The Thousand Islands region is one of the most remarkable natural attractions shared by Canada and the United States. This unique archipelago stretches along the Canada–U.S. border on the St. Lawrence River, where it flows out of the northeastern end of Lake Ontario. Each year, visitors from around the world come to experience the region’s distinctive landscape, history, and waterways.

 

The highlight of the day is a two-and-a-quarter-hour cruise on the St. Lawrence River, considered one of Canada’s most scenic river experiences. From the comfort of the boat, tourists view dozens of islands, learn stories of their history and architecture, and enjoy the striking natural scenery of forested shorelines, granite outcrops, and open waterways.

 

Shortly after departure, the vessel passes beneath the impressive Thousand Islands International Bridge, linking Canada and the United States. Along the route, tourists also see the statue of St. Lawrence, the patron saint of the river—an eight-metre-tall figure standing on a rocky shoreline and regarded by local fishermen as a symbol of good fortune.

 

The boat then makes a full circle around Heart Island, offering views of the famous Boldt Castle from every angle. Built between 1900 and 1904 by George Boldt, owner of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, the castle was intended as a gift for his wife, Louise. Its massive stone walls, romantic towers shaped like candles, and heart-themed design are clearly visible from the deck.

 

The cruise continues past Millionaires’ Row, a collection of private summer homes on the Canadian side of the archipelago, many dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries and still owned by the same families today. Another highlight is Singer Castle on Dark Island, built in 1905 by Frederick Gilbert Bourne, president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company. Designed as a summer residence, the castle resembles a Scottish fortress, complete with thick stone walls, watchtowers, and concealed passageways. The boat then retraces its scenic route back to the dock.

 

On the return journey to Toronto, we stop in Kingston, one of Ontario’s oldest cities, located at the point where the St. Lawrence River meets Lake Ontario. Often called the “Limestone City,” Kingston is known for its well-preserved 19th-century limestone architecture. The main landmark of downtown is Kingston City Hall, built in 1844, an impressive neoclassical building crowned with a dome and flanked by columns. In front of City Hall lies Confederation Park, featuring landscaped grounds, fountains, a tourist information centre, and a historic steam locomotive.

 

Behind City Hall is Market Square, which occasionally hosts craft fairs and local events. Nearby Princess Street, one of Kingston’s main thoroughfares, is lined with shops, cafés, bookstores, and boutiques, all set among handsome Victorian-era limestone buildings. The area around City Hall and Princess Street offers numerous restaurants and pubs, many with outdoor terraces serving local cuisine and craft beer.

 

After exploring downtown Kingston, we return to Toronto.

 

14-15 hours

 

Included 2 hr 15n min cruise 

 

Price:

• Minivan (1–5 people) $2150

• Passenger van (6–13 people) $3075

• Minibus or coach — price upon request

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St. Lawrence River Cruise (1000 Islands) With Visiting Boldt Castle on Heart Island

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Four-hour cruise with visiting Boldt Castle on Heart Island.
When landing on Boldt Island, an additional fee of 10 USD is charged (not included in the price of the tour and cruise)
You must have documents with you that permit you to enter the United States.

When Reader's Digest compiled its list of The 10 Most Romantic Island Destinations in the United States,it included one not so far from Toronto, and we can visit it and explore during a one-day sightseeing trip!

This is, of course, the Heart Island in the Thousand Islands archipelago on the St. Lawrence River. On this island is magnificent Boldt Castle, one of the most famous and visited buildings in the United States.

The castle owes its appearance to the famous American hotelier George Boldt. He was born in Germany in 1851. In 1864 he immigrated to the United States. He began his career as a kitchen worker in New York, and at the age of 25 he was hired by his future father-in-law to be the manager of the dining room of the most prestigious men's club in Philadelphia. Soon, George independently engaged in the hotel business, built and managed luxury large hotels.

In 1877, the 26-year-old Boldt married the 15-year-old Louise Kehrer. Two years later, a son was born, and another four years later,  a daughter. In 1900, Boldt began the construction of the castle, intended as a gift to his wife. Three hundred workers, including masons, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, worked on a six-story castle of 120 rooms with 365 windows. The castle included a tunnel, a power station, an Italian garden, and a drawbridge. The roof was lined with ceramic tiles with a total area of ​​30 thousand square feet. A special well was drilled with a diameter of 14 inches and a depth of 55 feet for an elevator powered by water.
Heart Island, as directed by Boldt, took the form of a heart. The same motif was repeated in many elements of the decoration. Boldt was about to give his present on his wife's birthday, which was on Valentine's Day. In January 1904, 41-year-old Louise, who was notable for poor health, suddenly died. Shocked by grief, Boldt immediately stopped all construction work, and for 73 years the unfinished castle remained abandoned, falling into desolation.
 
In 1977, an American company that owns the 1000 Island Bridge System acquired Boldt Castle and completed construction. The cost of reconstruction amounted to $ 35 million. Now this castle, located on the small island of Heart with an area of ​​5.5 acres, is constantly among the 25 most visited historic buildings in the United States.
 
Heart Island has another unique feature - it has the US border inspection station, but there is no corresponding Canadian Customs point.
In order to land on Hart Island, you must have the usual documents required to cross the Canadian-American border. At the same time, the island can be bypassed by a Canadian cruise ship, in which case no documents are required.

The archipelago of the 1000 Islands in the St. Lawrence River is incredibly beautiful and interesting with its miniature islands and tiny houses and bridges, the majestic International Bridge, amazing buildings, lighthouses, shipwrecks and amazingly clear water. 

During our trip on the way to cruise, we will make a stop at the beautiful historic downtown of Kingston. 
 

 

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