Montreal: AURA Experience at Notre-Dame Basilica and Cruise

If you’re planning a trip to Montréal and looking for a way to see the city from a different angle while soaking in some impressive art and architecture, this tour might be just what you need. It combines a scenic river cruise with a mesmerizing AURA light and music show inside the Notre-Dame Basilica. While I haven’t taken it myself, I’ve gathered plenty of honest insights to help you decide if it’s right for you.

What I like most about this experience is how it offers two very different perspectives of Montréal. The river cruise lets you admire the city’s waterfront and landmarks like the Jacques Cartier Bridge and Olympic Stadium from the water, which is always a special way to see a city. Then, stepping into the Basilica for the AURA experience elevates the visit with a stunning multimedia show that highlights the intricate Gothic Revival architecture with dynamic light and sound.

One thing to keep in mind is that this experience is somewhat segmented—there’s the cruise, which is about an hour and a half, and the AURA show, which lasts around 45 minutes. It’s a full but manageable chunk of your day. Also, while the price of $71 per person isn’t cheap, many reviews suggest it’s good value considering the uniqueness and quality of the experience. This tour is best suited for those who love art, architecture, and scenic city views, and who appreciate a bit of multimedia spectacle.

Key Points

• Unique combination of outdoor cruise and indoor light show provides a well-rounded way to experience Montréal.
• Expert bilingual guides add context and stories, enriching your understanding of the city.
• The scenic cruise offers beautiful views of Montréal’s waterfront and landmarks.
• The AURA experience transforms the Notre-Dame Basilica into a visual and auditory masterpiece.
• The tour lasts roughly 1.5 hours, making it a compact but memorable activity.
• Cost-to-value ratio seems favorable, with reviewers noting it exceeds expectations for the price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Montréal River Cruise

Starting at the historic Old Port of Montréal, the river cruise is an excellent way to see some of the city’s most iconic sights. The boat departs from the Grand Quay pier in Old Montréal, a neighborhood renowned for its European charm, cobblestone streets, and vibrant atmosphere. The departure point’s location makes it easy to combine with other explorations in the area.

During the cruise, you’ll glide past landmarks such as Biosphere, La Ronde, and the Olympic Stadium. The boat’s outdoor decks provide panoramic views—a key feature for lovers of scenic photography or those wanting a broad perspective of Montréal’s skyline. The guide, who speaks both French and English, offers lively commentary that makes the landmarks come alive with history and fun facts, giving you a deeper appreciation for what you’re seeing.

The cruise lasts about 90 minutes, giving enough time to relax, take photos, and enjoy the vistas without feeling rushed. Many reviews highlight the informative guides and the beautiful city views, especially as the boat cruises past illuminated landmarks in the evening.

If you’re hungry or thirsty, the onboard bistro serves snacks and beverages, including cocktails and non-alcoholic options. This makes it a comfortable and laid-back experience, whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or in a small group.

Why the River Cruise Matters

This part of the tour is particularly valuable because it allows you to appreciate Montréal’s waterfront and architectural diversity from a vantage point that’s hard to beat. The gentle glide along the water creates a peaceful contrast to the city’s hustle. We loved the way the guide’s stories made each sight meaningful, and many travelers mention the stunning city views when the lights come on at dusk.

The AURA Experience at Notre-Dame Basilica

After the cruise, it’s time to step into the Notre-Dame Basilica—a neo-Gothic masterpiece that has long been a symbol of Montréal. When you enter, you’ll notice the stunning architecture, but the real highlight is the AURA show. This multimedia spectacle lasts about 45 minutes and transforms the Basilica into a canvas for light and music.

Set on one of the most beautiful interiors you could imagine, the AURA experience uses dynamic light projections that dance across the walls, ceilings, and religious artworks. Accompanied by orchestral music, it’s a powerful way to see the Basilica’s architecture and artistic details in a new light. Many reviews praise this for being visually stunning and emotionally moving, with some saying it made the Basilica feel like a living, breathing artwork.

The show’s four-act format takes you through different themes, highlighting the Basilica’s craftsmanship and spiritual essence. Since the experience isn’t guided, you’ll want to pay close attention to the visuals and music, which together create an immersive universe that’s both beautiful and thought-provoking.

Practical Tips for Visiting AURA

The ticket for the AURA experience is included in the tour price, and you can use it anytime in 2025 without needing a reservation. It’s a flexible setup that lets you enjoy the show at your preferred time, adding to the convenience. The entry process is straightforward—you’ll receive a voucher to access it, and there are no guided narrations, so it’s more about experiencing the visuals yourself.

Some reviews mention wishing they could sit in the front for a better view, but overall, people find the show absolutely worth the visit, especially considering the cost compared to other cultural experiences.

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Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy a mix of outdoor scenery and indoor artistry. It’s especially suited to culture enthusiasts, first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of Montréal, or anyone looking for a romantic or memorable activity in the city. If you’re traveling with someone who appreciates architecture, art, or music, you’ll find plenty to love here.

It’s less suited for those with mobility or wheelchair needs, as the Basilica isn’t accessible for wheelchairs, and the tour doesn’t specify accommodations for such visitors. Also, if you’re not a fan of multimedia shows or are expecting a guided experience inside the Basilica, keep in mind that the AURA is more about visual spectacle than narration.

Final thoughts

This combination tour offers a nicely balanced look at Montréal’s beauty from the water and from within a stunning church. It’s a great way to see the city’s key landmarks while enjoying a captivating multimedia art show. For around $71, many travelers find it to be a worthwhile investment in their trip, especially given the reviews praising the expert guides and beautiful views.

If you’re after a relaxing, visually impressive activity that combines outdoor sightseeing with an indoor artistic highlight, this tour delivers. It’s particularly fitting for those who want a flexible, well-organized experience that captures the spirit of Montréal’s history, architecture, and vibrant culture.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour isn’t explicitly marketed as family-friendly, children who enjoy scenic boat rides and visual shows might find it engaging. However, the Basilica’s interior and the multimedia AURA show might be more appreciated by older kids and adults.

Do I need to make a reservation for the AURA experience?
No, you don’t need to reserve separately. You’ll receive a voucher at the ticket office that’s valid throughout 2025, and no reservation is necessary for the show itself.

What language is the tour guide available in?
The guide is bilingual, offering commentary in both French and English.

How long does the entire experience last?
The river cruise lasts about 1.5 hours, and the AURA show takes approximately 45 minutes.

Can I buy food or drinks during the cruise?
Yes, onboard the boat, there is a bar and bistro offering beverages and light snacks, including non-alcoholic options and cocktails.

Is parking available nearby?
Yes, the Grand Quays paid lot can accommodate up to 250 vehicles, with bicycle parking and electric charging stations. Other paid parking lots are close by, and more info can be found on the Old Port website.

Is this experience accessible for wheelchairs?
The tour does not specify wheelchair accessibility, and generally, the Basilica may not be fully accessible.

What’s the best time to enjoy this tour?
Many reviews mention the beauty of the illuminated city views and the Basilica at dusk or evening, making those times especially appealing.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers the 1.5-hour river cruise, the expert bilingual guide, and your entry to the AURA show. Food, drinks, and parking are not included.

All in all, if you’re keen to combine scenic views with art and architecture in Montréal, this tour offers a well-rounded experience that’s both enjoyable and memorable.

You can check availability for your dates here: