If you’re dreaming of a relaxing yet lively way to enjoy Québec City’s stunning views, the Québec City: 2-Hour Cocktail & DJ Evening Cruise might just be what you’re after. While I haven’t experienced it myself, I’ve gathered enough details and traveler insights to give you a clear picture of what to expect. Think of it as a chance to sip a refreshing cocktail, dance to good music, and see the city’s illuminated skyline all from the comfort of the St. Lawrence River.
What really appeals to me about this cruise is the combination of a scenic water journey and a festive atmosphere. The inclusion of a complimentary drink is a nice touch, and the presence of a talented DJ means the vibe could be pretty upbeat. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that the views might not be as comprehensive as some land-based tours—according to a few reviews, sightlines can be limited and there’s no option to choose your drinks. Still, for a relaxed evening out, it’s a unique way to see Québec City from a different angle.
This experience will suit travelers who enjoy social outings, live music, and scenic water views, especially if you’re visiting during the summer months when the weather’s warm enough to enjoy being outdoors on the boat’s terrace. If you’re traveling with friends, a partner, or even flying solo and looking to mingle, this cruise offers a lively, memorable way to spend an evening.
Key Points
- Vibrant atmosphere with a live DJ and outdoor dance floor
- Beautiful views of Québec City’s illuminated skyline
- Complimentary cocktail included in the ticket price
- Duration of 2 hours makes it a perfect short evening escape
- Rain or shine operation, with an enclosed area for comfort
- Suitable for travelers who enjoy music, socializing, and scenic water views
What’s the Experience Like?

When you hop aboard the AML Cruises boat, you’re stepping onto what’s described as the only floating terrace in Québec City—a pretty neat detail, especially if you’re looking for something more memorable than just a regular boat ride. The cruise runs mostly in the evenings, usually around sunset, giving you the chance to see the city’s famous skyline glow as night falls.
The boat’s outdoor terrace is the main hub for relaxing with your included refreshing cocktail. The drinks are typically pre-selected, but for those who love a good vibe, the real highlight is the live DJ. They play a variety of tracks that keep the energy lively, perfect for dancing if you’re in the mood. The onboard bar and bistro can also serve additional drinks and bites, although these aren’t included in the ticket price, so plan accordingly.
The scenery from the water is truly impressive. You’ll get to see Québec City’s historic skyline, illuminated and shimmering on the river’s surface. While some reviews noted that views from the boat aren’t always perfect—especially if you’re standing on the less sheltered side—most agree that the overall effect is quite beautiful, particularly when the city lights are twinkling.
For broader city exploration in Quebec City, we've covered these other tours
What’s Included and What’s Not

Your ticket covers a 2-hour cruise, a complimentary drink, and the live DJ that fuels the atmosphere. These elements combine to make for an engaging evening that feels both relaxed and festive. It’s worth noting that food and additional drinks aren’t included, so if you’re hungry or want more to drink, you’ll need to pay extra.
Since the cruise operates rain or shine, it’s good to be prepared for whatever weather. The boat features an enclosed area, so you can still enjoy the vibe even if the skies open up. Remember, cash isn’t accepted onboard—only credit cards are allowed, which is pretty standard these days but worth noting if you prefer paying with cash.
Parking can be tricky during peak season due to heavy traffic, so public transportation or arriving early is recommended. The cruise’s departure point is well-situated but can be busy, so plan accordingly.
A Closer Look at the Reviews

Traveler feedback offers useful insights. One reviewer, Fatemehossadat, was very satisfied, calling it “perfect,” but pointed out a discrepancy in pricing—they paid $70 per person, even though the advertised price was $50. That’s something to be aware of; pricing online might not always match what you pay on the spot.
Another traveler, Bertrand, gave a more moderate review—“not much to see from the boat,” and mentioned there’s no choice of cocktails or drinks on board. Despite that, they still enjoyed the experience, highlighting that the fun atmosphere and dancing compensated for the limited views.
A French guest raved about the “great atmosphere” and said they “danced the night away,” which suggests the DJ and lively crowd really do bring energy to the evening.
Overall, most reviews emphasize the scenic views, friendly crew, and festive vibe, though some mention the limited scope of the scenery or the fixed drink options as minor drawbacks.
Who Should Consider This Cruise?
If you’re looking for a fun, social experience that combines scenic city views with music and a relaxed drink, this cruise hits the mark. It’s especially good for those who enjoy an easygoing evening and want to see Québec City’s skyline from the water.
However, if you’re someone who prefers a more comprehensive sightseeing tour or wants a wide variety of drinks and food options, this might not meet all your expectations. It’s best suited for travelers who are happy with a short, lively cruise and don’t mind a limited view or fixed drink choices.
More Great Tours NearbyPractical Details: What You Need to Know

- Duration: 2 hours, usually in the evening
- Price: $50 per person, but be aware of possible on-site price differences
- Language: Tours are conducted in both French and English
- Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users
- Reservations: You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- What to bring: Just your credit card for onboard purchases
- Weather: Operates rain or shine, with an enclosed area onboard
- Parking: Likely limited, so public transportation is recommended
Enjoy being on the water? Here are other boat experiences we've looked into in Quebec City
FAQs
Is the cruise suitable for families with children? The experience is geared more toward adults, especially since it’s a lively party atmosphere with dancing and music. It’s not specifically designed for kids, and the cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Can I bring my own drinks or food? No, food and additional drinks are not allowed onboard, but a complimentary cocktail is included with your ticket.
Are there options to choose different cocktails? The drinks are pre-selected and included in your ticket price. There’s no mention of a drink menu selection.
What if the weather is bad? The cruise operates rain or shine, with an enclosed area for passengers’ comfort. Just check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.
How long in advance should I book? Since you can reserve and pay later, booking early is wise to secure your spot, especially during busy summer months.
Is there parking available? Parking can be difficult and crowded during peak seasons, so public transport or early arrival is recommended.
Is this experience suitable for solo travelers? Absolutely. The lively atmosphere and dancing make it easy to meet people and enjoy the evening.
What’s the best time of year to go? Summer evenings are ideal—warm weather enhances the outdoor terrace experience, though the cruise runs in the evening, so check the schedule.
How much does the experience cost? At $50 per person, it’s a good value considering the scenic views, live music, and drinks included, though extras on board are additional.
Québec City: 2-Hour Cocktail & DJ Evening Cruise
Final Thoughts
This Québec City: 2-Hour Cocktail & DJ Evening Cruise offers a relaxed yet lively way to experience the city’s beauty from the water. The combination of stunning skyline views, energetic music, and a complimentary cocktail makes it a popular choice for a summer night out. While it’s not a comprehensive sightseeing tour or a gourmet dining experience, it excels at creating a fun, social atmosphere that’s perfect for those wanting to unwind and soak in the city’s charm.
If you’re after a memorable, easygoing evening that blends scenic beauty with a festive vibe, this cruise is worth considering. Just keep in mind the minor limitations—such as view constraints and fixed drinks—and you’ll have a good sense of whether this experience fits your travel style.
In essence, this cruise suits travelers who want a casual, enjoyable evening with a view, some dancing, and a drink in hand. It’s less about in-depth sightseeing and more about having a good time on the water with friends or loved ones.
You can check availability for your dates here:More City Tours in Quebec City
- Quebec City: Historic District Walking Tour (2h)
- Half-Day Trip to Montmorency Falls and Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré from Quebec city
- Quebec City: Sunset Ice Canoe Experience with Sauna
- Quebec City: Old Quebec Historical Walking Tour
- Quebec City Scenic Walking Tour
- Quebec City: Old Quebec 5-Course Gourmet Food Tour
More Boat Tours & Cruises in Quebec City
More Tour Reviews in Quebec City
- Quebec City: Historic District Walking Tour (2h)
- Half-Day Trip to Montmorency Falls and Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré from Quebec city
- Quebec City: Sunset Ice Canoe Experience with Sauna
- Quebec: La Citadelle de Québec Ticket and Guided Tour
- Quebec City: Old Quebec Historical Walking Tour
- Quebec City Scenic Walking Tour
More Quebec City experiences we've covered
- Québec City: 2-Hour Cocktail & DJ Evening Cruise
- Half-Day Trip to Montmorency Falls and Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré from Quebec city
- Quebec City: Sunset Ice Canoe Experience with Sauna
- Quebec: La Citadelle de Québec Ticket and Guided Tour
- Quebec City: Old Quebec Historical Walking Tour
- Quebec City Scenic Walking Tour
- Quebec City: Old Quebec 5-Course Gourmet Food Tour
- Quebec Interactive Street Theatre: “Crimes in New France”
- Quebec City: Jacques-Cartier National Park Snowshoeing Tour
- Old Québec & French Canada Private History Walking Tour
- Guided cruise to discover Orleans Island and Quebec City
- Old Quebec City Private Walking Tour : History and Nature
