Montreal electric boat cruise: small group, guided, no emissions

The Saint Lawrence from a silent boat, landmarks and currents without the engine noise

A 45-minute guided electric boat cruise in Montreal on the Saint Lawrence River with a certified captain and live guide in English or French. The boat runs on 100% electric power, leaving no carbon footprint as you pass the Old Port, Lachine Canal, Habitat 67, the Jacques Cartier Bridge and the Courant Sainte-Marie current. Drinks are available to purchase onboard for passengers 18 and over.

Step-by-step itinerary

Montreal electric boat cruise highlights

• Board 100% electric boat
• Cruise Old Port of Montreal
• Pass Italianate Harbour Commission building
• View Lachine Canal
• See Habitat 67 pavilion
• Experience Courant Sainte-Marie current
• Pass Jacques Cartier Bridge
• View Yacht Club of Montreal
• See Montreal Clock Tower
• Purchase drinks onboard

The Experience

The boat leaves from the Old Port, Montreal's abandoned harbor from the late 1970s, and immediately you're moving through water without engine sound. A certified captain and guide narrate the route in your choice of English or French, pointing out the landmarks as they come into view. The Lachine Canal runs 13.5 kilometers between the Old Port and Lake Saint-Louis, and you'll see stretches of it along with the Italianate Harbour Commission building that's stood in Old Montreal since 1875.

Habitat 67 appears as the boat moves downriver—the modular housing complex designed by Moshe Safdie for Expo 67, now the only intact original pavilion from that world's fair. The Jacques Cartier Bridge, completed in 1930, spans the Saint Lawrence and connects Montreal to the south shore; from the water, the cityscape views change as you pass underneath. The Courant Sainte-Marie, a swift current between Montreal and Sainte-Hélène Island, brings a different energy to the river itself.

The electric motor means the ride stays quiet enough to hear the guide and your companions. Groups stay small, and the 45-minute duration fits into a morning or afternoon without reshaping your day. If you want drinks during the cruise, you can order them onboard—available to those 18 and over. Public transportation stops are nearby if you're not driving.

What’s included

• Certified captain and live guide in English or French.
• 100% electric boat with no emissions.
• GST included.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Le Petit Navire

Is this one for you?Pick the English tour if that's your working language, or French if you follow that fluently—the guide's live commentary ties the landmarks and river history together, so your language match determines how much you'll absorb.

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Top questions

What is the Lachine Canal and why does it matter to this tour?

The Lachine Canal is a 13.5-kilometre waterway in southwest Montreal that runs between the Old Port and Lake Saint-Louis. The cruise passes along stretches of it, and it's one of the main landmarks you'll see from the boat during the 45 minutes on the water.

Can I get drinks while we're on the boat?

Yes, drinks are available to purchase onboard for passengers 18 years old and above. You can order them during the cruise to enjoy with your group.

What language will the guide speak?

The guide offers live commentary in English or French, so you can choose the language that works for you when you book.

How long is the cruise and what does it cover?

The cruise lasts 45 minutes and covers the Saint Lawrence River from the Old Port, passing Habitat 67, the Jacques Cartier Bridge, the Courant Sainte-Marie current, and sections of the Lachine Canal. A certified captain and guide narrate the landmarks and history along the way.

Is this tour suitable if I'm not in great physical shape?

Yes, the cruise is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You're on the boat the entire time, so there's no walking or strenuous activity required.

What makes this boat different from a regular tour boat?

The boat runs on 100% electric power, which means it operates silently and leaves no carbon footprint. You'll hear the guide and your companions clearly, and the quiet ride lets you focus on the landmarks and the river itself.