The 6 Best Canada Island Hopping Tours

1.Toronto: Harbor and Islands Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,566 reviews · 1 hour · from $28Our pick

Set out from Pier 6 for a one-hour cruise past the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Billy Bishop Airport, and Toronto Islands. Your English-speaking guide, such as Sam, Sophie, or Asha, adds local stories and humour while the captain pauses for photos. The small boat keeps views open from nearly every seat.

“This was a great way to see the harbour and islands, plus the amazing Toronto skyline. Our guide was excellent - giving just the right amount of information. All very enjoyable.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Victoria, Gulf Islands Cruise, & Butchart Gardens

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,165 reviews · 13 hours · from $208

Travel from downtown Vancouver to Victoria by coach and BC Ferry, with time at Butchart Gardens and the Inner Harbour. English-speaking guides such as Mark, Dan, Justin, and Dion provide local stories along the way. Expect a long but well-planned day, with transport, ferry fares, and garden admission included.

“Justin is easy to listen to and very knowledgeable. The entire experience was wonderful. The gardens were awe inspiring, a must-do.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Kingston: Heart of the Thousand Islands Riverboat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 771 reviews · 3 hours · from $49

Cruise Kingston’s Admiralty group aboard the triple-deck Island Queen, a Mississippi River style paddlewheeler. You’ll see cottage islands, Napoleon’s Hat, Wanderer’s Channel, Bateau Channel, Mandalay Mansion, and Kingston’s waterfront while an English-speaking host shares history and live music plays onboard.

“It was very very nice very nice lots of space it wasn’t over packed so we could sit anywhere. The weather was amazing the entertainment was fantastic! All round great experience!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour with Gulf Islands Cruise Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 565 reviews · 13 hours (approx.) · from $214

Travel from Vancouver to Victoria by coach and BC Ferries, with a scenic Gulf Islands crossing, two hours at Butchart Gardens, and about 1 to 1.5 hours in downtown Victoria. Guides such as Mark, Justin, Dan, Dion, and Senan provide local history and practical tips.

“Long way to the gardens, but an adventure, nonetheless. I didn’t read carefully enough about the duration of the trip. It was a pleasant bus ride to the ferry, back on the bus to the gardens. Pick up was 8:50am, made it to the gardens at 1:05 for 2 hours, then back on the bus to the ferry to town arrival at 9pm. Very nice day, and our driver was excellent!”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.3-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque with views of Boldt Castle

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 388 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $42

From Gananoque, you’ll cruise the St. Lawrence River past Millionaires Row, the Thousand Islands International Bridge, Boldt Castle, Zavikon Island, and the 1000 Islands Tower. English and French audio commentary, seating indoors and outside, snacks, drinks, and a restroom are available aboard.

“Beautiful scenery, awesome information about islands and stories behind some, very friendly crew. The boat being smaller could sail much closer to the land, taking more narrow channels between the island, sailing so close to the Bolt Castle was a real treat. Enjoyed every minute of it!!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Toronto: Guided Harbour and Islands Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 281 reviews · 1 hour · from $18Best value

Cruise from Harbourfront Centre aboard the Harbour Star for about an hour of skyline views, Toronto Islands scenery, and live English commentary. You will pass lagoons, Billy Bishop Airport, Rogers Centre, and the CN Tower, with indoor seating, an open upper deck, snacks, drinks, and washrooms on board.

“This is worth every penny. If you are considering it. Just do it”

Check availability →Read our full review