Gananoque port at sunset
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City Cruises Gananoque 1000 Islands

4.5
·5k reviews·Gananoque, Canada

Explore the stunning 1000 Islands from Gananoque with scenic cruises past mansions, bridges, and the iconic Boldt Castle.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Gananoque port at sunset

City Cruises Gananoque 1000 Islands

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the stunning 1000 Islands from Gananoque with scenic cruises past mansions, bridges, and the iconic Boldt Castle.

4.5
(5k reviews)

"The views are breathtaking and it was a great way to spend the day. I would do it again."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Online for Ease

Secure your tickets online for a smooth check-in and boarding experience.

🛂 Passport for Boldt Castle

Don't forget your passport if you plan to visit Boldt Castle on the US side!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Boldt Castle

Boldt Castle

Heart Island, USA

Explore the iconic, romantic castle on Heart Island. A must-see for history and architecture buffs.

Instagram+1
Millionaire Mansions

Millionaire Mansions

Various Islands

Marvel at the opulent homes dotting the islands, showcasing unique architecture and luxurious lifestyles.

Instagram
Historic Bridges

Historic Bridges

Connecting Islands

Admire the picturesque bridges that link some of the islands, adding to the scenic beauty of the region.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Cruise in Advance

To ensure your spot, especially for longer cruises like the 5-hour Boldt Castle tour, booking tickets online ahead of time is highly recommended. This avoids potential disappointment and streamlines your boarding process. Instagram

Passport for Boldt Castle

If you plan to visit Boldt Castle on the US side, a valid passport is absolutely essential. The 5-hour cruise includes a stopover, but you'll need your passport for customs. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Mid-week in September
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer people
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Sunlight on the water
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

1000 Islands CityCruises, Gananoque.🇨🇦 @christinasarasam #1000islands #gananoque #citycruises #reels #canadalife #life #instagram #beautiful
lijo_jacob_koshy
47 likes • 517 views

🎯 Book Online for Ease

Secure your tickets online for a smooth check-in and boarding experience. InstagramReddit

🛂 Passport for Boldt Castle

Don't forget your passport if you plan to visit Boldt Castle on the US side! Instagram+1

Get into the heart of the 1000 Islands. 💚 City Cruises Gananoque starts cruising again this Friday, April 18th! We're looking forward to having you on-board.
citycruisescanada
8 likes • 1.9K views
This is your sign to book a weekend escape to Gananoque, Ontario — from dreamy city cruises to a breathtaking 1000 Islands helicopter tour. Gananoque, Ontario is the ultimate gateway to the breathtaking 1000 Islands. Hop on the Gananoque City Cruise with @citycruises to glide past lush islands, millionaire mansions, historic bridges, and the iconic Boldt Castle. The views from the water are nothi...
mahnoormtl
1.2K likes • 48.9K views

⏳ Allow Extra Time for Boldt

The 2-hour stopover at Boldt Castle can feel rushed; factor in shuttle times. Reddit

👂 Listen to the Narration

Enjoy clear and well-paced narration, even for those with hearing impairments. Reddit

summer memory 🤍🫶🏼🏞️💫 1000 islands are a must visit for its stunning views!! Explore the islands and checkout Boldt castle cruising along the st.Lawrence river.🛳️🏞️ 1000 islands are accessible from both USA and Canada 🍁 📍city cruises Gananoque, Ontario🇨🇦🍁 #1000islands #canada #1000island #explorecanada . . #torontolife #toronto #torontophoto #torontoinsta #torontoblogger #exploretoronto #todo...
sj_travelstories27
17 likes • 243 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Online for Ease

Secure your tickets online for a smooth check-in and boarding experience. InstagramReddit

🛂 Passport for Boldt Castle

Don't forget your passport if you plan to visit Boldt Castle on the US side! Instagram+1

⏳ Allow Extra Time for Boldt

The 2-hour stopover at Boldt Castle can feel rushed; factor in shuttle times. Reddit

👂 Listen to the Narration

Enjoy clear and well-paced narration, even for those with hearing impairments. Reddit

🅿️ Convenient Paid Parking

Parking is available in a paid lot directly across from the boarding area. Reddit

🍺 Local Brews Available

Enjoy local craft beers, like the 1000 Islands Brewing Company Amber, onboard. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise City Cruises Gananoque for its breathtaking views and well-organized tours, especially the 5-hour trip to Boldt Castle. The friendly staff and clear narration enhance the experience, though some find the Boldt Castle stopover a bit rushed. Overall, it's considered a worthwhile and memorable way to explore the 1000 Islands.

"We had a wonderful tour of the 1000 Islands with City Cruises. We did the 5 hour trip with the stop over at Boldt Castle, and it was so amazing and worth every penny. The boat was on time, the staff were friendly and the views - breathtaking!😍 It was a great way to spend the day. I would do it again."

Ronamae Bradford

"We had a great time on our 5-hour stopover cruise, today happened to be the last trip of the season.

Only feedback is that I wish the stopover period was a bit longer. We had around two hours, but after customs and exploring the main castle, we didn't have enough time to shuttle boat across to the Yacht House (included in ticket). Shuttles left every 30 minutes on either side, meaning you would need an hour for that activity alone.

We were warned to not miss our return sailing, as we would be stuck in the U.S. on an island with no alternative transportation."

Charlotte H.

"We took the 3-hour cruise to the islands. We booked online and the check-in and boarding went smoothly. The boat wasn’t very crowded as we took the first cruise on a weekday.
It was such an exhilarating experience! The sparkling waters and the lush green landscapes left us in awe."

Dew

What People Like

Breathtaking views
Friendly staff
Clear narration

What People Dislike

Rushed Boldt Castle stopover

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

City Cruises Gananoque is located in Gananoque, Ontario, Canada. It's accessible by car, with paid parking available nearby. For those traveling by public transport, it's a stopover point between Ottawa and Toronto, with Kingston being a more common public transport hub for the region. Reddit

Yes, there is a paid parking lot conveniently located right across the street from the boarding area, making it easy to access the cruises. Reddit

While a car offers the most flexibility, it is possible to visit Gananoque using public transport, though it might require more planning. Many travelers stop here on a road trip between major cities like Ottawa and Toronto. Reddit

Gananoque is situated along the Thousand Islands Parkway, offering scenic drives. It's easily accessible from Highway 401, a major route connecting Eastern and Southern Ontario. Instagram

Yes, besides Gananoque, you can also take 1000 Islands cruises from Kingston, Ontario. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

It's highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance to secure your spot and ensure a smooth check-in process. You can then simply show your phone code to the agent upon boarding. InstagramReddit

City Cruises Gananoque offers various cruise durations, including 1-hour, 3-hour, and 5-hour options. The 5-hour cruise includes a stopover at Boldt Castle. Instagram

A passport is only required if you choose the 5-hour cruise that includes a stopover at Boldt Castle, as it is located on the US side of the border. Instagram+1

Traveling mid-week, especially in September, or opting for early weekday morning cruises can help you avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more serene experience. InstagramReddit

Information on discounts is not readily available in user-generated content, but booking in advance is always a good strategy. Checking their official website closer to your travel date might provide more details. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll see stunning natural beauty, numerous islands with unique homes, historic bridges, and the famous Boldt Castle. The narration provides insights into the history and landmarks. Instagram+2

The 3-hour cruise takes you through the heart of the 1000 Islands, offering beautiful views of the islands, homes, and the castle. While enjoyable, some find it a bit long. Reddit

Many find the 5-hour cruise with the Boldt Castle stopover to be amazing and worth the cost. However, the 2-hour stopover can feel rushed, especially with customs and shuttle times. Reddit

You can get a nice spot on the top deck for amazing shots and views. It's advisable to arrive early to secure a good seat, especially on busier days. Instagram

Yes, local brews from the 1000 Islands Brewing Company are available for purchase onboard, adding to the enjoyable experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Morning cruises or late afternoon can offer beautiful lighting. The sparkling waters and lush green landscapes provide stunning photo opportunities throughout the journey. Instagram+1

You can capture panoramic views of the islands, unique waterfront homes, historic bridges, and the majestic Boldt Castle. Getting a spot on the top deck is ideal for unobstructed photos. Instagram

The entire cruise route offers picturesque scenery. Focus on capturing the scale of the islands, the architectural details of the mansions, and the grandeur of Boldt Castle. Instagram+1

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for most travelers. If you're serious about photography, consider a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto lens for capturing details of Boldt Castle from afar. Instagram

Yes, the Boldt Castle stopover provides ample opportunities for photography both of the castle exterior and interior, as well as the surrounding island. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

City Cruises Gananoque offers a fantastic family-friendly outing. The 3-hour cruise provides a good balance of sightseeing without being too long for younger attention spans. Kids will be fascinated by the sheer number of islands and the unique homes they'll see. The narration is engaging and can help keep them entertained. Instagram

Consider bringing snacks and drinks, although local brews are available for adults. The top deck offers great views, but ensure children are supervised closely. If planning for the 5-hour cruise with Boldt Castle, assess your children's stamina and passport requirements carefully, as the stopover can be demanding. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the 1-hour or 3-hour cruises are more economical options. While the 5-hour cruise with Boldt Castle is a significant experience, it also comes with a higher price tag and the added cost of a passport if you don't already have one. Instagram

Opting for a weekday morning cruise can sometimes mean fewer crowds and potentially a more relaxed atmosphere. Packing your own snacks and water can also help save money on onboard purchases. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The 1000 Islands region is a photographer's dream, and City Cruises Gananoque provides excellent vantage points. Aim for a seat on the top deck for unobstructed views and clear shots of the islands, mansions, and Boldt Castle. Instagram

Morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic effects on the water and landscape. Be prepared to capture a variety of scenes, from sweeping panoramas to intricate architectural details. The Boldt Castle stopover offers unique opportunities for both exterior and interior shots. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the 1000 Islands Cruise Experience

City Cruises Gananoque offers a gateway to the stunning 1000 Islands region, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The cruises provide a unique perspective on this archipelago, which spans the border between Canada and the United States. Travelers can choose from various durations, with the 3-hour cruise being a popular choice for a comprehensive overview of the Canadian side, while the 5-hour option extends to include a visit to the iconic Boldt Castle on Heart Island in the US. Instagram+2

When planning your trip, consider the timing of your cruise. Weekday mornings or mid-week in September are often recommended to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience. Booking tickets online in advance is a smart move to secure your preferred sailing and streamline the boarding process. Remember that for the 5-hour cruise, a valid passport is mandatory to enter the US territory for the Boldt Castle visit. InstagramReddit

Onboard, you can expect informative narration that details the history and highlights of the islands, including the opulent mansions and historic bridges. Many visitors appreciate the clarity and pace of the narration, making it accessible for everyone. For those looking to enhance their experience, local brews are available for purchase, adding a touch of local flavor to the scenic journey. Reddit

The Allure of Boldt Castle

Boldt Castle, a magnificent testament to a bygone era of grandeur, is a primary draw for many visitors to the 1000 Islands. Located on Heart Island in the United States, this Rhineland-style castle was commissioned by millionaire hotel magnate George C. Boldt as a romantic tribute to his wife, Louise. Construction began in 1900 but was halted abruptly in 1904 after Louise's death, leaving the castle unfinished for decades. Instagram+1

Visiting Boldt Castle typically involves taking the 5-hour cruise offered by City Cruises Gananoque, which includes a stopover. This allows approximately two hours to explore the castle and its grounds. However, as some travelers note, this timeframe can feel tight, especially when factoring in customs procedures and the shuttle boat service to and from the main dock. It's crucial to be mindful of the return sailing schedule, as missing it would leave you stranded on the island. Reddit

Despite the time constraints, the experience of exploring Boldt Castle is widely considered worthwhile. The castle's architecture, the stories behind its construction, and the picturesque island setting offer a unique glimpse into early 20th-century ambition and romance. Photography opportunities abound, both of the castle's exterior and its interior details. Reddit

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