Thinking of going on a cruise? Explore Ontario through its myriad of rivers, and waterways! From intimate, romantic and cozy, luxury cruises that span a week to short boat trips, you have plenty of options to suit every budget from Windsor to Moosonee. Whether you want to experience a fall colour tour in Muskoka or 1000 Islands, explore Trent Severn Waterway, or a 7-day cruise along St Lawerence River, or experience any of the Great Lakes (except Lake Michigan), you will find plenty of options in this list.
Which is the best tour? All tours showcase different parts of Ontario, so select the best for you, depending on your schedule and the budget!
Most companies offer normal sightseeing cruises and lunch/dinner cruises. Cruise season (weather dependent) usually starts around Mothers Day weekend in May and lasts until Thanksgiving weekend ( fall colour cruises), though some companies, like Niagara City Cruises, offer tours until the end of November. Toronto companies also offer New Year’s eve party cruises. The cost of tours is approximate, might vary and may not include taxes and other fees.
Contents:
- Niagara Region
- Sarnia – Windsor – Essex – Pelee Island
- Brant – Hamilton
- Toronto – Lake Ontario Cruises
- 1000 Islands/Kingston
- Kawarthas
- Georgian Bay, Muskoka and Tobermory
- Parry Sound, Sudbury and North Western Ontario
- Ottawa & Rideau Canal
- Ferry to Moose Factory Island
Updated – July 21, 2023.
I. Niagara Region
1. Niagara City Cruises
You may have seen the Falls before but you’ve never seen them quite like this. Hold onto your heart and keep your eyes wide open because you’re in for the thrill of a lifetime! The legendary Niagara Falls boat tour takes you as close as possible to the thundering roar, awesome power and amazing mist of the mighty Falls! Choose from the thrilling daytime Voyage To The Falls Boat Tour or one of extended fully-licensed, night-time Falls Illumination Cruises or Falls Fireworks Cruises. Details
Phone: 905-642-4272
Address: 5920 Niagara Parkway Niagara Falls
Cost: $22.75 to $32.75
2. Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours
Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours operates a fleet of custom-built vessels designed to the latest innovations in marine technology. Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours’ boats use a triple turbo diesel water jet system for both propulsion and steering, a design that creates incredible reliability and safety in the turbulent whitewater rapids. This is why it has been able to create and sustain exemplary safety record.
Guests will spend 45 minutes or 1 hour (depending on departure point) learning about the history and geology of the majestic Niagara River, and experiencing the excitement of playing in class 5 whitewater rapids. Details
Phone: 905.468.4800
Address:
55 River Frontage Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Cost: $44.95 to $74.95
II. Sarnia – Windsor – Essex – Pelee – Lake Erie
1. Windsor Premier Cruises – Detroit River
Sightseeing cruises are the most affordable way for visitors and local residents to get out on the water for an enjoyable, afternoon scenic tour of the Detroit River. Enjoy the sightseeing tour while listening to a live-audio commentary on the history and cultural significance of the Detroit River and its surrounding areas.
The Macassa Bay is a 93 foot 181 passenger Transport Canada Certified Vessel. The main deck (salon) offers tables and chairs for 80 passengers, a rear bar and an area for catering services. The upper deck allows for an additional 100 passengers (tables and seating for 60), a centrally located bar and a full length canopy that comes with sides to enclose the upper deck during colder temperatures.
Tours include Sightseeing Cruises (also of the new Gordie Howe Bridge being built), Dinner Cruises, Sunset Cruises, Lunch Cruises, Amherstburg Day Trips, and Amherstburg Sightseeing.
Phone: (519) 250 – 3999
Address: 78 Riverside Drive W., Windsor
Cost: Adults: $44.99 & up, Children: $22.99 & up
2. MV Jiimaan/ Pelee Islander – Ferry
Ferry to Canada’s southernmost point. Explore Pelee Island through its winding hiking trails, and discover lush greenery as well as sunny vineyards. Details
Phone: 800-661-2220
Address:
Pelee Island Terminal – General Delivery, Pelee Island
Leamington Terminal – 500 Erie Street, Leamington
Kingsville Terminal – 25 Dock Road, Kingsville
Cost: $3.75 – $7.50 (vehicle and freight price available online)
3. Cruise the St. Clair River
Explore St. Clair River with the Captain and his crew of Duc d’Orleans II! Enjoy a two-hour luncheon cruise or sightseeing cruise that starts from downtown Sarnia. Details
Phone: 519-337-5152
Address: 297 Front Street North, Sarnia
Cost:Lunch Cruise — $40 per person
4. Long Point Island Hugger Tours
Long Point Island Hugger Tours offers unique tours of the inner bay of Long Point UNESCO Biosphere which is accessible only by boat. You can also opt for Turkey Point tour and see the beautiful properties of Lake Erie. Experience the inner bay of Long Point Ontario’s marshland, enjoying natural and local history with the Captain from Collins Harbour Marina Resort. Details
Ontario Road Trip: 50 Things to Do Along Lake Erie Shore
Phone: 519-718-9608
Address: Port Rowan Marina, 11 Sea Queen Rd, Port Rowan
Cost: $20 to $75
III. Brant – Hamilton
1. Hamiltonian Tour Boat
In 2003 the Hamiltonian 12-passenger tour boat began operations. The tour boat offers a leisurely narrated 50-minute tour of Hamilton Harbour with the captain providing interesting stories and history of one of North America’s most noteworthy harbours. The tour provides unique views of the natural, recreational and industrial faces of Hamilton. Details
Phone: 905-523-4498
Address: Pier 7, Hamilton
Cost: $10.50 – $21
2. Grand River Cruises
Grand River Cruises sails three boats all season, the Grand River Belle, Grand River Queen and Grand River Princess. Each boat can comfortably hold a bus load of passengers with each table arranged along a window to give all passengers a great view. Grand River Cruises is located in the tranquil County of Brant and cruises on a 20 km section of the Grand River between Caledonia and Brantford, Ontario. Expect picturesque scenery and warm hospitality when visiting Grand River Country. Details
Phone: 800-847-3321
Address: 36 Brant County Road 22, Caledonia
Cost: $75.00 – Grand Dining Cruise; $85.00 – Lunch Cruise & Blazing Fiddles Show
IV. Toronto – Lake Ontario Cruises
There are many companies offering Lake Ontario Cruise with lunch and dinner options from Toronto Harbour, including special event Fireworks on July 1 and New Year’s Eve, Halloween party cruises, Santa Claus cruise, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Brunch cruise. See Toronto Sightseeing, Lunch and Dinner Cruises for more details.
V. 1000 Islands/Kingston
1. 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises
An informative and convenient introductory cruise with the most frequent departures featuring the Eastern Group of the 1000 Islands, the St. Lawrence Seaway, Millionaire’s Row and Brockville’s historic waterfront. Revel in your view of palatial waterfront mansions, quaint island cottages and the many natural wonders of the 1000 Islands as you pass in the shadows of ships plying the main shipping channel of the St. Lawrence River.
Various options are available including fireworks and jet boat cruises.
Phone: (613) 345-7333
Address:
30 Block House Island Pkwy, Brockville
853 1000 Islands Pkwy, Mallorytown
Cost: $9.95 to $44.9 & up
2. Gananoque Boat Line – City Experiences
Gananoque Boat Line operates a fleet of five triple-decker vessels from the heart of the 1000 islands in Gananoque, Ontario. The boats are spacious and combine indoor and outdoor seating to take in the breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River. Gananoque Boat Line’s vessels can accommodate up to 500 passengers for regular charters and can be converted to accommodate dining, dancing, meetings, etc. for up to 350 passengers. Details
Phone: 888.717.4837
Address:
280 Main Street, Gananoque
95 Ivy Lea Road., Lansdowne
Cost: $32 & up. Various options are available, including 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise, which requires a valid passport or travel documents to enter both the US and come back home to Canada are required.
3. Rockport Cruises
Discover and experience the Heart of the 1000 Islands, majestic castles and whispers of a thousand legends as you cruise the breathtaking 1000 Islands with Rockport Cruises. Rockport’s sightseeing cruises showcase all the major features of the islands, including; Zavikon Island, Boldt Castle, Millionaire’s Row, Canadian Palisades, 1000 Islands International Bridge and Singer Castle. This is just a taste of the adventure you will experience onboard our sightseeing cruises passing through the St. Lawrence River. Details
Phone: 613-659-3402
Address: 20 Front Street, Rockport
Cost: $5 to $35 & up; various options available, including 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise, which requires a valid passport or travel documents to enter both the US and come back home to Canada are required.
4. Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises
You can also explore 1000 Islands from Kingston. Cruises sail from downtown Kingston and include sightseeing cruises, dining cruises and special event cruises from May to October.
In addition, you can also learn history and see the waterfront of the city of Kingston and its place at the beginning of the St. Lawrence River or take part in a “ghost-cruise experience ” of Kingston harbour after dark enjoying the mysterious tales that surround this historic city.
Phone: 613.549.5544/ 1.800.848.0011
Address: 1 Brock St, Kingston
Cost: $5 to $35 & up
5. St. Lawrence Cruise Lines Inc – Kingston & 1000 Islands
Guests can choose among the different cruise programs that they wish to explore; Kingston to Quebec City or Kingston to Ottawa. Be able to witness the hidden culture, places as well as people while being close to nature. Details
Phone: 613 549 8091
Address: Kingston – Brock St. Dock.
Cost: 4 Nights ~ $3144 & up (double occupancy room)
VI. Kawarthas/Trent-Severn
1. Liftlock & The Riverboat Cruises
Liftlock and The Riverboat Cruises offer a variety of different cruise options. Go sightseeing with your tour group over the world’s highest hydraulic lift lock, enjoy an afternoon luncheon cruise, or have dinner featuring live entertainment with us in the evening. Explore the beautiful Trent Severn Waterway aboard The Island Princess. Discover the unbelievable beauty of this remote region of the Kawarthas. Details
Phone: (705) 742-9912
Address: 92 George Street North Peterborough, ON K9J 3G6
Cost: : $3.50 – $33.00 & up
2. Canoe Tour
Go on Voyageur canoe tour across the Peterborough Lift lock. Hear the stories about the struggles of the Voyageurs who had to portage the canoe and the heavy goods through rugged terrain as you paddle in comfort on the Trent Severn Waterway that began construction in 1833 and finished in 1920 at Port Severn. Details
Phone: 705.748.9153 x210.
Address: Peterborough Lift lock near National Historic Site Visitor Centre
Cost: Back in 2024. Cancelled for 2023.
3. Cruise the Kawartha
The Kawartha cruises showcase a greater diversity of engineering, including the Peterborough Lift Lock, the Kirkfield Lift Lock and the Big Chute Marine Railway; all of which guests can enjoy for five days on the cruise. Details
Phone: 800-561-5767
Address: Big Chute Marine Railway Trent-Severn Waterway in Ontario, Canada.
Cost: ~$2,752 per person double occupancy (5 day Cruise)
4. Cruise the Quinte
This 386 km stretch of the Trent-Severn Waterway with scenic lakes, rivers and locks was created over a period of 87 years in conjunction with the water transport needs of the local lumber industry and the neighbouring communities. The Quinte Cruises navigate a 370 km (231 miles) section of the Trent-Severn Waterway, Bay of Quinte and St. Lawrence River/Thousand Islands.
Phone: 800-561-5767
Address: Boarding from Peterborough to 1000 Islands
Cost: ~$2,752 per person double occupancy (5 day Cruise)
VII. Cruises in and around Muskoka and Tobermory
1. Landmark Cruises
Sail the beautiful Georgian Bay and its many inlets and islands from Penetanguishene aboard Landmark Cruises. You can enjoy chef-inspired, mouth-watering meals or a fully licensed bar while on Lunch Cruise, Afternoon Sightseeing Cruise, Sunset Cruise, Dinner Cruise and Fall Colours Cruise aboard the 90-foot, 300-passenger boat.
They also offer speedboat tours from Midland Town Dock.
Phone: 705-549-3333
Address: Town Dock Penetanguishene
2 Main St, Penetanguishene
Cost: Adult – $54.95 & up
Senior – $51.95 & up
Youth – $37.95 & up
Infant – Free
2. Georgian Spirit Cruises
Stoney Lake Cruises ceased operations on Stoney Lake and moved to Midland as Georgian Spirit Cruises in 2021. Enjoy daily lunch and sightseeing cruises, various themed food cruises like barbecue chicken and rib Fridays and prime rib Saturdays as you explore Georgian Bay. See Giant’s Tomb, Beausoleil Island and so much more.
Phone: 705-400-7318
Address: 175 King Street, Midland Town Dock
Cost: $41.95 per adult, Seniors $39.95, $26.95 kids 3-12, 2 and under free. & up
3. MS Chi-Cheemaun
Ferry from Tobemory to Manitoulin Island. Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC) is one of Ontario’s largest ferry operators with a highly experienced and dedicated staff providing state-of-the-art passenger, vehicle and cargo transportation services to northern and southwestern Ontario waterways. There are themed ferry rides like Stargazer’s Delight, and sunset dinner cruise. Details
Phone: 519-376-8740
Address: 8 Eliza St, Tobermory
Cost: $9.00 – $18.05 (vehicle and freight price available online)
4. Bruce Anchor Cruises
Enjoy scenic glass-bottom cruises throughout Fathom Five National Marine Park, passing through the Little Tub Harbour. Enjoy Fathom Five National Marine Park’s historic shipwrecks, Flowerpot Island, famous Flowerpots and the historic light station.
You can choose from Tobermory Evolution – the largest glass-bottom boat in their collection, Tobermory Explorer – a 75-passenger vessel covered boat, Tobermory Crusader – fastest glass-bottom cruiser, and Tobermory Frontier, a 50-passenger vessel.
They offer drop-off tours, wherein patrons can explore Flowerpot Island in between the shipwreck tour. You can also take a direct shuttle to Flower Pot Island.
Phone: 519-596-255
Address: 61 Front Street, Tobermory
Cost: $43.36 – $68.15
5. Blue Heron Cruises
Blue Heron Cruises offer scenic glass-bottom or jet boat cruises throughout Fathom Five National Marine Park, passing through the Little Tub Harbour. They also have a sunset cruise and a drop-off cruise where you can visit Flowerpot Island, where you are dropped off on the island to hike and explore the many wonders of the area, including the flowerpots, historic light stations, ancient cliff cave and crystal clear waters.
If you want to visit the grotto of Bruce Peninsula National Park, the Grotto Tour offers Flowerpot Island tour together with a refreshing coastal exploration along the Niagara Escarpment coastline to Cave Point, Indian Head Cove, and the Grotto.
Phone: 1-855-596-2999
Address: Blue Heron Cruise Ticket Booth& Parking 7425 Highway 6, Tobermory
Cost: $46.11 & up
6. Tobermory Wave Adventures
Explore cliffs and caves and majestic flowerpots on your tour to the world-famous Flowerpot Island and the magnificent Grotto! Travel over 35 km of clear, turquoise water to marvel at natural wonders. Shipwrecks, The Flowerpots and The Grotto. Get so close to towering cliffs, peer into sea caves and learn how they came to be. Details
Phone: 226-974-1880
Address: 1 Bay St, Tobermory
Cost: $62 & up
7. SS Bigwin
The SS Bigwin offers regularly scheduled public cruises funded by your generous donations on the dock. The restored boat is beautifully crafted with extraordinary attention to historical detail. Departing from the dock in Dorset, Ontario, and cruising down majestic Trading Bay with its tall white pines and towering cliffs, you’ll love seeing the beautiful Lake of Bays as other observers did in the first half of the 1900’s. Visit the newly refurbished Lake of Bays Marine Museum on Main Street by the bridge. Details
Phone: 705-380-2244
Address: 1090 Main St, Dwight.
Cost: Adults $30, Seniors $25, Kids $20, Kids under 5 yrs free & up
8. Sunset Cruises – Peerless II & Idyllwood
Sunset Cruises was formed to enable passengers looking for an alternative to the larger ships to enjoy cruising aboard the Peerless II & Idyllwood. Captain Potts, will show you Muskoka scenery accessible only by their smaller ships. A cruise aboard the Peerless II or the Idyllwood could be described as elegant, intimate, informative, historical, and enjoyable. Sunset Cruises, we go where the large boats don’t. A unique part of the “Muskoka Experience” must include a cruise on one or more of the three big Muskoka Lakes. Details
Phone: (705)645-2462
Address: 100 Joseph St. Port Carling
Cost: $38 to $58
9. Lady Muskoka
The Lady Muskoka cruise will showcase the scenic shorelines of the Muskoka River before sailing out to Lake Muskoka and highlight the famous “Millionaires Row” area with its spectacular summer homes and manicured garden. Details
Phone: 705-646-2628
Address: 300 Ecclestone Dr, Bracebridge
Cost: $20 to $40
10. Real Muskoka
Muskoka’s steamship heritage is older than Canada. Go on a narrated one or two-hour cruise and sail by small cottage islands, rand estates, the bay through the Narrows and past the famous Lighthouse into southern Lake Muskoka.
Visit Muskoka Discovery Centre when the centre opens in the summer.
Phone: 866-687-6667
Address: Muskoka Wharf, Gravenhurst ( 185 Cherokee Lane, Gravenhurst)
Cost: $10 $49.90 & up
11. Collingwood Charters
The “Huronic”, operated by Collingwood Charters, offers sightseeing tours, sunset cruises, private charters, dinner cruises, local wine & beer tastings, corporate events and weddings aboard a 65ft tour boat departing from Collingwood Harbour May through October. Enjoy the scenic views of Collingwood Harbour, the Nottawasaga Lighthouse and the escarpment as they cruise the Southern Coast of Georgian Bay! Details
Phone: 705-443-1124
Address: Hurontario St. & Sidelaunch Way by the L.C.B.O., Collingwood
Cost: Adult – $46.50, Youth – $26.50 & up
12. Collingwood Adventure Voyages
See some of the unique landmarks that display Collingwood’s rich maritime history! Includes guided interpretive history on Collingwood Harbour, Shipbuilding, the historic Grain Terminals, and Nottawasaga Island’s Lighthouse. Details
Phone: 705.444.9451
Address: 67 Heritage Drive, Collingwood
Cost: $250 flat rate for 2-8 passengers — private group tour
VIII. Parry Sound, Sudbury and North Western Ontario
1. The Island Queen Cruise
All aboard the Island Queen for a relaxing cruise through the narrow channels and shallow waterways of Georgian Bay’s charming inner islands. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime as the captain bring you surprisingly up-close to Georgian Bay’s wild and rugged outer islands. Details
Phone: 800.506.2628
Address: 9 Bay Street, Parry Sound P2A 1S4
Cost: $40 & up
2. Parry Sound and Archipelago Cruise Lines – M.V. Chippewa III
The M.V. Chippewa III (ex “Maid of the Mist”) is the oldest member of one of the world’s best known line of small ships. In the spring of 1955, a terrible fire coDetailsnsumed the fleet of wooden hulled Maids of the Mist. With the 1955 season fast approaching, the owners decided it was time to re-build the fleet in steel. After restoration, Chippewa III have sailed Lakes Erie, Huron and Georgian Bay and has introduced thousands of people, from all round the globe to the waters of Parry Sound and the magic of the 30,000 Islands from the Seguin River. Details
Phone: (705) 746-6064
Address: 20 McIsaac Way, Parry Sound
Cost: $28 – $102
3. William Ramsey Cruise
After three decades as a tourist attraction in Sudbury, the Cortina cruise boat on Ramsey Lake has a new name. It is now called The William Ramsey. The name honours a surveyor who helped to build the rail line through Sudbury, and for whom Ramsey Lake was named. William Ramsey Cruise offers a one-hour public cruise from May to October. It also offers private charters during the day or evenings. Details
Phone: (705) 691-5237
Address: Ramsey Lake Road Sudbury P3E 5S9
Cost:Adult – $19.50; Child/Senior – $15.50
4. Chief Commanda II
Chief Commanda II offers various cruises exploring Lake Nipissing.
Enjoy a delightful afternoon cruise among the unique Manitou Islands in the middle of spectacular Lake Nipissing, returning to view North Bay’s skyline from the water; 2-hour North Shore Scenic trip to view Lake Nipissing’s open vistas, natural beaches, rising escarpments and fall colours; Cruise the open vista of Lake Nipissing and into the cosy northern vistas of Callander Bay, capped off by one of Lake Nipissing’s spectacular sunsets, returning to the glowing skyline of North Bay; Explore the narrow waterways of the Legendary Upper French River with its scenic cottages, resorts, granite bluffs and islands. Details
Phone: (705) 494-8167
Address: 200 Memorial Dr, Kings Landing, North Bay
Cost: $48 & up
5. Grace Anne II
Gliding across the mystic Lake of the Woods, the 85-foot yacht Grace Anne II emerges from the past with her classic beauty and elegance intact. It features Gleaming mahogany decks and staterooms and Persian carpets, and leaded glass. The Grace Anne II will transport you to another era when silverware, fine linens, and white-gloved service were the unquestioned accoutrements on a wilderness excursion. Details
Phone: 807-468-9543
Address: Port of Kenora, Lake of the Woods, North Western Ontario
6. M.S. Kenora
M.S. Kenora’s daily cruise starts from Kenora’s scenic waterfront which takes you past Coney Island’s beautiful public beach, then heads south on a spectacular circle route of the northern section of famed Lake of the Woods (14,500 islands, 65,000 miles of shoreline). You’ll return through mystical “Devil’s Gap” to complete this 2 or 2 1/4 hours on the water experience. And water is what Sunset Country is all about. Details
Phone: (807) 468-9124
Address: Bernier Dr, Kenora
Cost: $28.01 to $36.73
7. Sail Superior – Thunder Bay
Get a different perspective of Thunder Bay with a harbour tour. You will see the best views of Thunder Bay from the water. Get out on the water, sail up close to the lakers and salties, look up at the massive grain elevators, pass by Thunder Bay Main lighthouse, and wonder at the manmade break wall.
They also offer private boat tours to various destinations on Lake Superior.
You can also join for various tours to Battle Island, Slates Island from Terrace Bay.
Phone:(807)628-3333
Address: Pier 3, Sleeping Giant Way, Prince Arthur’s Landing, Marina Park
Cost: $77-$125/person & up
IX. Eastern Ontario/Ottawa/Rideau Canal
1. Napanee River – Norman Paul
Immerse yourself in the unique tides of the Napanee River aboard The Norman Paul. This 1.5-hour voyage offers a premium bar, tasty food options, and breathtaking views, all while immersing you in the ebb and flow of Ontario’s hidden gem. Offering both public and private charters, The Norman Paul provides an unparalleled boating experience, highlighting the singular beauty of the Napanee River. Details
Phone: 613-354-2053
Address: The Waterfront River Pub and Terrace, 22 Water Street West, Napanee
Cost:
Adults: $34 per person.
Children 10 and Under: $18 per person
2. Mazinaw Rock Wanderer Tour – Friends of Bon Echo
Experience the majestic Mazinaw Rock in Bon Echo Provincial Park like never before with their unique 45-minute Wanderer Tour. This interpretive boat tour, exclusive within the Ontario Parks system, allows visitors to learn about the area’s rich history, including Indigenous pictographs dating back hundreds of years, the logging era, the Bon Echo Inn, and the park’s establishment. DetailsAddress: Bon Echo Provincial Park is located north of Kaladar approximately 6 kilometres north of Cloyne.
Cost: Adults Ages 13+: $30
Children Ages 2-12: $15
There are many options to tour Rideau Canal and Ottawa River, including Paul’s Boat Line and overnight cruises on Ontario Waterway Cruises and St Lawerence Cruises. See Ottawa Sightseeing Cruises for more details.
Water Adventures in and Around Ottawa
X. Moose Factory Island
NISKA I – Ferry to Moose Factory Island
Visitors can enjoy moose and other wildlife that have spurred many a Cree legend and the sights of Moose River. Details
Phone: 705.658.4335
Address: Hunter St, Moosonee
Cost:Passenger – $4.50 – $9.05 (vehicle and freight price available online)