Gananoque is a small town that punches well above its weight when it comes to things to do related to the stunning 1000 Islands region. With its charming waterfront, boat tours, and access to iconic landmarks like Boldt Castle, Gananoque is a perfect base for exploring this scenic area.
We especially love the scenic cruises because they offer a relaxed way to see the islands and learn about their history, and the helicopter tours for a quick, breathtaking bird’s-eye view.
The combination of water, air, and local flavor makes Gananoque a uniquely versatile destination for memorable activities. Check out the options below to find the perfect experience for your trip.
Quick Overview
On our list, you’ll find a mix of scenic boat cruises, aerial helicopter rides, and combination tours that include local stops like cider mills and craft breweries. Whether you want a relaxing cruise, a high-flying helicopter adventure, or a combination of both with food and drink stops, Gananoque offers something for all. For detailed info on each, visit the linked pages.
- Quick Overview
- 1. Gananoque: 1000 Islands Cruise & Optional Boldt Castle Entry
- 2. 1000 Islands: 10, 20, 30, or 60-Min Scenic Helicopter Tour
- 3. Thousand Islands: Helicopter Tour with Cider Mill and Lunch
- 4. Gananoque: Helicopter Tour with Craft Brewery Stop and Lunch
- How to Choose the Best Tour for You
- Final Thoughts
1. Gananoque: 1000 Islands Cruise & Optional Boldt Castle Entry
Set sail from Gananoque on a scenic 1,000 Islands cruise that offers onboard audio commentary in both English and French. This tour is a great way to see the St. Lawrence River and get up close to landmarks like the Statue of St. Lawrence, Boldt Castle, and Zavikon Islands.
You can choose from a 1, 3, or 5-hour cruise, with the longer option including admission to Boldt Castle on Heart Island—an impressive sight for history and architecture buffs alike.
The 5-hour cruise is the most popular, especially since it includes time to explore Boldt Castle, which is often called the ‘castle of dreams’ for its impressive turrets and lush grounds.
Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard, making it a comfortable way to relax and soak in the scenery.
A major plus is the affordability—around $29 per person—and high ratings, with 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 4,200 reviews.
Travelers love the friendly crew and the informative commentary.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a flexible, relaxing way to see the islands and visit Boldt Castle without breaking the bank, this cruise is a solid choice.
2. 1000 Islands: 10, 20, 30, or 60-Min Scenic Helicopter Tour
For a breathtaking perspective of the region, the heli-tour offers options from 10 minutes up to an hour of flying above the 1000 Islands.
This experience is perfect for travelers who want a quick but memorable aerial overview of the area’s top landmarks, such as the Ivy Lea Bridge, Boldt Castle, and Singer Castle.
The 5-minute tour is ideal if you want a quick glance, while the 60-minute flight allows for a comprehensive view of the islands and their surroundings.
All tours are pilot-narrated and guarantee window seats—no peering over strangers here.
Rated 5/5 with nearly 400 reviews, this tour is praised for its spectacular views and friendly pilots who bring the scenery to life with engaging commentary.
The price point of $93 per person for the longer options offers excellent value for such a memorable experience.
Bottom Line: If you’re short on time but want a once-in-a-lifetime view of the islands, this helicopter tour offers a quick, high-impact experience with stunning panoramic views.
3. Thousand Islands: Helicopter Tour with Cider Mill and Lunch
This tour combines the thrill of a 30-minute helicopter ride with a taste of local flavor at a cider mill. You’ll soar over Boldt Castle, Singer Castle, and the famous Millionaires Row, gaining a spectacular aerial perspective.
Afterward, you’ll visit a local cider mill, where you can enjoy tastings and learn how cider is made, topped off with a light lunch.
What makes this tour stand out is its mix of adventure and taste.
The helicopter ride is described as “unforgettable” by those who love aerial views, while the cider mill visit offers an authentic taste of local craftsmanship.
It’s priced at $305 per person and rated 5/5, although reviews are limited, the high rating suggests it’s a popular choice for those seeking a multi-sensory experience.
This tour is best for adventurers who enjoy combining scenic flights with culinary stops, especially if you want a more personalized and relaxed day.
The tour’s moderate duration makes it suitable for those with limited time but who still want a rich experience.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in seeing the islands from above and sampling regional ciders, this tour balances adventure with local flavor beautifully.
4. Gananoque: Helicopter Tour with Craft Brewery Stop and Lunch
At number 4, this helicopter tour is perfect for beer lovers and foodies. It begins with soaring over the 1000 Islands, with views of Boldt Castle and Singer Castle, then continues with a lunch and flight of craft beers at ARBRU Craft Brewery.
The solar-powered brewery is Canada’s first of its kind, making this tour a great choice for environmentally conscious travelers.
The wood-fired pizza options—pepperoni, meat lovers, or margherita—are a tasty complement to the beer flight, which features locally brewed beers.
You’ll also enjoy a stroll through the hops fields, learning how the brews are made.
Rated at 5/5 with only 9 reviews, this tour’s high ratings indicate a specialized experience.
The 1.5-hour duration makes it a perfect option for those wanting a shorter but immersive adventure combining scenic flight, local brewery visit, and lunch.
This tour is ideal for food and drink enthusiasts who want a unique, behind-the-scenes look at craft brewing along with spectacular views.
A potential downside is the limited reviews, but the high rating suggests it’s worth the splurge.
Bottom Line: For those interested in pairing aerial sightseeing with craft beer and good food, this tour offers a memorable, flavorful experience.
How to Choose the Best Tour for You
When selecting the right experience in Gananoque, consider your interests, budget, and available time. If you prefer a relaxing, scenic cruise with the option to visit Boldt Castle, the Cruise & Boldt Castle is a practical choice.
For a quick aerial overview, the helicopter options suit travelers with limited time but big desires for stunning views.
If you want a more immersive experience that combines scenery and regional flavors, the Helicopter with Cider Mill and Lunch offers a balanced mix of aerial sightseeing and tasting local cider.
For foodies and craft beer fans, the Helicopter with Brewery and Lunch makes for a fun, flavorful day with plenty of scenic flying.
Booking early is recommended, especially for helicopter tours, which tend to fill quickly during peak seasons, and for popular cruises, to secure your preferred time slot.
Final Thoughts
Gananoque offers a fantastic array of tours and experiences that cater to different tastes and interests. If you’re after a relaxing day on the water, the classic 1000 Islands cruise is hard to beat. For thrill-seekers or those craving an aerial view, the helicopter tours deliver unbeatable scenery in a short time.
Food and drink lovers will appreciate the combination tours that include cider tastings or craft beer, making your trip both scenic and flavorful.
No matter which tour you choose, booking early will ensure you get the best times and prices. Each experience promises a memorable glimpse of the stunning 1000 Islands that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.