Montreal History Guided Sightseeing Cruise
Active
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Embark on an unforgettable cruise along the St. Lawrence River, departing from the historic Old Port of Montréal. Glide past iconic landmarks like the Biosphere, Jacques Cartier Bridge, and the Olympic Stadium, while our expert guide shares fascinating insights about the city’s history and culture. A must-do when visiting Montréal!
Board in Old Montréal, one of the city’s most picturesque districts, known for its European charm and nearly 400-year history.
The 1.5-hour cruise heads east, passing the Old Port, Île Sainte-Hélène, and the Biosphere. It then cruises by the Olympic Stadium and Îles de Boucherville before returning, offering stunning city views.
Enjoy panoramic vistas from our outdoor decks and admire Montréal’s rich history along the water. An expert bilingual guide will share stories about the city, with an audioguide available in eight languages.
Relax with a drink or snack from our onboard bar and bistro, serving local flavors and a selection of beverages.
Available options
1.5-Hour Guided River Cruise
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
HappyHour! - 4pm cruise
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes<br/>One drink of your choice: One drink for 13+
A choice of : a summer cocktail drink or local beer or soda or juice or water.
Subject to availability
What's included
Audioguide also available in 8 languages
Happy Hour 4pm cruise only : 1 drink for 13 years old and over (alcoholic for adults)
Delight in engaging and insightful commentary from our expert bilingual guide
Glide along the St. Lawrence for 1.5 hour guided cruise and uncover a new side of Montréal.
Take in the Old Port, Biosphere, Olympic Stadium, Jacques Cartier Bridge, and more.
Local taxes and fees
Detailed itinerary
1
Explore 22 miles (35 km) of the historic St Lawrence River. Aboard your boat, the AML Cavalier Maxim, take advantage of the sunny terraces and relax while admiring the city, or enjoy the panoramic views from the glassed-in dining room. You'll see the city from a completely new angle.
The snack bar on board offers food and drinks including sandwiches, salads, cookies, muffins and juice to enjoy on one of the sunny decks. Or you can liven up the party with a refreshing Captain's cocktail! All food and drink purchases are at your own expense.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
See the famous Old Port of Montreal
3
Stop 3
Pass by
Explore 22 miles (35 km) of the historic St Lawrence River including the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, the shoreline and the islands of Boucherville.
4
Explore 22 miles (35 km) of the historic St Lawrence River including the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, the shoreline and the islands of Boucherville.
5
Stop 5
Pass by
Sail near the shore of La Ronde
6
Stop 6
Pass by
See the iconic Biosphere on the Ile Ste-Helene
7
Stop 7
Pass by
See the home of the 1976 Summer Olympics.
8
See the Boucherville Islands from the river
What's not included
Gratuities
Food and drinks
Parking
Available languages
Audio guide
DE
KO
CMN
JA
EN
IT
FR
ES
Guide guide
EN
FR
Reviews breakdown
Viator
3.8
288 reviews
5★
120
4★
69
3★
51
2★
26
1★
22
Tripadvisor
3.4
74 reviews
5★
22
4★
15
3★
16
2★
13
1★
8
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please present yourself 30 minutes before the departure in front of the Croisieres AML ticket office on the dock; to pick up your physical ticket (required for boarding).
Meeting point
Parking may be limited and traffic heavy. We recommend using public transport or arriving early. Please present yourself 30 minutes before the departure in front of the Croisieres AML ticket office on the dock; to pick up your physical ticket (required for boarding). Boats leave on time.
Important notes
Prior to boarding, head to the Croisières AML ticket booth to pick up your physical ticket (required for boarding); 30 minutes before the cruise. For parking, the Grand Quay’s paid lot can accommodate up to 250 vehicles, with designated spaces for individuals with reduced mobility, bicycle parking, and electric charging stations. Other paid parking lots are also available nearby; see the Old Port of Montréal website for information: https://www.oldportofmontreal.com
About Montreal
Montreal is a vibrant, bilingual city that beautifully blends European charm with North American energy. Known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and stunning architecture, it's a city where cobblestone streets meet modern skyscrapers, and world-class cuisine meets bustling festivals.
Top Attractions
Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)
The historic heart of Montreal, featuring cobblestone streets, 17th and 18th-century architecture, and charming cafes.
Historical
Half day to full day
Free to explore, attractions vary
Mount Royal Park
A large urban park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, offering stunning views of the city and numerous recreational activities.
Nature
Half day
Free
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
One of Canada's most prominent museums, featuring an impressive collection of art from various periods and cultures.
Museum
2-3 hours
Free to $22 CAD (varies by exhibit)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Montreal-style Bagels
Smaller, sweeter, and denser than New York bagels, often topped with sesame seeds.
Breakfast/Snack
Vegetarian
Poutine
A dish consisting of French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian options available
Smoked Meat Sandwich
A sandwich made with smoked brisket, often served on rye bread with mustard.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains meat
Popular Activities
Hiking in Mount Royal Park
Skiing in Mont-Tremblant
Picnicking in Parc La Fontaine
Spa day at Bota Bota
Visiting the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Exploring Old Montreal
Swimming at Oka Beach
Skiing
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the busiest tourist season with warm weather, festivals, and outdoor activities. Expect lively streets and numerous events.
20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F)
68°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: French
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken, especially in tourist areas
Currency
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Time Zone
Eastern Standard Time (EST) (UTC-5:00), Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (UTC-4:00) during daylight saving time
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Montreal is generally safe for tourists, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.
Getting there
By air
- Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) from city center
By train
Gare Centrale
By bus
Gare d'autocars de Montréal
Getting around
Public transport
Clean, efficient, and easy to use. The metro system is a convenient way to get around Montreal.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Plateau Mont-Royal
Downtown (Centre-Ville)
Mile End
Day trips
Quebec City
250 km (155 miles) • Full day
A charming city with a rich history, featuring cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a fortress overlooking the St. Lawrence River.
Mont-Tremblant
130 km (81 miles) • Full day to overnight
A popular resort town known for its ski slopes, hiking trails, and charming village.
Oka
50 km (31 miles) • Half day
A small town known for its beautiful beach on the shores of Lake of Two Mountains and its historic Oka Abbey.
Festivals
Montreal International Jazz Festival • Late June to early July
Just for Laughs • July
Montreal World Film Festival • Late August to early September
Pro tips
- Visit Mount Royal Park for a panoramic view of the city, especially at sunset.
- Explore the Underground City, a network of tunnels connecting shops, restaurants, and attractions.
- Try local specialties like poutine, smoked meat, and Montreal-style bagels.
- Attend a Montreal Canadiens hockey game for a true local experience.
- Use the STM app for easy navigation of the metro and bus system.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
