Go on a boat cruise

Step aboard the AML Cavalier Maxim to discover Montréal from the water, from the Old Port right up to the Boucherville islands. Led by a certified guide who will regale you with a ton of interesting anecdotes about the city, you can soak up stunning panoramas as you bask blithely on the deck. While you’re at it, why not spice up your festive cruise with a scrumptious brunch or  a 3- or 5-course meal? 

Or you can set sail on another kind of urban excursion aboard the Bateau-Mouche, where culinary delights are paired with impeccable sights. Enjoy a 4- to 6-course dinner, a front row seat to summer fireworks, signature picnics or a delectable tapas menu in a VIP room. 

If you’re in the mood for a private cruise or for a special event, call the Navark team, with a fleet of over 14 boats for your cruising pleasure. Cocktail hour, wine and cheese, fireworks or heritage cruises are all available. 

Located next to the La Ronde amusement park, the La Ronde Marina features a private boat launch and 240 boat slips. It provides easy access to the water, as well as many attractions and special events, including the Formula 1 Grand Prix, L'International des Feux Loto-Québec fireworks competition and the Casino.

Tired of public transit or taking your car? Use the maritime shuttle service to pop over to Parc Jean-Drapeau or Île Sainte-Hélène. As you glide gently along, you can admire the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, the Olympic Basin and Jardin des Floralies walking trail. Other cruises are available, including discovery tours of the city, north to south.

Unwind in the Old Port

One of the best spots to get a feel for Montréal’s aquatic vibe is in the Old Port. From afternoon to sunset, you can work on your tan amid the chic beach chairs and bright blue parasols at the Clock Tower Beach. Getting hot out there? You can’t go for a dip, but you can cool off at the misting stations – ahhhh! Go on a leisurely discovery tour of the Old Port by pedal boat with Écorécréo or aboard the Le Petit Navire, an eco-friendly electric boat. You can also admire the beauty of the St. Lawrence on a private fishing tour where you can reel in walleye, pike or sturgeon. Coupled with a picnic, it’s nothing short of perfect!

Grab a board and go surfing

Surfing on the St. Lawrence? Not only will it test your athletic prowess, but it will get your adrenaline pumping! Operated by KSF, a team that is passionate about adventure, the outdoors and water, it promises unforgettable and environmentally responsible experiences. In addition to river surfing courses, KSF also offers slower-paced or more energetic outings such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboard (SUP). Once you’ve conquered the waves, head out to discover the Pôle des Rapides and the Parc des Rapides to take in the many beautiful sights, including the spectacular Lachine Rapids that caught Jacques Cartier’s eye in 1535.  

Dipping your toe in for the first time? Unleash your inner Kelly Slater on the artificial wave at Oasis Surf (in Brossard) or at Maeva Surf (in Laval).

Pump it up with extreme sports

Get your adrenaline pumping with a jet-ski ride by WET SET MTL or go jet-boating on the Lachine Rapids with Saute Moutons. Rafting Montréal also offers fast-paced excursions (rafting, jet boating, river boarding or tandem rafting) on the Lachine waves. Brave the bouncy waters and you will be rewarded with thrills!

Get zen on water

Ever tried SUP yoga? Go with the flow on your surfboard, and get a whole new appreciation for sun salutations with waves gently lapping in the background . The Pop Spirit waterside studios are perfect for trying stand-up paddleboard (SUP) for the first time. Terra firma more your thing, but you like a view of the water? The Bota Bota floating spa in Montréal’s Old Port offers yoga and Pilates classes with a sparkling view of the St. Lawrence River. The Strøm Nordic Spa on Nun’s Island is a peaceful retreat on the banks of Lac des Battures that lets you enjoy wellness treatments and nature in equal measure. 

Go boating on Mount Royal

Montréal’s iconic mountain lets you rent a rowboat or a remote-controlled sailboat to sail around Beaver Lake. Who knew there was all this fun tucked away under the mountain treetops? 

Glide down the Canal

Take out a kayak or pleasure boat and glide gently down the Canal Lachine. With H2O Aventures you can choose from watercraft rentals (electric boat, rabaska, solo and tandem kayak, two-seat or four-seat pedal boat) and tours to discover the canal’s tucked away secrets. Once the weather turns fine, the banks of the Lachine Canal come alive with unique events such as La Ginguette de Sud-Ouest pop-up terrasse and the Festival on the Canal that really show off Montréal’s waterfront vibe.

Soak up some summer beach fun

One the warm summer sun starts to poke through, Parc Jean-Drapeau turns into a sunny seaside resort. The Jean-Doré Beach offers a pretty sand beach five minutes from downtown, where you can flake and bake, take part in water activities or play volleyball. Check out the park’s aquatic complex and its big beautiful outdoor pools. Make a splash with the kids when you take them to Aquazilla, an obstacle course on the water that will have them shrieking with delight.

Don’t forget your towel when you go for a refreshing dip at the Verdun Beach, which you can easily access by bike, métro or car. While you're there, check out NAVI, an urban nautical centre in Verdun and Nun’s Island offering a unique way to experience Montréal from the St. Lawrence River and surrounding area. Rent your equipment or sign up for an array of guided activities and excursions in kayaks, on SUPs, fatbikes, wakesurf and more. Tours offered all year round, day and night! 

At the western tip of Montréal island, the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue canal offers an ideal location and a pretty marina from which you can watch the boats cross the canal while enjoying a bite to eat. You can also charter your own boat with Croisière Privée, which offers 4-hour rental blocks for up to 15 people per boat. The perfect opportunity to discover Lac St Louis, Lac des Deux Montagnes, the Ottawa River and part of the St. Lawrence River in complete privacy.

Hope you have a splash this summer!