Kingston Ontario isn’t just about historic forts and lively cafés; it’s also a fantastic place to explore the water. With its prime location on the St. Lawrence River, Kingston offers a variety of boat tours that showcase its natural beauty, rich maritime history, and stunning scenery.
Whether you’re after a peaceful cruise, a lively dinner, or a quick waterfront exploration, Kingston has something to suit every taste.
We particularly like the Kingston: Heart of the Thousand Islands Riverboat Cruise for its classic paddlewheeler experience, and the Sunset Dinner Cruise, which combines fantastic views with a delicious meal. These tours provide a memorable way to see the region from a different perspective.
If you’re short on time but want to get a quick taste of Kingston’s waterfront, the Waterfront Discovery Cruise offers a lively hour of sightseeing. For history lovers, the Waterfront Shipwreck Cruise with Guide adds an intriguing layer of local maritime stories.
For those interested in a day trip, the From Montreal: Kingston City Day Trip & 1000 Island Cruise combines sightseeing and a scenic cruise in one convenient package. No matter your interest or schedule, this list has a boat tour for you.
- 1. Kingston: Heart of the Thousand Islands Riverboat Cruise
- 2. Kingston: Sunset Dinner Cruise
- 3. Kingston: Lunch Cruise of Thousand Islands
- 4. Kingston: Brunch Cruise of Thousand Islands
- 5. Kingston: Waterfront Discovery Cruise
- 6. From Montreal: Kingston City Day Trip & 1000 Island Cruise
- 7. Kingston: Waterfront Shipwreck Cruise with Guide
- How to Choose the Right Boat Tour in Kingston
- Final Thoughts
1. Kingston: Heart of the Thousand Islands Riverboat Cruise
At number 1, our top pick is the Kingston: Heart of the Thousand Islands Riverboat Cruise, which scores a solid 4.2 out of 5 based on 717 reviews. For $47 per person, you get a 3-hour trip aboard a triple-deck Mississippi River style paddlewheeler—an authentic, nostalgic experience that feels like stepping back into a classic river adventure.
Departing from Kingston, this cruise takes you into the world-famous Thousand Islands, a region once called The Millionaire’s Playground for its lakeside mansions and exclusive retreats.
What makes this cruise stand out is the live musical entertainment onboard, adding a lively, fun atmosphere that many guests mention in reviews. You’ll see the islands’ stunning scenery, learn about their history, and enjoy the relaxing pace of a paddlewheeler gliding across the water.
The boat’s design and the lively ambiance make it less formal and more fun, especially for families or groups seeking an authentic river experience.
This tour is perfect if you want a classic boat ride with historic charm and a touch of entertainment. It offers excellent value for the price and a memorable way to explore the Thousand Islands.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a scenic, musical, and historically charming cruise, this is your top choice.
2. Kingston: Sunset Dinner Cruise
At number 2, the Kingston: Sunset Dinner Cruise is a highly-rated evening option with a 4.4 out of 5 rating from 196 reviews. For $97 per person, you enjoy a 3-hour cruise offering spectacular sunset views as you glide through the Admiralty Islands. This experience combines delicious cuisine with scenic sailing, making it perfect for a romantic evening or special celebration.
Guests rave about the three-course a-la-carte meal, which includes a choice of four entrees, served to your table while you take in the changing colors of the sky.
The live entertainment onboard enhances the relaxed, festive atmosphere, making it more than just a dinner cruise—it’s a complete experience. The cruise’s timing during sunset offers some of the best lighting for photos and a peaceful, picturesque setting.
The cruise is suited for those looking for a combination of dining, scenery, and a touch of luxury. It’s pricier than some other options but delivers a memorable evening with excellent reviews backing its value.
Bottom Line: Ideal for couples or groups wanting a scenic, romantic dinner with top-notch views and live music.
3. Kingston: Lunch Cruise of Thousand Islands
Number 3 on our list is the Kingston: Lunch Cruise of Thousand Islands, which also scores 4.4 out of 5 from 163 reviews. For $73 per person, this 3-hour trip combines a relaxing cruise with a tasty onboard meal. Departing from downtown Kingston, the cruise offers a wonderful way to explore the Thousand Islands region while enjoying a delicious lunch.
What sets this tour apart is the onboard live entertainment and narrated descriptions of the scenery and the islands’ history. Many reviewers appreciate the balance of sightseeing and leisure, noting that the food is satisfying and the boat offers comfortable seating. The cruise provides a gentle, scenic experience perfect for families or travelers who want to combine a meal with a sightseeing tour.
The value here lies in the combination of good food, scenic views, and engaging commentary. It’s a laid-back experience that makes it easy to learn about the area without feeling rushed.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want a relaxed daytime cruise with a focus on scenery, storytelling, and a tasty onboard meal.
4. Kingston: Brunch Cruise of Thousand Islands
At number 4, the Kingston: Brunch Cruise of Thousand Islands offers a leisurely way to start your day with freshly-prepared food onboard. Priced at $74 per person, this cruise lets you enjoy a brunch while cruising on the St. Lawrence River, taking in the remarkable scenery of the 1000 Islands.
The boat departs from Kingston and provides a relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for mornings or late breakfast lovers. While specific reviews are not provided, the experience promises to combine good food and scenic views, with the added bonus of being on the water during a peaceful part of the day.
This trip is perfect for travelers who prefer a mid-morning or brunch outing that pairs a meal with a scenic cruise, and who want to enjoy the region’s beauty at a slower pace.
Bottom Line: Great for relaxed travelers wanting a scenic breakfast or brunch experience on the water.
5. Kingston: Waterfront Discovery Cruise
Number 5 is the Waterfront Discovery Cruise, rated 4.1 out of 5 from 123 reviews, at a budget-friendly $32 for just an hour of sightseeing. This cruise is ideal if you’re short on time but want a lively introduction to Kingston’s waterfront.
On this cruise, you’ll pass notable sites like the Royal Military College and Fort Henry, while a guide shares lively commentary about Kingston’s history and natural surroundings. The boat offers both a covered lower area and an open top deck, giving options for comfort and fresh air.
It’s a quick, engaging way to see some of Kingston’s historic sites from the water and learn about the city’s military and maritime past. Given its low price and duration, it’s a good choice for families or first-time visitors who want a taste of the waterfront without a major time commitment.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick, affordable introduction to Kingston’s waterfront and history.
6. From Montreal: Kingston City Day Trip & 1000 Island Cruise
Number 6 offers a comprehensive day trip that combines urban exploration with a scenic cruise. For $122 per person, this guided tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Montreal, making it ideal for travelers based in the city.
The itinerary features visits to Kingston’s City Hall, Royal Military College, and Queen’s University, giving a taste of the city’s historic and academic charm. Then, the highlight is a cruise on the St. Lawrence River, where you’ll see the historic mansions and natural beauty of the Thousand Islands area. Reviewers highlight the ease of transportation and well-organized schedule.
This tour is best suited for visitors who want a full-day experience that combines city sightseeing and a scenic boat ride without the hassle of planning multiple logistics themselves. It’s a good value considering the transportation, guided commentary, and cruise are included.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting a hassle-free, guided day trip with variety—urban sights plus scenic cruising.
7. Kingston: Waterfront Shipwreck Cruise with Guide
Finally, the Waterfront Shipwreck Cruise with Guide ranks last with a 3.6 out of 5 from 11 reviews. At $32 for 1.5 hours, this tour dives into Kingston’s maritime past by exploring local shipwrecks with a guide from the Great Lakes Museum.
This cruise is unique because it emphasizes maritime archaeology and the stories behind Kingston’s shipwrecks, providing a more educational experience than some of the more scenic or leisurely cruises.
The guide shares detailed tales of the wrecks, including the forces of nature and human error that caused these historic losses. Reviewers note that the informative commentary is the main draw, but some found the experience less engaging overall.
This tour appeals to those interested in maritime history and shipwrecks, especially if you enjoy learning the story behind each wreck in a compact, guided format. The lower rating suggests it may not be for everyone, but it’s a niche experience worth considering.
Bottom Line: Best suited for maritime history enthusiasts or those interested in shipwreck stories and archaeology.
How to Choose the Right Boat Tour in Kingston
When selecting among Kingston’s boat tours, consider your budget, interest level, and time availability. If you want a classic scenic paddlewheeler experience with live music, the Heart of the Thousand Islands Riverboat Cruise offers great value. For a romantic evening, the Sunset Dinner Cruise balances scenery and fine dining.
If you’re pressed for time but still want a taste of Kingston’s waterfront, the Waterfront Discovery Cruise is perfect. For history buffs, the Shipwreck Cruise provides a fascinating look at Kingston’s maritime past, though it’s less polished.
For those interested in combining sightseeing with a full-day trip, the Montreal to Kingston tour offers a convenient way to explore both the city’s highlights and the scenic islands.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular cruises like the sunset dinner or full-day tours in high season.
Final Thoughts
Kingston’s water-based experiences range from scenic cruises and lively paddlewheel rides to educational shipwreck tours. For those seeking a relaxing, scenic boat ride, the Heart of the Thousand Islands Cruise is hard to beat.
If you want an evening of fine dining combined with beautiful views, the Sunset Dinner Cruise is a top choice. And for a quick introduction or budget-friendly option, the Waterfront Discovery Cruise delivers a lively, short tour.
Whether you prefer history, scenery, or a bit of both, Kingston’s boat tours promise a memorable way to see this charming city from its most vibrant angle—its waters. Be sure to check availability and book early to secure your ideal trip.