Cruising the 1000 Islands from Kingston: An Honest Review

Kingston, Ontario unveils the natural marvel of the 1000 Islands, situated on the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. This cluster of islands offers a captivating realm of nature waiting to be discovered.

Taking the 1000 Island cruise

You have the option of selecting either a 90-minute cruise or a more extended 3-hour excursion, which also offers the opportunity for a three-course lunch. We took the Heart of the Island cruise on the Island Queen. The journey took us from Lake Ontario into the St. Lawrence River, passing numerous islands en route to Gananoque, before retracing our path back to the mainland.

Boarding:

From the outset, the boarding experience set the tone for the voyage. Despite arriving early, my excitement was dampened when the boarding process felt disorganized and unfair. The decision to separate lines and allow one group to board ahead of another, despite our earlier arrival (we reached the boarding area half hour early and were still the last to board), resulted in us missing out on prime seating. It was a disappointing start to what I had hoped would be a seamless and enjoyable experience. (Tip: Arrive really early if you want to board first or invest in a priority boarding pass for an additional $5!)

Island Queen III

On board:

While onboard, guests are treated to live entertainment and informative commentary that delves into the rich history and folklore of the 1000 Islands. A fully stocked bar and canteen are at your service for refreshments. The ticket encompasses sightseeing, live music, and engaging commentary throughout the journey.

Cruise:

I must admit, it was quite unexpected to see so many cottages on the islands. I hadn't realized that a significant portion of the islands were under private ownership. For those wondering about the infrastructure supporting these remote retreats, it's fascinating to note that underwater cables provide access to power.

Honest review:

While the journey offered glimpses into the natural and historical wonders of the Thousand Islands, it also exposed some challenges that detracted from the overall experience. For me, the three-hour duration of the cruise proved to be somewhat not pleasant. While it allowed ample time to soak in the beauty of the Thousand Islands, it also felt unnecessarily long, especially when moments of excitement gave way to stretches of monotony. Despite the best efforts of our guide to entertain us with anecdotes and stories, there were times when I found myself longing for more variety or interactive elements to keep me engaged. While the sights from the cruise ship were undeniably breathtaking, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment at not being able to disembark and explore some of the islands up close.

Despite, I remain grateful for the opportunity to have experienced the magic of the Thousand Islands firsthand. It's a destination that truly deserves to be explored and appreciated, with a mindful eye towards improving the visitor experience.

Tips

1. Arrive early: It's always a good idea to arrive early to secure the best seating. Since seating is limited, arriving early increases your chances of getting seats with optimal views.

2. Be prepared for wind on the top deck: Despite the temperature being around 28 degrees, the top deck can be quite windy, making it feel cooler. If you prefer a more sheltered spot, consider sitting on the bottom deck, which offers full cover. If you opt for the lunch cruise, you will be sitting on the middle deck. The windows here can be opened or closed.

3. Choose the right cruise duration: The cruises offer different lengths ranging from 1 to 3 hours. I’d recommend the 1-hour cruise as there’s not much to do on the boat except watch scenery pass by.