Boat Trips in Quebec

Quebec is a city steeped in history and culture that fuses French heritage with vibrant North American life. Its cobblestone streets and architecture transport you back in time, while its vibrancy invites you to explore every nook and cranny. There are many things to see in Quebec, a destination that captivates you with its charm and cultural richness.

One way to get to know this city is through its boat tours, which offer a window into its environment and history. From serene cruises on the St. Lawrence River to cruises in the Saguenay Fjords, where whale-watching is possible, there are a variety of options to discover. Here are the best ones so you can enjoy Quebec from its waters.

If you're only in Quebec for a short time, these cruises on the St. Lawrence River are a great option because they usually last less than 2 hours and show you the highlights of the city, such as the Hotel de Frontenac, the Citadel of Quebec and Montmorency Falls, the highest waterfalls in the province. You'll also get to know the nature that surrounds the city.

This type of tour is usually done in the afternoon, in small groups and with professional guides who will tell you information about the sites you see from the water. The best time to go on these cruises is in September and October, when the weather is milder and there are more opportunities to spot wildlife. Wherever you go, it's always important to book in advance so you don't miss out on the experience.

The St Lawrence River is the largest river in North America. It stretches from Lake Ontario to the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the Atlantic Ocean. The river is not only important from a geographical perspective, but it has also witnessed important historical and cultural events that have influenced the region, so navigating the river will immerse you in the history of the city as well.

Details of interest

• Price: about €48 per person approx.
• Duration: about 1.5 hours.
• Means of transport: cruise.
• Disadvantages of this option: does not include food and drinks on board.

Orleans Island, located on the St. Lawrence River, is a destination not to be missed, especially from the comfort of a boat. Sailing around Orleans Island gives you a unique and panoramic perspective of its natural beauty and enchanting riverside scenery.

During these boat tours of Orleans Island, you will often discover the most beautiful viewpoints, the bridge that connects the island to the mainland and the majestic Montmorency Falls that surround it.

These boat trips are usually short but rewarding. However, for a more complete experience, consider complementing your tour with a gastronomic tour of the Ile d'Orléans. This activity will give you the opportunity to savour the delicious local cuisine and explore the fresh, authentic products that make Orleans Island a top dining destination. In addition, they often take you to visit their vineyards and chocolate factory.

Interesting details

• Price: from around €55 per person.
• Duration: about 1 hour and a half.
• Means of transport: boat.
• Disadvantages of this option: the excursion only takes place in good weather.

If you want to go whale watching in Quebec, a very interesting option is to explore the waters of the St. Lawrence River as far as the town of Baie-Sainte-Catherine. On board the cruise ship, you can enjoy the seascape as you head into the heart of the Saguenay-Saint Lawrence Marine National Park

Once there, there are two ways to get up close to the whales: on a small boat, which will take you to remote locations and bring you up close and personal with the whales; or if you prefer a more relaxed and comfortable experience, on a three-level observation boat.

The best time to do this excursion is during the summer months, especially from June to September. During this period, blue, humpback and fin whales migrate to warmer waters to feed and breed. On the other hand, beluga whales can be seen all year round. This is an ideal tour if you're staying in Quebec for 3 days or more, as it's a full-day excursion.

These tours are usually conducted with guides who are experts in marine wildlife and can provide you with a wealth of information about these animals. As a recommendation, try to choose a reliable tour operator that meets the standards of safety and respect for marine life, as this will ensure a respectful experience for the whales and other marine animals.

Details of interest

• Price: around 164 € per person.
• Duration: approximately 11 hours.
• Means of transport: a 3-decked observation boat and a speedboat.
• Disadvantages of this option: you have to book in advance, as it is an activity that tends to attract a lot of tourists.

If you're interested in history, you can take a cruise from Quebec to Grosse Île and join one of the best Quebec tours to learn about the history and cultural significance of this place. Grosse Île was a crucial point during the time of Irish immigration to Canada in the 19th century, when it served as a quarantine station and hospital for thousands of immigrants.

These tours are usually conducted with professional guides who can give you a full history of Grosse Île. It is common for the guides to play historical characters and take you to follow in the footsteps of the immigrants. You will be able to see the old quarantine station and the immigrant monument, as well as the surrounding countryside, whose panoramic views will impress you.

Please note that these tours take place in summer, from May to the first days of October. Lunch is not usually included and there are no restaurants on the island, so it's best to bring your own lunch and drinks. Don't forget to wear comfortable walking shoes.

Useful details

• Price: from €71 per person.
• Duration: approximately 6 hours.
• Means of transport: boat.
• Advantages of this option: you will sail to Grosse Île and learn about the history of the island through the stories of the professional guides.
• Disadvantages of this option: this activity is only available in the spring/summer season.

In the heart of the Jacques-Cartier National Park, you can take a boat ride on the Jacques-Cartier River that meanders through the natural landscape. This park is located north of Quebec City. You can rent a boat at two specific points: at km 3 where the calm waters of the river are perfect for trying out the inflatable boat, canoe or kayak; and at km 10 where faster, more exciting waters await.

As you navigate the waters of the river, you can observe a variety of native flora and fauna, as well as the rock formations and lush forests that make Jacques-Cartier National Park unique. You can also opt for a guided rafting activity if you are inexperienced. Other activities you can do in the park include hiking, bird watching, cycling or just relaxing on the riverside beaches.

Please note that water activities are usually available during the summer season, when conditions are optimal for boating. However, the Jacques-Cartier National Park is open all year round and offers different experiences. For example, if you visit in winter, you can enjoy skiing, an activity that offers fantastic panoramic views of the mountains and the river.

Interesting details

• Price: Admission to the park costs around €10 for adults and free for children under 16. Boat hire costs between €8 and €96, depending on the boat and the route.
• Duration: you can hire the boats from 9.30am to 4pm.
• Means of transport: canoe, inflatable boat, kayak, mini raft.
• Advantages of this option: you can enjoy nature in the Jacques-Cartier National Park and do various outdoor activities such as boating, kayaking or canoeing.
• Disadvantages of this option: water activities are only available in the spring/summer season.

Another interesting way to explore the St. Lawrence River is by taking a night cruise. During these cruises you can experience a completely different perspective of the river and the city that surrounds it.

Some St. Lawrence River cruises at night feature DJ music and a variety of drinks, adding entertainment and fun to the trip. As well as admiring the sights and cityscapes, you can share memorable moments with other passengers. It's an ideal and recommended experience if you're staying at least two days in Quebec and want to take in the city's night-time postcards from the river.

During the cruise, you can also enjoy the illuminated view of several of the city's landmarks and monuments, such as the Château Frontenac, an iconic hotel located in the upper part of Quebec. To get the most out of your night cruise, don't forget to bring warm clothes, as temperatures can drop during the night.

Interesting details

• Price: around €55 per person.
• Duration: approximately 3.5 hours.
• Means of transport: cruise ship.
• Disadvantages of this option: drinks and food are not included.

A must-do experience in Quebec is to sail to the Isle Aux-Grues archipelago, which is noted for being the largest untouched wetland in northeastern North America. These experiences are usually conducted with professional guides, who are very knowledgeable about the region and its marine flora and fauna.

As you sail down the St. Lawrence River towards the archipelago, you can enjoy the panoramic views and feel the thrill of discovering a landscape teeming with life. The archipelago is made up of some 21 islands, each with its own charm. One of them, l'Isle-aux-Grues, is known for being the home of the famous Canadian painter and sculptor Jean-Paul Riopelle.

To join this trip you can head straight to Quebec's waterfront, which is conveniently reached by the city's Hop-on Hop-off bus. It is always advisable to plan ahead to ensure you get the necessary information on schedules and availability.

Interesting details

• Price: from €55 per person.
• Duration: approximately 2.5 hours
• Means of transport: boat.
• Advantages of this option: you will be able to see the largest wetland in northwestern North America.
• Disadvantages of this option: does not include hotel pick-up.

In the winter months in Quebec, a different experience is ice canoeing on the St. Lawrence River. It's a popular Canadian activity that takes place in a narrow, lightweight vessel, known as a canoe, to navigate rivers, lakes or seas. Ice canoeing involves voyages in canoes designed to glide over sheets of ice.

This activity is practised at specific points along the St. Lawrence River, and the experience usually begins with a practical class in which you receive all the instructions you need to embark, so you don't need to have experience in these activities.

You are also usually provided with all the necessary equipment such as paddles and crampons, metal devices with sharp points that attach to your shoes and allow you to walk safely on the ice. Many of these experiences culminate with a delicious hot chocolate to replenish your energy, ideal for winter days.

Interesting details

• Price: from approximately €177 per person.
• Duration: around 3 hours.
• Means of transport: canoe.
• Advantages of this option: you will be able to live a different and exciting experience.
• Disadvantages of this option: the price is somewhat high. You must be in average physical condition to fully participate in this experience.

Crossing the St. Lawrence River by ferry from Quebec to Levis is one of the **city'**s most popular boat trips. Although the two sites are close together, the trip gives you a unique perspective of the river and is a typical way to connect the two banks.

This ferry ride is not only a convenient way to cross the river, but also gives you the opportunity to appreciate the panoramic views of the Quebec and Levis skyline from the water. The crossing takes approximately 12 minutes and ferries depart every 30 minutes from 6:30am until late morning, giving you the flexibility to explore both cities throughout the day.

When you arrive in Levis you can discover the charm of the town with its old buildings, explore Quai Paquet, an urban park where you can do various activities, or check out the Chutes de la Chaudière waterfalls if you prefer to hike in the wilderness. And, when planning your return, I'd recommend choosing a time that allows you to enjoy the sunset over the river, as this time of day enhances its beauty.

Once back in Quebec, you can take the opportunity to visit the Museum of Civilization, one of Quebec's best museums, which is located near the ferry dock. There you can learn about the multiculturalism of the city and the original populations that inhabited the region.

Interesting details

• Price: from around €3.50 per person.
• Duration: about 12 minutes.
• Means of transport: ferry.
• Advantages of this option: it is a typical and economical way of connecting the two cities. You can also cross by car, motorbike and bicycle.
• Disadvantages of this option: you will have to build your own route and itinerary through the cities.