Bateau-Mouche River Cruise
Rating
Family of 4
$120-$180 CAD (~$87-$131 USD) for a family of 4 on a daytime sightseeing cruise.
Duration
1-1.5 hours
Best Ages
Best for all ages
About
A Bateau-Mouche river cruise is one of those experiences that every family visiting Montreal should consider. There is something about seeing a city from the water that changes your perspective entirely, and for kids who may be museum-weary or tired of walking, an hour on a boat is a welcome change of pace.
Bateau-Mouche operates glass-enclosed vessels — similar to the famous bateaux-mouches of Paris — from the Jacques-Cartier Pier in the Old Port. The daytime sightseeing cruises offer 60-minute and 90-minute options, cruising along the St. Lawrence River past the Old Port, Habitat 67, the islands of Parc Jean-Drapeau, and under the Jacques Cartier Bridge.
The narration is bilingual and points out historical and architectural highlights along the route.
For families, the 60-minute cruise is the clear choice. It is long enough to take in the views and enjoy the experience, but short enough that younger children do not get restless. The boats have an open upper deck and an enclosed lower level — on a nice day, head straight for the upper deck, where kids can feel the river breeze and have unobstructed views in every direction.
The gentle motion of the boat is calming, and many parents report that the cruise is one of the most relaxing hours of their Montreal trip.
The season runs from mid-May through mid-October, with multiple daily departures in peak summer. The 2:30 PM and 4 PM cruises catch beautiful afternoon light, while the last departure offers a golden-hour experience as the sun gets lower. Book online in advance, especially for weekend cruises in July and August.
Bateau-Mouche also offers dinner cruises with multi-course meals, but these are pricey ($80-105 CAD per person) and better suited for a couples' night out than a family outing. The daytime sightseeing cruise delivers the same river views at a fraction of the cost.
The departure point at the Jacques-Cartier Pier is perfectly situated for combining the cruise with other Old Port activities. Walk to the Science Centre, ride La Grande Roue, explore Place Jacques-Cartier, or stroll the quays before or after your cruise. The Champ-de-Mars metro station is a 10-minute walk.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Limited
Nursing / Changing
Not Available
Kid Meals
Limited
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
The 60-minute daytime cruises at 2:30 PM or 4 PM are ideal for families — shorter and less expensive than the 90-minute option. The sunset timing is gorgeous if your kids can handle an early evening outing. Season runs mid-May through mid-October. Book online in advance for guaranteed seating.
Nearby Food
The Jacques-Cartier Pier is right in the Old Port, surrounded by food options. Before or after your cruise, try Jardin Nelson on Place Jacques-Cartier for terrace dining, Olive + Gourmando for sandwiches, or grab ice cream and crêpes from the waterfront vendors. The cruise departs from the same area as the Science Centre and La Grande Roue.
Why Kids Love It
There is something magical about seeing a city from the water, and the Bateau-Mouche gives families exactly that experience. Kids love boats, period — and being on a glass-enclosed vessel cruising the St. Lawrence River while the Montreal skyline drifts by is genuinely exciting for them.
The 60-minute cruise takes you along the Old Port waterfront, past the islands and bridges, with a narrated guide pointing out landmarks that kids can spot from the deck. Younger children are mesmerized by the water, the passing boats, and the feeling of gliding along the river. Older kids enjoy identifying buildings and bridges from the water — it is a completely different perspective on a city they may have only seen from street level.
The open upper deck is where kids want to be on a nice day, feeling the river breeze and taking in the panoramic views. The cruise is short enough that even antsy toddlers can manage it, and the gentle movement of the boat often has a calming effect on little ones. Many families time their cruise for late afternoon when the light is golden and the city looks its most beautiful.
Pro Tips from Parents
- The 60-minute daytime cruise is the sweet spot for families — long enough to enjoy, short enough for short attention spans
- Sit on the upper deck (open-air) for the best views and the most kid-friendly experience — the enclosed lower deck can feel stuffy
- The narration is bilingual (French and English) and points out key landmarks — older kids enjoy following along
- Arrive at the Jacques-Cartier Pier 15-20 minutes before departure for smooth boarding
- Combine the cruise with a walk through the Old Port before or after — it is right on the waterfront
What to Bring
- A light jacket or windbreaker — it is always breezier on the water than on land
- Sunscreen and sunglasses for the upper deck
- A camera or phone for skyline photos
- Snacks for younger kids (food service on daytime cruises is limited)
- Binoculars for spotting landmarks from the water
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$120-$180 CAD (~$87-$131 USD) for a family of 4 on a daytime sightseeing cruise.
Adult tickets approximately $35-45 CAD, children approximately $20-25 CAD.
Dinner cruises are significantly more expensive ($80-105 CAD/person) and better suited for adults.
Tips to Save
- Stick with the 60-minute daytime cruise for families — it is less expensive and the attention span is just right for younger kids.
- Book online for possible discounts.
- Skip the dinner cruise with kids (expensive and better for couples).
- Check for family package deals on the website.
- Some hotel concierges have discount coupons.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- Seasonal - see cruise schedule
- Monday
- Seasonal - see cruise schedule
- Sunday
- Seasonal - see cruise schedule
- Tuesday
- Seasonal - see cruise schedule
- Saturday
- Seasonal - see cruise schedule
- Thursday
- Seasonal - see cruise schedule
- Wednesday
- Seasonal - see cruise schedule