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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 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 cruise. Cruise season(weather dependent) usually start around Mothers Day weekend in May and lasts until Thanksgiving weekend ( fall colour cruises), though some companies, like Hornblower Niagara offer tours until end of November. Toronto companies also offer New Year’s eve party cruises. Cost of tours are approximate, might vary and may not include taxes and other fees.
I. Niagara Region
1. Hornblower Niagara 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:$18.95 -$42.95
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:
61 Melville St., Niagara-on-the-Lake
14004 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls
Cost: $44.95 – $69.95
3. Niagara Sunset Cruises
The Niagara Belle sails the scenic Lower Niagara River from the opening of the Niagara Gorge all the way to Lake Ontario. In this seven mile stretch of river flows all the water of the upper Great Lakes after it has tumbled over Niagara Falls and through the Niagara Gorge. Sights along the way include historic Fort George and Fort Niagara, the picturesque town of Niagara on the Lake, beautiful riverside homes, and an unspoiled natural shoreline stretching from the Niagara Gorge all the way to Lake Ontario. Details
Phone: 905.468.4800
Address: 55 River Frontage Rd Queenston
Cost:
Cancelled for 2019 (Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours operates from 61 Melville St., Niagara-on-the-Lake)
II. Windsor – Essex -Pelee
1. Windsor River 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. Details
Phone: 519-258-0911
Address: 1 Festival Plaza, Windsor
Cost: 17.00 (sightseeing) – $74.95 (dinner)
2. Windsor River Cruises – Round Trip Amherstburg Cruise
Step aboard the Macassa Bay and enjoy a wonderful day in historic Amherstburg. Our enroute commentary will point out historic Fort Wayne, the town of Sandwich, Wyandotte, Michigan, Fighting Island and much, much, more. Details
Phone: 519-258-0911
Address: 1 Festival Plaza, Windsor
Cost: $41.97 – $69.95
3. 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 – $21.25 (vehicle and freight price available online)
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: Discovery Drive, Hamilton, ON L8L 8K4
Cost: $9 – $18
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: $20.00 – Nature tour (Children 12 & under are 1/2 price) – $55 (dinner)
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 Years 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
Photo Credit: 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises
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. Details
Phone: (613) 345-7333
Address:
30 Block House Island Pkwy, Brockville
853 1000 Islands Pkwy, Mallorytown
Cost: $25 & up
2. Gananoque Boat Line
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: $14.09 & up. Various options available.
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 St. Lawrence River. Details
Phone: 613-659-3402
Address: 20 Front Street, Rockport
Cost: $14 & up; various options available
4. 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 the nature. Details
Phone: 613 549 8091
Address: Kingston – Brock St. Dock.
Cost: 4 Nights ~ $2000 & up(double occupancy room)
VI. Kawarthas
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 – $62.00
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: Adults (18+): $25; Youth (17 and under) $17
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 day on the cruise. Details
Phone: 800-561-5767
Address: Big Chute Marine Railway Trent-Severn Waterway in Ontario, Canada.
Cost: ~$2,200 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 neighboring communities. The Quinte Cruises navigate a 370 km (231 mile) 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: ~$2,200 per person double occupancy (5 day Cruise)
VII. Cruises in and around Muskoka and Tobermory
Photo Credit: Ben Jaworskyj
1. Orillia Boat Cruises
Orillia Boat Cruises is located in the heart of Beautiful Lake Couchiching in Orillia. The Island Princess is a large double decked, 200 passengers, all weather and riverboat style vessel. The Princess was specially designed for shallow water cruising close to shore on the calm bays, inlets and estuaries of Lake Couchiching. Details
Phone: 705 325 2628
Address: 209 Mississauga St E, Orillia, ON L3V 6S1, Canada
Cost: ~ $25 – $80
2. Miss Midland 30,000 Islands Boat Cruise
Take a sightseeing cruise aboard the 300-passenger Miss Midland & experience the sparkling water, the windswept pines & rocky grandeur of Muskoka-Georgian Bay’s 30,000 Islands – the finest cruising area in the northern hemisphere. The Miss Midland is wheelchair accessible and the lower deck is fully heated. Details
Phone: (705) 728-9888
Address: 177 King Street, Midland, Ontario
Cost: $18 (sightseeing) – $63 (dinner)
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: $8.25 – $28.00 (vehicle and freight price available online)
4. The Blue Heron Company
Phone: 519-596-2999
Address: 24 Carlton Street, Little Tub Harbour Tobermory, ON N0H 2R0
Cost: $30.09 – $43.36
5. 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 located on Main Street, by the bridge.Details
Phone: 705-380-2244
Address: 1090 Main St, Dwight.
Cost: $25 – $105
6. 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, On P0B 1J0
Cost: $25 to $50
7. 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: $17 – $38
8. Real Muskoka
Muskoka’s steamship heritage is older than Canada. Amongst the various options available from sightseeing to craft beer cruise, Millionaire’s Row Sightseeing Cruise is a designated by Destination Canada as a Canadian Signature Experience, this route steams past magnificent summer homes, some more than 100 years old. There is also aPirate’s cruise for kids. Details
Phone: 866-687-6667
Address: Muskoka Wharf, Gravenhurst ( 185 Cherokee Lane, Gravenhurst)
Cost: $17.50 – $62.25
9. 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 we 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: $20 – $30
10. Collingwood Adventure Voyages
See some of the unique landmarks that display Collingwood’s rich maritime history! Includes guided interpretive history on Collingwood Harbour, Ship building, the historic Grain Terminals, and Nottawasaga Island’s Lighthouse. Details
Phone: 705.444.9451
Address: 67 Heritage Drive, Collingwood
Cost: $35 – $65
VIII. Parry Sound, Sudbury and North Western Ontario
Photo Credit: Island Queen Cruise
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: $17 – $44
2. Spirit of the Sound Schooner Company Ltd. – 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: Seguin River Parkette off Bay Street, Parry Sound
Cost: $4 – $60
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 cruises from May to October. It also offers private charters during the day or evenings. Details
Phone: (705) 522-3701
Address: Ramsey Lake Road Sudbury P3E 5S9
Cost: $12.95 – $16.95
4. Chief Commanda II
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: $18 – $74
5. Grace Anne II
Gliding across 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 a 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: $16.81 – $30.97
7. Sail Superior – Thunder Bay
Get a different perspective of Thunder Bay with a 90 minute harbour tour. Thunder Bay is an international seaport, 3,700 kilometers inland from the Atlantic Ocean. You will see the best view 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. Details
Phone:(807)628-3333628-3333
Address: Pier 3, Sleeping Giant Way, Prince Arthur’s Landing, Marina Park
Cost: $25 to $89.00
IX. Ottawa
There are quite a few options to tour Rideau Canal and Ottawa River including The Rideau King, Paul’s Boat Line and overnight cruises on Ontario Waterway Cruises and St Lawerence Cruises. See Ottawa Sightseeing cruises for more details.
X. Northern Ontario
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.
Phone: 705.658.4335
Address: Hunter St, Moosonee
Cost:Passenger – $4.50 – $9.05 (vehicle and freight price available online)
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