Boldt Castle is the best-known landmark of the 1000 Islands. It stands on Heart Island, which is on the American side of the border, and can be reached only by water, either by tour boat from Canada or the United States or by private boat. The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority runs the castle and the Boldt Yacht House, which sits across the water and is reached by a shuttle from Heart Island. The castle has no climate control, so visitors dress for the weather, and the grounds hold gardens and a series of small buildings. Admission is charged in US funds, and the castle accepts major credit cards and US cash. It is a seasonal site. Its published hours for 2027 are 8 May to 11 October, 10:30 am to 6:30 pm, and it is closed now.
What to do
Land on Heart Island, tour the castle at your own pace, and then walk the grounds and gardens. The castle's website lists the Alster Tower, the Dove-Cote, the Entry Arch, the Gazebo, the Power House and the steam yacht Kestrel 1892 among the sights on the island, and a shuttle runs to the Yacht House for those who want the combined ticket.
Because the interior is unheated and not climate controlled, take a layer on a cool day. Allow time to read the displays and to enjoy the view back across the water.
Seasons and planning
The castle's site shows 2027 hours of 8 May to 11 October, 10:30 am to 6:30 pm, with the admissions booth closing an hour before the castle and later hours on 3 and 4 July. It is closed in the off-season, so there is nothing to visit now.
Crossing matters
Boldt Castle is a United States port of entry, with its own customs hours of 10:30 am to 5:30 pm, and arrivals from Canada must carry proper identification such as a passport or NEXUS card. After the customs hours, Canadian arrivals check in by video phone at the Alexandria Bay Municipal Dock.
Fitting it in
From Canada, the tour boats from Gananoque, including the five-hour cruise with a stopover, include a stop at the island, and boats from the United States side also call there. Pets are not allowed, apart from registered service animals. Plan two to three hours on the island if you add the Yacht House. In the off-season, the three-hour Gananoque cruise gives a view of the castle from the water without a landing, but check the cruise schedule first.
What to expect
The experience
A self-paced visit to a Rhine-style castle, gardens and a Yacht House on an island reached only by boat.
Best time
Within the published season (8 May to 11 October in 2027), ideally on a clear morning; the castle is closed now.
How long
Allow two to three hours on the island, including the Yacht House shuttle.
Tips
Carry a passport or NEXUS card, take a layer for the unheated interior, check the customs hours, and bring US funds or a card.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants the 1000 Islands' most famous landmark and a short visit to the United States.
- Families
- Children enjoy the boat ride and the grounds, but you need identification for every traveller and no pets are allowed.
- Couples
- Pair the island visit with a late-day cruise back, when the light on the water is at its best.
- Pair with
- The 1000 Islands cruise from Gananoque and a meal in Gananoque round out the day.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours on the island, plus the boat journey each way.
Good questions
Is Boldt Castle open in November?+
No. The castle's website publishes 2027 hours of 8 May to 11 October and the site is closed in the off-season. Check the website for the 2027 details before you plan a trip.
How do I get to Boldt Castle?+
Heart Island can be reached only by water, by tour boat from Canada or the United States or by private boat. Boats from Gananoque include the City Cruises five-hour stopover cruise.
Do I need a passport?+
Yes, or another accepted identification such as a NEXUS card, because Boldt Castle is a United States port of entry. Customs hours are 10:30 am to 5:30 pm, and the site refers visitors to the US border agency's website for details.
What does it cost?+
Admission is charged in US funds, with separate prices for the castle, the Yacht House and a combined ticket, and lower prices for children. The castle accepts major credit cards and US cash.
What else is on the island?+
The grounds include the Alster Tower, the Dove-Cote, the Entry Arch, the Gazebo, the Power House and the Kestrel 1892 steam yacht. A shuttle runs from Heart Island to the Yacht House.
