1-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Ivy Lea

View from a cruise boat deck of a small forested island with a cottage on the St. Lawrence River near Ivy Lea

Price from

CA$49.95/person

1-Hour 1000 Islands sightseeing cruise departing from Ivy Lea
Live audio commentary in both English and French
Scenic views of Boldt Castle, the Statue of St. Lawrence, and more iconic landmarks
Licensed bar onboard for your enjoyment

Gananoque Ivy Lea Port, 95 Ivy Lea Road, Lansdowne, ON K0E 1L0, CA
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
1 hour (approx.)

Cancellation Policy

With Ticket Assurance, Cancellation and Rescheduling up to 24 hours before the scheduled cruise. Otherwise Rescheduling up to 72 hours in advance.

Some of the most incredible sights in the 1000 Islands region simply cannot be seen from land. This 1-hour cruise from Ivy Lea puts you right in the middle of the St. Lawrence River, where iconic landmarks, hidden island estates, and stunning natural scenery surround you in every direction. It is short, it is scenic, and it is absolutely worth it.

About this activity

Duration 1 hour (approx.)
Boarding 15 min before departure
Instant confirmation · Mobile ticket
Ticket Assurance: cancel or reschedule up to 24 hours before departure

Highlights

1-Hour 1000 Islands sightseeing cruise departing from Ivy Lea
Live audio commentary in both English and French
Scenic views of Boldt Castle, the Statue of St. Lawrence, and more iconic landmarks
Licensed bar onboard for your enjoyment
Assorted snacks and drinks available for purchase throughout the cruise

Full description

The 1000 Islands is one of Canada's most iconic and beloved destinations, and the only way to truly experience it is from the water. This 1-hour cruise from Ivy Lea takes you through the central channel of the St. Lawrence River, right into the heart of the region where the most famous sights, the most dramatic scenery, and the most memorable photo opportunities are waiting for you.

Ivy Lea sits in one of the most strategically positioned spots along the entire St. Lawrence River, giving this cruise immediate and direct access to the most island-dense and visually rich section of the 1000 Islands. From the moment you leave the dock, you are already in the middle of the action, surrounded by islands, waterways, and landmarks that tell centuries of history in every direction.

One of the standout moments on this cruise is the view of Boldt Castle on Heart Island. This grand stone castle, built in the early 1900s, is one of the most photographed and most talked-about landmarks in the entire region. Seeing it rise from the water as you cruise through the channel is one of those moments that genuinely stays with you. You will also get a view of the Zavikon Islands, home to what is widely recognized as the world's shortest international bridge, a tiny crossing that connects one Canadian island to one American island in the most charmingly understated way imaginable.

Another highlight unique to this cruise is the Statue of St. Lawrence, a towering monument that stands on a cliffside overlooking the river and is only truly visible from the water. It is the kind of sight that reminds you why taking a boat tour is always worth it.

Throughout the cruise, informative audio commentary in both English and French walks you through the history, geography, and stories behind everything you are seeing. You will learn about the Indigenous heritage of the region, the wealthy families who built their summer estates on private islands, and the natural landscape that has made the 1000 Islands a celebrated destination for travelers from around the world.

The Ivy Lea departure point makes this cruise especially convenient for travelers already passing through the region, offering world-class sightseeing without requiring a major detour.

What you will see

Views of Boldt Castle on Heart Island
Zavikon Islands and the shortest international bridge in the world
The Statue of St. Lawrence, visible only from the water
Historic island cottages, summer homes, and private island estates
Scenic views near the 1000 Islands International Bridge
Canadian and U.S. island shorelines along the St. Lawrence River
Natural rock formations, forested islands, and rich wildlife habitats

This cruise is a great fit for

Visitors staying in Kingston, Ottawa, Toronto, or Upstate New York
Travelers crossing the 1000 Islands International Bridge who want to add a cruise to their journey
Families, couples, and sightseeing travelers of all ages
Anyone planning a day trip or short visit to the 1000 Islands region
First-time visitors who want a scenic and memorable introduction to the area

What is included

Comfortable indoor and outdoor viewing decks for relaxed sightseeing
Open-air top deck with unobstructed panoramic views in every direction
Informational audio commentary in English and French about the islands and landmarks
Full cash bar with a selection of beverages available for purchase
Light snacks available onboard for purchase throughout the cruise
Clean and accessible washroom facilities onboard

What is allowed onboard

Cameras and mobile phones for photos and videos
Small personal bags and purses
Infants aged 2 and under travel free of charge

What is not allowed onboard

Outside food and alcohol
Large luggage or oversized bags
Smoking or vaping anywhere on board

Know before you board

Boarding begins 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time
Please arrive 30 minutes before boarding
All guests including infants must have a valid ticket to board
On-site paid parking is available nearby but can fill up fast during peak season, so give yourself extra time on arrival
All guests and personal items may be subject to screening before boarding
Each guest is permitted to bring one personal item such as a small purse, handbag, small backpack, infant diaper bag, or camera bag
Maximum bag dimensions are 17.8 x 38.1 x 40.6 cm (7 x 15 x 16 inches)
Additional restrictions may be applied at the checkpoint without prior notice, so keeping your belongings compact is always a good idea

Schedule

2026 cruise schedule now available

Check the official cruise calendar for available dates and sailing times.
Schedule subject to change.

Meeting point

Gananoque Ivy Lea Port, 95 Ivy Lea Road, Lansdowne, ON K0E 1L0, CA, Canada

The Ivy Lea departure dock is conveniently located right along the St. Lawrence River and easy to find from the main road. The surrounding area is scenic and relaxed, making it a lovely spot to spend a little time before or after your cruise.

View on Google Maps

Cancellation policy

With Ticket Assurance: You can cancel or reschedule up to 24 hours before your cruise.
Without Ticket Assurance: You can reschedule up to 72 hours before your cruise date.

To cancel or reschedule an eligible booking, head to Manage Booking.