Montréal: 3 or 5-Course Dinner Cruise with DJ & Dancing

Montreal: 3 or 5-Course Dinner Cruise with DJ & Dancing offers a unique way to see the city from the water while enjoying a delicious meal and lively entertainment. For around $140 per person, you’ll spend about 3.5 hours on the St. Lawrence River, cruising past iconic sights like the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, the Biosphere, and the Olympic Stadium. This experience combines scenic beauty, gourmet food, and evening entertainment into one memorable package.

What makes this cruise stand out? First, the locally inspired 3- or 5-course menu prepared onboard by an executive chef, which emphasizes fresh ingredients and regional flavors. Second, the opportunity to dance with a DJ after dinner, making it perfect for those who want to combine good food, spectacular views, and a lively party atmosphere.

That said, a possible consideration is that this cruise isn’t wheelchair accessible due to its multi-deck design, and parking is not included, so planning ahead for transportation is advisable.

This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy fine dining with a scenic backdrop, want to unwind with some dancing, and appreciate a relaxed, social evening. It’s especially suited for couples, small groups, or anyone looking to elevate an evening in Montreal beyond the usual restaurant or bar scene.

Key Points

• Beautiful city views: Cruise past landmarks like Jacques-Cartier Bridge, Biosphere, and Olympic Stadium, especially stunning at sunset.
• Gourmet, locally inspired menu: Choose between a 3- or 5-course meal, with dishes crafted from regional ingredients.
• Lively atmosphere: After dinner, dance to a DJ playing the latest hits, making for a fun, energetic night.
• Flexible options: The Red Carpet upgrade offers VIP treatment, including priority boarding, a reserved table, and premium menu items.
• Scenic photo opportunities: Capture Montreal’s illuminated skyline, especially with the Jacques-Cartier Bridge as a backdrop.
• No wheelchair access: The boat’s multiple decks are not suited for mobility devices, so check accessibility concerns in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Montreal Dinner Cruise Experience

Imagine stepping aboard a boat just as the sun begins to dip behind Montreal’s skyline. You’re greeted with a welcome cocktail, and soon you’re cruising along the St. Lawrence River, watching the city transform into a glowing tableau. This is what the Montreal dinner cruise promises: a blend of gastronomy, scenic beauty, and evening entertainment, wrapped into a relaxing 3.5-hour voyage.

The Itinerary and Sights

Your adventure starts with boarding from the Old Port, an area filled with history and vibrant life. You’ll want to arrive early enough to collect your tickets from the ticket booth, which is necessary for boarding. With a capacity that can accommodate plenty of guests, the boat offers both indoor and outdoor decks—perfect for those who want to enjoy fresh air or stay cozy inside.

Once underway, the boat heads east, past Montreal’s Old Port and Île Sainte-Hélène. This is where you’ll catch your first glimpses of the Biosphere, the iconic geodesic dome that was part of Expo 67, shimmering against the sunset. The cruise then glides past La Ronde amusement park, giving you a fun perspective of the city’s entertainment offerings.

As you move further, the boat passes by the Olympic Stadium, a striking modern structure that lights up at night, and the Îles de Boucherville before turning back towards the dock. Along the way, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Montreal’s skyline, which comes alive after sunset, especially with the lighting of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, a favorite photo spot according to many travelers.

The Gourmet Meal

One of the main highlights is the bistronomic menu, featuring local ingredients that showcase Quebec’s culinary richness. Whether you opt for the 3- or 5-course option, the dishes are prepared onboard—an impressive feat that ensures freshness and flavor.

The menu includes thoughtfully curated options like shrimp and mackerel amuse-bouche, a guinea fowl confit salad, and a Wapiti terrine with wild blueberry chutney. The main courses range from a chicken supreme with pear confit, to a grilled Atlantic salmon, or a slow-braised beef cheek—each served with seasonal vegetables and potato gratin. For those choosing the Red Carpet upgrade, the main course is a filet mignon with lobster tail, making it a true indulgence.

Dessert features a chocolate mousse dome paired with raspberry custard and caramel, a sweet ending to an already memorable meal. Beverages include coffee and tea, with the Red Carpet option offering wine, a welcome cocktail, and a digestif, adding a touch of luxury.

Post-Dinner Dancing and Entertainment

After your meal, the DJ kicks off the dance floor, playing a mix of current hits and Latin rhythms, according to reviews. Many guests find this to be the most lively part of the evening, with some describing it as “fun” and “amazing.” The upper deck provides a perfect vantage point for those who prefer to relax and watch Montreal’s illuminated skyline while enjoying a drink or simply soaking in the atmosphere.

Some reviews note that the DJ’s music was “a big disappointment,” highlighting that personal taste can vary, but overall, most guests leave with smiles and a desire to dance.

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Value and Authenticity

The experience offers good value for the price, especially considering the quality of the meal, scenic views, and entertainment. The Red Carpet upgrade, at an additional cost, provides extra perks like priority boarding and a premium menu, making it feel like a special occasion.

Travelers particularly appreciated the knowledgeable staff and the stunning views, which make for memorable photo moments. Several reviews mention that the cruise is well-organized, with friendly service, and the onboard commentary adds educational value without overwhelming.

Practical Considerations

While this cruise is a fantastic way to see Montreal from a different perspective, it’s important to note that parking isn’t included and can be limited; the Grand Quais paid lot is a nearby option, and arriving early helps.

The boat’s design with multiple decks is not wheelchair accessible, which may impact some travelers. Also, dress code is casual but consider bringing a jacket—nights on the water can get a little chilly, even in summer.

The schedule runs from 6:00 p.m. boarding to around 10:30 p.m. disembarkation, with the dinner service starting at 7:00 p.m. and the dancefloor opening at 8:30 p.m. It’s ideal for an evening outing, especially in good weather.

From Reviews to Real Experience

Guests consistently praise the delicious food and friendly service, with one reviewer noting, “service was good,” and “the menu and the food were terrific.” The scenery is often described as “not all that pretty,” but the illuminated city views seem to compensate for that, especially with the iconic bridges and landmarks lit up at night.

Many also highlight that the Red Carpet option is worth the extra money, providing VIP perks, more luxurious food, and a more exclusive experience. However, even without the upgrade, most find the cruise to be a worthwhile indulgence.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Experience?

This dinner cruise is best suited for those who want more than just a meal—they’re after a scenic, social, and memorable evening. If you love good food, lively music, and beautiful cityscapes, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. It’s perfect for couples celebrating a special occasion, small groups of friends, or anyone wanting to add a touch of elegance to their Montreal trip.

While the experience isn’t ideal for travelers with mobility issues or those who prefer a more relaxed, less structured evening, it offers excellent value for an immersive, fun-filled night with stunning views and top-notch cuisine.

In short, if you’re looking to combine sightseeing with fine dining and dancing, this cruise offers a well-rounded, enjoyable adventure that captures the essence of Montreal’s vibrant spirit.

FAQ

Is parking available near the cruise?
Yes, the Grand Quais paid lot can accommodate up to 250 vehicles and offers bicycle parking and electric charging. Other paid lots are nearby.

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise runs for approximately 3.5 hours, including boarding, dinner, and dancing.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, a credit card (cash isn’t accepted onboard), and a jacket—nighttime on the water can be cooler.

Is there an option for a VIP experience?
Yes, the Red Carpet option includes priority boarding, a reserved table, a premium main course with lobster, a welcome cocktail, wine, and a digestif.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Guests are encouraged to inform the staff of any allergies or dietary preferences like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options.

Can I take photos during the cruise?
Absolutely. The scenic views, especially with the city lights and bridges, make for great photo opportunities.

Is the boat accessible for all?
No, the boat isn’t wheelchair accessible due to its multiple decks.

What time does the dance floor open?
The dancefloor opens around 8:30 p.m., after dinner service, and continues until the cruise’s end.

What’s included in the price?
The ticket includes the 3 or 5-course meal, tea and coffee, live entertainment, cruise commentary, tips, and in the Red Carpet option, drinks and VIP perks.

This Montreal dinner cruise offers a delightful way to see the city from the water while enjoying excellent food and lively music. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a fun evening, you’ll find this experience offers both scenic beauty and authentic Montreal charm.

You can check availability for your dates here: