The 2 Best Lunch Experiences in Gananoque
Gananoque, often called the gateway to the Thousand Islands, is a fantastic spot for combining impressive scenery with memorable food adventures. Its location on the St. Lawrence River means you get more than just good eats—you get a full sensory experience. Whether you’re after a soaring view of the archipelago or a laid-back brewery meal, these two tours deliver unique, engaging lunch experiences that go beyond the usual restaurant fare.
Both options include scenic helicopter flights, but they carve out very different experiences—one combines aerial views with a cider mill visit, and the other pairs a helicopter tour with craft beer and pizza. These experiences are perfect for travelers who want to add a little excitement and local flavor to their Gananoque trip.
Quick Overview
For those who want to see the Thousand Islands from above, the Thousand Islands: Helicopter Tour with Cider Mill and Lunch offers a 30-minute helicopter ride plus a visit to a cider mill with tastings and a light lunch. It’s great for travelers who enjoy a mix of adventure and tasting regional specialties.
If you prefer a shorter helicopter experience combined with craft beer and pizza, the Gananoque: Helicopter Tour with Craft Brewery Stop and Lunch delivers a 1.5-hour flight plus a visit to Canada’s first solar craft brewery, with plenty of time for tasting and relaxing over a pizza. Both tours offer top-notch reviews and excellent value, making them standout choices.
1. Thousand Islands: Helicopter Tour with Cider Mill and Lunch
At number 1, this experience combines a scenic 30-minute helicopter ride over the stunning Thousand Islands with a visit to a cider mill that features tastings and a light lunch. Your aerial tour will whisk you over landmarks like Boldt Castle, Singer Castle, and Millionaires Row, offering some of the most breathtaking views of the region’s famous waterways and estates.
What makes this tour stand out is the seamless combination of adventure and regional sampling. You’ll learn from your knowledgeable pilot about the history and geography of the islands, then relax with a visit to the cider mill, where you can sample a variety of locally produced ciders. The cider portion is highly praised—guests rave about the generous pours and the unique flavors. The light lunch is simple but well thought out, giving you fuel for more sightseeing or just a pleasant break.
This tour is perfect for those who want a balanced mix of high-flying scenery and tasting experiences, especially if you’re interested in local cider. The reviews are glowing, with many noting the smoothness of the helicopter ride and the quality of the cider. At $307 per person, it’s a good value for those wanting a full half-day adventure that’s both exhilarating and relaxed.
Bottom Line: If you’re after an unforgettable aerial view with a tasty local twist, this is your best pick. It works well for travelers who appreciate a bit of everything—adventure, history, and regional food.
2. Gananoque: Helicopter Tour with Craft Brewery Stop and Lunch
Coming in second, this tour offers a 1.5-hour helicopter flight over the Thousand Islands, with incredible views of Boldt Castle and Singer Castle. The highlight here is the visit to ARBRU Craft Brewery, Canada’s first solar-powered craft brewery. The tour includes a tasting flight, giving you a chance to sample several beers brewed on-site.
What makes this experience unique is the opportunity to combine flying with local craft beer—a real treat for beer lovers. The tour also includes a pizza lunch—you can choose from pepperoni, meat lovers, or margherita—set in a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy the flavors of freshly baked pizza alongside your brews. During the visit, you’ll walk through the hop fields that supply the brewery, adding a fun local farm-to-glass element.
Guests consistently praise Bill, the friendly guide, for making the experience informative and enjoyable. Reviewers mention how the scenery from above is stunning and how the brewery visit makes for a perfect, laid-back afternoon. At $307, this tour offers good value for a combination of spectacular views, craft beer, and pizza. It’s especially ideal for those who want a shorter tour but still want a full, rich experience.
Bottom Line: If craft beer, pizza, and scenic helicopter views sound irresistible, this tour hits the spot. It’s well-suited for food and drink enthusiasts who want a more casual, fun outing.
How to Choose
When deciding between these two lunch experiences, consider your interests and schedule. The Thousand Islands: Helicopter Tour with Cider Mill and Lunch provides a longer, more immersive experience with a focus on regional cider tasting and a scenic flight, ideal if you want to soak in the landscape and enjoy regional flavors. It’s perfect if you have a half-day or more available and enjoy cider.
On the other hand, the Gananoque: Helicopter Tour with Craft Brewery Stop and Lunch is shorter but offers a lively combination of aerial views, craft beer, and pizza, suited for travelers looking for a relaxed, casual outing. It’s a good option if you’re limited on time or prefer a more beer-focused experience.
In terms of budget, both cost $307 per person, so the choice really hinges on whether you prefer cider or craft beer and whether you want a longer scenic tour or a shorter, punchier experience. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to ensure you get your preferred start times.
Final Thoughts
Both tours deliver spectacular views of the Thousand Islands paired with authentic regional tastes—either cider or craft beer and pizza. The Thousand Islands: Helicopter Tour with Cider Mill and Lunch is best suited for those who want a leisurely half-day adventure with a focus on local cider tasting and aerial sightseeing. Meanwhile, the Gananoque: Helicopter Tour with Craft Brewery Stop and Lunch offers a quicker, fun-filled experience that combines flight, craft beer, and pizza in a relaxed setting.
Choosing the right experience depends on your interests—whether you’re drawn to cider and history or craft beer and casual dining. Either way, booking early will help secure your spot for these memorable Gananoque lunch adventures.