12 Boat Tours in Kingston That Live Up to the Photos

1.Heart of the Thousand Islands Riverboat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 771 reviews · 3 hours · from $49Our pick

Spend three hours aboard Kingston’s triple-deck Island Queen, a Mississippi River style paddlewheeler, cruising the Admiralty group of the Thousand Islands. Hear live English commentary and music while passing Napoleon’s Hat, Wanderer’s Channel, Bateau Channel, Mandalay Mansion, cottage islands, and Kingston’s waterfront. Food and drinks are available to buy onboard.

“The tour guide was very nice. The staff were all very polite and friendly to I loved the music. It is very educational but not so children friendly. If things could be added to make the 3 hour cruise more fun for kids.”

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

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 388 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $42

Set out from Gananoque on a three-hour City Cruises boat ride through the Thousand Islands. You’ll see Boldt Castle, Millionaires Row, the St. Lawrence Seaway, the international bridge, Zavikon Island, and the 1000 Islands Tower. Audio commentary is offered in English and French, with indoor and outdoor seating, snacks, drinks, and a restroom onboard.

“Parking is 9$ and is near the boat launch. No food or drink are allowed, but you can buy hot dogs, popcorn, soft drinks and alcohol on board. Nothing healthy. Toilets are dirty and the faucets in the women’s washroom were broken. Overall though, for the price, this is a good way to see the UNESCO area and Boldt Castle.”

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3.5-Hour 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise from Gananoque

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 236 reviews · from $65

Sail from Gananoque through the American span of the Thousand Islands, passing Millionaires Row, Zavikon Island, the international bridge, and the St. Lawrence Seaway. The 5-hour trip includes a two-hour stop at Boldt Castle, castle admission, English and French audio commentary, and an onboard restroom. A valid passport is required.

“It was great. We were worried because it was pouring and lightening but it cleared up. Customs was quick, no lineups to see the rooms in the house. The millionaires row was great too and so was our company we travelled with.”

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4.Lunch Cruise of Thousand Islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 212 reviews · 3 hours · from $76

Set out from downtown Kingston for three hours among the Admiralty Group’s cottage islands, Napoleon’s Hat, Wanderer’s Channel, Bateau Channel, and Mandalay Mansion. Enjoy a freshly prepared three-course lunch, live music, and commentary from guides such as Dave or Donna. Drinks cost extra, and your boat may be Island Queen or Island Star.

“The day was lovely. Such a good three course lunch with lovely staff and a wonderful ship. The views were stunning and we greatly enjoyed our day. Thank you.”

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5.Sunset Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 197 reviews · 3 hours · from $98

Spend three hours sailing Kingston’s Admiralty Islands while dinner is prepared and served onboard. You’ll get a 3-course meal, a choice of four entrees, live commentary, and music from the evening entertainer. Mondays and Tuesdays use the paddle-wheeler Island Queen. Wednesday through Sunday, the Island Star offers views through its glass-topped canopy.

“Lots of activity and a little bit loud and a little hard to hear but considering the number of people it was to be expected. We enjoyed your new music man John and would recommend you keep him on board. The main meal - we had the beef was good - the salad a little sparce the dessert great and the special tributes to my wife with the Happy Birthday treat was a gem. We will be letting others that the whole experience was well worth it. Thank You”

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6.Brockville: 1000 Islands Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 170 reviews · 1h 30m · from $30Best value

Board a 120-passenger catamaran in Brockville for a 90-minute cruise through the eastern 1000 Islands. See waterfront mansions, island cottages, wildlife, narrow passages, and huge ships using the St. Lawrence Seaway. Choose the open outer deck or indoor seating, with food and drinks available to buy.

“It was very informative. Considering that's it's only a couple of hours away we learned so much about Canadian history”

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7.Brunch Cruise of Thousand Islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 132 reviews · 3 hours · from $76

Spend three hours aboard Kingston’s triple-deck Island Queen, cruising through the Admiralty Group while enjoying a plated brunch, live entertainment, and commentary from guides such as Greg Webb. You’ll see Fort Henry, Kingston Penitentiary, cottage islands, and grand waterfront homes. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-friendly meals are available by request.

“The food and boat ride were fantastic. Very well organized and very relaxing. The tour guide was super knowledgeable and helpful. We purchased his book and can’t wait to read it! Would be interested in trying the sunset dinner next time.”

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8.Waterfront Discovery Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 129 reviews · 1 hour · from $32

Cruise Kingston’s harbor aboard the Island Belle for one hour of live English commentary. You’ll pass Royal Military College, Fort Henry, Kingston Penitentiary, Murney Tower, Cedar Island, and Wolfe Island’s wind turbines. Choose a covered lower deck or the breezy top deck. Guide Bill has earned praise for clear local stories.

“Very informative tour. Bill did a great job tell us about the history and highlights of Kingston from the harbour. Captain and the rest of the crew were also great.”

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9.Heart of the 1000 Islands Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 80 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $50

Spend about three hours aboard Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises, following the St. Lawrence River through the Admiralty group toward Gananoque and back. English commentary covers Kingston, Napoleon’s Hat, Wanderer’s Channel, Bateau Channel, and Mandalay Mansion. Food and drinks cost extra, seating is unassigned, and the boat carries up to 275 people.

“Very lovely experience! Captain and all the crews are so nice and caring! The cruise is clean and very tidy! Highly recommended!”

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10.Waterfront Shipwreck Cruise with Guide

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 14 reviews · 1h 30m · from $36

Cruise Kingston Harbour aboard the Island Belle for 90 minutes of shipwreck stories, waterfront views, and local maritime history. An English-speaking guide from the Great Lakes Museum explains wrecks such as the Comet and Wolfe Islander II, using videos and recovered artifacts when available. Charlie has been praised for clear, lively storytelling.

“It was very hard to hear the guide since most of the speakers were broken. There was also mic issues resulting in the loud screech. I think our guide wanted to be there the least as she speed through the material. Positive, all staff were friendly.”

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11.From Montreal: Kingston City Day Trip & 1000 Island Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 5 reviews · from $122

Travel from central Montreal to Kingston for a guided look at City Hall, Confederation Park, the Royal Military College, and Queen’s University. You’ll have free time downtown before a cruise past island homes, Boldt Castle, and Zavikon Island. English and French guiding, hotel pickup, and round-trip transport are included.

“I must have misunderstood that this was a boat tour to the 1000 islands. In this respect it was disappointing. Otherwise it was OK. The tour guide William was good. The bus was a clapped out school bus, so not very comfortable. It was a long 6 hour return bus trip to see a small town like Kingston. Without the final 1 hour boat cruise through the fantastic lakescape of the 1000 islands, the trip would have been a waste of time.”

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12.Skippered Sailing Charter

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4 reviews · 1 hour

Meet Captain Andrew and the Ahoy Rentals team at Kingston’s waterfront for a private one-hour sail on Lake Ontario. No sailing experience is needed. Learn the basics, hear about key landmarks, and enjoy clear water, open air, and a calm trip for up to five people.

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