boldt castle tours rockport

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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Boldt Castle tour - Rockport Cruises

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Enjoyed the two hour cruise but I think the 1 hour cruise would have been sufficient. You don’t see... read more

We did Uncle Sam’s tour to sSnger and Boldt Castles, and then Rockport to see more of the islands... read more

Boldt Castle tour

Always wanted to visit the castle but it seemed like a long day going from Gananoque. So I looked into Rockport. What a great idea. Shorter distance, 3 and a half hour cruise. Half hour to the castle, 2 hours on the island, and one hour coming back. I would recommend this for sure. Parking is up the grass hill, look out for bus tours stopping so 100 people can use the restroom. But it's the Thousand Islands, lovely area. Blink and you'll miss the Rockport cutoff from the Thousand Islands Parkway, almost seems like a big driveway instead of a road.

Thank you for taking time to post a review. We appreciate all your comments and are so pleased you enjoyed your cruise with us.

If you have ever been on a 1000 Island Cruises, there is not much more that you will see via Rockport Cruises. Of all the companies offering these type of cruises, this is probably the one that one can spend the least amount of time on a boat to see the main attractions of the islands as it is pretty much on a straight line with Boldt Castle and other points of interests What I liked: A few different options, including a very short (1 hours) tour and more complete experiences (Boldt Castle Stopover, 2 hours tour,...). Boat is very clean and stable, crew is friendly and Rockport is a nice little place for a quick stopover What to look for / could be improved: Without getting into stereotypes, we may all have experienced the "aggressive bus tour filled with extreme picture takers". It was not a pleasant experience waiting to board the boat as some of these bus tours, even though they came in later than most other people, tried to wrestle their way in to the front of the line. There should be separate waiting and boarding areas for "individuals" and organized tours, and priority should be given to individuals. Recommended if 1st time in the area - but there are other suitable options (which I think for the most part are owned by the same company...)

Thank you for your review. We have wonderful staff members and appreciate your comments about the care they provide. Customer feedback is very important to us and your comments are taken seriously.

We took the two hour Palaces & Palisades cruise. It's a gorgeous area and some amazing houses built on many islands. Rockport Cruises seem to know the area well and gave a good guided tour. Worth seeing.

Thank you for taking time to post a review. We appreciate all of your comments and are so pleased you enjoyed your cruise with us.

I was on one of the cruises to watch the 4th of July fireworks at Boldt Castle. Let's start with the positives: The cruise itself was nice; it offered a great view of the sunset and the scenery on the way to Boldt. Every staff member I interacted with was very courteous and professional, which I always appreciate. We were parked in a prime location for watching the fireworks, so I can't complain about that. Unfortunately, I was underwhelmed with some other parts of the experience. A drink and snack menu was posted at the bar, and almost none of the items were being served. They also weren't selling the same drinks that were on display. If they would've taken down that menu and the display, there wouldn't have been any confusion or disappointment (no one would have known any better). Furthermore, they were sold out of snacks before we had even reached the spot where we watched the fireworks. Tickets for the cruise had to be purchased in advance, so it isn't as though they had more people than expected. It was clearly a case of poor planning. As an aside, I certainly don't expect much from washrooms on public transportation, but I'm not sure that the washroom was cleaned before we left Rockport. I used it early in the trip and it looked like someone had been standing on the toilet seat with dirty boots on. Overall, I did have a good time, considering that the point of the evening was to watch the fireworks. The staff were very pleasant, as mentioned. However, I expected more from a company that is competing with a number of other boat lines in the region, especially since tickets were purchased in advance.

Thank you very much for taking the time to review our cruise. We are happy to hear that you enjoyed the experience. Your input, and the feedback from all of our guests, is vitally important to us and we always want guest expectations to be met. Thank you for letting us know the areas we need to improve. We will ask our staff to be more mindful. Again, we appreciate your taking the time to review the cruise.

We went on the "Two castle Tour" and enjoyed every minute of it. The views as you cruise through the thousand islands are amazing. Both Boldt and Singer Castle are amazing sites to visit. Boldt castle you can explore on your own while Singer castle has a guided tour. The crew on board our boat were extremely friendly and helpful, lunch was delicious and very nicely presented. The boat was not over crowded so everyone could take photographs and relax and enjoy the passing scenery. The commentary was very informative and not over done. Altogether a very professionally run company who give the tourists excellent value for their money. Just a warning for any tourists who are not from the USA or Canada if you did not fly into the USA before entering Canada an ESTA Visa is not good enough you will need to pay a further $6 at USA customs at Boldt castle.

Thank you for your review and for taking the time to post such lovely comments. I have shared your comments with our various departments who will be so pleased to see that their efforts are appreciated.

My husband and I took the Boldt castle cruise and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The staff was very friendly and it was a relaxing cruise through the beautiful Thousand Islands with a two hour stop at Boldt Castle. The boat was a nice size, not too big and not too small and we took the earliest cruise of the day and there was only a handful of us on the boat. Great day!

Rockport Cruises

Discover and experience the Heart of the 1000 Islands, majestic castles and whispers of a thousand legends as you cruise the breathtaking 1000 Islands with Rockport Cruises. This wonderfully lush landscape is dotted with luxurious cottages and vast estates. The Heart of the Islands, Palaces & Palisades or Castle sightseeing cruises showcase all the major features of the islands including; Zavikon Island, Boldt Castle and Millionaire’s Row. Enjoy casual dining with picture-perfect settings while cruising on a St. Lawrence Lunch or Sunset Dinner cruise. Explore the magnificent Boldt Castle as the cruise takes you to the most famous of the 1000 Islands, Heart Island or a Two Castle Tour featuring Boldt and Singer Castles with lunch served onboard. Rockport Cruises is a member of the prestigious Canadian Tourism Commission’s, Signature Experience Collection. Hours of operation:

23 Front Street Rockport ON K0E 1V0 Canada

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Boldt Castle

Top choice in Thousand Islands

This lavish turn-of-the-century island castle in the middle of the St Lawrence is only around 25km from Gananoque, but technically in the USA, so you'll need your passport to visit. It was built by George C Boldt, original proprietor of New York's famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Many Thousand Island cruise tours stop here, or you can drive 23km from Gananoque to Alexandria Bay, NY, USA, where 10-minute shuttles cross the 1km of water to the castle.

From the Thousand Islands Pkwy, Hwy 137/81 crosses the Thousand Islands Bridge (and the border) to Alexandria Bay. Canadian cruises depart from Gananoque for a five-hour tour (including the cruise and castle visit) and from Rockport for a 3½- or five-hour tour.

Heart Island. Alexandria Bay, NY, USA

Get In Touch

315-482-9724

https://www.boldtcastle.com

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Boldt Castle – A True Marvel of the 1000 Islands

Castle Tours , Cruising , Family Friendly , Museums & Galleries

• August 19, 2020
• By: Bonnie Wannamaker

The 1000 Islands is made up of a cluster of 1,864 islands, located in the St. Lawrence River along the Kingston-Gananoque-Brockville corridor. This area, known for its panoramic, sweeping views and lively history was a mecca for the rich and famous in the early 1900’s. The legacy of these millionaires that came to the 1000 Islands at the turn of the century can still be seen when you visit the 1000 Islands today.  In fact, one of the most notorious islands in the 1000 Islands – Heart Island attracts visits from all around the world and boasts a story that is both heartwarming and tragic. 

The saga of Heart Island begins at the turn-of-the-century when George C. Boldt, millionaire proprietor of the world famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, set out to build a grandiose structure for the love of his wife, Louise. He commissioned over 300 workers to start work on a 120 room castle that would be six stories high and contain things such as: tunnels, a drawbridge, a tower and Italian gardens. Not a single expense was spared or detail overlooked.

Heartbreak Halts Construction

In January 1904, tragedy struck when George Boldt’s cherished wife Louise died suddenly. Brokenhearted and distraught, he telegraphs the island and commands workers to immediately “stop all construction.” George could not imagine his dream castle without his beloved so he never returned to the island and the castle that held so much promise was abandoned for 73 long years. 

In 1977, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired the property, which was in dire need of restoration. Wind, rain, ice, snow and vandals were not kind to the castle, so many tiers of rehabilitation needed to be done, to the tune of millions of dollars. Today, visitors are greeted by a grandiose site when they arrive, Boldt Castle in all its glory. A true castle and a testament that love is timeless. 

When visiting the 1000 Islands, tourists can see the castle in many ways: by sky on a helicopter tour, by water as they cruise by or up close by docking at the island and touring this great estate. And although all three ways will have you picking your jaw up off the ground at the magnificent sites, nothing quite beats walking through the hallways and marveling over the ornate workmanship. 

Docking at the Castle

Arriving at Heart Island feels very much like you’ve just become part of a real life Disney movie – there is a serenity and magical feeling only made much more tangible by the majestic sight of this beautiful castle. There are many structures to explore on the island: the Power House, the Alster Tower, the Hennery, the Arch and a stone gazebo. But the main event by far is the 6-story high castle. Once inside, you’ll have the opportunity to tour various rooms that have meticulously reconstructed to show off how they would have looked over a hundred years ago. The décor has been chosen to reflect George and Louise Boldt’s intended interior. 

Renovations

The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority, owners of historic Boldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House continue with improvements every year. The latest rehabilitation project was the Channel Side Fountain, which although in the original construction blueprints was not started before construction ceased in 1904. Work also continues in and around the castle on other projects, giving visitors new things to see each and every time they come. 

Next time you’re planning a trip to the 1000 Islands, make sure your itinerary includes a stop at Boldt Castle where you’ll learn more about it’s fascinating history.

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Visitor information.

• (613) 382-8044
• 10 King St E, Gananoque, ON K7G 1E6

Experiences

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Copyright © 2023 1000 Islands Tourism.

Terms & Privacy Policy

1000 Islands Tourism acknowledges that we are on traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee (Hoe-den-oh-show-nee) and Anishinabe (A-nish-in-‘a-bay) and First Peoples, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land.

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

• #1 Attraction on the River

Boldt Castle and Two Nation Tour

This intimate tour travels over 27 unique miles among many of the 1000 Islands through US and Canadian waters of the St. Lawrence River. We spend 75 minutes at Heart Island for a self guided tour of Boldt Castle and grounds.

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 3.5 hours
• Users Age: All Ages Welcome

This intimate tour travels over 27 unique miles among many of the 1000 Islands through US and Canadian waters of the St. Lawrence River.  We spend 7 5 minutes at Heart Island for a self guided tour of Boldt Castle and grounds. Many photo opportunities as we pass Freighters and Ocean Going Vessels traveling to and from the Great Lakes and ports around the world, millionaires row, private islands, and premier sights as your tour guide shares the history, mystery, legends and lore of the area.  Your boat, captain, and guide will be with you every nautical mile of this most popular tour in the 1000 Islands.

Explore the beauty of the 1000 Islands on our Boldt Castle Tour

Enjoy an intimate boat tour as we travel over 27 unique miles through US and Canadian waters among many of the 1000 Islands along the St. Lawrence River. Our professional local guides share rich history, legends and lore as we get closer to the islands than any other tour. View magnificent million-dollar homes, travel under American and Canadian spans of the 1000 Island Bridge System, and pass Rock Island Lighthouse on Rock Island.

At Heart Island guests have the option to take a self guided tour of millionaire George Boldt’s Castle, built as a testament of love for his wife Louise, before tragedy struck in 1904. Marvel at life in the “Gilded Age” for the wealthy who built magnificent castles and summer homes on islands as we travel through “Millionaire’s Row” and the St. Lawrence Seaway shipping channel with the possibility of viewing oceangoing vessels that travel from around the world to the Great Lakes of North America. Our small boats provide for a personal experience with our Captain and Crew. Each of our crew members have a unique, never recorded presentation, and a love of sharing the River with guests.

 Exclusions – Admission to Boldt Castle on Heart Island is not included in the price of boat tour tickets.  Adult’s $12.50 and Children (5-12) $9.00 / Tickets may be purchased through our website at the time of purchasing your boat tour tickets, upon check in the day of your tour, upon arrival at Boldt Castle on Heart Island, or at www.boldtcastle.com

2024 Schedule – 

Highlights of this tour include:.

• This tour circumnavigates Wellesley Island, the largest US Island through Canadian Waters in the north and us waters in the south
• Canadian Steamboat Channel
• The Lost Channel
• Tom Thumb Island
• Parks Canada
• Rockport, Ontario
• Canadian Palisades
• Whirlpool Channel
• Tom thumb Island
• Million Dollar Canadian homes
• The Statue of St. Lawrence
• St. Lawrence Seaway shipping channel
• Rock Island Lighthouse on Rock Island
• Travel under 2 spans of the 1000 Island Bridge System
• Twin Pine Treehouse on Cherry Island
• Millionaire’s Row
• Devil’s Oven
• Hopewell Hall
• Boldt Castle on Heart Island
• and so much more!

Meeting Location

Clayton Island Tours – 39611 Chateau Lane, Clayton, NY 13624

Frequently Asked Questions

• Chevron down Is Boldt Castle Admission Included?

No, Boldt Castle Admission is a separate fee. Adults $12.50 / Children (5-12) $9.00 / Children 4 and under Free –  Admission tickets may be purchased online with your boat tour, are available at our ticket booth upon check in, Upon arrival at Boldt Castle, or online at www.boldtcastle.com

• Chevron down 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.

• Chevron down 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.

• Chevron down Are Passports Required?

Passports are not required.

• Chevron down Where do I park?

We have ample free parking. Motorhomes are welcome.

• Chevron down Are pets allowed?

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

• Chevron down Can I smoke on the boat?

Our boats are smoke free.

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The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour in the 1000 Islands

Designed for those who wish to see the most attractions in an afternoon from the river!  Tour the 1000 islands on the St. Lawrence River through US and Canadian Waters, visit Boldt Castle on Heart Island and Rock Island Lighthouse on Rock Island.  Picnic Lunch and all admissions included.

• 2 Hour Boat Tour on the St. Lawrence Seaway
• Hour Glass 2 hours

Islands, Lighthouses, and Castle Tour

Join us for 2 hour narrated tour among many of the islands on the St. Lawrence River, including Rock Island Lighthouse on Rock Island, Sunken Rock Lighthouse on Bush Island, and Boldt Castle on Heart Island

Private Sightseeing Tour for just your family, friends, or social group!

Take a private sightseeing tour among the 1000 Islands on the St. Lawrence River in comfort, safety, and privacy with your immediate family or social group. We provide the boat, captain, and guide for a “live” narrated sightseeing tour among the islands.

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1000 Islands Cruises Rockport Boat Line

Toll Free Phone: 800-563-8687 Email: [email protected]

Discover exhilarating panoramic views and the rugged nature of the 1000 Islands! This wonderfully lush landscape is dotted with luxurious cottages and vast estates. Choose from Heart of the Islands Cruise, Palaces and Palisades Cruise, Sunset Cruise or Boldt Castle Stop Over Cruise. Experience the view of the majestic St. Lawrence River on our waterfront patio at Cornwall’s Pub. Take home a memory or enjoy scooped ice cream or a cup of gourmet coffee from the Rockport General Store. Beautiful gardens and picnic area. A short drive on the Thousand Islands Parkway, minutes from Gananoque, between Kingston and Brockville, Ontario.