A Thousand Islands cruise might sound like the stuff of summer: the warm breeze blowing through your hair, a cocktail in hand and the worries of ‘real life’ far from your mind. However, the allure of the area doesn’t disappear on Labor Day.
“Autumn in the Thousand Islands is like no other,” says Greg Bechkos, vice president of sales and marketing for City Cruises Canada. “You get the crystal-clear waters of the Saint Lawrence River. You get the fall foliage where all the leaves are starting to turn red, orange and yellow. It’s just a magical time of the year.”
The Thousand Islands are an hour and a half north of Syracuse, making them about a 3.5-hour drive for Buffalonians. City Cruises offers multiple cruises down the St. Lawrence originating from two ports in Gananoque and Ivy Lea, both minutes from the New York State-Canada border crossing via the Thousand Islands International Bridge.
Narrated sightseeing cruise options include one, two and three-hour options that deliver both historical and cultural commentary along with views of the stunning scenery that has made the region famous. Food and beverages are also available onboard, and the vessels are climate controlled, ensuring a comfortable trip regardless of the weather.
A new “two-castle” tour provides a front-row seat to both Boldt and Singer castles, two of the region’s most iconic landmarks, and there is also a half-day cruise that includes a stopover at Boldt Castle, which is open through Columbus Day. This option allows you to explore the impressive structure for yourself in addition to seeing it from the water.
“Whatever type of experience you are looking for, we’ve got it, from a one-hour, quick in-and-out to a half-day excursion,” Greg says.
The fun and small-town charm of Gananoque doesn’t stop with the advancing seasons, either. Whether you’re into antiquing, shopping, hiking, kayaking, checking out a winery or catching a show at the Thousand Islands Playhouse, you have ample opportunity well into the cooler months. It’s easy to imagine turning a singular cruise into a whole weekend getaway.
An added benefit to the fall season in particular? There are typically less crowds as the school year begins and people settle back into their work routines. So you get all of the ambiance with an extra dose of tranquility.
“Things are nice and calm, and you’ve gotten through the hustle and bustle of the summer timeframe,” says Greg. “A cruise is just a perfect way to relax, enjoy the river and take in the sights.”
Featuring Niagara City Cruises, City Cruises Toronto and City Cruises Gananoque, City Cruises Canada boasts the best sightseeing experiences and finest dining cruises on the water. Niagara City Cruises - rated as Canada’s top visitor experience, gets you deep into the mist, up close and personal with the power of Niagara Falls. City Cruises Toronto offers a range of dining, cocktail and sightseeing cruises, as well as private events and charters, with unparalleled views of Toronto’s iconic city skyline. City Cruises Gananoque offers breathtaking voyages through the 1000 Islands archipelago where the St. Lawrence River meets Lake Ontario.
