Montreal: The Bateau-Mouche St. Lawrence Sightseeing Cruise

Set out on a sightseeing adventure with the Bateau-Mouche St. Lawrence Cruise in Montreal. This one-of-a-kind experience offers breathtaking views of the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Jacques Cartier Bridge and Olympic Stadium. Departing from the Jacques-Cartier Pier, the cruise provides informative bilingual commentary while passengers enjoy onboard refreshments and a comfortable journey along the scenic St. Lawrence River. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this cruise is sure to leave you with a newfound appreciation for Montreal’s stunning cityscape and waterfront. Discover why this tour has become a must-do activity for those seeking to enjoy the beauty of this vibrant Canadian city.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Montreal.

Key Points

• The Bateau-Mouche sightseeing cruise offers one or one-and-a-half-hour tours along the St. Lawrence River, starting at $34.12 per person.
• The cruise departs from Jacques-Cartier Pier in Old Montreal and provides commentary on iconic landmarks like the Jacques Cartier Bridge and Olympic Stadium.
• The live bilingual guide offers detailed insights into the historical and cultural significance of the sights, with audio narration available in English and French.
• Onboard amenities include panoramic city skyline views, a bar and snack services, and first-come, first-served seating, though mobility-impaired individuals may face accessibility challenges.
• Reservations can be made online with a pay-later option, and cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Cruise Overview and Pricing

A one or one-and-a-half-hour sightseeing cruise on Le Bateau-Mouche starts from $34.12 per person.

Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later. They can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The cruise features a live bilingual guide providing commentary in both English and French.

The tour duration ranges from 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing visitors to take in the sights along the St. Lawrence River from the comfort of the boat.

Sightseeing Highlights

The Bateau-Mouche cruise departs from the Jacques-Cartier Pier in Old Montreal, offering passengers a chance to witness an array of iconic landmarks along the St. Lawrence River. As the boat glides across the water, passengers can marvel at the Jacques Cartier Bridge, the Olympic Stadium, and the La Ronde amusement park. Plus, the cruise provides a captivating view of the Montreal Biosphere and the unique Habitat 67 architectural complex. With pre-recorded audio narration available in both English and French, passengers can learn about the history and significance of these remarkable sights.

Sightseeing Highlights
Jacques Cartier Bridge
Olympic Stadium
La Ronde
Montreal Biosphere
Habitat 67

Bilingual Tour Guide

On the Bateau-Mouche cruise, a live bilingual guide is available to provide narration in both English and French. This allows passengers to fully enjoy the sightseeing experience, regardless of their language preference.

The guide offers:

• Detailed commentary on the landmarks and attractions along the route
• Insights into the history and cultural significance of the sites
• Engaging interactions with passengers, answering questions and providing context

The bilingual guide ensures that all passengers can appreciate the beauty and significance of the Montreal skyline and the St. Lawrence River during the cruise.

Onboard Amenities

Passengers aboard the Bateau-Mouche can enjoy a range of onboard amenities to enhance their sightseeing experience.

The main and upper decks offer panoramic views of the city skyline and the St. Lawrence River. Guests can purchase refreshments from the onboard bar and snack services, including beverages and light bites.

Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a focus on comfort and cleanliness. While strollers and large bags are prohibited, the pier offers secure storage for these items.

The cruise experience emphasizes the sights and commentary, providing an immersive way to explore Montreal’s waterfront landmarks.

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Accessibility and Restrictions

Individuals with mobility impairments or who use wheelchairs may find the Bateau-Mouche cruise experience unsuitable, as the vessel and its boarding process aren’t fully accessible.

The cruise operators don’t accommodate these passengers. Plus, pets, baby strollers, and large bags are prohibited onboard for safety and space reasons.

However, the pier does offer secure storage for strollers. Smoking is also not permitted during the cruise.

• Vessel and boarding not fully accessible for mobility-impaired passengers
• Pets, strollers, and large bags prohibited onboard
• Secure stroller storage available at the pier

Transportation and Meeting Point

The Bateau-Mouche cruise departs from the Jacques-Cartier Pier in the Old Port of Montreal. This is the designated meeting point for all passengers.

The cruise’s convenient location makes it easily accessible by both public transportation and personal vehicles. Visitors can reach the pier via the Metro system, with the nearest station being Champ-de-Mars.

Alternatively, there are several parking lots and garages in the surrounding area for those driving to the departure point.

Upon arrival, passengers will find clear signage and staff on hand to guide them to the appropriate boarding location.

The cruise’s accessibility and central meeting point ensure a seamless start to the sightseeing experience.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Although the Bateau-Mouche cruise received an overall rating of 4 out of 5 based on over 1,250 reviews, passengers highlighted both positive and constructive feedback.

Reviewers praised the quality of the guided tour, with a 3.9/5 rating for the guides. Transportation to and from the cruise also received high marks, earning a 4.3/5 rating.

However, some passengers suggested more detailed presentations and timely arrival notifications could further improve the experience.

The Bateau-Mouche cruise offers a scenic journey along the St. Lawrence River, attracting many satisfied customers despite a few areas for potential enhancement.

• Guided tour quality: 3.9/5
• Transportation: 4.3/5
• Suggestions for improvement: more detailed presentations, timely arrival notifications

Reservation and Cancellation Policy

How can one reserve and cancel the Bateau-Mouche sightseeing cruise?

Booking the cruise is easy – you can reserve online and pay later. The best part? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexible policy makes planning your trip a breeze.

Whether you’re looking for a 1-hour or 1.5-hour cruise, the Bateau-Mouche has options to suit your schedule.

Just remember to arrive at the Jacques-Cartier Pier in Old Montreal, the cruise’s departure point.

With this convenient reservation and cancellation system, you can secure your spot and adjust your plans as needed, ensuring a hassle-free sightseeing experience on the St. Lawrence River.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks Onboard?

Food and drinks brought from outside are not permitted on board. However, snack and bar services are available for purchase during the cruise to enhance the onboard experience.

Are There Any Age or Height Restrictions for the Cruise?

There are no specific age or height restrictions for the cruise. However, the cruise may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Strollers are also prohibited on board.

Are Discounts Available for Students, Seniors, or Children?

Yes, the cruise offers discounted tickets for students, seniors, and children. Students and seniors can save up to 20% on the regular fare, while children under 12 can enjoy a 50% discount.

Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Cruise?

Yes, passengers can take photos and videos throughout the cruise. The operator encourages capturing the scenic views and architectural landmarks along the St. Lawrence River during the sightseeing experience.

How Accessible Is the Boarding Process for the Cruise?

The boarding process is not very accessible for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. The cruise is unsuitable for these guests, as there are no accommodations provided for easy boarding and disembarking.

Recap

The Bateau-Mouche St. Lawrence Sightseeing Cruise offers a delightful way to experience Montreal’s iconic landmarks and scenic waterways. With bilingual commentary, onboard refreshments, and a focus on comfort, the cruise provides an informative and memorable tour of the city’s skyline. Whether you choose the one or one-and-a-half-hour journey, you’re sure to leave with a newfound appreciation for the beauty of Montreal from the St. Lawrence River.

You can check if your dates are available here: