Sightseeing boat tours and cruises in Ontario
Muskoka Steamships
From sightseeing boat tour day trips to multi-day cruising adventures to high-speed jet boat rides, there are endless boating adventures to enjoy in Ontario.
Explore Ontario’s waterways, including heritage canals and rivers of Southern Ontario to the legendary lakes in the North, on these guided riverboat tours and lake cruises.
Kawarthas and Northumberland
Known for endless water activities, houseboat culture and the heritage lift locks, Kawarthas and Northumberland is also home to the Trent Severn Waterway, one of the New York Times’ 25 Best Places to Visit in 2025.
Liftlock Cruises
The Peterborough Liftlock is the world’s highest hydraulic lift lock, rising 19 metres above the city. Start your journey departing from the Peterborough Marina and tour along the Trent-Severn Waterway, into a portion of the 118-year-old lock system— featuring the first-ever traditional flood lock.
Location: 92 George Street North, Peterborough
Ontario Waterway Cruises
Experience the peaceful atmosphere and friendly hospitality of the 45-passenger Kawartha Voyageur Riverboat on a multi-day cruise along the Trent Severn Waterway. Check out more trips on the Rideau Canal and Bay of Quinte.
Location: Trent-Severn Waterway
Greater Toronto Area
Admire Toronto’s striking city skyline as you cruise the harbour and open waters beyond.
Toronto Tall Ship Boat Cruises
For a truly unique view of Canada’s largest city, climb aboard the Tall Kajama, a traditional 50-metre 3-masted schooner. Sailing daily, this vessel offers a fully licensed bar and great meals. Perfect for private events and class trips, you’ll cruise through the islands, lagoons and across the harbour.
Location: 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto
Empire Sandy
Experience Canada’s largest tall ship and one of the original cruise boat attractions at Toronto’s Harbourfront. Choose from multiple dining options, from butler-style passed hors d’oeuvres to a full buffet dinner. Soak in spectacular views from this historic vessel and feel the thrill of watching (and feeling) the cannons blast while you’re onboard.
Location: Toronto Harbour, Toronto
City Cruises Toronto
Dial up the romance with dinner and cocktails in the harbour surrounded by a dramatic sunset and an unforgettable view of Toronto’s skyline at night.
Location: 207 Queens Quay West, Toronto
Harbour Tours Toronto
Relax and enjoy a one-hour tour of Toronto’s harbour, featuring live narration about the city’s history and present. Highlights include the eastern Portlands, Hanlan’s Point and bird and wildlife sanctuaries. Water taxi service to the Toronto Islands is also available.
Location: 145 Queens Quay West, Toronto
Ottawa Region
Explore Ottawa’s historic canals and rivers on a boat tour showcasing the city’s rich heritage, natural beauty and engineering marvels.
Ottawa Boat Cruise
Travel through the heart of Ottawa via the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Choose from several different options, including tours that combine a cruise on the canal with cycling, dining or a double-decker bus ride through the city.
Location: Rideau Canal, Ottawa
Pirate Life
Families with younger kids are invited to climb aboard the interactive theatre cruise on Mooney’s Bay. It’s an exciting, immersive adventure with swashbuckling pirates, treasure hunts and water cannons. Pirate Life excursions are also offered in Toronto, Barrie and Hamilton.
Location: 588 Hog’s Back Road, Ottawa
Palapa Tours Tiki Bar
Float along the Ottawa River in a fully licensed Hawaiian-style Tiki bar. The boat has a capacity for 12 people, so arrange individual bookings or book a private cruise. Bring your own food, such as snacks and a charcuterie board, for a cozy picnic on the boat.
Palapa Tours Tiki Bar also offers tours in Toronto.
Location: Boat pick-up from several Ottawa locations
Hamilton, Halton and Brant
Experience a relaxing day enjoying a tranquil river cruise down calm waters surrounded by nature.
Grand River Cruises
For a dinner cruise to remember, book a sunset cruise with Grand River Cruises, just south of Hamilton. Admire the scenic Grand River from your own private window table while enjoying a delicious four-course dinner.
Location: 36 Brant County Road 22, Caledonia
Southeastern Ontario
Discover the storied past and natural beauty of the 1000 Islands, St. Lawrence River and more historic waterways, from half day riverboat tours to overnight cruise retracing famous routes.
Rockport Cruises
Add a little Rockport hospitality to your 1000 Islands tour. Choose between the popular Heart of the Islands or Palaces and Palisades tour. Each tour features fascinating historical landmarks and stunning scenery, with a licensed bar and snacks onboard.
Location: 20 Front Street, Rockport
Napanee River Tours
Tour one of Ontario’s most beautiful and historic rivers. Your adventure begins when you board the Norman Paul at the dock at the Waterfront River Pub. This fully licensed vessel seats 48 passengers and welcomes thousands of passengers from all over the world every year.
Savour a delicious meal and take in the scenic views aboard the 13-metre pontoon boat as you cruise toward the entrance of Mohawk Bay.
Location: 22 Water Street West, Napanee
St. Lawrence Cruise Lines
Enjoy calm water cruising on a classic Canadian riverboat down beautiful, intricate riverways with historic attractions along the way. St. Lawrence Cruise Lines offers overnight cruises on the St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers.
Locations: Multiple ports from Kingston to Ottawa
1000 Islands Cruises
Tour Kingston’s historic harbour on a one-hour cruise or explore the 1000 Islands on a scenic three-hour sightseeing cruise from downtown Kingston. The tour includes live entertainment, a delicious meal and up-close views of landmarks such as the historic Boldt Castle or the lavish properties along Millionaire’s Row.
Location: 1 Brock Street, Kingston
City Cruises Gananoque
Select from five memorable cruise experiences with City Cruises, from a one-hour tour to a half-day 1000 Islands excursion with a stopover at the majestic Boldt Castle.
Location: 280 Main Street, Gananoque
Algonquin Park, Muskoka and Parry Sound
With a steamship heritage that outdates Canada, cruising is a must-do in Muskoka and Georgian Bay.
Muskoka Cruises
Some of Canada’s most beautiful cottage scenery, architecture and wildlife are on display with Muskoka Cruises. The Lake Rosseau Cruise departs from Port Carling while the Muskoka River Cruise departs from Bracebridge. Each vessel offers a one-of-a-kind experience that passengers have enjoyed for over 50 years.
Locations:
Landmark Cruises
Behold the many inlets and islands, welcoming beaches and rocky grandeur of Georgian Bay. Book a sightseeing or dining cruise aboard the Georgian Legacy, with cocktails on the open-air deck and a chef-inspired meal. Or feel the rush on a speedboat tour on the Tobermory Flash, with breathtaking views of Penetanguishene Bay, Midland Harbour and Beausoleil Island.
Location: 2 Main Street, Penetanguishene
SS Bigwin
This 20-metre wooden steamship was restored by Lake of Bays residents over a decade ago and continues to delight passengers to this day. The only historic commercial ship on Lake of Bays, the SS Bigwin sails by beautiful islands, stunning forests and dramatic cliffs, with lively commentary from the captain. This vessel offers lunch and dinner cruises and makes for some breathtaking wedding photos.
Location: 1090 Main Street, Dorset
Parry Sound Cruise Lines
There are several ways to tour Georgian Bay with Parry Sound Cruise Lines. Enjoy a serene morning cruise aboard the historical M.V. Chippewa III, a decommissioned Maid of the Mist. Opt for one of the afternoon, dinner or sunset cruises, or arrange for a private charter tour just for you and your crew.
Location: 20 McIsaac Way, Parry Sound
Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre
Experience one of the family-friendly sightseeing tours or “high-sea adventure” themed tours aboard Muskoka Steamships. The fleet includes the Royal Mail Ship Segwun, North America’s oldest operating steamship. The Wenonah II, a larger replica steamship, departs daily from the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst.
Location: 185 Cherokee Lane, Gravenhurst
Grey, Bruce and Simcoe
Sunken shipwrecks, heritage lighthouses and famed sunsets are just a few of the highlights to enjoy while cruising on Lake Huron and southern Georgian Bay.
Chantry Island
Take a scenic 20-minute boat ride to Chantry Island from South Hampton Harbour. This unique trip is limited to a small group of passengers as Chantry Island is a federally protected, sensitive migratory bird sanctuary. Explore the gardens, the Light Keeper’s Cottage, the boathouse and climb over 100 steps to reach the top of the lighthouse for awesome views.
Souvenirs and gifts are available for purchase at the gift shop. Be sure to book in advance for this one-of-a-kind tour.
Location: 86 Saugeen Street, Southampton
Collingwood Charters
Experience the perfect mix of beauty and heritage with Collingwood Charters. Learn about landmarks like Collingwood Harbour and the Nottawasaga Lighthouse on a sightseeing cruise. Or enjoy a tranquil sunset tour surrounded by the shimmering waters of Georgian Bay.
Location: Side Launch Way, Collingwood
Georgian Spirit Cruises
Experience a tour like nothing else through the 30,000 islands in Georgian Bay aboard Georgian Spirit Cruises out of Midland. The ship sails daily, offering lunch, dinner, sunset and sightseeing experiences.
Location: 165 King Street, Midland
Bruce Anchor Cruises
Book a glass-bottom boat cruise and experience an unforgettable viewing of two nineteenth-century shipwrecks. Book a night or two in one of the cottages for a comfortable stay before you board the cruise in the morning.
Location: 61 Front Street, Tobermory
Blue Heron Cruises
In addition to glass-bottom cruises, Blue Heron Cruises offers exhilarating open-air jet boat cruises. In a comfortable forward-facing seat, feel the wind on your face (and maybe a splash of the Bay) as you admire the iconic Flowerpot Island rock formations and the spectacular view of the Niagara Escarpment.
Location: 7425 Highway 6, Tobermory
MS Chi-Cheemaun
Ojibwe for “big canoe,” the MS Chi-Cheemaun offers ferry service and so much more. Sit back for a two-hour cruise between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island, breathe in the beautiful air and admire the largest freshwater island in the world. The sunset dining and “stargazers' delight” cruises make the perfect date.
Locations:
Shaka Wasaga Boat Cruise
Be transported to the tropics aboard the Shaka Wasaga Boat Cruise. Cruise along the crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches of Georgian Bay and take in the gorgeous sunset with a full menu and bar at your service.
Location: 55 Mosley Street, Wasaga Beach
Tobermory Wave Adventures
Explore shipwrecks, the famous Flowerpot Island and the grotto with Tobermory Wave Adventures. Behold the towering cliffs, sea caves, iconic landmarks and two national parks. You can also embark on a private tour and have the boat to yourselves. Choose your adventures on the island and stop for a swim along the way, weather permitting.
Northeastern Ontario
Take in the beauty of the region on a scenic cruise on Lake Nipissing.
Chief Commanda II
The Chief Commanda II cruises into the magnificent vistas of Callander Bay on Lake Nipissing in North Bay. There are also boat tours to explore the Manitou Islands and the scenic French River. Make your cruise extra special with the sunset dining option or book a cruise featuring live entertainment.
Location: 200 Memorial Drive, North Bay
Northwest Ontario
From Superior to Lake of the Woods, the legendary lakes of Northwest Ontario are unforgettable.
Sail Superior
Depart from Thunder Bay for a journey along the greatest of the Great Lakes. Take a heart-pounding tour on the 12-person Zodiac aptly named the Superior Rocket. Or opt for a more leisurely Wine and Cheese Cruise aboard a larger vessel.
Location: 2205 Sleeping Giant Parkway, Pier 3, Thunder Bay
M.S. Kenora
A visit to Kenora in Sunset Country isn’t complete without a sundowner aboard the M.S. Kenora, along the scenic water of Lake of the Woods. The region is known as Sunset Country for its proximity to the prairies, causing spectacular colours due to the sun’s reflection off the land.
Location: Kenora
Grace Anne II
Feel transported through time as you sail across the Lake of the Woods aboard this luxurious vessel. Experience a unique level of elegance and craftsmanship with its gleaming mahogany decks and staterooms, Persian carpets and white glove service.
Location: Kenora
Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma
Miss Marie Sault Lock Tours
Enjoy a two-hour tour from downtown Sault Ste. Marie on board the Miss Marie. Learn about the canal and locks in the region as you experience the lifting and lowering of boats. Group tours with discounts are available for 20 or more passengers.
Location: 65 Foster Drive, Sault Ste. Marie
Niagara Region
Experience the power of the mighty Niagara Falls up close. Ride the thrilling rapids or take a boat tour with breathtaking front row views of the iconic falls.
Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours
For adrenaline seekers, Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours will zip you out on a one-hour, high-speed ride through the rapids below Niagara Falls. Ride the famous open-topped Wet Jet or stay dry and snap pictures from the enclosed Dry Freedom Jet.
Location: 55 River Frontage Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara City Cruises
Witness the most powerful waterfalls in North America on a twenty-minute boat ride. Elevate the experience on a forty-minute Falls Fireworks Cruise, where you can also enjoy the Falls at night.
Location: 5920 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls
Southwestern Ontario
Cruise the lakes and waters in Southwestern Ontario and experience sandy shorelines, crystal blue waters and magical sunsets.
Legends of Lake Erie
Experience the stunning views of Port Stanley as you cruise along the coast on a seven-metre yacht. Keep a lookout for birds and animals during the journey. In the evening, savour a gourmet meal while taking in the beautiful sunset over Lake Erie.
Location: Main Street, Port Stanley
Windsor Premier Cruises
Cruise along the historic Detroit River and enjoy the Windsor skyline. Choose from a variety of boat tours, such as a buffet lunch cruise, a three-hour sunset cruise or a two-hour sightseeing boat trip in Amherstburg. Special event cruises, such as a retro cruise or a memorable Christmas in July, are also available. Please note that dinner and lunch cruises must be purchased in advance.
Location: 78 Riverside Drive West, Windsor
Cross-border cruises
Many of Ontario’s legendary waterways are shared with the United States. Explore these cherished bodies of water on a multi-day cross-border adventure.
Pearl Seas Cruises
Explore the Great Lakes and Georgian Bay with Pearl Seas Cruises that extend from seven to 11 days, concluding in various U.S. cities. Experience spacious amenities, private balconies, attentive hospitality and daily entertainment. It’s a complete luxury experience along historical waters and breathtaking natural vistas.
Viking Expeditions
Sail the Great Lakes and Niagara River on an expert-led, eight-day tour that disembarks in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Glide past urban skylines, explore the complex ecosystems and hidden treasures of uninhabited islands and feel the thunderous roar of Niagara Falls.
PONANT
PONANT also offers an eight-day cruise departing from Toronto with several stops along Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Superior and finally Lake Michigan.
Adventure Life
Take an eight-day cruise from Milwaukee to Toronto. Experience the change in elevation between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes via the Soo Locks of Sault Ste Marie. Discover the charming towns along the way that represent the gateway to Manitoulin Island and the heart of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Conclude the cruise in Southern Ontario to experience the treasures of Port Colborne and the diverse attractions of Toronto.
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Last updated: June 6, 2025