2-Hour Two-Castle 1000 Islands Cruise from Ivy Lea

Stone castle with turrets on a small island in the St. Lawrence River seen from a passing cruise boat

Price from

CA$59.95/person

2-Hour Two-Castle 1000 Islands Cruise departing from Ivy Lea (approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes in duration)
Live audio commentary in both English and French
Scenic views of Boldt Castle, Singer Castle, the Statue of St. Lawrence, and more
Licensed bar onboard for your enjoyment

Gananoque Ivy Lea Port, 95 Ivy Lea Road, Lansdowne, ON K0E 1L0, CA
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
2 hours (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.

Not many cruises in the world let you see two iconic castles in a single outing. The 2-Hour Two-Castle 1000 Islands Cruise from Ivy Lea does exactly that, taking you past the legendary Boldt Castle and the historic Singer Castle on one scenic journey through the heart of the St. Lawrence River.

About this activity

Duration 2 hours (approx.)
Boarding 15 min before departure
Instant confirmation · Mobile ticket
Ticket Assurance: cancel or reschedule up to 24 hours before departure

Highlights

2-Hour Two-Castle 1000 Islands Cruise departing from Ivy Lea (approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes in duration)
Live audio commentary in both English and French
Scenic views of Boldt Castle, Singer Castle, the Statue of St. Lawrence, and more
Licensed bar onboard for your enjoyment
Assorted snacks and drinks available for purchase throughout the cruise

Full description

The 1000 Islands is home to some of the most extraordinary island architecture in North America, and no cruise showcases it better than this one. This cruise takes you through the international waters of the St. Lawrence River and delivers up-close views of two legendary landmarks that have defined this region for more than a century.

Departing from the Ivy Lea dock, which sits right in the most island-dense and visually spectacular section of the St. Lawrence River, this cruise puts you at the heart of the action from the very first minute. You do not need to spend time traveling to reach the good stuff. From Ivy Lea, the castles, the channels, and the iconic scenery are right there waiting for you.

Boldt Castle on Heart Island is without question the most recognized landmark in the entire 1000 Islands. Built in the early 1900s by George C. Boldt, the New York hotel magnate behind the Waldorf Astoria, the castle was designed as the ultimate romantic gift for his beloved wife Louise. With its grand towers, intricate stonework, and commanding position on Heart Island, seeing it from the water, the way it was always meant to be approached, is genuinely something else.

Singer Castle on Dark Island is the hidden gem of the 1000 Islands. Built by Frederick Bourne, president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, as a private island retreat, it features striking medieval-style architecture that looks as though it was lifted straight from the English countryside and placed in the middle of the river. Views of Singer Castle are best appreciated from the water, a rare perspective most visitors never get to experience.

Together, these two castles tell the story of the Gilded Age, a time when wealth, ambition, and the beauty of the 1000 Islands came together to create something extraordinary. Throughout the cruise, onboard audio commentary in English and French brings both castles to life with the history, stories, and details that make them so fascinating.

The Ivy Lea departure location gives this cruise an unbeatable advantage, putting guests in the middle of the castle region right from the start and making the most of every minute on the water.

What else you will see on the Two-Castle Cruise

Scenic views of the St. Lawrence River and international waterways
Historic island cottages and private island estates
Millionaire's Row and luxury island mansions
Zavikon Islands and the shortest international bridge in the world
The 1000 Islands International Bridge
Natural shorelines, forested islands, and rich wildlife habitats

This cruise is a great fit for

Visitors wanting to see Boldt Castle and Singer Castle from the water in one trip
Travelers looking for the best castle cruise the 1000 Islands has to offer
Visitors staying in Kingston, Ottawa, Toronto, or Upstate New York
Guests crossing the nearby 1000 Islands International Bridge
Couples, families, photographers, and history enthusiasts
Anyone planning a day trip to the 1000 Islands region

What is included

Comfortable indoor and outdoor viewing decks for relaxed sightseeing throughout the cruise
Open-air top deck with unobstructed views of the castles and surrounding islands
Informational audio commentary in English and French covering Boldt Castle, Singer Castle, and regional history
Full cash bar with a great selection of beverages available for purchase
Light snacks available onboard for purchase
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
This cruise does not stop at Boldt Castle or Singer Castle, so passports are not required to board
On-site free parking is available nearby but can fill up quickly during peak season, so arriving early is a good idea
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 recommended

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 dock is easy to find and sits right along the St. Lawrence River in a beautiful and peaceful stretch of the waterfront. It is a great spot to take in the scenery before your cruise gets underway.

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.