Exploring the enchanting sights of Quebec City and Orleans Island has never been easier. This guided cruise takes visitors on a captivating journey along the scenic Saint Lawrence River, offering breathtaking views of rural landscapes, the majestic Montmorency Falls, and the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. With an expert guide providing insights into the region’s maritime history and ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere, this 2 to 3-hour cruise showcases the stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes that have long captivated travelers. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this unforgettable experience promises to leave you eager to uncover more of the region’s hidden gems.
This experience made our list of the 21 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Quebec City.
Key Points
- Experience a 2-3 hour guided cruise along the Saint Lawrence River to discover the charming Île d’Orléans and iconic landmarks of Quebec City.
- Cruise departs from Croisières Orléans in Quebec City or Saint-Laurent-de-l’île-d’Orléans, with live tour guides available in English and French.
- Highlights include panoramic views of Montmorency Falls, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, and the historic city of Lévis across the river.
- The cruise provides safety equipment, restrooms, and gratuities, making it a comfortable and worry-free experience.
- Suitable for adults and children, but not recommended for individuals with back problems.
Cruise Overview
The guided cruise to discover Orleans Island and Quebec City spans an impressive 2 to 3 hours in duration.
Priced from $66.02 per person, this small group tour offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
Passengers can expect a live tour guide available in both English and French, ensuring a better overall experience.
The cruise departs from either Croisieres Orleans – depart de Quebec or Saint-Laurent-de-l’ile-d’Orleans, providing scenic views of Ile d’Orleans, Montmorency Falls, Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, and Levis.
Throughout the journey, the captain shares captivating stories of the region’s rich maritime history.
With safety equipment, restrooms, and gratuities included, this guided cruise promises an unforgettable journey for adults and children alike.
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Itinerary and Highlights
Starting locations for this guided cruise include Croisieres Orleans – depart de Quebec and Saint-Laurent-de-l’ile-d’Orleans, allowing passengers to embark on a scenic journey along the Saint Lawrence River.
The cruise passes several notable sites, including:
- Ile d’Orleans, a picturesque island with charming rural landscapes
- Montmorency Falls, a majestic waterfall taller than Niagara Falls
- Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, the iconic hotel in Quebec City
- The city of Levis, offering stunning views of the opposite shore
Throughout the 2-hour cruise, the captain shares captivating stories about the region’s maritime history, providing guests with a unique and informative experience.
Inclusions
This guided cruise includes a 2-hour scenic journey along the Saint Lawrence River.
Passengers will enjoy the services of a professional captain and guide who’ll share stories about the region’s maritime history.
For safety, the cruise provides all necessary equipment. Restrooms are available on board, and local taxes and fees are covered in the price. Gratuities are also included, so there are no hidden costs.
The cruise is suitable for both adults and children, though individuals with back problems may want to reconsider.
Participant Information
Suitable for both adults aged 18 to 99 and children 17 and younger, this guided cruise offers a unique sightseeing experience.
However, it isn’t recommended for individuals with back problems, as the cruise may involve some movement.
The meeting point may vary depending on the option booked, so passengers should carefully review their reservation details.
To ensure a comfortable journey, participants are advised to bring:
- Sunglasses to protect their eyes from glare
- A jacket or long-sleeved shirt for cooler weather
- Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited on the cruise.
Preparation and Restrictions
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, passengers are advised to bring a few essential items with them.
Sunglasses and a lightweight jacket or long-sleeved shirt are recommended to protect against the elements during the scenic cruise.
It’s important to note that the use of alcohol and drugs isn’t permitted on board. This is a family-friendly activity, and the cruise operator prioritizes the safety and well-being of all passengers.
Passengers with back problems may want to consult with the operator beforehand, as the boat’s seating may not be suitable for everyone.
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Starting Locations
The cruise departs from two convenient locations: Croisières Orléans – départ de Québec and Saint-Laurent-de-l’île-d’Orléans. These starting points allow guests to easily access the cruise and begin their journey of discovery.
The cruise will then navigate the scenic Saint Lawrence River, providing passengers with:
- Unique views of the historic Quebec City skyline, including the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
- A close-up look at the picturesque Île d’Orléans, known for its charming villages and agricultural heritage
- Panoramic vistas of the city of Lévis, located on the opposite side of the river
With these strategic departure points, the cruise offers a seamless and immersive experience for exploring the region’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Scenic Cruise on the Saint Lawrence River
As the cruise departs from the starting locations, passengers are treated to a scenic journey along the majestic Saint Lawrence River. The flowing waters of the river provide a picturesque backdrop as the boat glides along, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
Scenic Highlights | Description |
---|---|
Ile d’Orleans | A charming island with quaint villages and rolling hills |
Montmorency Falls | The dramatic 272-foot cascading waterfall |
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac | The iconic historic hotel, a landmark of Quebec City |
Levis | The city across the river, with its own unique skyline |
The captain shares captivating stories of the region’s rich maritime history, further enhancing the immersive experience for passengers.
Unique Views of the Region
Passengers aboard the cruise are treated to a tapestry of captivating vistas as they traverse the Saint Lawrence River. The highlight is the unparalleled views of Quebec City’s iconic skyline, including the majestic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.
Plus, the cruise offers:
- Stunning panoramas of Île d’Orléans, a picturesque island dotted with quaint villages and farmlands.
- Breathtaking perspectives of the Montmorency Falls, which cascade 83 meters over the river’s edge.
- Unique sights of the city of Lévis, whose charming historic district and ferry terminal can be admired from the water.
These diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes create an unforgettable experience for all who embark on this guided cruise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Tour?
There is no mention of a private tour option in the information provided. The cruise is described as a small group experience with a live tour guide available in English and French.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?
Passengers can’t bring their own food and drinks on the cruise. The tour includes access to restrooms on board, and the price covers the professional captain, guide, and all necessary fees and taxes. Bringing outside items is not allowed.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
The cruise operator doesn’t offer any discounts specifically for seniors or students. However, they do provide a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, which may be helpful for those on a tight budget.
Is There Wi-Fi Available on the Cruise?
There is no mention of Wi-Fi availability on the cruise in the provided information. The details focus on the cruise itinerary, inclusions, and participant requirements, but don’t indicate whether Wi-Fi is offered onboard.
Can I Disembark at Any of the Stops Along the Route?
Based on the information provided, passengers cannot disembark at any of the stops along the route. The cruise operates as a continuous 2-3 hour guided tour without the option to get off at intermediate locations.
Recap
This guided cruise provides an unparalleled opportunity to take in the captivating landscapes and rich history of Orleans Island and Quebec City. The journey along the scenic Saint Lawrence River offers breathtaking vistas of rural landscapes, the majestic Montmorency Falls, and the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, all while a professional guide shares maritime history and ensures a family-friendly atmosphere. An unforgettable experience for all ages, showcasing the stunning beauty of the region’s diverse landscapes.
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