Montréal: Weekend River Brunch Cruise

Taking part in a weekend river brunch cruise along the St. Lawrence in Montréal offers a pretty appealing way to combine sightseeing, good eats, and some leisurely downtime. It’s a popular activity among visitors and locals alike, with a solid rating of 4.3 out of 5 from nearly 300 reviews, which suggests most folks find it worthwhile.

What makes this experience stand out? For starters, the breathtaking panoramic views of Montréal and its landmarks are a big hit. Plus, the delicious 3-course brunch prepared with locally sourced ingredients gets high marks, especially from those who appreciate quality food in a relaxed setting. On the flip side, some travelers note that the narration can be quiet or missing altogether, which might be disappointing if you’re expecting a fully guided tour.

This cruise is generally well-suited for those seeking a laid-back, scenic outing that combines refreshing views with tasty food. It’s family-friendly enough, especially with a kids’ menu, but keep in mind that the boat isn’t wheelchair accessible due to its multiple decks. If you’re after a casual, enjoyable way to see Montréal from the water without a hefty price tag, this trip could be right up your alley.

Key Points

• Great views of Montréal landmarks like the Old Port and Jacques Cartier Bridge
• Delicious, locally-inspired 3-course brunch available with optional VIP upgrades
• Bilingual commentary that adds context without overwhelming
• Relaxed, family-friendly experience lasting about 2.5 hours
• Good value for the price of $72 per person
• Limited accessibility, not suitable for wheelchair users

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Montréal Weekend River Brunch Cruise

If you’re planning to fit this into your Montréal itinerary, here’s what you’ll likely experience. The cruise is split into two main parts: a one-hour brunch and a 1.5-hour scenic cruise along the river.

The Brunch: More Than Just a Meal

The experience kicks off at 10:30 a.m., when you’ll head to the ticket booth at the Old Port. After checking in, you’ll be directed to the boat’s dining area on one of the decks. The brunch service starts promptly, offering a three-course meal prepared onboard by the chef using local ingredients. The menu offers a variety of options, including pastries, Greek yogurt with berries, and a selection of main courses that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.

Several reviews praise the food as “absolutely amazing,” with some mentioning that it feels quite elegant and satisfying. The menu features dishes such as gourmet casseroles, veggie options, and even vegan choices, making it pretty accessible. Kids aren’t forgotten either—they get a simple but tasty meal with scrambled eggs, bacon, and fruit. The dessert, a profiterole duo with chocolate, is a sweet way to end the meal.

Scenic Cruise: Sights and Stories

After the meal, the boat departs for a 1.5-hour cruise along the St. Lawrence River. During this time, a bilingual guide shares stories about the city’s history, landmarks, and culture. Passengers can enjoy stunning views of the Montréal skyline, including the Biosphere, Old Port, and the Jacques Cartier Bridge.

While many reviews mention the beautiful scenery, some note that the commentary can be faint or not audible at times. For example, one reviewer mentioned that they “did not hear the guide,” which could be frustrating if you’re hoping for a narrated tour. Still, even without a detailed narration, the views alone are impressive enough for most people.

The Floating Terrace & Final Moments

One of the highlights is the outdoor terrace where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the fresh air after eating. It’s a perfect spot for photos, and many reviews mention how the cruise offers “different outlooks” on Montréal, with some adding that it’s a romantic and scenic way to spend a Sunday morning.

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Signature Upgrades & Extras

For those wanting a more premium experience, the Signature brunch upgrade offers priority boarding, a chilled mimosa (or non-alcoholic beverage), and guaranteed window seating. The extra cost might be worth it if you’re after the best views and a touch of luxury.

The Practical Side: Pricing, Duration, and Logistics

At $72 per person, this cruise is a fair price considering the delicious meal, scenic views, and relaxed atmosphere. The entire experience lasts about 2.5 hours, starting with brunch at 10:30 a.m., followed by the cruise until around 12:50 p.m.

Getting there is straightforward—participants should pick up their tickets at the ticket booth before boarding. Parking is available at the nearby Grand Quays paid lot, which can accommodate up to 250 vehicles, including spaces for those with reduced mobility, bicycles, and electric charging stations. You’ll need to arrive a bit early to find your spot and get settled.

Accessibility & Considerations

It’s worth noting that the boat isn’t wheelchair accessible because of its design with multiple decks. If mobility is a concern, this might not be the ideal activity. Also, pets, smoking, and outside food and drinks are not allowed onboard.

What Travelers Say

Most reviews speak highly of the friendly staff, high-quality food, and stunning views. Many find the cruise to be a great value, especially when upgrading to the signature package. However, a few mention that the narration can be quiet or absent, which could detract from those hoping for more storytelling.

One reviewer from the United States said, “The food and crew/staff/service were all amazing! A must activity/event for locals and visitors,” emphasizing how much people enjoy the combination of scenery and good eats. Others appreciated the variety on the menu, with some noting the generous portions and flavorful dishes.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This cruise appeals most to travelers looking for a relaxed, scenic outing that offers good food and great views. It’s suitable for couples, small groups, or families (with children who can manage the boat’s decks). If you’re after an engaging guided tour with lots of narration, this might fall a little short, as some reviews mention quiet moments or limited commentary.

It’s also a good choice for those wanting a taste of Montréal’s skyline and landmarks from the water, especially if you enjoy a leisurely brunch as part of your sightseeing. The upgraded signature package is perfect if you want a bit more exclusivity and panoramic views.

Final Thoughts

The Montréal Weekend River Brunch Cruise offers an enjoyable way to combine good food and scenic views in a relaxed setting. While it’s not a full-blown guided tour—some wish for more narration—the stunning vistas of Montréal from the water make it a rewarding experience. The quality of the food, especially the locally inspired dishes, often exceeds expectations, making it a good value for the price.

This cruise is best for those who appreciate a laid-back, scenic outing and don’t mind the slight limitations in accessibility or narration. It’s a solid choice for couples, friends, or families wanting a memorable morning on the St. Lawrence, with the bonus of enjoying Montréal’s skyline and landmarks in a cozy, friendly atmosphere.

Is there a guide during the cruise?
Yes, the cruise includes bilingual commentary, but some reviewers mention that the narration can be quiet or not audible enough, so don’t expect a full guided experience.

How long does the cruise last?
The entire experience lasts about 2.5 hours, including a one-hour brunch and a 1.5-hour scenic cruise.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers a 3-course brunch, tea, coffee, orange juice, a 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise, and tips.

Can I upgrade for a better experience?
Yes, the signature upgrade offers priority boarding, a chilled mimosa, and guaranteed window seating—worth considering if you want the best views.

Is parking available nearby?
Yes, the Grand Quays lot can accommodate up to 250 vehicles, and other paid parking options are nearby. Be sure to arrive early.

Is the boat accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, the boat isn’t wheelchair accessible due to its multiple decks.

Can children participate?
Yes, children can enjoy the experience, especially with the kids’ menu available. It’s family-friendly, but keep in mind the boat’s decks aren’t suited for strollers or wheelchair users.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID and a credit card—cash is not accepted onboard.

Are pets allowed on the cruise?
No, pets are not permitted on the boat.

If you’re looking for a peaceful, scenic way to see Montréal from the water with the bonus of tasty local food, this cruise might just fit the bill. It’s a nice balance of sightseeing and relaxing, perfect for those who want a memorable morning without any fuss.

You can check availability for your dates here: