5-Hour 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise from Gananoque

Boldt Castle with stone turrets on Heart Island in the St. Lawrence River on a sunny summer day

Price from

CA$97.95/person

5-hour cruise departing from Gananoque, Ontario
Live audio commentary in both English and French
Scenic views of the 1000 Islands International Bridge, Millionaire's Row, and the Statue of St. Lawrence
Stopover at Boldt Castle on Heart Island (time at the castle may vary depending on U.S. Customs and Border Control processing)

280 Main Street, Gananoque, ON, K7G 2M2, CA
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
5 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.

This is the cruise for those who want to do more than just look at Boldt Castle from the water. The 5-Hour 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise from Gananoque takes you all the way to Heart Island where you can step ashore and explore the castle grounds yourself. It is a full day on the St. Lawrence River and easily one of the most memorable experiences the 1000 Islands has to offer.

About this activity

Duration 5 hours (approx.)
Boarding 15 min before departure
Instant confirmation · Mobile ticket
Ticket Assurance: cancel or reschedule up to 24 hours before departure

Highlights

5-hour cruise departing from Gananoque, Ontario
Live audio commentary in both English and French
Scenic views of the 1000 Islands International Bridge, Millionaire's Row, and the Statue of St. Lawrence
Stopover at Boldt Castle on Heart Island (time at the castle may vary depending on U.S. Customs and Border Control processing)
Licensed bar onboard for your enjoyment
Assorted snacks and drinks available for purchase
Explore the Boldt Castle main structure and grand rooms
Scenic walking paths and stunning waterfront views on the island
Historic outbuildings and beautifully kept island grounds
Observation points overlooking the St. Lawrence River

Full description

There is a big difference between seeing Boldt Castle from the water and actually walking through its grand rooms, strolling its waterfront paths, and standing at the edge of Heart Island with the St. Lawrence River stretching out in every direction. The 5-Hour Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise from Gananoque gives you both. You get the full scenic cruise experience through some of the most breathtaking waterways in Canada, and then you step ashore at one of the most iconic and storied landmarks in all of North America.

From the moment you leave the Gananoque waterfront dock, the journey begins to unfold in layers. You will cruise through the heart of the 1000 Islands, passing private island estates, forested shorelines, and scenic channels that open up to reveal one stunning view after another. As you make your way through both the Canadian and U.S. sections of the river, your onboard audio commentary in English and French will guide you through the rich history and culture of this remarkable region, from its Indigenous roots to the golden age of the grand island estates.

The cruise passes all of the region's most celebrated landmarks along the way, including Millionaire's Row, the Zavikon Islands, the world-famous 1000 Islands International Bridge, and the St. Lawrence Seaway shipping channel where ocean-going cargo vessels can often be spotted making their way along one of the busiest commercial waterways on the continent.

Then comes the moment that makes this cruise truly special. Your boat arrives at Heart Island, home to the legendary Boldt Castle. Built in the early 1900s by hotel magnate George Boldt as a grand gesture of love for his wife Louise, the castle is a remarkable piece of history that combines European architecture, romantic ambition, and a deeply human story that has endured for more than a century. During your stopover, you will have the opportunity to walk through the main castle structure, explore the grand rooms, wander the scenic island paths, visit the historic outbuildings, and take in sweeping observation point views over the St. Lawrence River.

Please note that Boldt Castle is located in the United States on an official U.S. Port of Entry, and all guests must clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection to step ashore on Heart Island. The time spent at the castle will vary depending on customs processing, so guests are encouraged to plan accordingly and ensure they have all required documentation well in advance of their cruise date.

If you are going to do one cruise on the St. Lawrence River, this is the one worth doing properly.

What you will see

Boldt Castle on Heart Island with time to explore the grounds
Millionaire's Row and historic luxury island estates
Zavikon Islands and the world's shortest international bridge
The 1000 Islands International Bridge between Canada and the United States
The St. Lawrence Seaway shipping channel and large passing vessels
The Statue of St. Lawrence along the scenic waterway
Forested islands, natural rock shorelines, and scenic channels
Canadian and U.S. island territories across the St. Lawrence River

This cruise is the ideal choice for

Visitors who want to go beyond the views and actually explore Boldt Castle
Travelers looking for the most complete and immersive 1000 Islands experience
History lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and photography fans
Couples and families wanting a full day out on the river
Visitors coming from Kingston, Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, and Upstate New York
Anyone who has seen the castle from a distance and wants to finally get inside

What is included

Comfortable indoor cabins and outdoor viewing decks for a relaxing journey
Open-air top deck for panoramic sightseeing and wide-angle photography
Informational audio commentary in English and French about the islands, history, and Boldt Castle
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 4 and under

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 fills up quickly during peak season, so allow extra time for arrival
All guests and personal items may be subject to screening before boarding
Each guest may 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 traveling light is always recommended

Important documentation requirements for the Boldt Castle stopover

Boldt Castle is located in the United States and is an official U.S. Port of Entry. All guests who wish to step ashore at Heart Island must clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
All passengers must present either a valid passport or a valid Nexus card.
Citizens of countries outside Canada or the United States may also need a valid U.S. visitor visa, or an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). A Visa Waiver Form is no longer accepted in place of an ESTA.
Passengers without the correct documentation will not be permitted to board or enter the United States. There are absolutely no exceptions to this rule.
Entry to Boldt Castle is at the sole discretion of U.S. Customs and Border Control. If any passenger is refused entry, no refunds will be issued and the cruise operator cannot be held responsible.
We strongly recommend contacting U.S. Customs and Border Protection directly with any questions about your specific documentation requirements before your travel date.

Schedule

2026 cruise schedule now available

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

Meeting point

280 Main Street, Gananoque, ON, K7G 2M2, CA, Canada

Your cruise departs from the Gananoque waterfront dock, located right in the heart of town and easy to reach from the main street. Gananoque is a charming riverside town with great local cafes, restaurants, and shops, so you are welcome to arrive early and enjoy the town 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.