Review: 1000 Islands Cruise with Gananoque Boat Line. Call of the wild 1 hour cruise.

Estimated Drive time from Toronto: 3 - 4 hours.
Map: There is no map on the web to summarize all the routes of the available cruises from different starting points in 1000 islands area. When you google 1000 islands, you will find cruises from Kingston, Gananogue, Ivy Lea and Rockport. So what is 1000 islands? Where does it start? What do I need to visit in order to experience 1000 islands?
Below I have tried to summarize the routes of the cruises from different starting points.(Kingston is on the left/west)  There are many assumptions in the map, as it is based on the descriptions of the routes provided on various web sites. If you find that the map could be improved, add a comment or send me a message.The main purpose of this map is to give you visibility of what the routes look like and choose the one that fits best be cruise length and what it offers.

View 1000 Islands Cruises in a larger map
Description: So what is 1000 islands?
The 1000 Islands Region is an international tourism destination, encompassing communities on both sides of the US and Canada border along the St. Lawrence River and the eastern shores of Lake Ontario. The region takes its name from the more than 1000 islands that dot the lake and Lawrence river along this international waterway. You can find the shortest international bridge, castles, and million dollar properties along the cruise. The interesting historical fact is that most of the islands have been sold for a symbolic price of 1 -2 dollars, and their value has risen significantly since then.
When I visited 1000 islands I was always confused about which option would give you the best value. In the end I took the 1 hour cruise on the Gananogue boat line. I took this cruise, not because it is the best cruise out there, but it fit best in my schedule. So what is 1000 islands cruise and how many are out there? What would be the best boat line or what is the best value? The answer is not simple as each cruise or boat have specific options that may be better than the other boat line. If you definitely want to see the castles, then you have to take the long cruise from Ganannogue, or either of th cruises from Ivy Lea or Rockport. On the other hand you can only get the "Call of the Wild" cruise from Gananogue. I mostly read about the cruises from Kinston, and they did not seem to be too impressive, as they mostly reveal Kingston from st Lawrence rive angle.  There are plenty of historical attractions in Kingston area, but they can also be reached by car, in my opinion.
Here is an introduction of what may be expected on the 2.5 hours cruise from Ganagoque.

Activities: If you plan to take a longer vacation around 1000 islands then you will have to research what other activities are available in 1000 islands area. This post is solely focused on the 1000 islands cruises. Here are a few links for additional research:
CRUISE AND DISCOVER ALL THE ISLANDS! Gananoque IS the 1000 Islands!
1000 Islands Cruises Gananoque Boat Line Ontario boat cruises and tours including Boldt Castle
Kingston, Ontario Tour 1000 Islands Cruise Lines

• For children:
Although the cruise is called Call of the Wild, the cruise itself will take you in places that are not so wild. It takes you mostly around million dollar properties (even an island without any property would be valued in millions of dollars). The cruise is relatively monotonic from the children perspective. A shorter cruise may be more suitable for families with toddlers and preschool aged children.
• Photography:
There is plenty of natural attractions and nice properties along the cruise route. Definitely take the camera along.
• Picnicking:
There are cruises starting off from Ganagoque or Rock port that would offer a sunset dinner on board of the ship. Other lunch options are also available. Check out the official web site for the latest lunch offers.

Verdict:

• Children:
The cruise is usually boring or children. If you think that this may be the case with your children then you may want to choose shorter cruises. If you want to see the castles on your cruise, check out the 1 and 1.5 hours cruises from Ivy Lea and Rockport. The destination castles are very close to the points where you start from. I think that base on the descriptions, the 2.5 hours cruise from Ganagoque mostly overlaps with 3 hour cruise from Rockport, so depending on which port is closer to you would could choose either of the boat lines.
• Day trip:
It may be a little tiring to drive 4 hours one way and 4 hours the other way and be on a cruise for 2 - 3 hours. Besides if you happen to get in a traffic jam along the way, you may miss the cruise or you may have to take a different cruise (shorter or longer). Plan to be at destination at least an hour before the cruise to allow some time for unforeseen events. The cruise is definitely worth it, but it is probably best if you could plan it to be over a period of a weekend.

Official website:
Gananogue/Ivy Lea Boat Line Ontario boat cruises and tours including Boldt Castle
Kingston Boat Line
Rockport Boat Line
Boldt Castle
Other attractions in 1000 islands area


Photos:


Here are coupons for the cruises:
Rockport cruise coupons
Ganannogue boat line coupons
Look for other coupons or offers in the area when you plan to visit the area over a longer period of time.

Do your own Research:

Any comments, suggestions or questions, add in the comments area.