❖ Getaways & Discovery
Cruises and boat rides on the Saint Lawrence from Quebec
The Saint Lawrence is not just a backdrop. It is the main character of Quebec. From the docks of the Old Port, cruises and boat trips offer another view of the city, its cliffs, and its grand landscapes.
Quebec and the Saint Lawrence
The city that has always looked at the river
Understanding Quebec is understanding its intimate relationship with the Saint Lawrence. The city was built on its banks, defended itself from its waters, and prospered thanks to its trade.
The Saint Lawrence is a river of superlatives. One of the longest in North America, it connects the Great Lakes to the Atlantic over more than 3,000 kilometers. In Quebec, its width exceeds 3 kilometers, giving it an almost marine, almost oceanic appearance on overcast days.
From the terraces of Old Quebec and the docks of the Old Port, the river is omnipresent. It captures the light, influences the climate, inspires artists. No visit to Quebec is complete without approaching it, going on it, crossing it.
"Seeing Quebec from the Saint Lawrence is to understand why Champlain chose this place. The city rises from the water like a natural citadel."
Cruises from Quebec
From short to long, from light to gourmet
The Old Port of Quebec is the departure point for many cruise options, for all budgets and durations.
AML Cruise
Astral Cruise, Quebec's most popular. City tours on the river with audio commentary, dinner cruise packages, sunset outings. The historic operator of the Saint Lawrence with decades of experience.
Sunset dinner cruise
The most romantic package. Boarding at the Old Port, gourmet dinner on board, the sun setting behind the Chateau Frontenac from the river. A unique show, hard to match.
Whale watching trip
Further downstream, whales appear in the Saint Lawrence as early as spring. Day trips from Quebec allow observing them in their natural habitat, just a few hours from the capital.
Winter hovercraft
In winter, when the river is covered with ice, hovercraft rides allow crossing the floating ice. A unique polar experience, guaranteed thrills, and end-of-the-world landscapes included.
The Ferry Crossing
The cheapest cruise in the world
A few dollars, twelve minutes, two shores. The Quebec-Levis ferry crossing is the shortest and most accessible cruise on the Saint Lawrence.
The river shuttle between Quebec and Levis operates year-round, constantly crossing the river. On board, passengers enjoy an unbeatable view of Old Quebec, the Chateau Frontenac, and the Plains of Abraham, all from the middle of the river.
The 12-minute crossing offers, at the price of a transport ticket, what tourist cruises charge much more for: a front view of Quebec from the river. A simple, accessible, yet extraordinary pleasure.
- Boarding: from Quebec’s Old Port, two minutes from Petit-Champlain.
- Frequency: about every 20 minutes in high season, year-round.
- Price: public transport fare, the most affordable trip on the river.
- After: the city of Levis itself offers some interesting spots for curious explorers.
Kayaking and Boating
The river at paddle height
For adventure and nature lovers, the Saint Lawrence can also be experienced by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. A different scale, a closer connection with the river.
Sea kayaking on the river
Operators offer guided sea kayak tours on the Saint Lawrence from Quebec’s Lower Town. A physical and sensory experience that provides access to unique views of the city and cliffs.
Paddling upstream: the coves
Upstream from Quebec, the coves and protected riverbanks offer calmer conditions for beginners. The coves of Sillery and Cap-Rouge are peaceful destinations for a morning on the water.
Sport Fishing
The Saint Lawrence is a recognized sport fishing ground. Striped bass, sea bream, pike: several local guides offer fishing trips from Quebec, all year round.
Sailing and Pleasure Boating
The marinas of Quebec and Sillery host a fleet of sailboats and pleasure boats. Sailing schools offer initiation and improvement courses to navigate the river from a different perspective.
The River According to the Seasons
Four Moods for the Same River
The Saint Lawrence is not the same in January and July. Each season gives it a new character, a different light, a unique experience.
- Spring: the ice breakup is an incredible spectacle. The ice breaks, icebergs drift, and the river comes back to life. The first cruises resume, with incomparable spring light.
- Summer: the river is lively with pleasure boats, crowded ferries, and tourist cruises. The morning mist clears to give way to bright days and mild evenings.
- Autumn: the colors of both shores reflect on the calm water. Kayak outings and sunset cruises are especially spectacular in October.
- Winter: the river partially freezes, and hovercraft replace pleasure boats. The ice and snow landscapes transform the river into a striking polar territory.
The Barista's Advice
Before a cruise or a kayak trip on the Saint Lawrence, the ritual is essential: a double espresso at Carrera Cafe, and maybe a Charlevoix organic charcuterie board to recharge your energy. Our large windows overlook Petit-Champlain, just steps from the boarding dock. The river awaits you, and so does the coffee.
Before and After the Cruise
The Carrera Cafe is the ideal stop before or after your exploration of the Saint Lawrence. Two minutes from the Old Port, in the heart of Petit-Champlain, our terrace welcomes you with our Italian coffees and exceptional local products.
View the Map Find Us
Comments (0)
There are no comments for this item. Be the first to leave a message!