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Kingston’s Island Queen Celebrates 50 Years

Island Queen III

Mar 27, 2025

By Mathew Channer

The iconic silhouette of Island Queen III is a familiar sight for residents of Kingston, ON and The 1000 Islands, and for good reason. This year marks the vessel’s 50th anniversary.

The Island Queen III is a triple-decker Mississippi Paddlewheeler, built from aluminum and adorned with oak and antique tin in the interior. It was constructed in 1974 in Summerstown, Ontario and began cruising the following year from Kingston.  There is no sign of it slowing down. Last year it was refitted with two new Volvo engines, preparing her for many more years of service.

Island Queen III Captain Stephen Steels says the vessel inspires the same joy and wonder today as it always has. “I started working on the Island Queen in 1981 as a deckhand,” he said. “Decades later, I’m still here, proud to be a part of her story.”

Island Queen III is operated by Kingston 1000 Island Cruises, one of several Canadian companies that offer cruises through the majestic 1000 Islands, operating from Canadian ports.

Scheduled cruises are expected to begin around Easter in 2025 with the various companies, with a wide variety of options including daytrips and overnight charters. Support Canadian tourism and head to The 1000 Islands this summer!

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