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Tour
An Ontario day trip with time on the St. Lawrence River.
Listed price $1,999Group price
The Thousand Islands lie where Lake Ontario drains into the St. Lawrence River, close to three hours’ drive east of Toronto. There are more than 1,800 of them, some barely big enough for a single cottage, and the best way to see them is from the water. This tour is built around a sightseeing cruise among the islands, with the riverside parkway, a lunch stop and Kingston on the way back.
Which cruise we book shapes part of the day. Boldt Castle, on Heart Island in US waters, is the view most visitors hope for, and we plan with it in mind, but the operator, sailing and route are confirmed with your booking. Sightseeing cruises here are scheduled public sailings, so you share the boat with other passengers. Going ashore at the castle or entering the United States is not part of this tour.
8 stops, in order
Traffic, parking and opening hours can shift timings on the day. Every stop below stays in the plan.
Stop 1 of 8
An early pickup from your hotel or B&B. The time is set when we confirm, because the whole day is planned around the cruise departure.
Stop 2 of 8
Scenic drive
Highway 401 runs east along the Lake Ontario side of the province, past Port Hope, Cobourg and Belleville, to the river country around Gananoque.
Stop 3 of 8
Cruise details confirmed with booking
A sightseeing cruise through the islands: granite shorelines, summer cottages, narrow channels and the occasional island with just one house on it. We confirm the operator, sailing, terminal and length, and whether the cruise ticket is part of your arrangement, before you book.
Stop 4 of 8
From the water, route permitting
Boldt Castle, the stone castle George Boldt began building on Heart Island around 1900, is the landmark we aim to see from the boat. Whether your cruise passes it depends on the route we confirm. Castle admission and a shore visit on the US side are not part of this tour.
Stop 5 of 8
Scenic drive
A two-lane road that follows the river east of Gananoque, with islands, bays and lookouts along the way.
Stop 6 of 8
Meal not included
A break for lunch in the area. Tell us about dietary needs when you book. Meal costs are not part of the listed tour price.
Stop 7 of 8
Drive-by
Kingston was the first capital of the Province of Canada. We drive along the limestone waterfront past City Hall and Confederation Basin, then by the Queen’s University campus.
Stop 8 of 8
The drive back west along the 401 to Toronto.
Places on the route. Photos are credited on our photo credits page.
More answers on the FAQ page.
Request received
Your request has reached the City Tour Toronto booking inbox. We will reply to confirm availability, the total for your group and the pickup details. Your booking is confirmed only when we confirm it.
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