Island Queen Cruise

A journey aboard the Island Queen Cruise is a magnificent opportunity to witness the natural beauty of Georgian Bay without stepping outside your comfort zone. This modern cruise ship is based in the town of Parry Sound, offering guests a unique route through the famous "30,000 Islands" archipelago. Canada takes great pride in this region, which is considered one of the country's most picturesque wilderness areas.

The vessel is specifically designed for navigation in shallow bays and narrow channels, allowing passengers to view the granite shores and pine forests from the closest possible distance. The liner accommodates up to 550 people and is equipped with spacious open decks, panoramic windows, and cozy lounge areas.

Every amenity is provided on board for an enjoyable experience: there is a snack buffet, facilities for people with limited mobility are available, and on cool autumn days, a heating system is turned on to create a cozy atmosphere while observing the bay's fall colors.

To check the schedule and book cruise tickets, you can use the following contact information:

Once on deck, you can enjoy panoramic views that are constantly changing. The vessel moves at a speed of 10 knots—slow enough to get a good look at the rocky shores, unusual geological formations, and secluded summer homes scattered across the islands.

Throughout the journey, an engaging audio commentary plays, from which you will learn many interesting facts about the history of the area's development, bay legends, and local inhabitants. Guests are free to move between the liner's three decks, choosing the best spots for photography or simply enjoying the fresh lake air.

For those who get hungry, a buffet serving classic snacks including pizza, hot dogs, and ice cream is available. This makes the trip not only educational but also as comfortable as possible for families with children or large groups.

The pier where the ship departs is located at 9 Bay St, in the heart of the town’s waterfront. This spot is a central point of the coastal area, so it won’t be difficult to find even for first-time visitors to the town.

Most tourists prefer to reach the location by car. Ontario's major highways provide convenient access to the coast. Parking areas are available near the pier, where you can leave your car and reach the gangway in just a couple of minutes on foot. Taxi services are also available for quick travel around town.

Traveling to this region is popular because Canada possesses excellent road infrastructure, making it easy to plan weekend trips. The pier's proximity to major tourist services makes logistics as simple and comfortable as possible.

The area through which the route passes is officially recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This unique location, known as the "30,000 Islands," represents the world’s largest concentration of freshwater archipelagos. Every piece of land here has its own story, and many private islands are adorned with historic cottages built over decades, reflecting shifting architectural eras.

Cruise tours in this part of the country have a long-standing tradition. The navigation season consistently starts on June 1st and lasts until mid-October. The cruise becomes especially popular during the autumn period, as it allows visitors to see the famous Canadian fall foliage, when the shores and islands are painted in incredible shades of crimson and gold.

In addition to the main vessel, the company offers tours on the new 40-passenger ship, the "Islander". These excursions include not only the boat ride but also themed events, such as lunch tours to Frying Pan Island or informative guided hikes on Huckleberry Island accompanied by eco-guides from the local reserve.

To fully enjoy your boat trip, it is recommended to set aside 2 to 4 hours in your schedule. The duration depends on the type of route you choose, as the organizers offer different programs for exploring the bay.

The three-hour cruise is in highest demand. During this time, the vessel manages to complete a full circuit of Parry Island, one of the most majestic in the archipelago. This is an optimal amount of time that allows you to admire the landscapes, listen to the audio guide, and relax on the open deck without rushing.

The company office and ticket booths at the dock are open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This allows tourists to purchase tickets in advance or receive necessary consultations before departure.

It is important to note that the cruises operate seasonally—from June 1st to mid-October. The standard three-hour trip usually departs daily at 1:00 PM, so it is recommended to arrive early to check in and secure comfortable seats on the deck.

After your cruise, you can continue exploring the town. The waterfront area offers plenty of leisure options, from visiting museums to tasting local cuisine in cozy restaurants.