The Bateau-Mouche Sightseeing Cruise in Montreal offers visitors a unique way to explore the city’s iconic landmarks and attractions. This smooth and comfortable cruise along the waterfront provides passengers with the opportunity to take in the scenic views at their own pace. While the tour may lack detailed commentary, it serves as a great introduction to Montreal for first-time visitors, with various duration options to accommodate different schedules. Whether you’re a family looking for a stroller-friendly activity or an individual seeking to experience the city from the water, the Bateau-Mouche cruise provides an accessible and enjoyable way to discover the charm of Montreal.
Key Points
- The Bateau-Mouche is a sightseeing cruise in Montreal that allows visitors to explore the city’s landmarks and attractions from the water.
- The cruise offers multiple tour durations, ranging from 1 hour to 3 hours, to accommodate different schedules and interests.
- The cruise departs and returns to the Old Port of Montreal, which is well-connected to the city’s public transportation and nearby attractions.
- The cruise is stroller-accessible and allows service animals, making it accessible for a wide range of travelers.
- While the cruise provides a smooth and comfortable ride, some passengers have found the narration and audio quality to be lacking.
Overview of the Bateau-Mouche Cruise
Exploring the city of Montreal from the water, the Bateau-Mouche sightseeing cruise provides visitors with an opportunity to admire the city’s top landmarks and attractions.
Offering multiple tour durations to accommodate different schedules, the cruise allows first-time visitors to get an introduction to the city.
Passengers can enjoy the smooth and comfortable ride while taking in views of Montreal’s iconic sights, such as the Old Port, Notre-Dame Basilica, and the Jacques Cartier Bridge.
With alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks available for purchase, the Bateau-Mouche cruise is a enjoyable way to explore Montreal from a unique perspective on the water.
Ready to set sail again? More boat adventures we've reviewed in Montreal
What’s Included in the Tour
The Bateau-Mouche sightseeing cruise in Montreal includes local taxes, as well as the option to purchase alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks during the tour.
The cruise provides an opportunity for first-time visitors to get an introduction to the city as they explore its top landmarks from the water.
Guests can choose from multiple tour durations to fit their schedule, allowing them to customize their sightseeing experience.
While the cruise isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed.
The cruise departs from and returns to the Old Port of Montreal, making it convenient for visitors to reach the meeting point using public transportation.
Meeting Point and End Point
The Bateau-Mouche sightseeing cruise departs from and returns to the Old Port of Montreal, making it convenient for visitors to reach the meeting point using public transportation.
The Old Port is well-connected to the city’s metro and bus systems, allowing travelers to easily access the cruise departure point.
Some key benefits of the centralized meeting location include:
- Proximity to other major attractions in the Old Port area
- Easy navigation for first-time visitors to the city
- Availability of nearby parking options for those driving
- Ample signage and directions to guide guests to the exact boarding location
Ultimately, the Bateau-Mouche’s departure and return point in the Old Port ensures a seamless start and end to the sightseeing experience.
Additional Tour Information
Travelers can enjoy a smooth, stroller-accessible cruise aboard the Bateau-Mouche, which accommodates a maximum of 30 guests and allows service animals.
The tour’s proximity to public transportation in the Old Port ensures convenience for first-time visitors seeking an introductory sightseeing experience.
Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and the tour ends back at the meeting point in the Old Port.
While the cruise may not offer extensive narration, it provides a comfortable way to explore Montreal’s top landmarks from the water.
Despite some negative reviews citing boredom and difficulty hearing the guide, the Bateau-Mouche remains a popular option for those looking to get an overview of the city.
Positive Aspects of the Cruise
Smooth and comfortable rides aboard the Bateau-Mouche allow visitors to relax and enjoy the sights of Montreal. Friendly staff members further enhance the cruise experience, providing helpful information to passengers.
The stroller-accessible design of the boat also makes the tour accessible for families with young children.
The positive aspects of the cruise include:
- A smooth and relaxing journey on the water
- Comfortable seating and amenities for passengers
- Knowledgeable and attentive staff
- An accessible experience for those with young children
- Old MONTREAL Walking Tour by FITZ MONTREAL
- Haunted Mount Royal
- Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour by Local Montreal Food Tours
- The MTL Detours Montreal Underground City + Downtown Tour
- 2 Hour Tour of Montreal in Vintage Convertible Cadillac + Murals in Le Plateau
- Full-Day Small-Group Montreal Tour With Pickup and a Local Taste
Negative Aspects of the Cruise
Despite the smooth ride and attentive staff, some passengers found the Bateau-Mouche cruise to be somewhat lacking in excitement, with limited narration and difficulty hearing the tour guide at times.
Several reviewers noted that the commentary provided during the tour was rather sparse, leaving them feeling uninformed about the landmarks and history of the city.
Plus, the audio quality of the guide’s narration was reported to be poor, making it challenging for guests to fully engage with the experience.
While the cruise offered a relaxing and comfortable way to see Montreal from the water, some visitors were hoping for a more immersive and informative sightseeing tour.
Scheduling and Duration Options
The Bateau-Mouche offers flexible scheduling, with multiple tour durations to accommodate visitors’ needs and preferences.
Passengers can choose from:
- A 1-hour tour
- A 1.5-hour tour
- A 2-hour tour
- A 3-hour tour
These options allow travelers to select the length of cruise that best fits their itinerary and interests.
Whether you have a tight schedule or want to fully learn about the city’s waterfront sights, the Bateau-Mouche has a tour duration to suit your plans. This variety ensures that first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike can enjoy a sightseeing adventure tailored to their desired experience.
Who Should Consider the Tour
First-time visitors to Montreal would find the Bateau-Mouche sightseeing cruise an ideal way to get acquainted with the city’s landmarks and waterfront. Whether seeking a quick introduction or a more immersive experience, travelers can select from the various tour durations to suit their schedules and interests.
The cruise offers a smooth and comfortable ride, allowing passengers to enjoy the views from the water without the hassle of navigating the city streets. With knowledgeable staff on hand to provide commentary, the tour provides an engaging and informative overview of Montreal’s history and attractions.
Even for repeat visitors, the Bateau-Mouche cruise can offer a fresh perspective and a relaxing way to explore the city’s iconic waterfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Do the Bateau-Mouche Cruises Operate?
The Bateau-Mouche cruises typically operate daily, with multiple departures throughout the day to accommodate visitors’ schedules. The frequency of the cruises may vary depending on the season and demand, but they’re generally available for sightseeing throughout the year.
Is Photography Allowed During the Cruise?
Yes, photography is generally allowed during the sightseeing cruise. Passengers can capture views of the city’s landmarks and scenery from the boat. However, some restrictions may apply, so it’s best to check with the cruise operators beforehand.
Are There Any Discounts Available for the Tour?
The Bateau-Mouche Sightseeing Cruise in Montreal offers discounts for seniors, students, and children. Plus, there are package deals available that combine the cruise with other attractions in the city. Customers should inquire about any current promotions or discounts when booking their tickets.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?
No, passengers cannot bring their own food and drinks on the cruise. The cruise offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks for purchase. Outside food and drinks are not permitted on the vessel.
Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?
The tour is available in multiple languages, including English and French. Travelers can check the website or inquire at the time of booking to confirm the language options offered for their preferred tour date and time.
Recap
The Bateau-Mouche Sightseeing Cruise in Montreal offers a relaxing way to explore the city’s waterfront and landmarks. Its accessibility features and flexible schedule make it a suitable choice for families and those with special needs.
While the tour lacks detailed commentary, it provides a great introduction to the city for first-time visitors looking to enjoy the scenic views at their own pace.
More Boat Tours & Cruises in Montreal
- From Montreal: Full-Day Tour of Quebec City With Cruise
- Montreal: Evening Cruise With DJ and Dance Floor
- Montreal: Weekend Brunch Cruise on the St. Lawrence
- Montreal: Electric Boat Cruise With Onboard Drinks
- Montreal: AURA Experience at Notre-Dame Basilica and Cruise
- Montreal: Bateau-Mouche Cruise With a La Carte Dinner Option
More Tour Reviews in Montreal
Not for you? Here's more things to do in Montreal we have recnetly reviewed
- 2 Best Tours In Mont Tremblant Quebec
- 2 Best Craft Beer Tours And Tastings In Montreal
- 5 Best Dining Experiences In Montreal
- 4 Best Dinner Tours In Montreal
- 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Montreal
- 4 Best 2 Day Tours In Montreal
- 5 Best 3 Day Tours In Montreal
- 3 Best Lunch Experiences In Montreal
- 4 Best Full-Day Tours In Montreal
- 7 Best Photography Experiences In Montreal
- 20 Best Food Tours In Montreal
- 25 Best Tours In Montreal