Taking A 1000 Islands Cruise From Kingston
If you’re planning a visit to Kingston, Ontario, chances are you’ve heard about the famous 1000 Islands cruises. With boats departing right from Kingston’s waterfront, it’s one of the most popular attractions in the city. But with limited vacation time and travel budgets, you may be wondering if a 1000 Islands cruise from Kingston actually worth it?
After experiencing it firsthand, my answer is yes. But it depends on what type of traveller you are and what you expect from the experience.
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Cruising The 1000 Islands From Kingston
I recently returned from an amazing trip to Kingston. Although I was born and raised in Ontario, I had never been to Kingston before – until now. I fell in love with this Eastern Ontario city, and one of the highlights of my trip was the 1000 Islands cruise I took.
In this post, I cover everything you need to know before booking a Kingston 1000 Islands cruise, what I liked about it, and if this excursion is worth it.
What Is The 1000 Islands Region?
The 1000 Islands region stretches along the St. Lawrence River between Ontario and New York State. Despite the name, there are actually over 1,800 islands scattered throughout the area. The region is famous for its waterfront cottages, historic mansions, scenic channels, wildlife, and rich history. Kingston sits at the western gateway to the 1000 Islands, making it an excellent starting point for exploring this unique destination.
What Cruises Are Available From Kingston?
Kingston offers several sightseeing and dining cruises throughout the season, which typically runs from April through October. Visitors can choose from shorter cruises focused on Kingston’s waterfront or longer cruises that venture deeper into the islands. Some options that are available include:
- Discovery Cruises
- Heart of the Islands Cruises
- Lunch Cruises
- Brunch Cruises
- Sunset Dinner Cruises
- Special event cruises
The most popular option for visitors wanting the full 1000 Islands experience is the three-hour Heart of the Islands Cruise. This cruise travels through the Admiralty Islands and scenic channels while providing live commentary about the region’s history and landmarks.
This is also the cruise that I took which was included in my Kingston K-Pass. If you plan on taking this excursion during your visit to Kingston, then the Kingston K-Pass is a great option and will save you money.
🛥 BOOK A SUNSET DINNER CRUISE🛥
What You’ll See On The Cruise
One of the biggest reasons people take a 1000 Islands cruise is for the scenery.
During the cruise, you’ll pass countless small islands, waterfront cottages, historic homes, and natural landscapes. Highlights often include:
- The Admiralty Islands
- Wanderer’s Channel
- Napoleon’s Hat
- Mandalay Mansion
- Views of Kingston’s historic waterfront
- Fort Henry
- Royal Military College of Canada
The live narration helps bring the scenery to life by sharing stories about the islands, local history, and notable landmarks along the route.
What I Loved About The Experience
Since my favourite place to be is on the water, I loved everything about the 1000 Islands cruise that I took from Kingston. What made this tour so special for me is:
1. The Views Are Incredible
Photos simply don’t do the 1000 Islands justice. Seeing the islands from the water gives you a completely different perspective than driving along the shoreline. Every turn reveals another picturesque island cottage, boat house, or rocky shoreline.
For photographers, this cruise offers endless opportunities to capture unique views of the region.
2. It’s Relaxing
One of the best parts of the cruise is that you can simply sit back and enjoy the scenery. After exploring Kingston’s downtown, you’ll be glad to have this time to rest your feet.
There is no navigating, parking, or rushing between attractions. It’s an easy and relaxing way to spend a few hours while learning more about the region.
3. Great for First-Time Visitors
If you’re like me and have never visited Kingston or the 1000 Islands before, the cruise provides an excellent introduction.
The onboard commentary gives you historical context and helps you understand what makes this region so special.
4. Convenient Location
The cruise departs directly from downtown Kingston. This makes it easy to combine with other attractions that are close by, such as the Kingston waterfront, city hall, and the Kingston Trolley Tour. You can easily spend a full day exploring the city before or after your cruise.
Are There Any Downsides?
No attraction is perfect, and there are a few things worth considering when taking the 1000 Islands cruise from Kingston. Some of the downsides include:
1. You Don’t See Boldt Castle
Many travellers associate the 1000 Islands with the famous Boldt Castle which is situated in US waters. Cruises departing from Kingston stay entirely within Canadian waters and do not visit the castle. If seeing Boldt Castle is your main goal, you may want to look at cruises departing from Gananoque or Rockport instead.
2. Some Shorter Cruises Show Less of the Islands
If you’re booking a shorter one-hour cruise, it’s important to know that you’ll spend more time around Kingston’s waterfront and see fewer of the iconic island clusters.
For the best 1000 Islands experience, I recommend choosing one of the three-hour cruises.
3. Weather Matters
While cruises operate rain or shine, your experience can vary depending on the weather. Sunny days provide the best opportunities for sightseeing and photography. Fortunately, the vessels offer both indoor and outdoor seating areas.
If the winds are too high or the water is too rough, the cruise will be cancelled.
4. Noise
While the cruise itself is a relaxing way to see the 1000 Islands, you may be unlucky and book a cruise that has some rowdy passengers. This happened to me and it wasn’t pleasant. If this happens, then I suggest moving to a different area of the ship away from the noise. This will make your journey much more relaxing.
Is The Kingston 1000 Islands Cruise Worth The Cost?
In my opinion, yes. A 1000 Island Cruise offers a unique perspective of one of Ontario’s most beautiful regions. Between the scenic views, local history, relaxing atmosphere, and convenience of departing from downtown Kingston, this cruise provides excellent value for visitors.
It’s especially worthwhile if you purchase the Kingston K-Pass, which includes select cruise options and can provide significant savings on attractions throughout the city.
Driver’s Tip: This tour is best for 1st time visitors to Kingston, nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, as well as visitors looking for a relaxing activity.
Cruising The 1000 Islands From Kingston: My Final Verdict
If you’re spending a few days in Kingston, a 1000 Islands cruise should absolutely be on your itinerary.
While it may not be the best option for travellers specifically wanting to visit Boldt Castle, it is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to experience the beauty of the 1000 Islands region from Canada.
For most visitors, I recommend booking the three-hour Heart of the Islands Cruise or one of the dining cruises for the full experience. The scenery, storytelling, and relaxed pace make it one of Kingston’s signature attractions. It’s one attraction that I highly recommend when visiting Kingston. It’s a beautiful and relaxing way to experience one of Ontario’s most iconic destinations.
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SAVE FOR YOUR 1000 ISLANDS CRUISE FROM KINGSTON
