Kingston & the Thousand Islands

Highlights

• A Thousand Islands boat cruise past the region's famous island cottages and castles
• Fort Henry and Kingston's limestone waterfront old town
• The St. Lawrence River at its most scenic stretch
• A relaxed day trip well outside Toronto's usual day-trip range

Itinerary

7:30 AM

Pickup in Toronto

Your journey begins with an early pickup in Toronto, as your coach heads east along Highway 401 toward the historic city of Kingston, a drive of roughly three hours through the rolling countryside of eastern Ontario. Once Canada's first capital, Kingston sits at the meeting point of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, gateway to the Thousand Islands. Settle in for the ride while your guide shares the region's United Empire Loyalist history and limestone architecture that earned Kingston its nickname, the Limestone City.

Toronto, ON

Kingston, ON

Thousand Islands (Gananoque), ON

10:30 AM

Kingston old town

Arriving in Kingston, you'll have free time to explore its handsome waterfront old town, where 19th-century limestone buildings, City Hall's grand dome, and the Kingston waterfront promenade reflect the city's role as a former capital and military stronghold. Across the harbour, the star-shaped ramparts of Fort Henry National Historic Site are visible, a reminder of Kingston's strategic importance guarding the entrance to the St. Lawrence Seaway. Wander the shops and cafes of downtown, admire the historic architecture, and take in views across the water toward the fort and the islands beyond.

Kingston, ON

Toronto, ON

Thousand Islands (Gananoque), ON

12:30 PM

Thousand Islands boat cruise

With lunch on your own beforehand, the afternoon's highlight is a scenic boat cruise through the Thousand Islands, available as an optional add-on. Glide past more than a thousand granite islands scattered across the St. Lawrence River, some holding entire mansions, others barely large enough for a single tree, including the storybook towers of Boldt Castle. Your captain narrates tales of Gilded Age millionaires, smugglers, and the international border that runs invisibly between the Canadian and American islands, making this one of the most unique waterways in North America.

Thousand Islands (Gananoque), ON

Toronto, ON

Kingston, ON

3:30 PM

Return to Toronto

As afternoon turns to early evening, your coach departs Kingston and heads back west along Highway 401 toward Toronto. Use the drive to relax after a day on the water, browse through photos of the Thousand Islands' scattered granite outcrops and historic mansions, and reflect on Kingston's layered history as a fur-trading post, military garrison, and one-time capital of the Province of Canada. The return journey retraces the route through eastern Ontario's farmland as the sun begins to lower in the sky.

Kingston, ON

Thousand Islands (Gananoque), ON

Toronto, ON

6:30 PM

Arrive back

Your day trip concludes with drop-off back in downtown Toronto in the early evening, wrapping up a full day that combined historic old-town charm with the natural beauty of one of Canada's most scenic waterways. From Kingston's limestone streets to the granite islands and summer mansions of the St. Lawrence River, you'll return with plenty of photos and stories of a region many visitors overlook. The evening is yours to unwind after a satisfying day of history, scenery, and fresh river air.

Toronto, ON

Kingston, ON

Thousand Islands (Gananoque), ON

Route & Distances

1. Toronto→Kingston≈ 260 km
2. Kingston→Thousand Islands (Gananoque)≈ 30 km
3. Thousand Islands (Gananoque)→Toronto≈ 290 km

Distances are approximate driving distances, for reference only — actual route and mileage on the day may vary.

Check Availability

What's Included

Own Expenses

Optional activities you can add on-site — not included in the tour price.

• Thousand Islands boat cruise≈ $50 CAD / person
• Fort Henry admission≈ $22 CAD / person

Cancellation Policy

Good to Know

• Valid government-issued photo ID is required for every traveler on all departures.
• Pickup and drop-off times are approximate and may shift by 15–30 minutes depending on traffic and road conditions.
• Itinerary order and stops may change due to weather, road closures, or park conditions — safety comes first.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended; stops involve short, easy walks rather than technical hiking.
• Let us know about mobility needs, dietary restrictions, or large group sizes at the time of booking so we can plan accordingly.
• Multi-day tours are priced based on double-occupancy hotel rooms; single-traveler and triple-occupancy rates are available on request.

Frequently Asked Questions

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