Montreal: Guided Exclusive Electric Boat Tour on Lachine Canal

Exploring Montreal on water offers a delightful mix of history, nature, and urban charm. This guided electric boat tour on the Lachine Canal provides a unique way to see the city’s waterfront while learning about its past. For just under $42 per person, you’ll spend about 1 hour and 45 minutes cruising along a canal that’s been central to Montreal’s development for over a century. The experience is conducted aboard a zero pollution electric boat, making it an environmentally friendly option that balances fun and sustainability.

What we particularly love about this tour is how intimate it feels, thanks to the small boat size, and the chance to witness three lockages—a rare and engaging experience for anyone interested in how waterways are managed. Plus, the tour’s route takes in some of Montreal’s most historic and scenic spots, from the Old Port’s charming quays to the industrial remnants at Silo #5, and the lush greenery along the canal.

A consideration for travelers is the weather dependency—good weather is essential, as the tour is outdoors and involves floating on water. If rain or wind interfere, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled, which could be inconvenient. This experience best suits those who enjoy quiet, scenic cruising and are eager to learn about Montreal’s waterway history without large crowds.

If you’re after an authentic, relaxed activity that combines education, nature, and a touch of adventure, this boat tour hits the spot. It’s especially great for history buffs, eco-conscious travelers, or those simply looking for a different way to explore Montreal’s waterfront beyond walking or biking.

Key Points

• Eco-friendly travel: The electric boat produces no pollution, making it a guilt-free way to enjoy the water.
• Historical insights: The tour covers 150 years of history of the Lachine Canal, adding educational value.
• Intimate experience: Small group size ensures a cozy, personal cruise.
• Lockage experience: Witness three lockages—a fun and instructive part of navigating Montreal’s waterways.
• Scenic route: From the Old Port to Lake Saint-Louis, the views include historic sites, industrial relics, and lush parks.
• Weather-sensitive: The experience depends on good weather; cancellations are possible if conditions aren’t favorable.

An In-Depth Look at the Electric Boat Tour on Lachine Canal

Setting the Scene: Montreal’s Waterways and Their Significance

Montreal’s Lachine Canal has been a vital artery for over 150 years, originally built to facilitate shipping and industry. Today, it’s a tranquil corridor through the city’s southwest side, lined with parks, historical sites, and remnants of Montreal’s industrial past. A boat tour here gives you a perspective few other activities can match—gliding past old warehouses, silos, and lush green parks that stretch along the water’s edge.

The Route and Its Highlights

The tour begins at the Old Port’s quays, which are steeped in history. This is where Montreal’s earliest settlers arrived by river, and the port became the launchpad for the city’s growth into an international hub. From there, the boat moves towards the entrance of the Lachine Canal, marked by Silo #5—an iconic industrial relic built on embankments created during canal construction.

The route takes you along the 13.5-kilometer canal, a green ribbon that connects the Old Port to Lake Saint-Louis. As you cruise, you’ll pass industrial remnants and modern parks, offering a fascinating contrast that showcases Montreal’s transformation from industrial powerhouse to vibrant urban area.

Lockages: A Personal Connection to Water Navigation

One of the standout features of this tour is experiencing three lockages. Locking through is an engaging process—your boat is raised or lowered to match the water level of the next section of the canal. It’s a lively process, especially on a small, nimble boat, and many reviewers find it surprisingly fun.

In fact, Didier from a recent review noted, “les tris écluses sont amusantes,” emphasizing how enjoyable this aspect can be. Watching the boat navigate through these historic water controls offers a tangible connection to Montreal’s engineering past.

What You’ll See and Experience

You’ll love the views of historic sites and the chance to observe Montreal’s industrial heritage firsthand. Along the way, the guide (whose name might come up during your tour) shares stories and insights about the canal’s role in Montreal’s growth.

Besides the lockages, the tour offers plenty of photo opportunities—the peaceful water, the old warehouses, and glimpses of the city skyline. Points of interest like Silo #5 and the Pointe-du-Moulin-à-vent add to the visual tapestry.

The Small Boat Advantage

A major perk of this tour is its intimate setting. With a small boat, you’re closer to the water and the guide, creating a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. This also means fewer crowds and more personal interaction, which many travelers appreciate.

Practicalities: Booking, Duration, and Cost

At just under $42 per person, this tour offers a compelling value, especially considering the inclusion of all fees and taxes. It’s popular enough to be booked about 11 days in advance, so planning ahead makes sense. The duration of about 1 hour and 45 minutes is just right—long enough to enjoy the scenery but not so lengthy that it becomes tiring.

The tour is accessible via public transportation, making it easy to reach the departure point. The group size is capped at 20 travelers, maintaining the personal touch.

What’s Not Included and Considerations

The tour price doesn’t include alcoholic beverages, so if you’re looking to celebrate with a drink, you’ll need to bring your own or plan to visit a nearby café afterward. Also, it’s weather-dependent—bad weather can lead to cancellations, so checking the forecast and booking with flexibility is smart.

Feedback from Travelers

The reviews speak highly of this experience. Didier called it a “bonne expérience” with “personnel très sympa,” and appreciated the small boat size for better intimacy. The lockages received special praise for being amusing. The overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 from five reviews emphasizes its popularity and high satisfaction level.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history enthusiasts, eco-conscious travelers, or anyone seeking a relaxing, scenic excursion away from the hustle and bustle. It’s ideal for those interested in Montreal’s industrial past, waterway engineering, or simply looking for a peaceful way to enjoy the city from a different angle. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will find something to enjoy here.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a unique, environmentally friendly way to see Montreal, this electric boat tour on the Lachine Canal offers a memorable mix of history, nature, and urban scenery. Its small-group setting and lockage experience make it stand out from more typical boat rides. The price point provides excellent value, especially considering the intimate atmosphere and scenic highlights.

While weather can affect the day, planning ahead and being flexible will ensure you get to enjoy this quiet, informative cruise. Perfect for those who appreciate learning about local history while floating along peaceful waters, this tour is a genuine chance to see Montreal from a different perspective.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, giving you enough time to enjoy the scenery and experience the lockages without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
All fees and taxes are included in the ticket price of around $42 per person. You won’t need to pay extra for these.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, and the experience is suitable for a wide range of ages. Specific age restrictions aren’t mentioned, but the small boat setup and outdoor environment are generally family-friendly.

Is the tour accessible via public transportation?
Yes, the tour’s departure point is near public transportation, making it easy to reach without a car.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What should I bring?
Bring weather-appropriate clothing, especially if rain or wind is forecast. A camera or smartphone for photos is highly recommended to capture the scenic views and lockages.

In a nutshell, this Montreal electric boat tour on the Lachine Canal offers an authentic, eco-friendly experience that combines history, nature, and a touch of adventure. Perfect for curious minds and those seeking a peaceful escape on water, it’s a charming way to deepen your appreciation for Montreal’s waterways.