Quebec City Guided Sightseeing River Cruise on the St Lawrence
Overview
This shared daytime cruise on the St. Lawrence River lasts about 1.5 hours and shows Quebec City from its best angle, the water. A bilingual guide tells the story of the fortified old town as you pass Château Frontenac, Île d'Orléans, Beauport Bay and Montmorency Falls. You sit on outdoor decks or in the enclosed area, and the boat leaves from the Old Port a short walk from Petit Champlain. It suits couples, families, first-time visitors and photographers looking for the classic skyline view.
Highlights
- About 1.5 hours on the St. Lawrence River
- Bilingual guide with stories of the city's history
- Château Frontenac and the walls of Old Quebec from the river
- Montmorency Falls, higher than Niagara, seen from the water
- Île d'Orléans and its bridge
- Outdoor decks and an enclosed area for any weather
- Departure from the Old Port, near Petit Champlain
Full Description
The Old Port and Quai Chouinard
The cruise leaves from Quai Chouinard in the Old Port, only a five-minute walk from the lanes of Petit Champlain, one of the oldest commercial districts in North America. The river is the reason Quebec exists: the name comes from an Algonquin word meaning where the river narrows, and the city grew on the cliffs above that narrow point.
Arrive early to enjoy the harbour, the ships and the old warehouses before you board. For anyone asking how to get to the Quebec City river cruise, it is an easy walk from Old Quebec, and parking in the area is hard to find, so walking or public transport is the better plan.
Château Frontenac and the Fortified City
From the water, you see the whole profile of Old Quebec: the cliff of Cap Diamant, the ramparts, the Citadelle and the green copper roofs of Château Frontenac. This landmark hotel opened in 1893 and is one of the most photographed buildings in Canada, and the walled city around it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Your guide explains how these fortifications defended New France and how the river shaped trade and daily life. This Quebec City guided river cruise is a fine complement to a walking tour, because the skyline view is impossible to get from the streets.
Île d'Orléans and the Bridge
After leaving the Old Port, the boat sails east along the north shore towards Île d'Orléans, a large island in the middle of the river known for farms, orchards and small villages. Its bridge is the turning point, and the boat comes back along the same coast.
The island is worth a visit on land as well, and many guests decide to explore it after seeing it from the water. Spend a few minutes on deck here for the views of the fields and the shoreline, where the light is at its best in the afternoon.
Montmorency Falls and Beauport Bay
Montmorency Falls drops about 83 metres over the cliff into the river, which makes it taller than Niagara Falls. From the cruise you see the whole ribbon of water and the cliff from a distance, and it is one of the highlights for photographers.
The route also passes Beauport Bay and the mouth of the Saint-Charles River before returning to the Old Port. The cruise lasts about 1.5 hours, runs from spring to autumn, and operates rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe, with an enclosed area on board for cooler or wet weather.
Itinerary
- Board at Quai ChouinardArrive at the Old Port and board a few minutes before departure.
- Old Quebec from the riverSee the cliff, the ramparts and Château Frontenac as the boat leaves the dock.
- Sail towards Île d'OrléansFollow the north shore with live commentary from the guide.
- Montmorency FallsPass the falls and take photographs from the deck.
- Turn at the Île d'Orléans bridgeThe boat comes back past Beauport Bay and the Saint-Charles River.
- Return to the Old PortDock at Quai Chouinard after about 1.5 hours.
What's included
- 1.5-hour daytime cruise on the St. Lawrence River
- Bilingual expert guide on board
- Views of Montmorency Falls, Château Frontenac and Île d'Orléans
Not included
- Food and beverages
- Tips
- Parking
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users, because the ramps and stairs to the boat are too steep
- Guests who cannot walk on a moving boat or use stairs
- Travellers looking for a private cruise
Meeting point
The cruise leaves from Quai Chouinard in the Old Port of Quebec City, a short walk from Petit Champlain, and the exact departure point is confirmed in your booking voucher. Please arrive about fifteen to twenty minutes before the departure time shown in the booking panel.
Important information
- Bring a jacket, since it is cooler and windier on the river than in town
- Cruises operate rain or shine unless the weather is unsafe, and there is an enclosed area on board
- Bring a card for any purchases on board, as card payment is the method accepted
- Pets and outside food and drinks are not allowed on board
- Parking near the port is limited, so walk or use public transport
- Wheelchairs cannot be taken on board because of the steep ramps and stairs
- Food and beverages, tips and parking are not included
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Quebec City river cruise cost?
The price depends on your date and passenger type, and the booking panel on this page shows the current price for adults and for children.
Is hotel pickup included?
No, you meet at the Old Port. The pier is a short walk from Old Quebec and Petit Champlain.
How long is the cruise?
About 1.5 hours from departure to return.
Is the cruise suitable for children?
Yes, the booking panel shows the age groups for child prices. Keep young children close on the decks.
What should I wear?
Bring a jacket and comfortable shoes, because it can be windy on the water even in summer.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Often yes, depending on availability. Choose the date in the booking panel to see the departure times.
What language is the commentary in?
The guide speaks both English and French.
What will I see on the cruise?
Old Quebec, Château Frontenac, Île d'Orléans, Montmorency Falls, Beauport Bay and the mouth of the Saint-Charles River.
Is food included?
No, food and beverages are not included.
What is the best time to take the cruise?
The afternoon gives good light for photographs, and spring to autumn are the main months for cruising.
