Tours/Kingston/Kingston Discovery Sightseeing Cruise
Viator · group up to 120 pax

Kingston Discovery Sightseeing Cruise

3.1(43)Kingston1 hour
VIATOR3.7(10)TRIPADVISOR2.9(33)

Description

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.

Tour Options

1-Hr Discovery Cruise
  • 1-hr Kingston Discovery Cruise

Itinerary

Pass by

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.

Pass by

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Pass by

Established in 1876, RMC is a unique national military university, where cadets are educated to become future leaders in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Pass by

Located where Lake Ontario ends and the St. Lawrence River begins, Wolfe Island is the largest of the world-renowned Thousand Islands.

Highlights

Live-guided commentary

What's included

Included
Live-guided commentary
Not included
Food and drinks available for purchase on board

Traveller Ratings

3.1
43 reviews
5
11
4
9
3
5
2
8
1
10

Important Information

  • 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

Reviews(43)

M
Marlene_H
June 28, 2026
Take a jacket It gets...

Take a jacket It gets cool and breezy Hard to hear guide Lots to see Nice boat not wavy so no motion sickness

P
pompeymagnusp
June 10, 2026
Hour on St Lawrence

Just 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.

C
CilouMetz
June 8, 2026
Uninteresting cruise, does not go to the 1000 Islands

Beware 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...

A
alicewW7434ME
September 28, 2025
Pass your way

A 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.

M
Michael_T
August 10, 2025
The perfect breezy water tour

Friendly staff. Great facts. Clean vessel. Great snack and beverage bar. Perfect amount of time and easy to find.

E
E1610RZanneb
August 7, 2025
In development

I 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.

W
William_A
July 26, 2025
Awesome experience.

It 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 .

T
Tony_M
June 30, 2025
Horrible cruise

Make 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.

P
paullK1017LA
July 22, 2024
Kingston Discovery Cruise

Booking 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!

6
693debbiet
October 8, 2022
Uninformative

Uninformative 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

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