Take the plunge in the South Eastern Ontario and climb aboard a boat cruise to see the region in a different light. Long ago the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands was patrolled by pirates and bootleggers; today, it’s a sightseer’s paradise. Take one of the many cruises offered here and discover a castle, rich wildlife, or a new vantage point of a waterfront city.
Awe comes in waves in South Eastern Ontario. Gain a new perspective on waterfront cities, villages, islands and lush waterways here while getting wrapped up in historical stories of real pirates and prohibition bootleggers traversing the same waters. Now, sailboats, castles and cruises bring fairy tales to life. Make a splash this summer and take sightseeing to the next level aboard a cruising vessel in South Eastern Ontario.
Discover castles and shipwrecks while the waves lap the bow and get up close and personal to the historical summer retreats of the wealthy in the 1000 Islands. Any 1000 Islands cruise mixes stories of larger-than-life characters with lavish homes of the rich and famous. The Kawartha Voyageur offers accommodation on board during its tours of the Bay of Quinte, while Rideau Canal tours transport visitors back in time to marvel at the locks and at the sheer natural beauty found along the way. Staying at a waterfront hotel puts you steps from the dock for a romantic dinner cruise!
Some of the region’s greatest folklore stems from its waterways – be captivated by the intrigue!
READ ALSO: Everything You Need to Know About Cruising the 1000 Islands, 7 Unforgettable Cruising Experiences In South Eastern Ontario
Local cruises of South Eastern Ontario reveal mystery, tales of treasure, and stunning beauty around every bend. The pristine waters of this sightseer’s paradise beckons, as you can discover historic castles, waterfront villages, lush wildlife and even locks along the Rideau Canal. Immerse yourself in the full South Eastern Ontario experience and get out on one of our rivers or lakes this summer!
See Kingston in a different light. Hop aboard The Island Queen; Island Belle or Island Star vessel to discover the city from the water.
Be a part of the Rideau Canal National Historic Site tradition and cruise the calm waters with Rideau Tours to enjoy the locks, charming communities and wildlife around every bend.
The 1000 Islands and Seaway Cruises offer a heart-pumping cruising experience in a high-speed catamaran! A soft adventure experience of the 1,000 Islands sees visitors board the Wildcat, a 54-passenger cruise vessel.
Check out four cruise options with Gananoque Boat Line in the 1000 Islands, some of which take in romantically tragic Boldt Castle, as well as dinner and event cruises In a unique cruising experience, Gananoque Boat Line gives shipwrecks in the St. Lawrence River a voice at its Lost Ships of 1,000 Islands cruise, by displaying diver video footage coupled with compelling commentary, when the vessel glides over wrecks lying silently on the river bed.
Rockport Cruises showcases the grandeur of island life and whispers of a fabled past. The most popular cruise, Palaces & Palisades of the 1000 Islands, features famous island sights. With seven different cruises to enjoy, including a lunch or dinner cruise, visitors can see Boldt Castle and Singer Castle.
Picton Boat Tours, in Prince Edward County, takes visitors into shallow coves and past waterfalls to witness nature and history from a different perspective. Or, set sail with Stay and Sail over the calm waters of South Bay in Lake Ontario, while hearing rich history of the area from your guide.
Cruise the inland waterways with St. Lawrence Cruise Lines. See the real Canada, the original Canada, as unspoiled as when the voyageurs moved up and down the seaway and its spectacular locks and man-made canals. Sail on a replica steamboat. The Canadian Empress is a grand ship with a warm and friendly personality.