FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the Museum open?
The Boat Shop Café and Boathouse Exhibit open for the season on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Please follow the Boat Museum on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates and scheduling for seasonal activities like live boatbuilding and events.
Administrative offices are open year-round Monday – Friday, 9am to 5pm.
How much does admission cost?
Admission to the Thousand Islands Boat Museum is $7.00 for ages 7+. For locals of Gananoque, Admission is FREE.
Walking the waterfront, enjoying picnic tables and river-view seating while watching live exhibits is always free of charge.
Can I use the restroom?
There are two gender-neutral restrooms in the Boat Shop Café and two gender-neutral wheelchair accessible bathrooms in the Blue Building that are available for use during regular business hours.
Is there parking?
TIBM does not have designated parking, but there is a municipal lot on Water Street with paid parking, and paid parking options along Main Street and Mill Street.
Is there a Gift Shop?
Yes! Visit our gift shop in the Boat Shop Café during regular business hours. RiverPass Holders receive a 10% discount in our store!
Does the Museum offer Summer Camp for children?
Yes! Every year summer the Boat Museum runs Boat Camp, a program that gives local children aged 8-13 the opportunity to get on the water and connect with local marine heritage. TIBM typically offers five 1-week day camps to give children a fun hands-on introduction to life on the river. Registration begins in early spring, with early bird notification for museum supporters.
Are you accepting volunteers?
Check out our Volunteer page to learn how you can be a part of the Crew.
Is The TIBM baby friendly?
Yes, babies are more than welcome at the Boat Museum. We also provide activities for children ages 4 and up. Please exercise caution when on the docks or boats.
Where can I change my baby?
There are baby changing stations located in the restrooms in the Blue Building. If you are on the grounds and cannot find the bathrooms, ask one of our many friendly staff.
Are the boat tours child friendly?
Yes! Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult, and minimum weight for infants is 9 kg or 20 lbs (TIBM approved life jackets start at this weight). Please call in advance for accessibility concerns.
Can I Drive Any Of The Museum Boats?
All motorized vessels within the Museum’s fleet may only be operated by Museum staff or volunteers. If you are looking to go for a cruise on a motorized boat, check out the Get on the River page.
Can I Bring My Pet?
Yes! The Boathouse and Café are pet friendly. Note that pets are not permitted on any of the in-water gallery vessels or ride boats.
Do you have life jackets?
Yes, we provide PFDs (personal flotation devices) or life jackets for everyone who participates in an on-water experience. All passengers are required to wear Transport Canada approved PFDs or life jackets at all times while on board any of the Museum’s in-water fleet or rented vessels. You may bring your own Transport Canada approved life jacket if you would like.
What if it rains?
Please note that all on-water programs are weather dependent, and the Museum reserves the right to cancel and re-book boat rides. In the event that the Museum needs to cancel your ride due to weather, we will reschedule your booking or provide a refund. Museum staff will contact you by phone and email to notify you of this cancellation as soon as the decision to cancel a tour has been made.
Can I bring food or drinks with me on the ride boat?
Food or drinks, except for water, are not permitted on the ride boats.
What Are The Benefits Of Being an Annual RiverPass Holder?
RiverPass Holders enjoy free admission to all Museum exhibits and In-Water Gallery, subscription to the e-newsletter, advance invitation to special events, 10% of select store merchandise, and the satisfaction of knowing you are supporting the Museum.
How Much Does It Cost To Become an Annual RiverPass Holder?
There are three RiverPass levels:
Individual – $35 (+hst)
Household* – $60 (+hst)
Corporate – $120 (+hst)
*Household RiverPasses are valid for all family members living under the same address.
Sign up today!
I Am Interested In Becoming an Annual RiverPass Holder.
How Do I Sign Up?
Click here to fill out our RiverPass Registration form and sign up today! Thank you for your support.
How Can I Verify That My Annual RiverPass is Current?
Email us or call our office at 613-382-8484 and we can check the status of your membership.
I Lost My TIBM RiverPass Card. Can I Get a Replacement?
Yes! Email us to initiate ordering a replacement card. Please note that it will be up to 2-3 weeks before you can expect your new card in the mail.
My Contact Information Has Changed. How Do I Update The TIBM?
Thanks for keeping us in the loop! Email us with your new mailing address, email, or phone number and we will update our records.
Does the Museum issue official tax receipts for donations?
Yes. As a Registered Charity with the Canada Revenue Agency, the Museum can issue tax receipts for donation.
Our registration number is: 825536980RR0001
A complete listing of Canadian Registered Charities is published on the Canada Revenue Agency’s website here.
Are TIBM board members paid positions?
No. Every board member is a volunteer, dedicated to the success of the Museum and to the community, and provides his or her services without pay.
The Canada Revenue Agency and Industry Canada impose strict rules that govern the management of non-profit and Registered Charities.
Thousand Islands Antique Boat Museum Trust
or Thousand Islands Boat Museum? what is the difference?
The “Thousand Islands Antique Boat Museum Trust” was created in 1993 as the incubator for an eventual Museum. It provided an entity that could receive donations that it set aside in preparation for the eventual creation of a museum.
In 2014, an agreement to lease the Water Street facility from the Town of Gananoque meant that an actual Museum was then possible. The Thousand Islands Boat Museum was then incorporated under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act.
The Trust and the corporation have since been amalgamated into a single not-for-profit, Registered Charity, making the Thousand Islands Boat Museum our legal and operating name.
How can I donate a boat to the Museum?
Although we are always happy to consider gifts, most gifts-in-kind require ongoing resources to store, repair or maintain such artifacts. The Museum has adopted a collection policy which includes guidelines and the process for accepting boats and other in-kind gifts.
The Canada Revenue Agency provides excellent information for individuals planning to donate to a registered charity.
You may also review our TIBM Donation Information document.
Who Owns the Waterfront Property?
The Museum property at 125 Water Street in Gananoque, Ontario is owned by the Town of Gananoque.
It is leased to the Museum under the terms of a 49-year lease, which includes rent at the rate of $20,000 per year. The Museum pays for all improvements, expansions, repairs, and maintenance expenses.