The Thousand Islands from the road is great, but the Thousand Islands by boat is even better! In fact, it's a must to visit this splendid archipelago, and what better way to start your region’s visit than with a cruise on the water. Breathtaking views guaranteed! The landscapes and houses you'll discover will whisk you away to a fairytale-like world of wonder.
Scattered across sparkling waters, boarding a boat in these islands will allow you to see some of the region's most extraordinary attractions. Dotted with impressive romantic castles, ancestral homes each more beautiful than the last, little islands at the end of the world, not to mention the world's smallest international bridge between Canada and the USA! You'll be amazed by the charm of these homes and the personalities who lived in them...
Several companies offer tours from different cities (more information below), sometimes with highly original themes. But you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the Thousand Islands with tours that take in the best-known sites such as the St. Lawrence statue, the International Bridge, Zavikon Island and Boldt Castle. For history buffs, you'll embark on the original 'Heart of the 1,000 Islands' cruise around the Admiralty and Navy Islands, named by the English officers of the Royal Navy.
These islands are full of anecdotes... mysterious, romantic or funny. Did you know, for example, that Singer Castle on Dark Island is so named because it was once home to the founder of Singer sewing machines? Or will you know how to find the 'mother-in-law’s' island and why it's called that? We're sure you'll soon understand why it's so nicknamed…
Relive the journeys of liquor smugglers and slaves who zigzagged through remote islands in search of freedom and fortune. Visit the ghost ships that lie beneath the water with the 'Lost Ships of the 1,000 Islands' cruise. Go for the sunset, the favourite cruise of photographers and romantics!
Stopping off at the mythical Château Boldt, a true symbol of love, and exploring its grounds is also an incredible adventure. Located on Heart Island, this castle was built by George C. Boldt, owner of New York's famous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. Originally intended as a grand symbol of his love for his wife, the castle was abandoned after her death in 1904. But be warned, you'll need a valid passport or visa, as Heart Island is... an American island.
Just one word of advice... allow at least a full day to discover this incredible archipelago and its surroundings by boat! Note that you don't need to make a reservation for the cruises; simply arrive 30 minutes before departure to secure a seat. However, excursions are only available from May to October. The rest of the time, in any case, the cold generally puts an end to any desire to lounge around on a boat with your hair blowing in the wind!