Travel Deal for July 4, 2013
The longest undefended border in the world is also one of the most active crossings you’ll find anywhere — especially during the first week of July. With both Canada and the United States celebrating their respective independence days, citizens take advantage of time off work to visit the neighbouring nation.
In some places, you don’t even need to get in a car or plane to drop in on the other side of the border. One of those locations is the 1000 Islands, an archipelago that divides Eastern Ontario and upstate New York. Daily cruises on Lake Ontario take visitors between some of the 1,864 islands, which feature communities, historic buildings and fascinating stories about the heritage of both nations.
With 1000 Islands Cruises, visitors can enjoy a calm sailing and have the option for lunch or dinner. Cruises start at $25 for a 1.5-hour sightseeing tour without any food service. Other tours include a three-hour dinner cruise for $72 that departs at 6:30 pm, giving you the chance to see a sunset. Vacay.ca recommends the three-hour Bennie Goodman Fourth of July lunch cruise for $53 that features either a blues band and three-course meal.
The cruises depart centres such as Kingston and Gananoque, accessed off of Highway 401.
Vacay.ca Names Kingston Tour the Best in Canada
When you’ve wrapped up your cruise, continue to learn about the phenomenal history in this part of North America. Kingston was Canada’s first capital and played an integral role in shaping the political relationship between the two nations. An entertaining way to pick up knowledge about the is the outstanding Sir John A. Macdonald Walking Tour, which takes place daily. On Fridays, however, a theatrical version of the tour fills the street of Kingston with hilarious performers and even celebrities. Vacay.ca Managing Editor has called the event the best walking tour in Canada.
Brijbassi writes: “It’s campy fun, with Matt Donovan, who plays Macdonald, and the other performers joining world champion town crier Chris Whyman in period dress. It’s education and entertainment rolled together, with more than a touch of patriotism.”
To book a 1000 Islands Cruise: Visit the 1000 Islands Cruise website or telephone 613-549-5544.
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