Kingston 
Kingston’s Island Queen III, a triple-deck paddle-wheeler operated by Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises, is celebrating 50 years in service.
The 300-passenger vessel, built in Summerstown, Ontario, in 1974, was constructed using an advanced aluminum fabrication technique for its time.
Island Queen III sailing through the Admiratly group of the 1000 Islands on its daily 3-hour Heart of the Islands Cruise from downtown Kingston, Ontario. Credit: CNW Group/Kingston Destination Group
It began operations in Kingston in 1975 under the direction of then-owner Bill Swan.
For five decades, the Island Queen has been a fixture of the Kingston waterfront, hosting countless tourists and community events. General Manager Eric Ferguson noted its legacy, stating, “Three generations grew up with this boat, and we’ve hosted weddings, graduations, and millions of sightseers.”
Now owned by the Wright family, the vessel underwent a significant upgrade in 2024 with new Volvo engines under the supervision of Senior Master Stephen Steels. Steels, who started as a deckhand in 1981, said, “A lot has changed, but the Island Queen still inspires the same sense of joy and wonder today.”
Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises – 2025 Season
The 2025 season launches on April 18 with a three-hour Heart of the Islands Cruise. Anniversary events include a Starlight Cruise on July 12, a crew reunion, and special promotions.
Guide to Scenic Boat Tours and Cruises in Ontario
In addition to anniversary events planned, the regular season of Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises will offer five different options to see Kingston and the 1000 Islands area:
Discovery Cruise
Explore Kingston’s historic waterfront on this one-hour sightseeing cruise. Glide past landmarks like Fort Henry, the Royal Military College, and Kingston Penitentiary while enjoying live-hosted commentary about the city’s rich history and its role at the gateway to the 1000 Islands. This cruise offers a perfect introduction to Kingston, highlighting its scenic beauty and heritage. Aboard, guests can relax with drinks from the full-service bar or grab snacks from the canteen. Ideal for those wanting a brief but informative tour, this cruise provides a great way to see Kingston’s waterfront from a fresh perspective while enjoying a comfortable ride.
When: April 22- October 13, 2025
Duration: 1 hour
Cost:
Adult Ticket (16+): $39.50
Child Ticket (2-15): $29.50
Infant Ticket (0-1): $5.00
Heart of the Islands Cruise
Venture deep into the 1000 Islands on this three-hour sightseeing cruise, weaving through the scenic Admiralty Islands. Discover iconic spots like Napoleon’s Hat and Wanderer’s Channel, as well as luxurious mansions and historic sites. Live entertainment and guided narration bring the folklore and history of the region to life. With a full-service bar and canteen onboard, guests can sip cocktails while taking in the breathtaking scenery. A lunch option is available for those who wish to dine while cruising. This immersive experience is perfect for those who want an in-depth exploration of the world-famous 1000 Islands region.
When: April 18 to November 2, 2025
Duration: 3 hour
Cost:
Adult Ticket (16+): $58.00
Child Ticket (2-15): $46.00
Infant Ticket (0-1): $5.00
Shipwreck Cruise
Step into Kingston’s maritime past with this 90-minute guided Shipwreck Cruise. Explore haunting underwater relics, from century-old steamships like the Comet to more recent wrecks like the Wolfe Islander II. Expert narration from the Great Lakes Museum brings these sunken vessels to life, sharing stories of tragedy, treasure hunts, and discoveries beneath the waves. Cruise along Kingston’s waterfront and gain a new appreciation for the forces of nature and human error that shaped these sites. Onboard, snacks and drinks are available for purchase. Perfect for history buffs and adventure seekers, this cruise reveals Kingston’s hidden underwater history.
When: June 28- September 1, 2025
Duration: 1.5 hour
Cost:
Adult Ticket (16+): $39.50
Child Ticket (2-15): $29.50
Infant Ticket (0-1): $5.00
Ghost and Mystery Cruise
Sail into the eerie side of Kingston with this 90-minute nighttime ghost cruise. With only a floodlight leading the way, hear chilling tales of murder, shipwrecks, and supernatural encounters. Learn about the infamous Kingston Penitentiary, ghostly apparitions at Cedar Island, and the mysterious disappearances in the Marysburgh Vortex. The cruise passes Rockwood Asylum, Fort Henry, and other haunted landmarks, setting the stage for a spine-tingling experience. Perfect for those who love ghost stories and dark history, this cruise offers a thrilling way to see Kingston’s harbour—if you dare. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase onboard.
When: July 24, August 21, September 4, 11, October 2, 16, 2025
Duration: 1.5 hour
Cost:
Adults (16+) $48.00
Child (2-15) $43.00
Infants (0-1) $5.00
Sunset Cocktail Cruise
Enjoy a relaxing evening on the water with the two-hour Sunset Cocktail Cruise. As the sun sets, take in panoramic views of Kingston’s skyline, Fort Henry, and the Royal Military College. Sip on a selection of beer, wine, and cocktails from the onboard cashless bar while light music sets the mood. Promenade in the open air and take in the golden hues reflecting off the water. This sightseeing cruise is perfect for unwinding after a long day, whether with friends, a date, or solo. While all ages are welcome, guests must be 19+ to purchase alcohol.
When: June 28 – Aug 31, 2025
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: $49.50
Dining Cruises
Experience unforgettable waterfront dining on the St. Lawrence River, where breathtaking scenery meets delicious cuisine. The Heart of the Islands Brunch Cruise offers a three-course plated brunch, live music, and commentary as you sail past charming islands and estates. The Lunch Cruise serves a fresh three-course meal with scenic views, available daily throughout the season. For an elegant evening, the Sunset Dinner Cruise aboard the glass-topped Island Star provides a three-course dinner, live entertainment, and panoramic sights of historic landmarks. Whether for brunch, lunch, or dinner, these cruises combine fine dining with stunning 1000 Islands scenery.
When:
Brunch Cruise: June 28 – September 1, 2025
Lunch Cruise: April 22 – November 2, 2025
Dinner Cruise: May 6 – September 1, 2025
Duration: 3 hours
Cost:
Brunch & Lunch Cruise:
Adult Ticket (16+) $90.00
Child Ticket (2-15) $79.00
Infant Ticket (0-1) $5.00
Sunset Dinner Cruise:
Standard Ticket $119+
Premium Ticket $154+
