We would love to help you plan your trip aboard the Island Queen by answering some commonly asked questions.
Parry Sound is a beautiful 2.5 hour drive from Toronto, a 2 hour drive south from Sudbury, a 1.5 hour drive from both North Bay and Algonquin Park, and a 1 hour drive from Huntsville and Bracebridge. Please see our map for specific directions.
We have lots of free parking at dockside for cars, vans, trucks, motorhomes and buses.
It is best to arrive at dockside 30 minutes before the Island Queen departs and 45 minutes before the Islander departs. There is shopping at dockside as well as some restaurants.
It is always wise to bring layers of clothing so you can add layers if you are cool or take layers off it you are warm. A water resistant or water proof jacket is useful if it is raining, as both the Island Queen and Islander usually cruise rain or shine. Remember, it is often a bit cooler on the water where there is usually a slight breeze. Always bring sunscreen and please remember that the Island Queen does have heat for cooler spring and fall days. Definitely remember your camera! For the Islander, remember to bring a water bottle, snacks and, like the Island Queen, bring layers of waterproof clothing. A hat is also a great idea. If venturing on to either Huckleberry Island or Wreck Island, be sure to bring shoes that cover your toes. Hiking shoes and hiking boots are recommended as both islands, particularly Wreck Island, have uneven terrain.
The first deck of the Island Queen is entirely wheelchair accessible. The washrooms and snack bar are located on the first deck and we can move tables around to make sure that those staying in a wheelchair for the duration of the trip can get a great view of the passing scenery. We see lots of wheelchairs, walkers, infant strollers and other assisted mobility devices on board and we are always there to help. Our ticket office is also wheelchair accessible. The Islander is not wheelchair accessible. The island terrain on which the Islander unloads its passengers is also uneven and not suitable for walkers or strollers.
Yes. We do allow passengers to bring their own food on board both vessels but the coolers have to be soft-shell coolers. Hard-shell coolers are not permitted because they take up too much space and may slide around on the floors of the ships. We do have a snack bar on the Island Queen where we sell pizza, hot dogs, soup, coffee, soda pop and many other snack items. Alcohol is not permitted on board due to government health and safety regulations and company policy. Beer and cider can be purchased once on board. Remember to bring a water bottle and/or snacks on the Islander!
Pets are discouraged from being taken on board the Island Queen. Pets are only allowed on board if they remain in a kennel provided by the owner. The only pets allowed to be on board the Island Queen outside of a kennel are service dogs. Pets are not allowed on the Islander.
No. Due to government health and safety regulations and company policy, smoking and vaping is prohibited on board the Island Queen. Smoking and vaping is also prohibited on the Islander and while on shore at Huckleberry and Wreck Islands.
We don’t have regularly scheduled evening cruises but we occasionally will have special music cruises on the Island Queen that are open to the public. Many of our evening cruises are charter cruises for event celebrations.
We normally cruise rain or shine and it is quite a uniquely beautiful experience cruising through the islands in the rain and mist. If for some reason you can’t make the cruise you bought tickets for, you can request a cruise credit prior to your cruise departure date that is valid until the end of the current operating season. For all rescheduling requests, there will be a service/admin fee. We do not issue refunds. We do not compensate for no-shows. Unused no-show tickets passed the current operating season of the purchased year will expire. If for some reason we cancel an Island Queen or an Islander tour we will issue a cruise credit.
Yes. Groups must be comprised of 25 or more paying passengers. Reservations are required and we have ample free parking at dockside for buses. If you are interested, follow the Group Packages link at the bottom of the web page to enquire.
Yes. We also charter our vessels to groups for weddings, anniversaries, retirements and many other events. If you are interested, follow the Group Packages link at the bottom of the web page to enquire.
Boarding passes are to be picked up at our ticket office at least 30 minutes prior to all cruise departures.
If we haven’t answered your question, please contact us so we can assist you further.