Montreal: Bateau-Mouche Cruise with A La Carte Dinner Option

Montreal: Bateau-Mouche Cruise with A La Carte Dinner Option — A Practical and Authentic River Experience

Imagine floating along the mighty St. Lawrence River, with the Montreal skyline glowing in the evening light, while you enjoy a personalized gourmet meal and the sounds of live music. For about three hours, this cruise offers a chance to see the city from a unique perspective, starting from the historic Old Port at Quai Jacques-Cartier. At $61 per person, plus the cost of your meal, it’s an experience that blends sightseeing, dining, and gentle entertainment in one relaxing package.

What we particularly like about this cruise is the spectacular view of Montreal’s landmarks, especially the iconic Pont Jacques-Cartier, and the flexibility of the à la carte menu. You can indulge in up to six courses, chosen from a carefully curated selection, which makes it great for food lovers. Another highlight is the live music, with performances often featuring jazz or a musical trio, adding a cozy, sophisticated vibe to the evening.

One thing to keep in mind is that food and drinks are not included in the ticket price, so you’ll want to budget accordingly. Also, the cruise isn’t designed for those with mobility issues, and the weather can influence your experience—rain or shine, this cruise sails, but the roof may stay closed if conditions are poor.

This cruise is ideal for couples celebrating a special occasion, small groups of friends, or anyone wanting a peaceful, scenic evening on the water with good food and good views. If you’re after a lively party or want a very budget-friendly outing, this might not be your best fit. But for those seeking a balanced, elegant experience that showcases Montreal from the water, it hits the mark.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Stunning Views: See Montreal’s Old Montreal, Downtown, and the Pont Jacques-Cartier from the river.
• Flexible Dining: Choose up to 6 courses from the à la carte menu, with excellent culinary options.
• Live Music: Enjoy onboard entertainment, including jazz performances on certain evenings.
• Relaxed Schedule: Depart at 7 PM, returning around 10 PM, with boarding from 6:30 PM.
• Attentive Service: Crew members are praised for being efficient and friendly.
• Weather Considerations: The cruise operates rain or shine, but the roof may stay closed in poor weather.

A Deep Dive into the Montreal Bateau-Mouche Dinner Cruise

The Itinerary and Setting

The cruise begins at the Quai Jacques-Cartier in Montreal’s historic Old Port, a location that already promises a charming start. Boarding is scheduled for 6:30 PM, giving you a bit of time to settle in before departure at 7 PM. The three-hour voyage is designed to showcase the city’s skyline as it transitions from sunset into night, with the illuminated landmarks creating a magical backdrop.

Once on board, you’ll notice the newly renovated interior that blends ambient lighting with the scenic surroundings. The vessel is designed for comfort and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for focusing on the views and your meal. This is not a high-energy party cruise but a more refined setting, ideal for a leisurely evening.

Navigating the Sights

The cruise’s route takes you through the heart of Montreal’s waterfront. You’ll pass by Old Montreal, with its historic buildings and charming cobblestone streets, and then venture toward downtown, where modern skyscrapers contrast with the city’s classical architecture. The Pont Jacques-Cartier offers a breathtaking photo opportunity, especially at sunset or under the evening lights.

Reviews highlight that the scenery is quite impressive, with some guests noting that the views are even better than expected. One traveler commented, “The sunset dinner cruise was wonderful! The food was way above our expectation,” emphasizing how the experience surpasses the typical river cruise.

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Dining Experience — The A La Carte Menu

The star feature of this cruise is the dining. The menu is not fixed; instead, you select from an à la carte list, which can include up to six courses. The menu is curated in collaboration with a renowned Montreal catering service, ensuring quality and variety.

Guests can choose dishes like fillet mignon, duck, or other gourmet options. Several reviews mention that the food is delicious and well-presented, with one saying, “The filet was delicious,” and another noting, “The 6-course meal was very nice,” which speaks to the high quality of the onboard cuisine.

Pricing for the meal is paid separately at the end of the cruise, so budget around $100 per person if you plan to indulge in a full meal and wine. This means the overall experience is best for those who value good food and are willing to spend a little extra for a premium dining experience.

Live Music and Atmosphere

Adding to the ambiance, the cruise often features live jazz performances or a musical trio, especially during certain evenings like Thursday and Friday. Guests have said that the music enhances the mood, making the evening feel more intimate and sophisticated. One reviewer noted, “Relaxing jazz in the background made the evening memorable,” which proves how music can elevate the experience.

Practical Considerations

The boarding process is straightforward, but arriving 30 minutes early is recommended. Be prepared with a credit card for payments, and dress warmly—Montreal evenings can get chilly, even in summer. The terrace is accessible during the cruise, though the space is limited, and the deck might be crowded or closed if the weather is poor.

The cruise isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as access is limited. Also, large bags or coolers are not allowed, so travel light.

Authentic Guest Perspectives

Guests appreciate the knowledgeable crew and the breathtaking scenery. One person raved, “Our server William made the whole experience something to remember,” highlighting the excellent service that complements the beautiful views.

Several reviews mention that the cost can add up once meals and drinks are factored in, but many feel it’s worth it for the quality and ambiance. For example, one reviewer said, “Be prepared to spend an additional $100 per person,” but also called the food “good,” and the views “spectacular.”

Weather and Other Tips

Since the cruise operates in all weather conditions, packing warm clothing is wise, especially in the evening. The roof may stay closed if it rains or is very windy, so don’t expect an open-air experience entirely. The activity can be canceled or rescheduled with a full refund if needed, which adds peace of mind.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This cruise is best suited for those who appreciate fine dining in a scenic setting and enjoy a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. Couples celebrating a special date, small groups of friends wanting a memorable night, or visitors who love combining sightseeing with gourmet food will find this experience particularly appealing.

If you’re looking for a lively party, a very budget-friendly outing, or a fully outdoor adventure, you might want to explore other options. However, for a balanced mix of elegance, scenery, and good food, this cruise delivers.

The Sum Up

The Montreal Bateau-Mouche dinner cruise balances spectacular river views, quality food, and a cozy ambiance. While the price point reflects the gourmet options and onboard entertainment, many guests find the experience worth the investment, especially when celebrating something special or simply wanting a different perspective on Montreal.

This experience excels for those seeking a romantic evening or a peaceful escape from the city streets, offering a memorable way to see Montreal’s landmarks illuminated at night. It’s also a great way to indulge in local culinary delights while soaking in the scenery.

However, travelers should be prepared for the extra cost of food and drinks, limited accessibility, and weather considerations. If you’re flexible, looking for a scenic, elegant, and authentic river voyage, this cruise can add a truly memorable chapter to your Montreal visit.

FAQ

Is the dinner included in the ticket price?
No, the $61 ticket price covers the cruise and onboard music but does not include food. You’ll choose and pay for your meal separately at the end of the cruise.

Can I select my meal before the cruise?
No, the menu is available to peruse onboard. You’ll make your meal selections during the cruise and pay for your choices at the end.

Is there live music on the cruise?
Yes, onboard music is included, with performances by a musical trio on certain evenings like Thursday and Friday, enhancing the atmosphere.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours, departing at 7 PM and returning around 10 PM, with boarding starting at 6:30 PM.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly, especially in cooler months or evenings. The cruise is in rain or shine, and the roof may stay closed in poor weather.

Is the cruise accessible for all guests?
No, it’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to limited access and space.

What’s the best way to enjoy the experience?
Arrive early to board smoothly, choose a window seat if possible, and consider ordering a full meal and drinks to maximize your enjoyment of the gourmet options.

You can check availability for your dates here: