Montreal History Guided Sightseeing Cruise

Montreal, Canada

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Booked 5+ times last week!

1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
Offered in: English

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Overview

Enjoy a relaxing way to sightsee and admire some of Montreal's top sights on this narrated cruise along the St. Lawrence River. Travel aboard a vessel that's complete with sunny terraces and a glass-enclosed dining area, passing area landmarks including the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, the Biosphere, the Olympic Stadium, and the scenic shoreline. Along the way, hear tales about the city’s founding and rich history.

Learn insider facts and stories from your bilingual guide
Admire views of the Montreal skyline from the St. Lawrence River
Enjoy an efficient yet relaxing way to explore the city sights
Book a happy hour tour to enjoy an included beverage

What's Included

Glide along the St. Lawrence for 1.5 hour guided cruise and uncover a new side of Montréal.
Take in the Old Port, Biosphere, Olympic Stadium, Jacques Cartier Bridge, and more.
Delight in engaging and insightful commentary from our expert bilingual guide
Audioguide also available in 8 languages
Happy Hour 4pm cruise only : 1 drink for 13 years old and over (alcoholic for adults)
Local taxes and fees

Gratuities
Food and drinks
Parking

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

200 R. de la Commune O, Montréal, QC H2Y 0B8, Canada
Parking may be limited and traffic heavy. We recommend using public transport or arriving early. Please present yourself 30 minutes before the departure in front of the Croisieres AML ticket office on the dock; to pick up your physical ticket (required for boarding). Boats leave on time.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Discover the beautiful river landscapes and rich history of Montreal during this cruise along the St. Lawrence River.

Start your trip from the city’s riverfront in either the morning or afternoon. Then cast off for your river ride, journeying 22 miles (35 kilometers) along the river near Montreal. During your cruise, pass famous city sights including the islands of Boucherville, Jacques-Cartier Bridge, the Biosphere, the Olympic Park, and the city’s picturesque shoreline.

Make sure to also take advantage of all that your ship, the AML Cavalier Maxim, has to offer during your voyage. Enjoy some sunbathing on the ship’s al fresco terraces, or step inside if you need to warm up in the glass-enclosed dining area. An array of food and drinks is available for purchase at the on-board café.

At the end of your ride, return to the pier, having gained a new perspective on the city of Montreal.

Croisieres AML

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Old Port of Montreal (Pass By)

St. Lawrence River (Pass By)

Pont Jacques-Cartier (Pass By)

La Ronde (Pass By)

Biosphere (Pass By)

Olympic Park (Parc olympique) (Pass By)

Parc Des Iles de Boucherville (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
Boarding will start approximately 30 minutes before departure time. Boats depart on time, so please plan accordingly

Live commentaries in French and English. Audio guides available in: French, English, Italian, Spanish, German, Mandarin, Japanese and Korean
Cruises operate rain or shine unless weather conditions pose a safety risk to passengers
Please note that the temperature on the water can get cooler than on land, so please dress accordingly
For personal expenses, only credit card payments are accepted on board (cash not available)
Happy Hour Cruise only: guests (age 13+) receive a free drink
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 300 travelers

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Kenny_E

The cruise, guidance and staff were very kind. Totally recommended. I enjoyed the views of the Clock Tower, the Biosphere, La Ronde Park., La Rue de Montreal. And also learn a thing or two about the city with the great guide we had. Beautiful experience.

Reviews

3.7

based on 363 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Great way to see Montreal!

Ajla_A, Oct 2025

The cruise was a great way to sightsee, especially with the changing foliage and to learn some of the history of the city.

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Hello, Thank you for your kind words! It’s wonderful to hear the cruise offered an enjoyable and informative way to explore the city. We hope to welcome you on board again soon! – The Croisières AML Team

Great way to see the St...

Michelle_S, Oct 2025

Great way to see the St Lawrence, views of Montreal and Old Port. Informative, relaxing, beautiful sights!

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Hello, Thank you for your lovely review! We’re delighted you enjoyed discovering Montréal and the Old Port from the St. Lawrence River. It’s always a pleasure to know our guests appreciated both the views and the relaxing atmosphere on board. We look forward to welcoming you again for another great cruise. - The Croisières AML Team

Viator Must Provide More Info for Excursions

Adelina_C, Oct 2025

Viator should give more information about whether or not travellers were able to buy brunch on the 11:30 am boat ride. We didn't know and had brunch elsewhere.

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Hello, Thank you for your comment. We understand how important it is to have clear information when planning your outing. For our cruises without a meal, food and beverages are available for purchase directly on board, while certain departures also offer meal options. We encourage guests to check the details on our official website or contact us directly for the most accurate information before their cruise. We hope you still enjoyed your time on the river and that we’ll have the pleasure of welcoming you back soon. – The Croisières AML Team

Excellent way to see Montreal

Kelly_G, Oct 2025

Excellent commentator. Young man went so fluently between French and English effortlessly. We really enjoyed the tour and history of the city!

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Hello, Thank you for sharing your experience! We're so glad you enjoyed the cruise and the way our guide brought the city’s history to life in both languages. It’s wonderful to know the commentary added to your enjoyment of the tour. We hope to welcome you back on board soon! – The Croisières AML Team

Very well done. Crew was...

JoAnne_V, Oct 2025

Very well done. Crew was great. Good value. Great and interesting narrative. Would highly recommend.

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Hello, Thank you for your kind words! We're delighted you had such a great experience aboard and that our team helped make your outing memorable. It’s always a pleasure to know our guests leave with such positive impressions. We look forward to welcoming you back on board soon! – The Croisières AML Team

The walk to boat is very...

Kanchana_D, Oct 2025

The walk to boat is very far and they have limited seating at top level. The guide was wonderful. It was a good experience

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Hello, We’re glad you enjoyed the guidance and found the cruise to be a good experience. Many guests also appreciate the chance to enjoy different perspectives from the boat, including the top deck when seating allows. We hope to welcome you again soon for another enjoyable outing! - The Croisières AML Team

Fun way to view Montreal

Debbie_S, Oct 2025

Informative and very pleasant - really enjoyed the commentary. Crew were courteous and kind. 1 1/2 hr was perfect

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Hello, Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re glad you enjoyed your time on the St. Lawrence and that the cruise met your expectations. We’d love to welcome you back for another outing on the water. - The Croisières AML Team

Good little cruise

Janice_E, Sep 2025

Good way to see a bit of Montreal from a different perspective, on the water. Guide was excellent--we received lots of info & history. Staff were all friendly & professional. Tour was well organized.

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Hello, Thank you for your kind words! We’re delighted that both our crew and guide helped make your sightseeing experience so enjoyable. We look forward to welcoming you on board again for more moments on the water! - The Croisières AML Team

River tour

Kathleen_J, Sep 2025

Can be crowded. Narration was informative but continuous except for a short break. Resulted in constant noise. Should be broken up into shorter segments.

Super interesting sights...

Joseph_F, Sep 2025

Super interesting sights and info. It was very easy and the walking was not far, but seeing inside of some of the buildings and hearing the history of the area was fantastic.

Recommend

Marisol_D, Sep 2025

Good drink good view and clean restroom it rained on us but due to the coverage of the boat you really enjoyed it

A slow cruise to nothing

Regina_S, Sep 2025

I was not pleased with the communication as it relates to directing us to the boat cruise. No clear directions and when I called the telephone I was placed on hold and the call was disconnected. We walked along the Port and could not get clear directions. The cruise was not eventful and not long enough.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Hello, We’re sorry to hear that your arrival was frustrating. A confirmation email with all the necessary details to reach the boarding dock is always sent out after booking, and we want this process to be as smooth as possible. Many of our guests enjoy the unique views of Montreal from the river, and we’d be happy to welcome you back for a more seamless and enjoyable experience. - The Croisières AML Team

History cruise

Parminder_S, Aug 2025

Our guide was really nice knowledgeable and provided good information. Trip was very comfortable and free drink was a good treat.

Best time

Darlene_H, Aug 2025

Absolutely epic! We didn’t know what to expect but it was exceptional. Everyone was helpful and friendly.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Hello, We’re so happy to hear you had such an exceptional time on board! Creating memorable experiences with a welcoming crew is exactly what we aim for. We’d love to have you join us again for another epic moment on the river. -The Croisières AML Team

Disappointment, wish we could recommend this experience.

Charles_S, Aug 2025

The venue was cancelled a week before our arrival. We were never notified. The first we heard of the cancellation was when we showed up for the cruise.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Hello, We’re truly sorry for the inconvenience you experienced. Cruise cancellations are extremely rare, and when they do occur, we make every effort to contact all our guests in advance. We regret if you did not receive the notification as intended and understand how disappointing this must have been. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you on board in the future under much better circumstances. -The Croisières AML Team

Relaxing cruise

Deborah_P, Aug 2025

This cruise was relaxing and pleasant but being on top never heard the guide thru speakers it should reach every level or tell passengers not to sit on top very disappointed! Also explain to passengers you have to use drink ticket before or on cruise and that you can’t use drink ticket after cruise !

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Hello, Thank you for sharing your feedback. The commentary is provided in specific areas of the boat, while the top deck is kept quieter so guests who prefer to simply enjoy the view can do so. As for the drink tickets, they are indeed valid only during the cruise, and we’ll make sure to clarify this information more clearly with our guests. We hope the relaxing atmosphere of the river still made your outing enjoyable, and we’d love to welcome you back on board soon. - The Croisières AML Team

False advertising bait and switch rip off

Hugh_G, Aug 2025

This trip was a bait and switch and false advertisement. It was advertised as a 1.5 hour Montreal History Guided Sightseeing Cruise, but it was in reality a 3.5 hour cruise with no guide. We were stuck on this boat for 3.5 hours with crappy food and drinks for sale being foisted on us, most of it in the dark with no view. And to top it off, half the boat was cordoned off to us due to a private party. Total rip off.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Hello, We’re sorry to hear that the evening cruise didn’t match your expectations. As indicated on our website and during booking, evening cruises are longer than the 1.5-hour guided sightseeing tour and are designed to provide a relaxed and enjoyable experience with stunning views of the city and the river. With food and drinks available on board and a unique perspective of Montréal, it’s a wonderful way to spend an evening. We hope you’ll consider joining us again to experience the river at a different time of day. -The Croisières AML Team

If you book online,...

Geri_V, Aug 2025

If you book online, you’ll get an electronic voucher. That voucher will NOT get you on the cruise. You need to bring the voucher to the ticket office to get paper tickets.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Hello, Thank you for your comment. When booking online, an electronic voucher is issued, which must be exchanged at the ticket office for your paper tickets before boarding. We hope this helps clarify the process for future guests and ensures a smooth start to the cruise. -The Croisières AML Team

Not what we expected. ...

Michael_D, Aug 2025

Not what we expected. Servers were not very attentive and service was very slow. Would not do it again.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Hello, We’re truly sorry to hear that the service did not meet your expectations and that your experience was affected by delays. This is certainly not the level of service we aim to provide. We hope you might consider giving us another chance in the future for a more seamless and enjoyable cruise. – The Croisières AML Team

Can’t hear the audio tour from all seats

Leslie_H, Aug 2025

You can only hear the audio presentation of the tour from some seats on the boat. They should run speakers to the back section of the boat so those of us sitting there on the high top tables by the rail could hear since we paid for a historical tour. Service of food and drinks and overall experience on the boat was great though. Fortunately we pretty much knew the history of Montreal.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Hello, Thank you for your feedback. The audio commentary is designed to be heard from specific areas on the boat, which also allows guests who prefer to relax and enjoy the views uninterrupted. We’re glad to hear that the food, drinks, and overall experience contributed to a great outing, and we hope to welcome you back on board for another enjoyable cruise soon. -The Croisières AML Team

VIP treatment

Harjinder_S, Aug 2025

The trip was very nice and they treated us like VIPs. The animator was funny and he was explaining us about everything.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Hello, We’re delighted that you felt like VIPs on board and enjoyed the animator’s commentary and humor. It’s wonderful to know the experience made your cruise even more memorable. We look forward to welcoming you again soon! -The Croisières AML Team

Historic walking tour review

Mary_Y, Aug 2025

Very good walking tour of the lower historic district in Montreal. The guide was very attentive to everyone’s questions and knowledgeable about the history of the area. He was funny and stopped at all the highlights so we could go back to the ones we were most interested in. Our guides name was Pierre

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Hello, Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the guided tour of Montreal’s historic district and appreciated the guide’s attentiveness, knowledge, and humor. It’s great that the guide took the time to stop at all the highlights and make the experience engaging. We would be happy to welcome you back for another memorable cruise on the Saint Lawrence River. — The Croisières AML Team

Ripoff tourist scam.

Stuart_P, Aug 2025

Ripoff. Boat went up and back. No sights. A jet ski would have been better. You made easy money off of us.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Hello, Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are sorry the experience did not meet your expectations. Our guided cruise offers a unique perspective of the city from the river, allowing guests to enjoy the scenery and learn about its landmarks in a relaxing way. We hope to welcome you back on another cruise in the future. — The Croisières AML Team

Pretty good

Tanya_S, Aug 2025

It’s pretty spacious. They have food and drinks ( non alcoholic) and the cruise is pretty smooth. First come first serve though, so get in the queue - to secure seats on deck.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Hello, Thank you for your feedback! We're glad to hear you enjoyed the spaciousness and smooth ride of the cruise. It’s great that you found the food and drink options appealing. We hope to welcome you back aboard for another relaxing adventure on the Saint Lawrence River! — The Croisières AML Team

Gruff waiter

JeanLouis_R, Aug 2025

Be aware that you will be forced to purchase refreshments or food if you sit on the upper deck. We were told to leave or order.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Hello, Thank you for your feedback. We do have a bistro on board, but there are other seating areas available apart from the bistro tables. Passengers are not required to purchase anything to enjoy the cruise. Our staff is attentive and always checks to make sure passengers have everything they need and are comfortable. We appreciate your remarks and hope that you still enjoyed your time on the river. We would be happy to welcome you on another cruise in the future. — The Croisières AML Team

Skip the Montreal harbor cruise

Geraldine_M, Aug 2025

Could not find space to sit outside, could not hear any of the description of what you were seeing! Save your money and time and have a good meal or drinks! You will be happier! Worst tour I have ever purchased from Viator.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Hello, Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry that the experience did not meet your expectations. Our guided cruise is designed to discover the city from a unique perspective while learning fun facts along the way. A guide is on board providing live commentary, and an audio guide is also available in multiple languages for additional information. We hope you were still able to enjoy the time on the water, and we would be happy to welcome you on another cruise in the future. — The Croisières AML Team

Nice ride on the river

Dsy555, Jul 2025

The boat was nice, not much to see , the staff were very polite and friendly . The ride on the river was very relaxing

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Hello, Thank you for sharing your thoughts! We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the relaxing ride on the river and found our staff polite and friendly. Our guided cruise is designed to discover the city under a new and unique angle while learning fun facts about the city. We hope the tranquil experience on the water still made for a peaceful outing. We’d be happy to welcome you back for another cruise on the Saint Lawrence River! — The Croisières AML Team

Unhappy hour cruise

Darlene_B, Jul 2025

Not the best experience. It was just a boat ride and not a happy hour cruise. Could hardly understand the guide and the one drink was a canned lemonade.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Hello, Thank you for your feedback. We're sorry to hear that the experience didn’t meet your expectations. Our goal with the happy hour cruise is to offer a relaxing time on the water, complete with drinks and enjoyable commentary. We regret that the guide's presentation wasn’t as clear as expected and apologize for the drink not being to your liking. We hope you still managed to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere on the river, and we’d love to welcome you back for a different cruise in the future. — The Croisières AML Team

It's good for short trips to Monterial

Sameh_E, Jul 2025

I liked it was beautiful to see some of the city sites from the cruise. But the sound of the guide was hard to hear. Also, they were confusing about how to use your drink ticket in the happy hour.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Hello, Thank you for your feedback! We’re glad to hear that you enjoyed seeing the city from the cruise. We apologize for the sound issues with the guide and the confusion regarding the drink ticket during the happy hour. We always strive to make the experience as enjoyable as possible, and we appreciate your comments. We hope the beautiful views still made for a pleasant time on the water, and we’d love to welcome you back for another cruise in the future! — The Croisières AML Team

Great experience

LouisBenoit_D, Jul 2025

Worth every dollars spent. Crew are friendly.and animator iknows his city history. Timings and duration are perfect.

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Hello, Thank you for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that you found the experience worth every dollar spent. It’s great to know that our friendly crew and the knowledgeable animator made your tour even more enjoyable. We're also happy that the timing and duration worked perfectly for you. We look forward to welcoming you again for another memorable adventure! — The Croisières AML Team