Kingston: Heart of the Thousand Islands Riverboat Cruise

Experience the Heart of the Thousand Islands with a Classic Paddlewheeler Cruise

The Kingston: Heart of the Thousand Islands Riverboat Cruise offers a delightful 3-hour journey into one of Canada’s most scenic regions. Priced at $47 per person, this cruise departs from Kingston, Ontario, and takes you through the famous 1,000 Islands along the St. Lawrence River. The cruise is operated by the Kingston Destination Group and features a triple-deck paddlewheeler styled after the iconic Mississippi River boats.

This cruise is popular for its stunning scenery, live entertainment, and informative narration. It’s especially suited for those interested in scenic views combined with a touch of history and folklore, all while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere. Keep in mind that food and drinks are available for purchase onboard, but are not included in the ticket price, and there is no parking at the dock.

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Key Points

• Duration: 3 hours, typically scheduled in the afternoon
• Price: $47 per person with live entertainment included
• Departure Point: Crawford Wharf dock near 1 Brock Street or 248 Ontario Street
• Boat: A triple-deck paddlewheeler offering a Mississippi River style experience
• Highlights: Scenic passage through cottage islands, commentary on local history and folklore, live music onboard
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible on the first deck, but note that the washroom may not be fully accessible

Setting Sail from Kingston to the Thousand Islands

This cruise departs from Kingston, Ontario, with a straightforward ticket exchange process at the Waterfront Gifts & Apparel Storefront on Ontario Street. After exchanging a voucher for actual tickets, travelers board the Island Queen, which departs from the Crawford Wharf dock. Since there is no parking available at the dock, arriving early to find parking nearby is recommended.

The round-trip route covers the scenic Admiralty Islands, including notable spots like Napoleon’s Hat, Wanderers Channel, and Mandalay Mansion. The journey offers a comprehensive view of the region’s small cottage islands, historic sights, and natural beauty. This makes it an in-depth exploration perfect for those wanting to see the most of the 1,000 Islands.

The Trip on the Triple-Deck Paddlewheeler

The Island Queen features three decks and is designed in a Mississippi River paddlewheeler style, adding to the authentic and relaxed ambiance. The top deck provides the best views, with open-air seating perfect for photographing the islands and wildlife. The main deck has indoor seating with amenities like restrooms, though access is limited, and the second deck involves climbing ten stairs for dining or additional views.

This vessel is wheelchair accessible on the first deck, and the boat is equipped to handle guests with mobility needs, though the restroom facilities may not be fully accessible for all wheelchair users. The cruise’s pacing is moderate, making it suitable for most visitors, but some reviews suggest it may be a bit lengthy for very young children.

Scenic Stops and Highlights Along the Route

The cruise passes by small cottage islands that are known for their charming vacation homes and picturesque scenery. Among these is Napoleon’s Hat, a small island with a distinctive shape that resembles a hat. The Wanderers Channel offers views of historic and scenic spots, while Mandalay Mansion stands out as an example of opulent island architecture.

A highlight is the passing of Kingston’s historic sights, offering a unique perspective on the city’s waterfront and nearby islands. The cruise provides spectacular views of wildlife, including geese and a mama swan with her babies, adding a lively natural element to the experience.

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Live Entertainment and Informative Commentary

Onboard, guests enjoy live musical entertainment, which has been praised for its lively and engaging quality. The music helps create a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere during the cruise. The commentary about the region’s history, folklore, and notable sights is provided throughout, offering guests insight into the stories behind the islands.

A number of reviews highlight the expertise of the guides and the interesting facts shared during the cruise, making the experience both fun and educational. However, some note that the entertainment can be a bit variable, and for some, it might be less engaging than the scenery itself.

Food and Drinks Available on the Boat

While food and drinks are not included in the ticket price, a full-service canteen and bar are available on board. This allows guests to purchase snacks, beverages, and alcoholic drinks during the cruise. The cost of food and drinks has been noted as somewhat high in reviews, so bringing a small cooler or snacks might be worthwhile if you prefer to avoid extra expenses.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Experience

• It’s best to bring weather-appropriate clothing as the open-air top deck can be breezy or sunny depending on the day.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended, especially if cruising on a sunny day, to avoid sunburn or glare.
• Arrive early to exchange your voucher for tickets and to find suitable seating.
• Since parking is not available at the dock, plan to arrive with ample time or consider alternative transport options.
• The cruise typically departs in the afternoon, so check your schedule to align with this timing.
• The length of the cruise (3 hours) makes it suitable for most visitors, but very young children or those sensitive to long trips may want to consider this.

Accessibility and Family Considerations

The cruise is wheelchair accessible on the first deck, with the gangway measuring 35 inches (88 cm) wide. However, the restroom facilities may not be fully accessible for all wheelchair users and are somewhat narrow. Guests with mobility needs should plan accordingly.

There are no age restrictions, making this cruise a versatile option for families, couples, or groups of friends. However, some reviews suggest that young children may find the length and calm pace a bit long, and the entertainment is geared more towards adult audiences.

Comparing Similar Tours and Value

At $47 per person, this cruise offers good value considering its 3-hour duration and inclusion of live entertainment. It’s praised as one of the most comprehensive cruises through the 1,000 Islands, providing a relaxing and informative experience.

Some feedback notes that the boat can be oversold, leading to crowded conditions, especially at peak times. Still, most find the scenery and commentary worthwhile. For those interested in more time around smaller islands or faster cruising, alternative options from Gananoque might provide slightly different experiences.

Final Thoughts on the Kingston Thousand Islands Riverboat Cruise

This 3-hour cruise combines scenic beauty, live music, and informative narration into a relaxing outing on the St. Lawrence River. The triple-deck paddlewheeler adds charm and provides multiple vantage points for viewing the cottage islands and historic sites.

The value for money is positive, with plenty of interesting commentary and a pleasurable atmosphere onboard. The limited parking and weather dependence are logistical considerations, but overall, this tour is a great choice for those interested in exploring the region’s natural and cultural scenery from the comfort of a classic riverboat.

If you enjoy scenic cruises with lively entertainment and want a comprehensive tour of the Thousand Islands, this experience from Kingston delivers an engaging and memorable outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cruise suitable for children?
Yes, there are no age restrictions, but the cruise’s length and adult-oriented entertainment may be less engaging for very young children.

Are wheelchairs allowed onboard?
Yes, wheelchairs are welcome on the first deck, with the gangway being 35 inches wide. Restroom accessibility may be limited.

What should I bring?
Weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and possibly a small cooler for snacks and drinks since these are not included in the ticket price.

Where do I meet for the cruise?
At the Crawford Wharf dock, after exchanging your voucher at the Waterfront Gifts & Apparel Storefront on Ontario Street.

Is parking available at the dock?
No, parking is not available at the dock; plan to arrive early and find parking nearby.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts 3 hours, generally scheduled in the afternoon.

What is included in the ticket price?
The 3-hour sightseeing cruise, live entertainment, and local taxes.

Can I purchase food and drinks onboard?
Yes, a full-service canteen and bar are available for purchase, though prices are considered high by some visitors.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby