Québec City Boat Tours
Québec City is never more beautiful than when viewed from the St. Lawrence River. In the daytime, you’ll have spectacular views of Old Québec, Cap Diamant, and the Château Frontenac. In the evening, the lights of the city shine onto the water, adding to the magic and romance of any maritime excursion. Given the river’s central role in the city’s history and identity, a boat tour is must. Below, you’ll find plenty of options for a memorable excursion out on the water.
Québec City Sightseeing Guided Boat Tours
Croisières AML
Croisières AML’s 90‑minute tour takes you past breathtaking views of Québec City, Île d’Orléans, and Montmorency Falls as you learn about the history of the St. Lawrence from a certified guide. If you fancy relaxing and having a drink while enjoying the best view of Québec City from the deck of the ship, this tour is for you.
Excursions Maritimes Québec
Experience the beauty and power of the St. Lawrence River on a zodiac tour with Excursions Maritimes Québec. You’ll have the chance to get up close to the big cruise ships when they’re docked in the Port of Québec. Private tours available.
Québec City Ferry Tour
Jeff Frenette Photography
Francis Gagnon
Hot tip: the Québec‑Lévis ferry is an easy and affordable way to see Québec from the water, especially if you’re short on time. It’s also great for family outings, whether you’re cycling or exploring on foot. In winter, it’s one of the only ways to cross the St. Lawrence River and get a close‑up view of the big chunks of ice that form on the surface.
Québec City Dinner Cruises
Croisières AML
There’s nothing more romantic than a dinner cruise with the lights of Old Québec shining through the night. The music and food on Croisières AML’s dinner cruises make for a memorable evening. So let the waves lull you and the lights on the water delight you as you savour a delicious meal. For an outing with family or friends, there are also lunch and brunch cruises.
River Shuttle Between Old Québec and Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
Croisières AML
On foot or by bike, board the new AML Cruises river shuttle between Québec City's Old Port and Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. From there, several options are available: guided tour of the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine and the surrounding area, a moment of relaxation at the Spa des neiges or a bus excursion to Mont-Sainte-Anne or Canyon Sainte-Anne. The shuttle service is in operation until October 13, 2024.
Whale Watching Tours
Croisières AML
Let’s go see the whales! From the Parliament building, simply hop on a coach bus for an exciting and memorable full‑day excursion. Getting up early is a small price to pay for a chance to admire these majestic marine animals. After a beautiful drive through Charlevoix, you’ll head out on a 3‑hour boat tour of the St. Lawrence Estuary. From the deck of a Croisières AML ship, you’ll have the chance to see minke whales, fin whales, humpback whales, blue whales, beluga whales, harbour porpoises, and grey seals. The tour ends with an evening drive back to Québec City.
Boat Tours of Île d’Orléans
Quatre Natures
A boat tour of Île d’Orléans is a great way to learn about the island’s maritime history and adds a whole other dimension to an excursion on land. For this, you have two options: a guided zodiac tour with Croisières Orléans or a sea kayak tour with a guide from Quatre Natures.
International Cruises
Claude Bouchard
Québec City is increasingly popular as a destination and gateway port for international cruises. Over the years, the city has welcomed thousands of passengers, especially on the Canada–New England route.
Prestigious ships such as the Queen Mary II stop in Québec City from summer through to mid fall. Board a cruise ship in Québec City and experience the beauty of the St. Lawrence River and the Atlantic Coast.
