Is a river cruise that pairs Canada’s natural beauty and history on your bucket list? Have you always wanted to see the Thousand Islands up close? How about checking out the Parliament buildings in Ottawa from the river side?  Or perhaps you simply want to celebrate an anniversary with a restful journey in the calm waters of Canada’s rivers.

This unique small ship has an exterior profile that evokes a classic Victorian era riverboat, complete with brass railings and tin ceilings. This profile, in combination with a more modern style and amenities, makes it the perfect vessel to transport passengers through space and time.

The Canadian Empress was built in 1981 by Kingston entrepreneur Robert W. Clark, who had lived on and loved the St. Lawrence River for many years. The current president, Jason Clark, has maintained the original vision of the company, which is to share the beauty and history of the St. Lawrence River with travellers.

“She really is a one-of-a-kind ship,” says Clark, who has been the President of the Cruise Line since 2016. “We know that our passengers are going to be able to see and feel the river in a way they have never experienced before. The Empress has a certain warmth and intimacy about her, and every year we hear back from passengers who have simply fallen in love with the vessel.” 

The vessel has a length of 108 feet and holds a maximum of 64 passengers in 32 staterooms.  The accommodations aboard all feature river views, private bathrooms, and individual climate control. A spectacular view of the river is never far away, with an indoor lounge and a large sundeck, to deliver the dual options of privacy or close connections with new friends.

On-board activities from dancing to games and evening entertainment are offered, as are regular onshore excursions. At any time, guests are also invited to lie back and just enjoy the sights and sounds of the rivers or savor the top-quality meals in the ship’s dining room.

Cruises focus on a variety of routes emphasizing different aspects of surroundings, seasons and history. For example, the Celebration of Spring, a seven-night return journey through the Thousand Islands from Kingston to Montreal on the St. Lawrence, focuses on the flora and fauna of the early part of the year. The Fall Harvest and Colour Cruise take a similar route to celebrate the magnificence of the red and gold shades of early autumn.

The Upper River Expedition cruise focuses on the early Upper Canada explorers in the Thousand Islands region and the area’s trade routes.  Meanwhile, the Canadian Connection Cruise follows the length of the St. Lawrence River between Kingston and Quebec City, highlight the shared history and the cultures of English and French Canada.

“The river is our home,” says Clark. “We have known it and loved it for more than 40 years and we want to share it with Canadians who want to travel close to home and who want to see Canada from a unique perspective.”

Booking is currently underway for the 2026 season. Cruise options range from four to seven nights, starting at $2234 per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement rooms are available, if required. Stateroom fares include all accommodations, meals, ship’s reserve wine and domestic beer during meals, and daily excursions.

Call 1-800-267-7868 to find out more about cruise availability on the Canadian Empress, or request a brochure through their website.