St. Lawrence River Cruises
The river that drains the Great Lakes to the sea, past castles, islands and two of Canada’s oldest cities.
Get Free Great Lakes Cruise QuotesThe Great Lakes’ Road to the Sea
A St. Lawrence River cruise follows the outflow of the entire Great Lakes system from Lake Ontario to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The upper river, shared by New York and Ontario, is the Thousand Islands: granite islets, summer cottages and Gilded Age castles. Below it the Seaway locks step ships down toward Montreal, and the river widens on its way past Quebec City.
The Thousand Islands
Boldt Castle on Heart Island and Singer Castle on Dark Island are the famous sights; island cottages line the channels.
The Seaway locks
The St. Lawrence Seaway’s locks lift and lower ships around the river’s rapids.
Montreal
Old Montreal’s stone streets and the Old Port, right on the river.
Quebec City
The walled old city above the river, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Ways to Cruise the St. Lawrence
- Classic riverboat. The 66-passenger Canadian Empress sails 4- to 7-night cruises from Kingston, Ottawa and Quebec City, including the Ottawa River.
- U.S.-only. American Cruise Lines’ Thousand Islands & Niagara Falls cruise visits the American side of the islands.
- Small ships to the Atlantic. Victory Cruise Lines and others sail the river between the Lakes and Atlantic Canada.
- Expedition ships. Some Great Lakes expedition voyages begin or end in Montreal or Quebec City.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does a St. Lawrence River cruise go?
Depending on the line, between Lake Ontario (Kingston, Toronto) and Montreal and Quebec City, through the Thousand Islands and the Seaway locks. Some sail on toward Atlantic Canada.
What is Boldt Castle?
A grand stone castle on Heart Island in the Thousand Islands, near Alexandria Bay, New York, begun by hotelier George Boldt and left unfinished in 1904. It is a favorite stop on St. Lawrence cruises and day boats.
Is a St. Lawrence River cruise a river cruise or an ocean cruise?
Both kinds exist. The Canadian Empress is a true riverboat; ocean-going small ships also sail the river on their way between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic.
Documents for Canada
Any St. Lawrence River cruise that enters Canadian waters or calls at Canadian ports needs travel documents for the border. Carry a valid passport and check the U.S. passport information (State Department) and the Canada Border Services Agency travel documents. For coastal Canada beyond the river, see our sister site Maritime Voyages.
The Ottawa River and the Rideau
Some St. Lawrence itineraries add the Ottawa River, which joins the St. Lawrence near Montreal and leads up to Canada’s capital. Others connect with the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site that links Ottawa with Kingston through lakes and hand-operated locks. Together they make a loop that combines the big river, a capital city and quiet canal country.
Plan a St. Lawrence River Cruise
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will compare riverboat and small-ship options on the St. Lawrence, free.
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