more intimate setting of this tour, rather than being on one of the big boat tours with tons of people. Read more Written September 24, 2023
• richardrU5947XP 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Time Sailing the St. Lawrence The weather was excellent and the tour guide and ship captain were excellent at their jobs! My wife enjoyed all the stops and information about the various islands. Bolt castle was a wonderful experience and great food there as well. My favorite was the raspberry ice cream at the Cafe...it was super! Would go back just for the ice cream. Read more Written September 23, 2023
• Venture616225 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Thumbs up Fun and informative. The tour director was excellent. We enjoyed the sights and info. The castle was better than the lighthouse for sure. Read more Written September 22, 2023
• שרון א 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Very enjoyable Very friendly crew. Guide very knowleged. Very smooth ride. A bit cold so need to dress well, also the boat had blankets for the visitors. The castle was really nice, do as the guide suggests ans start with the video. When we finished we crossed the bridge to the canadian side where the is a tower with observation deck - a nice adition to see all from above Read more Written September 21, 2023
• Dream594482 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful and informative experience boat was comfortable. Crew were cordial and personable.... very interactive with passengers... gave great information and history on the islands and some of the houses. The crew had great relationships with the crews of the sites visited. Each site you had a good amount of time to explore and did not feel rushed. Overall will do it again Read more Written September 18, 2023
• Sharon M 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The “ultimate” Ultimate tour! Decided on this late-season five hour tour to see Boldt Castle and the Seaway before things started closing. We were delighted! Online reservations were easy and uncomplicated. Make sure to order lunch (included) - our ham/cheese wrap and chicken salad we’re both fresh and delicious, obviously handmade (actually were still finishing the lunches as we checked in) including homemade ginger cookies, bag of chips and your selection of bottled beverages. Checked in 45 minutes before boarding a covered pontoon style tour boat. If you don’t like sitting with your back to the front, get there early. Captain and the tour guide were great-friendly and informative. The river is so beautiful and the 1 1/2 stop at Boldt Castle was just long enough (2 hours would be perfect). Also had a 50 minute stop at a light house (the only one you can still go in). Make sure to include a Clayton Tour in your itinerary when visiting 1000 Islands. Read more Written September 17, 2023
• donnajean54 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Good Cruise Good tour for the money. Staff was knowledgeable. We traveled around the islands and ended up at Boldt Castle. Read more Written September 17, 2023
• Global60080651325 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour with captain Matt Our first time on a glass bottom boat. Very interesting and Matt slowed to allow us to see points of interest. The light house tour was very professional and informative. We opted to purchase the lunch. Food was excellent. We would book again if we are ever back in the area. Read more Written September 16, 2023
• maggieh682 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles This is a must do activity We had a grand time. Dennis was full of k owl edge about the St. Lawrence and it's history. Boldt Castle was inspiring. We took many pictures. Loved our visit to the lighthouse on Rock Island. Such a wonderful day. Read more Written September 15, 2023
• Oldtimertravelers 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Ultimate Bolt Castle tour Thus was a terrific tour. Small group of only 50 people, lunch included. Loved the cozy, friendly tour. Great views. Good lunch. A perfect day. Read more Written September 14, 2023
• louise04 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best Day of Our Trip Best day of our trip. Our tour guide, Brad, was very knowledgeable, friendly, and humorous. But, the reason it was so good was probably since Brad was a longtime resident and obviously is very proud of the area and truly loves it. Boldt Castle was breathtaking, but had such a sad history. The renovations are beyond amazing and could have spent more time there. We then traveled to Rock Island Lighthouse. It was nice, but not the highlight of the tour. Brad and our excellent captain, Scott, sailed us expertly through the beautiful islands and entertained us with the history of the gilded age and recent residents. Highly recommend this tour. Read more Written September 12, 2023
• Voyage39030369160 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great boat tour! Worth every penny! Great tour with a wonderful, very informative and funny tour guide with beautiful views. We loved the stops at the Castle and the Light house. Couldn't ask for a better way to spend the afternoon! Read more Written September 12, 2023
• U794EEkathyb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour! Would highly recommend. We had a great day with tour guide Dennis and Captain Joe. We learned a lot about the 1,000 Island area. Everything was well organized and the lunch was good too. Read more Written September 10, 2023

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Boldt Castle and 2 Nation Tour provided by Clayton Island Tours

Touring Boldt Castle in Alexandria Bay, NY

The Thousand Island region of the St. Lawrence River is known for its many incredible private island homes, but few are as well known as Boldt Castle.

Boldt Castle is located on Heart Island just a short distance from Alexandria Bay, New York. In fact, this castle can be seen quite well from this riverfront community.

However, while this castle is incredibly impressive and looks fit for a king, it was never lived in and for many years sat abandoned. That’s because the story of Boldt Castle is one of love and heartache that makes the site significantly more remarkable.

George Boldt, manager of the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City and the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia purchased Hart Island at the turn of the 20th century. For a while, Boldt, his wife Louise, and their two children lived in a home that was located on the island when they purchased it.

Soon, however, Boldt decided to build an impressive castle, similar to those found along the Rhine River in present-day Germany. The castle was to be a monument to his love for his wife, and the building incorporated many hearts in its design.

In fact, Boldt even went so far as to blast the island to give it a heart shape and changed its name from Hart Island to Heart Island.

However, in January 1904, just one month before Boldt was going to present this new home to Louise, she died in New York City. Heartbroken, George Boldt told the workers to stop, and the castle sat abandoned for many years and was never completed.

Eventually, the island was sold, and tours of the castle were offered over the years. However, without protection from the elements, the castle began to deteriorate. Fortunately, in the 1970s, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority took ownership of the castle and both preserved it and worked towards restoring its grandeur.

Today, Boldt Castle is one of the most prominent landmarks of the Thousand Islands region and a must-visit destination while in the area.

While Boldt Castle sits close to Alexandria Bay in Jefferson County, New York , it is located on an island, which means that it must be accessed by a boat. While there are facilities for private boats to dock at the island, most visitors opt to reach Heart Island via one of the boat tour operators in the region.

The closest boat tours are run by Uncle Sam Boat Tours . They offer both shuttles that run throughout the day on the short trip to the castle from Alexandria Bay, as well as more extensive tours of the region that include a stop at the island. You can also reach the island with Clayton Island Tours .

Once at the island, tickets give visitors the chance to take a self-guided tour of the grounds and a small portion of this 120-room castle.

To start my tour, I decided to head first for the castle. This may or may not be the best decision depending on the number of boats that have recently docked at the island. Despite its location in the middle of the river, hundreds (if not thousands) of tourists visit the island daily, so things can get quite crowded.

It may be best to wait a few minutes before starting your tour so you can avoid the worst of the crowds.

While tours of Boldt Castle are self-guided there are audio guides you can rent on the island or you can download the Boldt Castle app which offers great information on the site. If you are just looking for the highlights, there is signage in most rooms that both tells you a bit about the room and shows you what it looked like prior to restoration.

One definite stop on your tour should be the 15-minute video about the history of the castle that is played on a rotating basis on the second floor. On busy days, there may be a wait to see the film. However, this really is a great overview of the castle, island, and Boldt family that is worth seeing during your visit.

The two lower floors of the castle feature a series of rooms that you can walk through and look as they may have looked had the Boldt family ever stayed in the home. Each room has undergone extensive renovations, and they are beautifully decorated with period furniture.

The third and fourth floor of Boldt Castle has largely been left as it looked when the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority took possession of the island in the 1970s (Though they obviously undertook stabilization projects).

These upper floors provide a great contrast to the lower floors and give you an idea of how complete the castle was when George Boldt walked away from it after his wife’s death. In several rooms, you can also see some of the original blueprints for the castle, which is quite interesting.

A short climb up from the 4th floor, there is a balcony that you can head out onto. This provides fantastic views of both the roof of the castle, as well as the St. Lawrence River and Alexandria Bay. Definitely take a few minutes to enjoy the view from this spot.

After touring the castle, take some time to explore the grounds and outbuildings on this five-acre island.

Alster Tower, also known as the Playhouse, is located on the southern end of the island and looks more like a historic defensive castle than a modern one. Much of the building is closed due to renovations but during my visit, I was able to enter the ground floor and see a bit of the interior of this incredible building, including its historic bowling alley.

On the northeastern end of the island, the Power House was where the island’s power and water were generated. Today, it is more of a museum that highlights how this was done in the early 20th century. The exterior of the building is incredible and has a clocktower that features a carillon that was once in the Wanamaker Building in Philadelphia .

Of course, it’s not just the buildings on Heart Island that are worth seeing. The five-acre island is incredibly manicured and spots like the Italian Gardens are incredible to stroll through and think about the grand vision that Boldt had for this island.

While it’s not attached to the island, the Yacht House is a short boat ride away. A small additional charge gets you a ferry ride to and from this historic building and the chance to see the incredible boats housed inside, some of which were owned by the Boldt family.

Boldt housed his incredible two-story houseboat, La Duchesse, here until it sank while stored in the Yacht House. Today, it has been restored and is located in the Antique Boat Museum in nearby Clayton, New York.

Without a doubt, Boldt Castle is worth the trouble and crowds to see for yourself. I’ve visited many homes, and even a few castles, in New York, and this stands as one of the most remarkable places I’ve had the privilege of exploring.

So, the next time you find yourself in Alexandria Bay and the Thousand Islands region, don’t miss a tour of Boldt Castle.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind when Visiting Boldt Castle

Since it is on an island in the middle of the river and near the Canadian border, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, your ticket to tour the island does not include a boat ride to the island. Several local operators provide boat tours and shuttles that stop at Heart Island. There are also docks for private boats on the island.

Second, the castle is located on the United States side of the border. Tours from Canada do visit the island, but you will need to have your passport if you want to step foot on the island. US Immigration officers are stationed on the island to process international visitors.

Note: My visit to Boldt Castle was hosted by the site. However, the opinions expressed are my own.

Looking for more places to visit nearby? Check out the Hawkins Point Visitor Center , the Remington Art Museum , Wood Boat Brewery , and Rock Island Lighthouse State Park .

Boldt Castle

More nearby places worth exploring.

Visiting Tibbetts Point Lighthouse on the St. Lawrence River

Cruising the St. Lawrence River with Uncle Sam Boat Tours

Cruising the St. Lawrence River on a Glass-Bottom Boat with Clayton Island Tours

Visiting the Delicious Wood Boat Brewery in Clayton, NY

Find more things to do in the thousand islands.

Jim Cheney is the creator of Uncovering New York. After spending 5.5 years exploring Pennsylvania, Jim discovered a love for New York and is excited to spend time exploring this great state and uncovering the best things to do here.

5 thoughts on “Touring Boldt Castle in Alexandria Bay, NY”

Thanks for this article. It’s always amazing to me how so many of these massive estates and castles that took years to create never got to be fully appreciated by the people that built them.

I grew up in Alexandria Bay. One of our many pleasures was taking my 16 foot Glastron over to the castle and explore. This was before 1970 and the T.I. Bridge who acquired it. It was amazing as a ruin and beautiful now.

to be clear to visit the Boldt castle you do not need a passport. but if you go to the boat house you need one? also does a federal approved driver’s license work in lieu of a passport?

You only need a passport if you are entering on a boat from Canada. If you are taking a US-based boat, like the one mentioned in the article, no passport is required.

Visited here many years ago when castle ws just as he left it I m so glad to see the restoration Thank you for the pictures

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How To Spend A Perfect Day At Boldt Castle

Robin O'Neal Smith

• Activities and Interests
• Architecture
• Destinations
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• United States

Standing tall and soaring above the sparkling waters of the Saint Lawrence River, you will find the magnificent Boldt Castle on Heart Island near the Canadian border hidden among a thousand tiny islands dotting the area.

A tourist destination in itself, Boldt Castle is part of many Thousand Islands boat tours.

The castle’s Heart Island address is in Alexandria Bay, New York, which lies 100 miles from Syracuse and 270 miles from New York City. It is worth the drive to catch a boat to Heart Island and tour the castle.

Here’s how to spend a perfect day there, plus tips for where to take the most beautiful pictures of the castle grounds.

Getting To Boldt Castle

The only way to visit the island is by boat, and tours are available from the United States and Canada. A boat ride from Gananoque, Ontario, Canada, is just over 30 minutes. From Alexandria Bay, New York, it is about 20 minutes. Private boats are permitted, but most people take a tour boat. Boat tours take visitors through the American and Canadian parts of the river. You know which country you are in as you traverse the Saint Lawrence by the flags waving on the islands as you pass by. It is not uncommon to see the Canadian Maple Leaf on one island and Old Glory on the next.

As you travel to the castle, you will sail past many of the 1,864 islands. One of the smallest islands, Tom Thumb, has just enough room for one tree and one juniper bush, while the largest island is home to a 9-hole golf course.

Be sure you take a boat tour that includes going ashore to explore the island so you can visit the castle. If arriving from Canada, you will need to have a passport since the castle is in the U.S.

Robin O’Neal Smith

Know The History Of Boldt Castle Before You Arrive

The castle was built around 1900. Prussian immigrant George C. Boldt ran numerous hotels in New York City, including the Waldorf Astoria, which catered to the very rich and helped to make Boldt a multimillionaire. He is credited with the creation of hotel room service and the phrase “The customer is always right.”

Boldt and his wife Louise and their two children visited the Thousand Islands region during summer vacations and loved it. Mr. Boldt decided to build a castle on Heart Island as a symbol of love for his wife. Construction on the 120-room structure started in 1900 with over 300 workers.

Once the main floor of the castle was completed, the Boldts started hosting parties and entertaining in what became their summer home. Opulent festivities with guests spending entire weekends were the norm.

In 1904, tragedy struck, and Louise died suddenly before the castle was completed. The Boldts had married right before her 16th birthday and they enjoyed 26 years of wedded bliss before she died at age 42.

Just after Louise died, a heartbroken George sent a telegram to workers to halt construction. He never returned to the island.

Boldt Castle was not finished and sat empty for 73 years. Vandals, weather, and time took a toll on the structure. The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority took ownership in 1977 and began restoring the castle to its original opulence. Millions of dollars spent and 40 years later, they are still working on the restoration.

An international visitor destination, people come to admire the castle, gardens, and the hearts carved into wood, stone, and plaster scattered throughout the castle and grounds. It is like taking a step back in time to marvel at the grandeur of the marble staircase and rooms large enough to be dance halls.

Tour The First Floor

When you arrive by boat to Boldt Castle, the towers rise toward the sky and you will see the famous structure from a distance.

From the dock, your walk up to the castle is a tad steep, but most of the island is flat and easy walking. Before you get to the castle, you will get a view of the impeccable grounds and enjoy the flowers and plants growing everywhere.

Inside, you are greeted by a marble staircase leading upstairs. A wedding portrait of Louise Boldt hangs above a marble fireplace. Above you, a vast stained-glass dome ceiling gives the castle a look and feel of a cathedral as light streams into the receiving area.

The white-trimmed reception room features a white marble fireplace with a mirror above it and a sphinx.

Seating for 18 is available in the formal dining room, where a glittering gold chandelier hangs over the table.

The dining room leads to an outdoor space that includes a gigantic stone fireplace once used for barbecues and other festivities.

Adjacent to the dining room is a formal ballroom designed for dances and parties. It opens onto the balconies.

Since most Boldt Castle entertaining happened during the summer, it was designed with wide balconies where guests could dance, catch fresh air, watch boats, and enjoy nature.

George and his friends would have enjoyed shooting pool, smoking cigars, and talking business in the billiard room where his portrait still hangs.

Boldt and his wife loved books and would spend many evenings curled up with a good book. Rows and rows of books line the bookcases, and a black marble fireplace highlights the library, which has gold-framed pictures on the walls.

The butler’s closet is larger than many dining rooms. It has sinks and storage for dishes, linens, and silver.

The first floor also houses the kitchen and Mr. Boldt’s office.

Climb The Marble Staircase To The Second Floor

Currently, there is a gift shop on the castle’s second floor. It sells all kinds of Thousand Island and Heart Island treasures. You can purchase Thousand Island Salad Dressing in commemorative bottles there.

Visitors will also enjoy the small theater that continuously shows a short movie about the life of George Boldt and the history of the castle.

The Boldt family bedrooms are on the second floor. Each bedroom or chamber was a suite that included a bedroom, a sitting area, and a bathroom. Each of the bedrooms had doors out to a balcony where they could watch the sunrise and view the Saint Lawrence River and the boats sailing past.

George’s suite features dark wood and a portrait of Louise over the bed. Louise’s suite is trimmed in white with a large clawfoot tub in the bathroom.

The children’s bedrooms and several guest bedrooms are also on the second floor.

Visit The Third And Fourth Floors

The third floor is unfinished and currently features some exhibits on the history of the Gilded Age. It has the same layout as the second floor but does not have a marble staircase.

Also unfinished, the fourth floor houses construction artifacts and construction supplies and has architectural sketches on the walls. Today, it appears as though the workers dropped their tools and left.

Take Pictures From The Observation Deck

An observation deck provides visitors a view of the river and the ornate Italian gardens below. This is a great spot to snap some pictures.

Visit The Basement Area

The basement houses storage areas, a boiler room, and an indoor pool and lounge.

Explore The Grounds

Plan extra time to stroll the grounds and appreciate the gardens. You will enjoy a variety of flowers blooming, water bubbling from marble fountains, and numerous buildings on the property.

Some of the flowers are planted in the shape of hearts in honor of the island’s name and of Valentine’s Day, Louise Boldt’s birthday.

The dovecote that once housed the island water tank stands near the castle.

Alster Tower, intended for their guests’ entertainment, was better known as the Playhouse. There was a room for dancing, and the basement was home to a bowling alley. There were plans for another library, grill, kitchen, and billiard room in the Playhouse before construction stopped. Additional construction and renovations to this structure were completed last year.

The entry arch has several life-sized statues of deer on top. The powerhouse once held everything required to generate electricity for the entire island.

Enjoy A Picnic Lunch

Many people enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the island’s numerous picnic areas, or you can purchase food from the concession stand. Bathroom facilities are also available inside the castle.

Boldt Castle is open May through October. Check the website for opening times as they vary during the season.

Admission costs are based on visitor age and the package you choose ; those ages four and under are admitted free. The fee does not include the boat trip. Most boat trip operators sell tickets for the boat and the castle visit.

Tips For Your Boldt Castle Visit

• If arriving from Canada, bring your passport. This is required as the castle is in the U.S.
• Boldt Castle is child friendly, and all sidewalks and brick paths are wide enough for strollers and wheelchairs.
• Take a sweater or light jacket with a hood for the boat tour part of the trip. The river is often chilly and windy, even on warm days.
• Allow yourself several hours on Heart Island to tour the grounds, buildings, and castle. We were there for three hours, and honestly, I could have spent another hour or two.
• Wear comfortable shoes; you will do considerable walking, and there are steps. (There is an elevator inside the castle for those who need it).

Going to Boldt Castle? Here’s our advice for planning the rest of your Thousand Islands weekend getaway: where to eat, stay, and play .

Robin O’Neal Smith is a freelance and travel writer. A young baby boomer, Robin and her husband have traveled throughout North America, many of the Caribbean Islands, and Europe. She loves cruising and inspiring others to live their dreams of travel. Follow her travels on her personal site where she discusses travel, food, and more!

5-Hour 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise from Gananoque

• 5-Hour Cruise; a Canadian Signature Experience
• Views of the St. Lawrence Seaway, Millionaires Row, Boldt Castle.
• Views of American & Canadian Spans of 1000 Islands International Bridge and Statue of St. Lawrence
• Onboard food and beverage available for purchase.
• Audio Commentary in English and French.
• Restroom on board
• Paid parking available on site.
• Parking Fees
• City Cruises Gananoque, 280 Main St, Gananoque, ON K7G 2M2, Canada A paid parking lot is available on-site. Parking passes are available for purchase at the lot or in the ticket office.
• Service animals allowed
• Stroller accessible
• Wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travellers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 225 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Boldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House
• 1000 Islands Tower
• Thousand Islands Bridge

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• Curtrm61 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 1000 Island tour Trip was a lot of fun. Great sites, great narratives. Staff was nice and friendly. Boat speed was perfect to be able to take the pics we wanted. Read more Written October 22, 2023
• 924maryjanet 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A must do in Gananoque! The views were amazing and so many picturesque opportunities! The boat also gets close enough to the castle that you can some pretty good pictures! Definitely a trip to remember. Read more Written October 20, 2023
• 685oleksandrg 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles ill-considered booking Unfortunately, we were not able to arrive on time to take part in the cruise. We were travelling from another city and there was a problem with our car. As we found out when we contacted the cruise company, we would have had an opportunity to rebook the cruise, if we had booked it through the website of the cruise company, but since we booked it through Tripadvisor, we did not have such an option. So, if you aren't sure, whether you can arrive on time, we would definitely recommed to make a reservation through the cruise company directly. Read more Written October 7, 2023
• Anonymous855 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles A long 3 hour cruise with not much to see I was hoping the trees would be turning colors but nope and so until we got to Boldt castle, it was a bit dull. Pretty scenery for about 30 minutes, that's enough. We circled the castle island twice and then came back, of course, the same route. Now I was bored and went down a deck to eat popcorn and check my phone. 3 hours was too long for an adult with a terrific attention span....think about it. Parking was more expensive than the website says too. Read more Written September 28, 2023
• gopak619 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A fun, comfortable, and interesting cruise around a lovely area. Very scenic and interesting. We had wanted to take the longer cruise that included the Boalt Castle visit, but that wasn’t available. It turns out the 3 hour cruise was just right — pleasant, informative, and not too long. Read more Written September 25, 2023
• 615filomenag 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles The Worse Boat Tour First of all, the price was ridiculous much more than the one we took with Clayton Tours in Kingston and it was approximately 3 hrs. I am still fighting with this company for my refund. It also cost $9 to park they kept stressing it was all day parking. The tour NEVER TOOK PLACE! They had us all board the boat and for the first 30 mins it was TOTAL SILENCE - no one spoke to any of us. Finally, I asked 2 very nice girls at snack bar what was up. They told us that the sound and video system was down and we would only be riding on the river for an hr clueless to our surroundings. They knew of a couple things and were kind enough to point them out. BOGUS!!!! Read more Written September 24, 2023
• andreasU7202RL 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Calm experience Calm.experience. Friendly staff Well organized. Get there early to get a hood seat. . Beautiful day on the water. Great commentary if you want yo listen but mot too intrusive if you don’t. Read more Written September 24, 2023
• AndrewM826 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles go on a sunny day nice scenery but a bit too long. it would have been much nicer if the weather was better, we had some rain. Read more Written September 20, 2023
• waltersU1843ED 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles this should be on every body's visit list We took the 3 hours tour and it was better than we had expected. Very interesting about the history of this particular area between Canada and USA. The properties are beautiful or stunning in some cases! Read more Written September 18, 2023
• KrisBrownfield 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great cruise, great weather Two couples made a last minute reservation for the one hour cruise. It was on time and very entertaining. We would all recommend this cruise. Read more Written September 11, 2023

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

5-Hour 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise from Gananoque provided by City Cruises Gananoque

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Opening in April 6, 7 & 8 for the 2024 Eclipse!

Uncle Sam Boat Tours: 1000 Islands Boat Tours in Alexandria Bay NY

Singer Castle Tour

Quick Details:

• Boat tour- $31.50
• Singer Castle Admission- $14.25
• Boldt Castle admission is not included
• Boat Tour- $19.25
• Singer Castle Admission- $8.25
• Boldt Castle Admission is not included
• Boat Tour & Singer Castle Admission is included.
• Duration 3 1/2 hours and NO PASSPORT NEEDED
• Singer Castle is NOT handicap accessible and requires a lot of stairs and walking.
• Tour stops at Boldt Castle, unless otherwise noted, at the end of the trip. (Boldt Castle tour is optional & admission is not included)

***Tours before May 11th and after October 14th CAN NOT stop at Boldt Castle. As it will be closed to the public at that time.***

Indulge in mystery on a dark island cruise.

Learn about the mysterious history and possible haunting of Singer Castle on this unique cruise to Dark Island.

Singer Castle was built at the turn of the century by Commodore Bourne, president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, as a hunting lodge. It remained in his family for half a century until it was bought by Reverend Martin in the 60s and established as a religious retreat.

In 2005, the castle was purchased by a group of German investors and was opened to the public, allowing visitors from all over the world to view a castle that had always been shrouded in mystery and, as rumor would have it, haunted.

This trip covers an 11-mile section of the St. Lawrence River not offered in any of our other tours. Our experienced tour guides provide a lively narrative during the downriver trip to the castle and the return trip back to Alexandria Bay, directing your attention to points of interest and sharing historic, environmental, and seaway facts. At the castle, trained guides greet you and provide a one-hour walking tour.

Upon returning upriver to the Alexandria Bay area, your vessel stops at Heart Island, where you have the option to either disembark at Boldt Castle and enjoy a self-guided tour of the castle and its grounds or remain on board and return to Alexandria Bay. Boldt Castle admission is additional.

For more information about Boldt Castle’s history, click here .

For Boldt Castle’s current schedule and admission rates, click here .

Cruise highlights include:

• St. Lawrence Seaway
• Grenadier Island
• Sisters Island Light
• Singer Castle
• Inglenuk, once owned by the famous artist Frederic Remington
• Various shipwrecks
• Ironsides Island
• Whiskey Island

Tours Resume May 11th for the 2024 Season. Calendars are open, book your tour now!

• 2 Hour Boat Tour on the St. Lawrence Seaway

Islands, Lighthouses, and Castle Tour

Narrated tour on the St. Lawrence River among many of the 1000 islands, including Rock Island Lighthouse on Rock Island, Sunken Rock Lighthouse on Bush Island, and Boldt Castle on Heart Island.

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 2 hours

Islands, Lighthouses and Castle Tour along the St. Lawrence River

Join us for a 2 hour tour in the heart of the 1000 Islands on the St. Lawrence River.  Our narrator/guide shares the history of the area and points out highlights on a 25 mile journey through many of the islands between Clayton and Alexandria Bay.

Sights include Boldt Castle on Heart Island, Sunken Rock Lighthouse on Bush Island, Rock Island Lighthouse on Rock Island, Million dollar homes, Millionaires Row and we may even get up close to a Great Lakes Freighter or “Salty” as they travel the Seaway Shipping Channel to/from the Great Lakes and Ports around the world.

This is a two hour continuous tour and does not stop.

2024 Schedule

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE

• St. Lawrence Seaway shipping channel
• Round Island
• Rock Island Lighthouse on Rock Island
• Thousand Island Park
• American Span of the 1000 Islands Bridge System
• Cherry Island & Millionaire’s Row
• Devil’s Oven – hiding place of Pirate Bill Johnston during the Patriot’s War of 1837
• Hopewell Hall – summer home of George Boldt’s daughter & granddaughter
• Boldt Castle on Heart Island
• Boldt Castle Yacht House
• Sunken Rock Lighthouse on Bush Island
• Millionaires Row

Meeting Location

• Boarding takes place 15 minutes prior to departure.
• Meeting Address: 39611 Chateau Lane, Clayton, NY 13624
• FREE parking, buses and RVs welcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are there concessions on-board?

We do not have concessions on our boats. We do offer food and beverages from  Kay’s Kitchen  , our onsite concessions.

Picnic Lunches available to pre-order for each tour Breakfast in-season Lunch in-season Catering for group/private charters aboard our boats

You may bring your own food and beverages on-board. No Alcohol.

2.Do you travel if it is raining?

Yes, our boats are covered and have windows that roll up or down in inclement weather. We do not travel in severe storms or high winds. If the weather prevents us from departing we will let you know as soon as the decision is made.

3.  Are Passports Required?

Passports are not required.

4.  Where do I park?

We have ample free parking. Motorhomes are welcome.

5.  Are pets allowed?

Only Service Animals are allowed. No pets, Comfort Animals or ESA’s are allowed.

6.  Can I smoke on the boat?

Our boats are smoke free.

Related Boat Tours

• #1 Attraction on the River
• Hour Glass 3.5 hours

Boldt Castle and Two Nation Tour

Experience the most unique and complete Boldt Castle Tour in the 1000 Islands.   Narrated & intimate boat tour travels over 27 unique miles among the islands through US and Canadian waters on the St. Lawrence River .  Stop at Boldt Castle on Heart Island to explore the grounds and castle.

• Only Public Tour to Rock Island Lighthouse
• Hour Glass 2.75

Rock Island Lighthouse on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Glide through the clean waters of the 1000 Islands on our Glass Bottomed Boat, “The Night Heron,” for an unparalleled view of this mighty river we call The St. Lawrence. Bring your camera because this tour offers many unique opportunities to photograph natural settings, many bird species (perhaps even a Great Blue Heron), ships traveling from around the world, and so much more!

• Hour Glass 2 hours

Discover the 1000 Islands / Grindstone, Lake Fleet & Admiralty Island Groups

This tour travels without stopping through U.S. and Canadian waters on the St. Lawrence River along the Canadian Border on the St. Lawrence River between Clayton, NY, and Gananoque, CA.