Montréal: Weekend River Brunch Cruise

Imagine gliding along the St. Lawrence River, brunch in hand, with Montreal’s skyline and iconic landmarks passing by. That’s exactly what the Montréal: Weekend River Brunch Cruise offers—an inviting blend of scenic cruising, local cuisine, and engaging commentary. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or just looking for a relaxing way to see the city, this cruise checks many boxes.

What we love about this experience is the promise of stunning panoramas of Montreal from the water and a delicious 3-course brunch made with local ingredients. Plus, the knowledgeable bilingual guide adds depth to the cruise, bringing the city’s stories to life. A potential consideration? The boat isn’t wheelchair accessible, so it might not suit everyone with mobility needs. Still, it’s perfect for families, couples, or anyone wanting a peaceful, scenic break from busy city streets.

This cruise appeals most to those who enjoy good food paired with scenic views and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s also a great choice for visitors wanting a different perspective on Montreal’s historic and modern sights without the hassle of walking or public transport. For anyone seeking a family-friendly outing or a romantic morning, it offers a memorable, well-rounded experience.

Key Points

• Breathtaking views: Pass under Jacques Cartier Bridge and see Montreal’s skyline from the water.
• Locally sourced cuisine: A carefully crafted 3-course brunch featuring regional ingredients.
• Expert commentary: Learn about Montreal’s landmarks and history from a passionate bilingual guide.
• Relaxed atmosphere: Enjoy the sun on the floating terrace while soaking up the scenery.
• Great value: At $72 per person, the experience combines sightseeing, a quality meal, and attentive service.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for children, with a kid’s menu, but not wheelchair accessible.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Scenic and Tasty Journey on Montreal’s Water

The Montréal: Weekend River Brunch Cruise offers a delightful way to see the city from a different angle—on the water, with a good meal, and in a relaxed setting. The experience typically lasts about 2.5 hours, beginning with an hour of brunch service onboard, followed by a 1.5-hour scenic cruise. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a little of everything—gorgeous views, history, and delicious regional food—all wrapped into one.

The Itinerary: How the Day Unfolds

The experience kicks off with boarding at the dock around 10:30 a.m., where you’ll check in at the ticket booth and settle in for the brunch. The boat departs at 11:30 a.m. for the cruise itself. During the first hour, you’ll indulge in a 3-course brunch, expertly prepared onboard by the ship’s chef using locally sourced ingredients. The menu features a variety of dishes catering to different tastes, including options for kids, vegans, and those with special dietary needs—just be sure to inform your server if you have allergies or specific preferences.

Once the meal concludes, the boat heads along the river, passing notable landmarks like Old Port, the Biosphere, and the impressive Jacques Cartier Bridge. The bilingual guide shares stories about Montreal’s history, culture, and architecture, enriching the visual feast. The cruise offers panoramic views, especially from the outdoor terrace, where you can soak up the sun and snap photos.

The Food: More Than Just a Meal

The menu is a highlight for many travelers. It features a variety of options, from gourmet casseroles with eggs, potatoes, and cheese curds to sweet waffles topped with maple syrup and berries. There’s also a Terroir Omelette made with Le Canotier cheese from L’Isle-aux-Grues, emphasizing the regional focus.

Reviews point out the quality of the food: “The food was absolutely amazing,” says Jennifer, and others echo this sentiment. Several mention that the brunch is both delicious and plentiful, making the cruise good value for the price. The inclusion of coffee, tea, and orange juice rounds out the meal, so you’re set for the scenic part of the cruise.

Views and Landmarks: A Photographer’s Dream

The highlight for most is the spectacular scenery. From the boat, you’ll see the Montreal skyline, with its blend of historic and modern buildings. Passing under the Jacques Cartier Bridge—a Montreal icon—is a memorable moment. The cruise also offers views of Old Montreal, the Biosphere, and other prominent sites, providing a fresh perspective that’s both relaxing and visually arresting.

According to reviews, even if you don’t get much narration, the peaceful cruise with beautiful views compensates. One traveler noted, “The tour was more of a river ride than a guided tour,” but appreciated the delicious brunch and the scenery nonetheless.

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The Guide and Commentary

The bilingual guide provides commentary on the landmarks and history, adding educational value to the experience. While some reviews note that the narration isn’t constant or that certain sections are quieter, most agree that the guide’s insights enhance the overall outing. The commentary covers Montreal’s history and highlights, making the cruise educational as well as scenic.

Comfort and Practicalities

The boat features a floating terrace where you can lounge in the sun or enjoy the views. However, it isn’t wheelchair accessible, due to the boat’s decks not accommodating mobility devices. This is an important consideration for travelers with specific mobility needs. The boat departs from the Old Port of Montreal and the parking options are straightforward, with a paid lot nearby and other spots accessible as detailed by the Old Port website.

The schedule is fixed, with boarding at 10:30 a.m., brunch starting at 11:30 a.m., and the cruise concluding around 1 p.m. It’s best suited to morning or early afternoon travelers, giving you plenty of time to explore other parts of Montreal afterward.

Pricing and Value

At $72 per person, this cruise offers a combination of scenic sightseeing and a quality meal that many reviews regard as excellent value. The signature upgrade provides VIP perks like priority boarding, window seating, and a chilled mimosa—well worth considering if you want a bit more comfort and exclusivity.

While some mention that the views aren’t the most dramatic compared to other cruises, most agree that the combination of food, scenery, and commentary makes it a worthwhile morning activity.

Who Should Consider This Cruise?

This experience is ideal for families with children, thanks to the kids’ menu and the relaxed environment. It suits romantic couples seeking a peaceful, scenic outing, or groups of friends looking for a unique way to enjoy Montreal’s waterfront. If you’re a food lover eager to sample regional ingredients and dishes, the brunch menu will satisfy. However, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility challenges, due to accessibility constraints.

Final thoughts

The Montréal: Weekend River Brunch Cruise offers a well-rounded experience—combining stellar views of the city, delicious regional cuisine, and engaging local stories. It’s a smart choice for those wanting to see Montreal from a different perspective without the hustle of walking tours or bus rides. The price reflects good value considering the quality of the meal and the scenic cruise.

This experience shines brightest when you enjoy good food, good company, and a leisurely cruise. If that sounds like your idea of a perfect morning in Montreal, it’s definitely worth setting sail.

FAQ

What is included in the price of the cruise?
The $72 ticket covers a 3-course brunch, tea, coffee, and orange juice, a 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise, bilingual commentary, and tips.

How long does the entire experience last?
The full experience runs about 2.5 hours—roughly one hour for brunch and 1.5 hours for the cruise itself.

Is there a VIP option available?
Yes, upgrading to the Signature brunch grants priority boarding, window seating, and a chilled mimosa (non-alcoholic options available).

Where do I meet for the cruise?
You’ll pick up your tickets at the ticket booth at the Old Port of Montreal before boarding. The dock is located in the historic Old Port area, with parking available nearby.

Is the boat accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, the boat is not wheelchair accessible due to its multiple decks.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, you should inform your server if you have food allergies or specific diet preferences like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free.

What are the departure times?
Boarding begins at 10:30 a.m. with brunch starting at 11:30 a.m., and the cruise concludes around 1 p.m.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for your travel plans.

This Montreal brunch cruise combines scenic beauty, regional flavors, and local storytelling into a relaxing morning that’s perfect for a variety of travelers. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a scenic, delicious way to see Montreal, it’s an experience that’s worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: