Gananoque

Cruise To The Heart Of The 1000 Islands

The 1000 Islands has never been more breathtaking as you cruise by majestic castles and whispers of a thousand legends. You can see 1000 view of 1000 islands while aboard two boat cruise operator’s fleets.

Gananoque Boat Line

The oldest and largest cruise line in the 1000 Islands has five triple-decker, all-aluminum vessels. It promises family fun and entertainment on deck and has a sterling reputation as offering the best cruises in the 1000 Islands. The 2.5 hour Lost Ships of the 1000 Islands Cruise has been deemed a signature experience by Destination Canada.

Four popular day cruises take you to the most popular sights in the 1000 Island, these include:

• 1-hour Beauty of the Islands Cruise (Gananoque departure)
• 1-hour Ivy Lea Cruise (1000 Island Bridge departure)
• 2.5-hour Lost Ships of the 1000 Islands Cruise (Gananoque departure)
• 5-hour Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise (Gananoque departure)

Set sail on a sunset dinner cruise with the 1000 Islands as your backdrop or relive the sounds of yesterday with live entertainment onboard a beautiful cruise.

Rockport Cruises

Rockport Cruises showcases all the major features of the islands including Zavikon Island, Boldt Castle and Millionaire’s Row. The most popular cruise, Palaces & Palisades of the 1000 Islands is an Ontario Signature Experience. Enjoy a lunch or dinner cruise or take in a two castle tour.

Rockport Cruises has the advantage of being in the Heart of the 1000 Islands, so they can show you all the highlights the islands have to offer on any of their cruises.

Rockport Cruises offers 7 different cruises, each one showcasing exhilarating panoramic views and the rugged nature of the 1000 Islands plus a view or visit to the famous Boldt Castle on every tour. Each season brings something special to the 1000 Islands and it is a photographer’s dream come true. There is no better way to experience the contrast of blue skies, bright foliage and golden hues, crimson reds and fiery oranges and all of mother nature’s brilliance than from the St. Lawrence River.

See The 1000 Islands, Helicopter Style

Experience the beauty, romance and grandeur with a bird’s-eye view of the 1000 Islands! Lift off from 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours’ state of the art facility which offers a welcome lounge, outdoor viewing area, and plenty of parking for RVs and tour buses.

You’ll see the unspoiled beauty of the St. Lawrence and marvel at the vastness of the Ivy Lee Bridge and the richness of the 1000 Islands. Book Destination Ontario Signature Experience –  Boldt Castle Tour and view of the most iconic landmarks in the Islands, Boldt and Singer Castles. You’ll learn the romantically tragic story of Heart Island

1000 Islands Helicopter Tours offer the most spectacular views with unique tours. This is the journey of a lifetime as you’ll be mesmerized by the richness and beauty of the 1000 Islands only seen from the air. Experience a private and intimate setting in the helicopter with personal narration of the region by the pilot. The magnificent sights are a perfect photographic opportunity, so cameras are a must for each flight. You can also take home the memories by purchasing your personalized high-definition videos of your tour that you will remember forever!

Canada’s Dockside Theatre

The Thousand Islands Playhouse has been called “the most charming theatre in Canada.” High praise for sure, but as soon as you lay eyes on its two heritage theatre venues set against the scenic 1000 Islands backdrop, you’ll find yourself agreeing. In fact, this is the most active theatre in Eastern Ontario and is one of the top five summer festivals in Ontario, recognized along with the Shaw and Stratford Festivals. The Gananoque playhouse began life in 1982 and operates out the Springer Theatre and the smaller Firehall Theatre – that sit side by side along the banks of the St. Lawrence River.

The Springer Theatre is the Playhouse’s flagship building and was built in 1909 as the Gananoque Canoe Club. All of the theatre’s vintage, turn-of-the-century boathouse craftsmanship has been preserved. Inside, the auditorium seats 360 and features a grand arched stage. Before your show starts, or during intermission, you can walk the Springer Theatre’s long outer decks, feel the breeze coming off the water and take in a perfect panoramic view of the St. Lawrence and its 1000 Islands.

The Firehall Theatre is just slightly up the street, sits this historic building, built back in 1913 as the Gananoque Police Station and Firehouse. Here, theatre is a more intimate affair and this location hosts many community events and concerts.

Explore The Islands

1000 Islands Kayaking is a refreshing and rewarding way to experience the 1000 Islands. Their kayaking tours are designed with beginners in mind, so practically everyone can participate in day trips, lessons, and specialty programs.

Have an unforgettable 1000 Island experience with one of their half-day guided trips, full-day guide trips or on a two-night camping trip.

1000 Islands Tower

This unique tourist attraction, is the only one of it’s kind in the 1000 Islands. From the top you will enjoy the breathtaking view of the 1000 Islands & St. Lawrence River.

During it’s open season (spring through fall), the elevator runs continuously and takes only 40 seconds to reach the first of three observation decks. Here, visitors have with a spectacular photographic opportunity as they enjoy the panoramic view of the 1000 Islands and St. Lawrence River stretched out 130 metres or 400′ below. In addition, a tour guide is always available at the first level to explain the area and answer questions.

There are also other unique opportunities available at the 1000 Islands Tower, like renting the space for a special occasion and watching fireworks.