St. Lawrence River Tours and Activities
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The historic and scenic St. Lawrence River flows 743 miles (1,196 kilometers) across a vast chunk of North America, from the Great Lakes all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. The lifeblood for Ontario and Quebec, the mighty river has long sustained communities of both native tribes and European colonizers who settled along its banks. Its waters play host to a vast variety of wildlife, including a number of whale species such as sperm, minke, fin, blue, North Atlantic right, and endangered belugas.
The Basics
Because of its sheer size, the St. Lawrence River is hard to miss. For the same reason, however, most visitors to Canada get to see only a tiny portion of it. If you’re going to Quebec (be it Montreal, Quebec City, Saguenay, or Gaspe), southeastern Ontario (be it Kingston or Thousand Islands), or northeastern New York state in the US, odds are high you will encounter the waterway at some point during your trip. Take a cycling tour along the scenic riverbanks or get out on the water with paddleboat rentals; Jet Ski, kayak, and canoe tours; narrated river cruises; and whale-watching excursions. Helicopter tours over Ontario’s Thousand Islands region reveal the river’s immensity and the vast number of rugged islets that comprise the archipelago, while tours from Quebec City to Ile d’Orleans, an agricultural river island known for its fresh produce, often also stop at the scenic Montmorency Falls, which spill into the St. Lawrence River.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear warm layers. It gets very cold here during winter and parts of the river regularly freeze. Even in summer, it can be cold out on the water.
- The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is among the best whale-watching spots in Canada.
How to Get There
Ride Montreal’s orange metro line to Square-Victoria-OACI or Champ-de-Mars stations; the Old Port, which runs parallel to the St. Lawrence River, is fewer than 10 minutes on foot from there. In Quebec City, the riverfront is accessible on foot from Old Quebec.
When to Get There
The warm summer months are prime time to explore the St. Lawrence River, as winter is bitterly cold, with temperatures often far below freezing. May to November make up the best period for whale watching.
Where to Find the Best Views of the St. Lawrence River
For river views in Quebec City, stroll the elevated Terrasse Dufferin boardwalk, which winds along a high cliff behind the famous Fairmont Chateau Frontenac hotel. The boardwalk leads to Battlefields Park and affords bird’s-eye views of the river and the cruise ships pulling into port. In Montreal, the best river vistas can be seen from the Old Port (Vieux Port).
Address: Quebec, Quebec, Canada, Canada
2 Tours and Activities to Experience St. Lawrence River
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Montreal History Guided Sightseeing Cruise
92
Set sail for fun with a guided cruise near Montreal on the scenic St. Lawrence River, enjoying skyline views and learning about city history as you ride. Step on board your ship, the AML Cavalier Maxim, complete with sunny terraces and a glass-enclosed dining area, passing area landmarks including the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, the islands of Boucherville and the scenic shoreline. During your Montreal cruise, hear tales about the city’s founding and role of a legendary French explorer in its settlement.
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From
$36.23
From
$36.23
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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4 Hour Montreal Architecture & City Bike Tour with Wine or Beer
161
Leave the crowds behind during this half-day Montreal bike tour, covering the city’s top architecture, food, neighborhood life, and history with a local guide. Pick from among two unique tour options, each of which explores a different cross-section of this historic city’s diverse neighborhoods and fascinating culture. Best of all, keep your bike rental for the rest of the day after your tour ends. This bike tour of Montreal also includes a helmet, 21-speed bike, bottled water, one food tasting and a glass of beer or wine in historic Old Montreal.
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From
$72.54
From
$72.54
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
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