Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
Kingston’s Discovery Cruise provides a fascinating introduction to the unique sights and heritage of the city, with a focus on the historic waterfront. The cruise passes close to historic sites Fort Henry, Royal Military College and Kingston Penitentiary. Tour includes a live English narration of Kingston’s history and natural setting.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Kingston Waterfront
Your cruise begins at the confluence of three major waterways: the Rideau Canal, the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. Kingston, the vibrant city we call home, has held strong political, military and cultural significance throughout Canadian history. The Island Belle winds her way along the shorelines of Point Frederick, Navy Bay, Deadman's Bay and Cedar Island for an up-close and unique perspective on our past and present. From here, sail on toward the open water with views of Wolfe Island’s powerful wind turbines and the remote Garden Island in the distance. Take in views of some of Kingston’s most prominent landmarks including the Kingston Penitentiary, the Tett Centre, Gord Downie Pier and Kingston General Hospital as we make our way back into harbour.
Fort Henry National Historic Site
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Options
1-Hr Discovery Cruise
1-hr Kingston Discovery Cruise
What‘s Included
Live-guided commentary
Food and drinks available for purchase on board
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Reviews
44 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Take a jacket It gets...
Marlene H,Jun 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Take a jacket It gets cool and breezy Hard to hear guide Lots to see Nice boat not wavy so no motion sickness
Hour on St Lawrence
pompeymagnusp,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Just wanted a hour long trip on the river, ideal cruise with enough history and sights. For me 3 hours plus is a bit too much so this was great.
Uninteresting cruise, does not go to the 1000 Islands
CilouMetz,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Beware of the misleading name of this cruise. It does not go to the center of the Thousand Islands, but instead goes to the shore of some random island across from Kingston and then stays in Kingston Bay. This presents no interest...
Pass your way
alicewW7434ME,Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00A boat ride in front of Kingston. Sold as a tour of the wrecks but in reality it was only a video that played on a screen, little seen because of the sun.
The perfect breezy water tour
Michael T,Aug 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Friendly staff. Great facts. Clean vessel. Great snack and beverage bar. Perfect amount of time and easy to find.
In development
E1610RZanneb,Aug 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00I took the shipwreck cruise. I was disappointed. It consisted of repetitive information from the other tours. The information pertaining to the shipwrecks lasted about 30 minutes and was minimal, l not consisting of any interesting stories. I decided 30 minutes in that I would just relax and enjoy the boat ride but then they turned on upbeat music that confused the majority of the boat.
Awesome experience.
William A,Jul 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It is great little trip. Lots of information, and our guide was awesome as well. Great blend of knowledge and site seeing. Covered boat makes for a relaxing time out of the sun for people who want that. Or seats in the sun if you like that as well. Would take this or the longer cruise agai .
Horrible cruise
Tony M,Jun 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Make sure there no kids under 5 years old. Scenery was beautiful. Kids ruined the cruise for all the people. Couldn’t hear or enjoy it. Never again. Waste of time and money and much aggravation.
Kingston Discovery Cruise
paullK1017LA,Jul 22, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Booking the Kingston cruise online was a breeze, but I missed the priority booking option until I arrived and saw two lines. They should definitely have someone there 30 minutes early to direct traffic and answer questions. Once aboard, we found some cozy seats on the upper deck, but they were limited. The entire cruise was incredibly relaxing, and the commentator was crystal clear and super knowledgeable. I’d recommend bringing a light sweater, even on a hot day, because it can get pretty windy. Overall, I’d definitely do it again!
Uninformative
693debbiet,Oct 8, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Uninformative cruise where I learnt nothing that wasn't included in the sales blurb. They seem to be far more interested in selling popcorn and drinks. Wish we hadn't wasted our time
Related Experiences
Operated by Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises