ON THE RIVER · CANADA RIVER CRUISES

The 15 Best Canada River Cruises

17 river trips  ·  from $36 a head

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 canada river cruises worth the fare, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to check before you book.

Québec City: Guided Sightseeing River Cruise - Starting at Chouinard Pier near Petit-Champlain
Canada River Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Québec City: Guided Sightseeing River Cruise

1.Québec City: Guided Sightseeing River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 3,000 reviews · 90 - 210 minutes · from $47Our pick

Set out from Chouinard Pier for a 90-minute guided cruise along the St. Lawrence River. A bilingual guide, presented as Louis Jolliet, points out Château Frontenac, Île d’Orléans, Montmorency Falls, and more. You can sit outdoors, use the enclosed viewing areas, or order drinks and light food onboard.

“We enjoyed this cruise. The guide was very informative with what we were seeing along the river and up to Montmorency Falls. Great photos of Quebec City with the Chateau Frontenac towering in the background.”

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Montréal: Guided Sightseeing River Cruise - Old Montréal and the Old Port from the water
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Montréal: Guided Sightseeing River Cruise

2.Montréal: Guided Sightseeing River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 1,889 reviews · 90 - 210 minutes · from $36Best value

Cruise from Montréal’s Grand Quay through the Old Port and past the Jacques Cartier Bridge, Olympic Stadium, Biosphere, La Ronde, and Îles de Boucherville. A bilingual guide explains the city in English and French, with an eight-language audioguide, outdoor decks, and an onboard bar and bistro. Standard cruises last about 90 minutes.

“Excellent views of Montreal. We took many photos and videos. Nice cafe to visit after your ride.”

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Ottawa: Sightseeing River Cruise - Boarding the Paula D from Ottawa or Gatineau
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Ottawa: Sightseeing River Cruise

3.Ottawa: Sightseeing River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,585 reviews · 1h 30m · from $39

Board the Paula D in Ottawa or Gatineau for a 90-minute cruise with live English and French commentary. Guides such as Andy and Elodie explain Parliament, the Rideau Canal Locks, Rideau Falls, embassies, and river history. Choose the open upper deck for views or the lower deck for shelter, drinks, and snacks.

“Guide could have included more historic details about the sights we saw, but guide was enthusiastic and answered all questions. Some sites were missed/ not mentioned although we could see them from the river. The boat was clean and had safety gear in place. The choice of music over the PA system was not to my taste, could have been an opportunity to showcase Canadian musicians. A bit expensive for what we did but overall a worthwhile experience.”

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Ottawa: Rideau Canal Cruise - Boarding behind the National Arts Centre
Canada River Cruises, Canal Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Ottawa: Rideau Canal Cruise

4.Ottawa: Rideau Canal Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,303 reviews · 1h 30m · from $41

Board Ottawa’s largest 100% electric passenger vessel behind the National Arts Centre for a 90-minute Rideau Canal cruise. A live English and French guide points out Château Laurier, the Canadian Museum of Nature, Dow’s Lake, Lansdowne Park, and more. Guides such as Melody, Caleb, Ellen, and Lilly are known for warm, funny presentations.

“I liked the tour guide. He was very friendly and told some good jokes as well.”

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Niagara Falls, ON: Jet Boat Tour on Niagara River - What happens before the boat leaves
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Niagara Falls, ON: Jet Boat Tour on Niagara River

5.Niagara Falls, ON: Jet Boat Tour on Niagara River

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,128 reviews · 45 min · from $69

You’ll ride from Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours on Niagara’s lower river, where guides such as Chris, Nick, and Charlie combine river history with fast turns through Devil’s Hole. Choose the Wet Jet for a full soaking or the Jet Dome to stay dry. The 45-minute trip costs $69 and includes safety gear, narration, and a professional crew.

“It was an amazing activity for the whole family. Lots of fun, loads of thrills and none stop action. Highly recommend”

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Ottawa Boat Cruise - Rideau Canal Cruise - Starting at the National Arts Centre
Canada River Cruises, Canal Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Ottawa Boat Cruise – Rideau Canal Cruise

6.Ottawa Boat Cruise – Rideau Canal Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,127 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $42

Set out from the National Arts Centre on a 90-minute Rideau Canal cruise aboard a certified 100% electric passenger boat. Guides such as Lily, Wendy, Ellen, and Theo have led engaging departures covering about 30 Ottawa landmarks, from Dow’s Lake and Lansdowne Park to the Ottawa Locks and Château Laurier. Expect a gentle ride, onboard snacks, a washroom, and commentary in English, with some departures also using French.

“We had a wonderful time on the river cruise. Lily, our guide, did a great job. She was informative and personable. It was a picture perfect day!”

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Kingston: Heart of the Thousand Islands Riverboat Cruise - Boarding at Crawford Wharf
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Kingston: Heart of the Thousand Islands Riverboat Cruise

7.Kingston: Heart of the Thousand Islands Riverboat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 771 reviews · 3 hours · from $49

Spend three hours aboard Kingston’s triple-deck Island Queen, a Mississippi River style paddlewheeler, cruising the Admiralty group of the Thousand Islands. Hear English commentary on island history and folklore, enjoy live music, and see Napoleon’s Hat, Wanderer’s Channel, Bateau Channel, Mandalay Mansion, and Kingston’s waterfront.

“The tour guide was very nice. The staff were all very polite and friendly to I loved the music. It is very educational but not so children friendly. If things could be added to make the 3 hour cruise more fun for kids.”

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Montréal: Weekend River Brunch Cruise - A substantial brunch before the boat leaves
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Montréal: Weekend River Brunch Cruise

8.Montréal: Weekend River Brunch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 304 reviews · 2h 30m · from $73

Board at Montréal’s Grand Quai for a generous three-course brunch, then cruise past the Old Port, Biosphere, Jacques Cartier Bridge, Olympic Park, and Îles-de-Boucherville National Park. You’ll hear bilingual commentary in English and French, relax on outdoor decks, and have the option to upgrade to priority boarding, a mimosa, and window seating.

“Myself and my mom wanted to do something touristy in Montreal. Our first time to Montreal, and it was beautiful! Great atmosphere, food and the staff was excellent!”

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Niagara Falls USA: 45-Minute Jet-Boat Tour on Niagara River - Leaving Lewiston for the rapids
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Niagara Falls USA: 45-Minute Jet-Boat Tour on Niagara River

9.Niagara Falls USA: 45-Minute Jet-Boat Tour on Niagara River

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 263 reviews · 45 min · from $73

From Lewiston, New York, you’ll ride the lower Niagara River through Devil’s Hole and its Class 5 rapids. Choose the open Wet Jet, where a poncho will not keep you dry, or the covered Jet Dome. Guides such as Hannah, Ella, and Amanda add history and humor, while the captain handles the 365-degree spin.

“Guide Ella was funny and provided just enough information! Great experience . They are not kidding when they say you will not leave the boat dry.”

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From Montréal: Québec City, River Cruise & Montmorency Falls - The early start and three-hour ride
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From Montréal: Québec City, River Cruise & Montmorency Falls

10.From Montréal: Québec City, River Cruise & Montmorency Falls

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 262 reviews · 1 day · from $98

Travel from Montréal to Québec City by air-conditioned coach with a trilingual guide, stopping at 276-foot Montmorency Falls before a guided Old Québec walk and 1.5-hour St. Lawrence River cruise. You’ll see Petit Champlain, Place Royale, Château Frontenac, and the Old Port in one tightly planned day.

“Cruise was excellent, drive back and forth very scenic.”

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Ottawa: Floating Tiki Bar Cruise on the Ottawa River - The 90-minute route on the Ottawa River
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Ottawa: Floating Tiki Bar Cruise on the Ottawa River

11.Ottawa: Floating Tiki Bar Cruise on the Ottawa River

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 164 reviews · 1h 30m · from $62

Meet at the Palapa Dock below the Ottawa Locks for a 90-minute cruise on a floating tiki bar. A certified captain guides you past Parliament Hill and shoreline views while you order drinks from the licensed bar, play music, or sing karaoke. Food, drinks, and easy boarding are not included, so plan ahead.

“Highly recommend taking the tour. It was great service, the captain was amazing and managed the boat perfect when ppl on skidoos drove by fast to make a wake.”

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Ottawa Premium Small Group Tour with Canal Cruise - Starting in Rockcliffe Park and at the lookout
Canada River Cruises, Canal Cruises, Luxury River Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours

Ottawa Premium Small Group Tour with Canal Cruise

12.Ottawa Premium Small Group Tour with Canal Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 134 reviews · 4 hours · from $116

You’ll ride in a small vehicle with an English-speaking guide such as Gabriel, Catherine, Jason, or Andrew, visit Rockcliffe Lookout, pass Parliament and the Supreme Court, and take a seasonal Rideau Canal cruise. Downtown hotel pickup and return are included. From June to September, the cruise runs weather permitting. In other months, it is replaced by the Canadian Museum of History.

“It was great! We were the only ones on the tour so Gabriel was able to cater the tour to our interests. The ride on the Rideau Canal was somewhat late and even that was great. He knew everything about Ottawa and he was entertaining.”

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Québec City: Weekend River Brunch Cruise - What you eat during the one-hour brunch
Canada River Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Québec City: Weekend River Brunch Cruise

13.Québec City: Weekend River Brunch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 116 reviews · 2h 30m · from $73

Start with a one-hour, three-course brunch aboard AML Cruises, then head onto the St. Lawrence River for 90 minutes of views and bilingual commentary. You’ll see Old Québec, Château Frontenac, Île d’Orléans, and Montmorency Falls. Outdoor decks, locally sourced ingredients, and a family-friendly setting make this a relaxed way to sightsee.

“This was very good. We did brunch before the tour. This was a 1st class operation! The food and wait staff were great. The boat tour was excellent. The guide had so much interesting information to share! The view of the falls from the boat was spectacular! It was one of my favorite tours of our stay. We didn’t have to walk up or down any hills while we were on the boat! 😃”

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Montreal: Small Group Tour with River Cruise and Notre Dame - St Joseph’s Oratory and Montreal’s upper slopes
Canada River Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours

Montreal: Small Group Tour with River Cruise and Notre Dame

14.Montreal: Small Group Tour with River Cruise and Notre Dame

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 67 reviews · 6 hours · from $160

You’ll tour Montreal in a van with no more than six people, visiting Mont Royal, St Joseph’s Oratory, Old Montreal, and Notre Dame Basilica before an AML cruise on the St. Lawrence River. Guides such as Bill, Mustafa, and Moustapha add local stories and can sometimes tailor a stop to your interests.

“Bill was very knowledgeable and made the tour very interesting. Our small group size was perfect. The boat cruise topped it off with more to see and learn. Montreal is so beautiful and rich in history this tour allowed us learn about Montreal and get a lay of the land for our remaining vacation days. It was a sound value for what you get. We highly recommend it!”

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Ottawa: Small Group Night Tour With River Cruise - Starting on the Ottawa River at sunset
Canada River Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours

Ottawa: Small Group Night Tour With River Cruise

15.Ottawa: Small Group Night Tour With River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 54 reviews · 2h 30m · from $80

Spend 150 minutes seeing Ottawa from the water and the road with an English-speaking local guide. The small group visits Rockcliffe Park, Major’s Hill Park, and Nepean Point, then passes Parliament and other lit landmarks. Downtown hotel pickup, drop-off, a sunset cruise, photo stops, and dessert are included.

“We had a really knowledgeable guide for both the street tour and the river cruise tour.”

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