1-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Ivy Lea
1-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Ivy Lea – Official City Cruises Tour
Experience the beauty of the 1000 Islands on a 1-hour sightseeing cruise departing from Ivy Lea, located in the heart of the St. Lawrence River. This scenic boat tour is one of the best ways to see the famous islands, castles, and historic landmarks that make the 1000 Islands one of Canada’s most iconic destinations.
Operated by City Cruises Gananoque, home of the historic Gananoque Boat Line, this sightseeing experience continues a tradition of showcasing the beauty of the 1000 Islands that dates back to 1951.
Sailing from the City Cruises dock in Ivy Lea, this cruise takes you through the central channel of the St. Lawrence River, offering close-up views of Boldt Castle area island estates, Zavikon Islands and the world’s smallest international bridge, historic lighthouses, and the Statue of St. Lawrence, a towering monument visible only from the water.
This 1-hour 1000 Islands cruise is ideal for visitors looking for a shorter sightseeing experience, while still seeing many of the region’s most famous landmarks and natural scenery.
CITY CRUISES GANANOQUE
GANANOQUE BOAT LINE®Proudly continuing a 1000 Islands sightseeing tradition since 1951.
What You’ll See on the 1-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise
During your cruise from Ivy Lea, highlights include:
- Views of Boldt Castle on Heart Island
- Zavikon Islands and the shortest international bridge in the world
- The Statue of St. Lawrence, overlooking the river from a cliffside perch
- Historic island cottages, summer homes, and private island estates
- Scenic views near the 1000 Islands International Bridge
- Canadian and U.S. island shorelines along the St. Lawrence River
- Natural rock formations, forests, and wildlife habitats
This cruise route travels through the narrow island channels and scenic waterways that define the 1000 Islands region, offering excellent photo opportunities and memorable views.
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Why Take a 1000 Islands Cruise from Ivy Lea
A boat tour is the only way to truly experience the 1000 Islands. Many of the most famous sights, including island estates and monuments, are only visible from the water.
The Ivy Lea departure location offers immediate access to the most scenic and island-dense section of the St. Lawrence River, allowing guests to see more in less time compared to land-based viewpoints.
This cruise is ideal for:
- Visitors staying in Kingston, Ottawa, Toronto, or Upstate New York
- Travelers crossing the 1000 Islands International Bridge
- Families, couples, and sightseeing travelers
- Day trips and short visits to the 1000 Islands region
- First-time visitors looking for an introduction to the area
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Onboard Experience
Your 1-hour sightseeing cruise includes:
- Comfortable indoor and outdoor viewing decks
- Open-air top deck for unobstructed panoramic views
- Informational audio commentary about the islands and landmarks
- Full cash bar and light snacks available for purchase
- Washroom facilities onboard
The cruise offers a relaxing and informative way to explore one of North America’s most scenic waterways.
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Departure Location – Ivy Lea, Ontario
This cruise departs from the City Cruises dock in Ivy Lea, Ontario, conveniently located along the 1000 Islands Parkway.
City Cruises – Ivy Lea Dock
95 Ivy Lea Road
Lansdowne, Ontario, Canada
The Ivy Lea location is:
- Minutes from the 1000 Islands International Bridge and Interstate 81
- Easily accessible from Highway 401
- Approximately 30 minutes east of Kingston, Ontario
- Within driving distance of Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal
Free on-site parking is available near the dock.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the cruise?
The sightseeing cruise is approximately 70-minutes.
Do I need a passport?
No passport is required, as the cruise remains within Canadian waters.
Is this the best 1000 Islands cruise for a short visit?
Yes. This cruise is designed for guests who want to see the highlights of the 1000 Islands in about one hour.
When is the best time to take the cruise?
The cruise operates from spring through fall, with summer offering the warmest weather and fall offering spectacular foliage views.
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Book Your 1-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Ivy Lea
Discover castles, island estates, and breathtaking river scenery on one of the most popular sightseeing cruises in the 1000 Islands.
Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak summer months.
Keep in Mind
The 1-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Ivy Lea departs from 95 Ivy Lea Road, Lansdowne, ON K0E 1L0.
For directions to the Ivy Lea Port Location on Google Maps, click here.
What to Know Before You Visit:
- Parking: For your convenience free on-site parking is available, however, during peak season and peak periods, parking can be limited.
- All guests riding the boat (including infants) require a ticket to board.
- Accessibility: All City Cruises Gananoque vessels are fully accessible on the main deck.
- Food and Beverage:
- Outside food and beverage is NOT permitted.
- Food and Beverage is available for purchase on-board (we accept cash, debit or Visa/Mastercard credit cards).
- Our on-board menu offers a variety of nut free, vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and halal options.
- Safety Screening:
- All guests and personal items may be subject to screening.
- Guests are permitted to bring a personal item. Personal items include a small purse or handbag, small backpack, infant diaper bag or camera bag. Maximum dimensions are 17.8 x 38.1 x 40.6 centimetres (7 x 15 x 16 inches).
- Restricted and dangerous articles are strictly prohibited. This includes but is not limited to: suitcases of any size, carry-on luggage, overnight bags, roller bags, briefcases, coolers, trunks, dangerous articles, and all other items that exceed the maximum dimensions for personal allowances.
- Please note that additional personal item allowance and entry restrictions may be imposed at the checkpoint without prior notice.
- City Cruises Gananoque is a smoke-free environment including no smoking of tobacco and cannabis, as well as no vaping.
City Cruises Gananoque reserves the right to modify its safety measures at any point without prior notice.
Starting at
$36.95
Starting at
$36.95
Enjoy your visit with:
- 1-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise departing from Ivy Lea
- Audio commentary in English and French
- Scenic views of the 1000 Islands including the famed Boldt Castle, the Statue of St. Lawrence and more.
- Licensed Bar onboard
- Assorted snack items and drinks available for purchase.
How to get there?
Gananoque
Ontario
Canada
This cruise departs from the City Cruises Gananoque Ivy Lea Port, 95 Ivy Lea Road, Lansdowne, ON K0E 1L0.
For your convenience there is free on-site parking available.
The City Cruises Gananoque port at Ivy Lea is conveniently located off the 1000 Islands Parkway in the village of Ivy Lea at 95 Ivy Lea Road, Lansdowne, Ontario. It is only minutes from the 1000 Islands International Bridge off Interstate 81. Ivy Lea is also accessible from Highway 401 and 30 min east of Kingston, Ontario on Highway 2.
Additional Information
2026 Cruise Schedule Now Available!
Please check the cruise calendar for available dates and sailing times.
*Schedule subject to change.
The 1-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Ivy Lea departs from 95 Ivy Lea Road, Lansdowne, ON K0E 1L0.
For directions to the Ivy Lea Port Location on Google Maps, click here.
What to Know Before You Visit:
- Parking: For your convenience free on-site parking is available, however, during peak season and peak periods, parking can be limited.
- All guests riding the boat (including infants) require a ticket to board.
- Accessibility: All City Cruises Gananoque vessels are fully accessible on the main deck.
- Food and Beverage:
- Outside food and beverage is NOT permitted.
- Food and Beverage is available for purchase on-board (we accept cash, debit or Visa/Mastercard credit cards).
- Our on-board menu offers a variety of nut free, vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and halal options.
- Safety Screening:
- All guests and personal items may be subject to screening.
- Guests are permitted to bring a personal item. Personal items include a small purse or handbag, small backpack, infant diaper bag or camera bag. Maximum dimensions are 17.8 x 38.1 x 40.6 centimetres (7 x 15 x 16 inches).
- Restricted and dangerous articles are strictly prohibited. This includes but is not limited to: suitcases of any size, carry-on luggage, overnight bags, roller bags, briefcases, coolers, trunks, dangerous articles, and all other items that exceed the maximum dimensions for personal allowances.
- Please note that additional personal item allowance and entry restrictions may be imposed at the checkpoint without prior notice.
- City Cruises Gananoque is a smoke-free environment including no smoking of tobacco and cannabis, as well as no vaping.
City Cruises Gananoque reserves the right to modify its safety measures at any point without prior notice.