Hello Fodor’s

I had visited Brockville from Montreal about 9 years ago as a day trip on VIA Rail and had enjoyed at the time the pubs and commercial establishments on King Street as well as the historic architecture of the small Ontario city on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River. During that visit, I learned of boat cruises leaving the dock at Blockhouse Island in the heart of Brockville that visited the “Brockville 30”, the islands in the easternmost section of the 1000 Islands region— the timing was such that I was unable to do a boat ride in 2016 but I said to myself that I should go back one day and do a cruise. This past weekend I returned with a good friend, managing to do both rides now offered by the 1000 Islands and Seaway Cruises, the last 2.5 hour ride to Singer Castle of the season this Sunday as well as the 1.5 hour ride in the Brockville Harbour area on the holiday Monday.

I was informed there are five 1000 Islands boat cruises leaving from various ports on the Canadian side of the St. Lawrence Seaway. In 2021, I had taken the cruise from Gananoque (aka Gan for short), which is often proclaimed as the destination to choose to best get a sense of the charm of the 1000 islands thanks to its proximity to a large conglomeration of islands that have the beautiful homes on sometimes their own island with docks, people out kayaking, boating, etc…. I became drawn to the area thanks to that visit to Gan but the cruises I did this weekend out of Brockville complement nicely and are every bit as worthwhile as that fantastic experience 4 years ago. Staying centrally at the Nobel Suites (built in 1840) in Brockville makes it easy to get to the docks and thanks to being near pubs, cafes and the river, my friend is now as appreciative of the quiet charm of the town as myself.

Both rides were delightful but if I had to pick one, I would recommend the trip to Singer Castle (on Dark Island in NY state). Unlike the trip to Boldt Castle nearer Gananoque and Kingston, the trip to Singer Castle does not require a passport as one does not actually get off the boat since the castle is viewed only from the water, gladlyfrom a nice proximity to get good photos and appreciate the architectural detail. While the harbour cruise and the ride prior to reaching Singer Castle both offered views of handsome homes, lighthouses, birds (a lot of cormorants) and islands that were sometimes residential sometimes more of a nature preserve, seeing Singer Castle (yes, related to Singer sewing machines) itself was such a treat, a remarkable remnant of early 20th century splendour when wealthy New Yorkers and Philadelphians would take the railway up to the 1000 Islands to stay at elegant hotels and mansions in the region.

Happy travels,

Daniel

Pictures from 1000 Island Cruises Out of Brockville


Boats from the US go to Singer Castle for visits. The boats from Brockville don’t dock but do allow for good pictures of the castle.

Singer Castle, different vantage point.

An example of a home seen on the Brockville riverfront.

Island homes are seen on Brockville based 1000 Island cruises.