Thousand Islands Day Tour from Toronto

🕖 7:00 AM – Departure from Toronto

• Early morning pickup from downtown Toronto hotels or a central meeting point.

• Start a scenic drive eastward along Hwy 401.

• Commentary en route: history of Eastern Ontario, Lake Ontario, Kingston, Loyalists, and Thousand Islands.

🕐 Drive time: ~3 hours (including a short rest stop on the way)

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☕ 9:30 AM – Coffee / Washroom Stop

• Quick break near Port Hope or Trenton (Tim Hortons or OnRoute service center).

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🏞️ 10:30 AM – Arrive in Gananoque (Gateway to the Thousand Islands)

• Short drive through Gananoque town and riverfront.

• Introduction to the St. Lawrence River, the 1000 Islands region, and its legends.

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⛴️ 11:00 AM – 1000 Islands Boat Cruise

• Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours

• Standard cruise highlights:

• Millionaire’s Row (island mansions & summer homes)

• Boldt Castle (view from water)

• Zavikon Island (with the “shortest international bridge”)

• Natural beauty of the islands and clear waters

Optional: upgrade to 2.5-hour cruise or Boldt Castle tour (passport & US entry required)

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🍽️ 12:30 PM – Lunch Break in Gananoque

• Duration: 1 hour

• Recommendations:

• The Purple House Café (pizza, salad)

• Maple Leaf Restaurant (Canadian-European cuisine)

• Picnic at the riverside park (great for groups)

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🛍️ 1:30 PM – Free Time / Gananoque Exploration

• Walk along the waterfront park and sculpture trail.

• Optional: visit the Arthur Child Heritage Museum (small, local history exhibit).

• Souvenir shopping or enjoy ice cream near the marina.

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🕒 2:30 PM – Depart for Toronto

• Return drive with a relaxed atmosphere and optional stop midway.

• Play trivia, share stories, or rest on the way back.

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🕕 6:00–6:30 PM – Arrival in Toronto / Drop-off

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✅ Inclusions in Standard Tour:

• Round-trip transportation from Toronto

• Professional driver-guide

• Thousand Islands cruise ticket (1-hour cruise)

• Bottled water and light snacks (optional)

❌ Exclusions:

• Lunch

• Tips

• Optional museum entry or cruise upgrades

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Notes :

• Best cruise season: May to October

• For Boldt Castle tours: passport required (U.S. entry, only from U.S. side – not feasible for same-day return from Toronto)

• Ideal for: nature lovers, photographers, and relaxed sightseeing