Time to enjoy the hidden gems of Ontario

Often, when people plan time off work, they eagerly anticipate travelling. However, rising inflation and the increasing cost of living often mean that vacation budgets are redirected to essential needs or stretched too thin for family outings.

Despite this, there’s a wealth of attractions right in our own backyard and numerous opportunities to explore what Ontario has to offer. These local options are often overlooked but can be a practical and enjoyable alternative for those whose travel plans might otherwise be out of budget.

“City Cruises in Canada has three amazing and unique cruise experience in Ontario,” says Mory DiMaurizio, Chief Operating Officer of City Cruises Canada. “Whether you seek the thrill of cruising to the base of Niagara Falls, a relaxing tour viewing the skyline of Canada’s largest city or a tranquil meander through the 1000 Islands at the head of the St. Lawrence River, Ontario offers an iconic experience for every traveler.”

City Cruises Canada operates three boat tour operations in the Niagara River and on Lake Ontario: 

• Niagara Falls – Consistently rated as one of Canada’s top visitor experiences, the Niagara City Cruises Voyage is an iconic adventure. Get deep in the mist and hear the thunderous roar of the Niagara River as it comes crashing down over the edge of the Niagara Escarpment. This tour brings you closer to the Bridal Veil Falls, American Falls and Horseshoe Falls than any other attraction.
  
  
• Toronto – Play tourist and get a view of Toronto unlike any other. Take a 60-minute picturesque cruise through the inner harbour with the iconic Toronto skyline as your backdrop. Or enjoy a staycation in Toronto for a weekend, complemented by a dining cruise on the iconic Odyssey boat, featuring music, a fully licensed cash bar and a diverse menu.
  
  
• Gananoque – The point where Lake Ontario empties into the St. Lawrence River is home to the unique archipelago known as the 1000 Islands. City Cruises offers four distinct sightseeing cruises departing from ports in Gananoque and Ivy Lea. These cruises bring historical events and stories to life as they sail past the historic Boldt Castle, the lavish homes along Millionaire’s Row and the Statue of St. Lawrence and other sites only visible from the river.

“Each of these tours offers a memorable experience,” says DiMaurizio. “Together, they showcase what makes Ontario a fantastic place to visit – especially for locals who may take it for granted.”

Book tickets for all three Canadian cruises at citycruises.com. Prices vary per cruise.

About City Experiences 

City Experiences represents Hornblower Group’s expansive portfolio of water- and land-based experience companies and includes two sub-brands: City Cruises and City Ferry.  City Cruises companies operate dining, sightseeing and private events across 22 destinations in the U.S., Canada and the UK.  City Cruises companies also operate cruises on behalf of the National Park Service and the Niagara Parks Commission and currently hold service contracts to provide ferry service to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, Alcatraz Island and Niagara Falls.  City Ferry companies offer specialized knowledge and expertise required to transport passengers, vehicles and other cargo safely across inland and coastal waterways, serving as operator of NYC Ferry and Puerto Rico ferry system, among others.  City Experiences’ portfolio of companies also offers a range of water- and land-based experiences including shore excursions, partner-offered experiences, multi-port packages, with companies including Cruising Excursions, ShoreTrips and Walks products.  For more information visit cityexperiences.com.