8 Unforgettable Cruising Experiences In South Eastern Ontario
Take the plunge and set sail to explore like never before!
The pristine water beckons in South Eastern Ontario! Immerse yourself in the full experience here and get out on one of our rivers or lakes. Local cruises reveal mystery, tales of treasure, and stunning beauty around every bend.
Kingston
1. Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises
See Kingston in a different light and view it from a new vantage point! Hop aboard The Island Queen; Island Belle or Island Star vessel to discover the city from the water. These boats are unique unto themselves – look for a 300-passenger paddle wheeler, a smaller boat with two decks, or get closer to nature and enjoy a translucent glass canopy.
2. St. Lawrence Cruises
You won’t believe the beauty of the colourful shoreline as you travel from Kingston to Montreal (and back) over 8 days and 7 nights.
Brockville
3. 1000 Islands and Seaway Cruises
Explore the St. Lawrence River differently with 1000 Islands and Seaway Cruises. A soft adventure experience of the 1000 Islands sees visitors board the Wildcat, a 54-passenger cruise vessel that can cover a lot of distance with maximum excitement! Departing from Brockville’s Blockhouse Island, these tours feature a view of Boldt and Singer Castles, historic lighthouses, the Shortest International Bridge, and much more. Traditional cruises are also available.
4. Rockport Cruises
Rockport Cruises showcases the grandeur of island life and whispers of a fabled past. The most recommended cruise, Palaces & Palisades of the 1000 Islands, features famous island sights such as Canadian Palisades, Statue of Saint Lawrence, Zavikon Island, Millionaire’s Row, and Casablanca on Cherry Island with four different cruise options.
1000 Islands Gananoque
5. City Cruises Gananoque’s
Dive into the history and mystery of the 1000 Islands with City Cruises Gananoque’s 3-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise, a Canadian Signature Experience. From the onboard audio commentary in English and French, you’ll hear stories about who has called this unique area ‘home’ and learn about the remarkable engineering feats involved in the building of the St. Lawrence Seaway and the 1000 Islands International Bridge. Along the way, you’ll cruise past the famous Boldt Castle and the luxurious houses of the rich and famous on Millionaire’s Row, among many other impressive landmarks.
1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways
6. Le Boat
Le Boat is a great way to travel with your bubble. You get your own European-style river/houseboat, which you pilot yourself, and travel the Rideau Canal National Historic Site (a UNESCO World Heritage site) from Ottawa to Kingston stopping at towns and villages along the way. Or cruise the calm waters with Rideau Tours to enjoy the locks, communities, and lush greenery with wildlife around every bend. Departing from Chaffey’s Lock along the Rideau, Rideau Tours offers an accessible pontoon boat guided tour experience with Captain Luc that allows visitors the experience of being locked through the world-famous locks on the Canal.
Bay Of Quinte
Marvel at the Trent-Severn Waterway while traversing it on a Quinte Cruise! As one of Canada’s National Historic Sites, this is a 386-km stretch of locks, rivers, and even lakes.
7. Kawartha Voyageur
The Kawartha Voyageur has been likened to a county inn on the water, and it offers lounging areas, plenty of outside time on the deck, and even overnight accommodation. The Kawartha Voyageur also traverses the Rideau Canal on many scheduled excursions throughout the boating season.
Lennox & Addington
The Napanee River: Experience the unique tidal phenomena of the Napanee River, situated just a block south of Napanee’s vibrant downtown area. Witness the mesmerizing ‘seiche’ effect, a rare occurrence found in only one other river worldwide, where the river’s water level fluctuates between six to sixteen inches due to winds across Lake Ontario.
8. Napanee River Tours
Embark on a scenic journey aboard Napanee River Tours, a licensed 45-foot pontoon boat, departing from The Waterfront River Pub and Terrace located at 22 Water Street West in Napanee, and cruising along the picturesque Napanee River to the entrance of Mohawk Bay. With a round trip spanning 16 kilometres, this leisurely tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, accommodating up to 48 passengers and 2 crew members aboard the spacious vessel.
From the tranquil waters of the Napanee River to the captivating beauty of the 1000 Islands, each journey offers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant communities. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely sightseeing cruise, an adrenaline-pumping adventure, or a romantic sunset dinner cruise, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on the waterways of South Eastern Ontario.
The information provided here is subject to change. Please check websites for listings of upcoming events, times/days of operation, costs, and availability. Weather and road conditions may affect operations.