Ontario’s many sightseeing ships prove you can take a family cruise without breaking the bank. These voyages are only a few hours in duration---ideal for a child’s short attention span---but provide a lifetime of cherished memories for young an old alike.
Selecting from the many cruise ships operating on Ontario’s lakes and rivers is a difficult chore, so we’ve done the work for you. Here are four of our favorite
sightseeing cruises.
Island Queen
The Island Queen departs from Parry Sound and introduces you to one of the most beautiful parts of Georgian Bay, the legendary 30,000 Islands. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the countless wonders of this ruggedly beautiful stretch of water.
Some opt for the two-hour cruise which takes you along the lush green shorelines of Parry Sound Harbor where, secluded among windswept pines, you will view beautiful summer retreats and historic attractions.
Or you might decide on the three-hour afternoon cruise, which casts off into the heart of Georgian Bay to discover the unique beauty of countless islands. The remoteness of these outer islands has left them largely untouched by men. Among the highlights of this excursion is the breathtaking “Hole in the Wall”, a narrow channel between massive granite cliffs that’s just wide enough for the Island Queen to squeeze through. You hold your breath, convinced that the vessel will scrape its sides or worse as it navigates the obstacle, and then cheer the captain’s piloting once you’re safely through.
But don’t close your eyes in relief or you risk missing other impressive sights. There’s the ghost town of Depot Harbour, Devil’s Elbow, an extremely tight right-turn between islands, and the massive Salt Docks where 100,000 tons of salt is unloaded every year to keep Ontario’s northern highways safe in winter.
And who knew that Irving Berlin, the great songwriter, spent many summer’s vacationing on Palestine Island? It makes you wonder if the beauty that surrounded him there was inspiration for his well
known classics.
Countless sights to see, countless memories to be made. A cruise aboard the Island Queen is an unforgettable way to spend a day.
RMS Segwun
Sail back in time from Gravenhurst aboard the RMS Segwun, North America’s oldest operating steamship.
Built in 1887 and refurbished for cruises in 1974, the Segwun has become one of Muskoka’s best known icons, a unique gem linking yesterday to today. Step aboard the ship for an unforgettable voyage across Muskoka’s pristine lakes and feel your stress fade away as you drink in the
breathtaking views.
You’ll marvel at magnificent island estates from years long past that have been lovingly preserved, and at summer palaces of more recent vintage. Watch as famous resorts, such as Windermere House and Clevelands House, slowly slide by. Indulge in a fine meal in the Royal Muskoka Salon with pine and granite vistas as an unforgettable backdrop. And make sure to explore the ship, paying special attention to the authentic coal-fired steam engine that propels your
adventure afloat.
When you reluctantly come ashore after your cruise has ended, take the time to explore the remarkable world of the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Center, home of North America’s only in-water exhibit of working antique boats, as well as exhibits exploring old-time resorts and Muskoka’s steamship era.
Want turn-of-the-century nautical charm, elegance, and memorable tours of Muskoka’s magnificent lakes? Look no further than the Segwun and her modern-built sister ship, Wenonah II.
M.S. Georgian Queen
Enjoy the beauty of southern Georgian Bay aboard the deck of the two-hundred passenger ship, the Georgian Queen. It’s the perfect vessel aboard which to explore the historic waters off Huronia: the Georgian Queen began her sixty years ago as a man-o-war serving her country during World
War Two.
Today, the ship serves in a more tranquil capacity, sailing out into Lake Huron and amongst its countless picturesque islands. A live commentary enthralls passengers with the story of southern Georgian Bay, waters that are full of history and mystery.
It’s said that the Huron god Kitchikewana lived on the shores of Georgian Bay and created the 30,000 Islands when, in a fit of anger, he threw huge handfuls of earth and rock after the fleeing woman he loved. Exhausted by the ordeal and heartbroken, the great god lay down to sleep and an island today known as Giant’s Tomb formed over his resting form.
That’s only one of the highlights of this fascinating cruise. You’ll also see Present Island, where the British gave goods to the Indians to secure their friendship; hear haunting tales of sunken shipwrecks, and view Beausoliel Island, where the Jesuits are said toe have buried a vast horde of treasure after Saint-Marie among the Hurons
was burned.
The Georgian Queen offers many excursion options, each with its own unique appeal. In addition to the trademark three-hour sightseeing cruise, there’s a morning cruise with buffet lunch, a dinner jazz cruise during which passengers enjoy BBQ steak with live entertainment, a
1-hour Penetanguishene Harbour cruise, and a Sunday Blues cruise.
Niagara Cruises
Niagara Falls has always captured center stage of this remarkable region, making it difficult to see beyond the glamour of this natural wonder. However, those who take the time to look beyond the falls will discover a wealth of other fascinating attractions in the area, perhaps foremost among them cruises along the Niagara River aboard the M.V. Senator.
The Niagara River is of unparalleled historic importance. Explorers traveled along its length, armies crossed it to fight for control of the continent, daredevils have braved its waters, and engineers have harnessed its power. You discover this rich and varied history from the deck of the elegant Senator, the only cruise vessel operating along the Niagara River.
While you gain a unique perspective of the world-famous region and its attractions from mid-river, the vessel is a feature. Emulating the sightseeing vessels that would have appeared on the river 100 years ago, the Senator is a two-deck ship with an unusual fantail stern design, the only ship of its kind in North America. Passengers marvel over the ship’s rich appointments in the main salon---mahogany windows, brass lighting, posh seating, and lush carpeting.
There are a variety of cruise options available, including sightseeing cruises, cruise ‘n dine dinner trips, sunset buffet cruises, Sunday brunch excursions, and wine tasting cruises.
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