Canada · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

The 15 Best Boat Trips in Canada

110 tours  ·  from $18 a head

The country reads differently from the water, whether that is a catamaran in the falls spray or a slow river cruise past a skyline. The 15 below range from a one-hour harbour loop to a full day at sea, each priced and clear about how long you are aboard.

Toronto: Niagara Falls Day Tour with Optional Boat Cruise - Floral Clock and Whirlpool: useful stops before the Falls
Boat Tours in Toronto, Cruises & Boat Tours, Niagara Falls Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Toronto

Toronto: Niagara Falls Day Tour with Optional Boat Cruise

1.Niagara Falls Day Tour with Optional Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,178 reviews · 9 hours - 1 day · from $53Our pick

Travel from Toronto to Niagara Falls in air-conditioned transport with a licensed guide such as Bernard, Manny, or Jeremiah. Stop at the Floral Clock, Whirlpool, and Maple Leaf Place, then enjoy up to four hours at the Falls. Add the Hornblower cruise, Journey Behind the Falls, Skylon Tower, helicopter ride, or zipline.

“Pick-up, transport, the falls, the boat ride, and also our tour guide were perfect! 5/5, thank you!”

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Québec City: Guided Sightseeing River Cruise - Starting at Chouinard Pier near Petit Champlain
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Québec City: Guided Sightseeing River Cruise

2.Guided Sightseeing River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 3,000 reviews · 90 - 210 minutes · from $47

Sail from Chouinard Pier for about 90 minutes, passing Old Québec, Château Frontenac, Île d’Orléans, Montmorency Falls, and Baie de Beauport. A bilingual guide, sometimes presented in costume as Louis Jolliet, explains the sights in French and English. Outdoor decks, an enclosed bistro, and an onboard bar make this an easy, weather-flexible break from walking.

“This was such a pleasant cruise. The boat was well maintained and had nice interior and exterior viewing areas. I had a nice waitress serve me in the interior area since I got there early. I would recommend this to anyone.”

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Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour with Ferry from Vancouver - The 90-minute crossing through the Gulf Islands
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Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour with Ferry from Vancouver

3.Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour with Ferry from Vancouver

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,703 reviews · 13 hours (approx.) · from $228

Travel from downtown Vancouver to Victoria by coach and BC Ferries, with a 90-minute sailing through the Gulf Islands. Your day includes two hours at Butchart Gardens, two hours in Victoria, guide commentary, transportation, hotel pickup, and garden admission. Guides such as Anthony, Bobby, Leslie, and Alex are known for clear local stories and helpful timing.

“Fell in love with Victoria. The garden is beautiful. Our bus driver was very conscientious and made great effort to ensure we had a wonderful day.”

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Niagara Falls Canada Day Tour From Toronto + Boat Cruise Option - The boat cruise gets you into the spray
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Niagara Falls Canada Day Tour From Toronto + Boat Cruise Option

4.Niagara Falls Canada Day Tour From Toronto + Boat Cruise Option

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,576 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $63Top rated

Travel from downtown Toronto to Niagara Falls by air-conditioned minibus with a guide such as Andrew, Tracy, John, or Paul. You get free time at the falls, scenic stops, maple tasting, and optional Niagara City Cruises and Journey Behind the Falls tickets. Summer includes the boat ride, while winter replaces it with Niagara Takes Flight.

“Was a good day out, I had limited time in Toronto and enjoyed this tour! I booked it really last minute and there was room which was lucky”

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Toronto: Harbor and Islands Sightseeing Cruise - Western Harbour views, with the city in front of you
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Toronto: Harbor and Islands Sightseeing Cruise

5.Harbor and Islands Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,566 reviews · 1 hour · from $28Best value

See Toronto from the water on a one-hour English-language cruise from Pier 6. Your guide points out the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Billy Bishop Airport, island homes, and wildlife areas, with live stories and photo stops. Small boats, friendly crews, and a $28 price make this a handy first look at the waterfront.

“A one-day tour from Toronto to Niagara Falls with Micko was an outstanding experience. He was a great guy with many interesting things to talk about along the way. A tip for those who aren't native English speakers: try to speak a bit slower. Regardless, we truly enjoyed the excursion.”

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Niagara Falls, Canada: Evening Fireworks Cruise - Getting to the riverside patio at 5920 Niagara Parkway
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Niagara Falls, Canada: Evening Fireworks Cruise

6.Evening Fireworks Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,335 reviews · 40 min · from $35

You’ll cruise from Niagara City Cruises toward the illuminated Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil Falls, with music, Wi-Fi, a cash bar, and a souvenir poncho. The 40-minute evening ride ends with fireworks, weather permitting. Arrive early for the funicular-style elevator, Riverside Patio, boarding, and the best viewing spot.

“Far exceeded our expectations. We were not crowded like we expected to be and ended up with the best view of the falls and the fireworks. Definitely recommend this tour to all who want to really experience the falls.”

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From Toronto: Niagara Falls Tour + Boat Ride and/or Journey - The bus ride from Toronto to Niagara Falls
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From Toronto: Niagara Falls Tour + Boat Ride and/or Journey

7.Niagara Falls Tour + Boat Ride and/or Journey

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,277 reviews · from $55

Travel from Toronto to Niagara Falls by air-conditioned bus with an English-speaking guide such as Lina, Leo, Kaleb, or Andrew. Expect scenic stops, three maple syrup tastings, free time at the falls, and optional Hornblower boat and Journey Behind the Falls tickets. The tour runs about 10 hours.

“Salvatore is an amazing guide and person! He is absolutely lovely, funny, knowledgeable and you just feel good around him. The whole tour was great and I highly recommend it. Salvatore made sure everyone was safe and knew what to do and where to go. The best guide we’ve ever had!”

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Tadoussac/Charlevoix: 3-Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour - Three hours between river and fjord
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Tadoussac/Charlevoix: 3-Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour

8.Tadoussac/Charlevoix: 3-Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,179 reviews · 3 hours · from $122

Spend three hours aboard an AML Cruises boat in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, watching for belugas, humpbacks, fin whales, minkes, seals, and more. French and English naturalist guides explain the wildlife and fjord. Choose standard seating, Upper Deck Access, or VIP service with food and drinks when booking.

“VIP experience was great! Awesome service, a nice quiet place with mature adults to view the whales. Only one set of stairs up. Decent for small mobility issues. We saw a Minke and a Fin whale, guides were great!”

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Toronto: Falls Day Tour with Boat Cruise & Niagara-the-Lake - Niagara-on-the-Lake, a short taste of Ontario charm
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Toronto: Falls Day Tour with Boat Cruise & Niagara-the-Lake

9.Falls Day Tour with Boat Cruise & Niagara-the-Lake

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,102 reviews · from $71

This 8-hour trip takes you from Toronto to Niagara Falls in an air-conditioned bus, with a guide such as Alex, Michael, Tony, or Edward sharing local stories along the way. You’ll stop in Niagara-on-the-Lake, pause for photos at the Floral Clock and Whirlpool Rapids, and have up to three hours at the Falls. Add the seasonal boat cruise for the closest view.

“Picked this tour as it went to Niagara on the Lake as well as Niagara Falls. Loved Niagara on the Lake and the boat tour at the falls too. Didn’t bother with the casinos etc.”

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Montréal: Guided Sightseeing River Cruise - What the 90-minute route actually shows you
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Montréal: Guided Sightseeing River Cruise

10.Guided Sightseeing River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 1,889 reviews · 90 - 210 minutes · from $36

See Montréal from the St. Lawrence River on a 90-minute cruise from Grand Quay in Old Montréal. A bilingual guide explains the city, bridges, islands, and landmarks while you move between outdoor decks and indoor seating. Food and drinks are sold onboard, and the happy hour sailing includes one drink for passengers age 13 and older.

“It was a nice relaxing little cruise. Very informative, staff was great. I would definitely do this again!”

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Niagara Falls Day Tour Includes Boat Cruise, Winery Stop & Lunch - Niagara College wine tasting before the falls
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Niagara Falls Day Tour Includes Boat Cruise, Winery Stop & Lunch

11.Niagara Falls Day Tour Includes Boat Cruise, Winery Stop & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,820 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $165

Travel from Toronto to Niagara Falls by air-conditioned coach with a live English-speaking guide. The day includes a Niagara College wine tasting, three-course lunch overlooking the falls, free time at Table Rock, a summer boat cruise or winter Journey Behind the Falls, and a stop in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Guides such as Wayne, Nikki, David, and Brian have led recent departures.

“An amazing day out! Amazing day site seeing! We went to Niagara falls and then onto amazing wine tasting & explore of Niagara-on-the-lake! Plus the tour guide was super friendly & knowledgeable of the area!”

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Montreal: Le Bateau-Mouche St. Lawrence Sightseeing Cruise - From Jacques-Cartier Pier to the first views
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Montreal: Le Bateau-Mouche St. Lawrence Sightseeing Cruise

12.Le Bateau-Mouche St. Lawrence Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,792 reviews · from $30

Departing from Jacques-Cartier Pier, this 1 or 1.5-hour cruise gives you a water-level view of Old Montreal, the Clock Tower, Biosphère, Jacques Cartier Bridge, and Habitat 67. A live English and French guide provides commentary, while the boat offers indoor, covered upper-deck, and open-air seating, plus drinks and snacks for purchase.

“Guide was very entertaining Good way to see some of Montreal”

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Victoria Whale and Wildlife Cruise - Orcas, humpbacks, and the timing of your visit
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Victoria Whale and Wildlife Cruise

13.Victoria Whale and Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,729 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $146

Set out from Dallas Road with Eagle Wing Whale Watching Tours for a 3.5-hour Salish Sea search aboard an open boat or semi-covered catamaran. Naturalists such as Derek, Sarah, Liam, Joe, and Sierra share facts about whales and local wildlife. Expect possible orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, otters, and bald eagles.

“We have seen Humpback whales, Orcas, Otter and a Pelicans. The crew was very friendly, competent and gave a lot of extra Information about the animals . We can recommend that tour.”

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Ottawa: Sightseeing River Cruise - Parliament Hill from the Ottawa River
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Ottawa: Sightseeing River Cruise

14.Sightseeing River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,585 reviews · 1h 30m · from $39

Spend 90 minutes aboard the Paula D on the Ottawa River, with bilingual English and French commentary from guides such as Andy, Elodie, and Pascale. You’ll see Parliament, the Rideau Canal Locks, Rideau Falls, embassies, and Ottawa from angles you cannot get on land. Choose a Gatineau or Ottawa departure dock.

“The Ottawa Riverboat tour was a great and affordable tour! Elodie, the tour guide was an engaging and energetic host who spoke English and French seamlessly. The views were very nice!”

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Toronto: Niagara Falls, Boat Ride & Journey Behind the Falls - Getting from Toronto to Niagara Falls
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Toronto: Niagara Falls, Boat Ride & Journey Behind the Falls

15.Niagara Falls, Boat Ride & Journey Behind the Falls

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,354 reviews · 9 hours · from $122

Travel from Toronto or Mississauga to Niagara Falls with an English-speaking guide such as Tracy, Andrew, Paul, or John. Ride the Hornblower into the mist, walk behind the Horseshoe Falls, stop at the Whirlpool and Floral Clock, and taste maple syrup and chocolate. Lunch is independent, and winter boat trips may be replaced by Niagara Takes Flight.

“What an incredible day, Niagara is absolutely stunning and at this time of year with less crowds you can take your time to enjoy it. I'd highly recommend the activities "take flight" and "behind the falls" we loved them both. The maple syrup and wine stops added to the day but there is no doubting the star of the show. Andrew our guide was an absolute sweetheart and worked hard to make sure everyone had a great day despite the varied demands of the group. The only one downside was the heating was broken on the bus, but given that we were all dressed for the weather this wasn't a…”

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