Quebec isn’t just about its charming streets and hearty poutine — it’s also a fantastic place to see from the water. With a rugged coastline, the mighty St. Lawrence River, and some surprising wildlife, boat tours here offer a fresh perspective. We love the Cruise and Visit of Grosse-Ile for its compelling mix of history and scenery, and the 1000 Little Penguins Cruise for a rare wildlife experience. Both give you a chance to see the region’s natural beauty and stories from a different angle. Whether you’re interested in learning about Canada’s immigration past or spotting adorable penguins, Quebec’s boat tours deliver memorable moments.
If you’re seeking a more relaxed, hands-on sailing experience, the Kingston: Skippered Sailing Charter provides a private, wind-in-your-hair adventure that’s perfect for small groups. Each of these tours offers something unique, making Quebec a top spot for water-based exploration.
Quick Overview
Our list features three standout boat tours in Quebec:
- A historic cruise to Grosse-Ile, exploring a National Historic Site that tells the story of Irish immigrants fleeing famine. Detailed info here
- An up-close wildlife encounter with over 1,000 little penguins on the 1000 Little Penguins Cruise
- A tranquil, private sailing charter in Kingston, where you can feel the wind and admire the waterfront at your own pace. Book it here
1. Cruise and Visit of Grosse-Ile
At number 1, the Cruise and Visit of Grosse-Ile scores a perfect 5.0 from 30 reviews and is hard to beat for its blend of history and scenery. This 6-hour tour begins with a scenic cruise through the Gulf of St. Lawrence aboard a comfortable boat, where you’ll soak in views of the river and surrounding landscape. Once ashore, a guided tour led by Parks Canada staff takes you through the island’s former quarantine station, a site that housed the Irish fleeing famine and saw over four million immigrants pass through between 1832 and 1937.
What makes this tour special is the chance to meet “Nurse Sarah Wade,” a character portraying the people who cared for early immigrants, giving you a tangible sense of what life was like during those tough times. The tour also includes a visit to the Irish Memorial National Historic Site, which lists the names of those who perished and is especially moving for genealogy buffs.
The boat itself, the Vent des Illes, is a two-deck vessel capable of holding 170 passengers. The upper deck features a solarium for sheltered viewing, while the lower deck offers a dining area and lounge. This setup ensures you can enjoy the scenery in comfort, no matter the weather. The reviews highlight the professionalism of guides, humor, and the deeply emotional storytelling, making this a highly recommended experience for history lovers and families alike.
Bottom Line: A well-organized, meaningful tour blending history, scenic cruising, and personal stories, perfect for those wanting to understand Canada’s immigrant past while enjoying a comfortable boat ride.
2. 1000 Little Penguins Cruise
Second on our list is the 1000 Little Penguins Cruise, a shorter, wildlife-focused adventure rated 5.0 with three reviews. For just over four hours, you’ll venture less than 35 minutes from Quebec City to the islets of the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago, where thousands of Alca Torda—a small seabird related to puffins—come ashore in spring for breeding.
This trip is ideal if you’re intrigued by birdlife and want a gentle boat ride that’s easy to fit into a day. The highlight is observing the tiny penguins in their natural habitat, a sight that is surprisingly intimate and delightful. The cruise is designed for families and nature enthusiasts, with a focus on the fascinating behaviors of these birds.
The tour’s simplicity and affordability make it a good choice for those wanting a quick but memorable wildlife encounter. The reviews mention how the penguins’ presence is a magical sight, especially for kids or anyone interested in regional fauna. Since it only takes around half a day, it pairs well with other Quebec activities or as a standalone outing.
Bottom Line: An easy, family-friendly way to see over 1,000 penguins in their natural environment, perfect for wildlife lovers and those pressed for time.
3. Kingston: Skippered Sailing Charter
Finally, for those who prefer a more tranquil, personalized experience, the Kingston Skippered Sailing Charter offers a one-hour private sail for groups of up to five people. Rated 4.8 from four reviews, this tour is ideal for travelers who want to relax while learning a bit about sailing.
Your experienced captain will guide the boat along Kingston’s scenic waterfront, allowing you to feel the wind and watch the natural beauty of the shoreline glide by. There’s no loud engine noise—just the sounds of wind and water—as you harness the breeze and navigate the clear waters of Lake Ontario. It’s a peaceful, intimate way to enjoy Kingston’s picturesque harbor, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions or just sit back and take in the views.
This tour works well for small groups, couples, or anyone wanting a quick but memorable sailing experience. The value for money is high considering it’s a private tour, and reviews mention the captain’s expertise and friendly demeanor.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice for those seeking a private, hands-on sailing trip in Kingston, ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone eager to experience the water at their own pace.
How to Choose the Best Boat Tour in Quebec
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, interests, and how much time you want to spend on the water. If history and meaningful storytelling are your priorities, the Cruise and Visit of Grosse-Ile offers depth and emotional resonance. For wildlife fans eager to see rare seabirds or penguins, the 1000 Little Penguins Cruise is an easy, affordable pick. If you’re after a relaxing, private sailing experience, the Kingston Skippered Sailing Charter provides a quiet, personalized outing.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak seasons like spring for the penguin tours or summer for the historic cruise. Each tour offers a different way to enjoy Quebec’s stunning waterways, so choose one that matches your travel style and curiosity.
Final thoughts
Quebec’s boat tours present a rich variety of experiences, from exploring historical sites like Grosse-Ile to observing penguins and seabirds, or simply enjoying the water in a private sail. The historic cruise tops our list for its deep storytelling and scenery, while the penguin cruise provides a fun wildlife encounter. For those wanting a peaceful, private sailing experience, Kingston’s small-group charter is a standout.
Whatever your interests, these boat tours promise a memorable way to see Quebec from a different perspective. Be sure to book early and choose the experience that excites you most. There’s no better way to appreciate Quebec’s natural and historical beauty than from the water.