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

Imagine cruising along the St. Lawrence River at sunset, your table laden with gourmet dishes inspired by local ingredients, all while the city’s lights begin to sparkle. That’s what you get with this dinner cruise in Montréal — a blend of fine dining, spectacular scenery, and lively entertainment. It’s a popular choice for those wanting to combine a taste of Montréal’s culinary scene with memorable waterfront views.

Two things we really like about this experience: first, the quality of the food — a thoughtfully curated, locally inspired 3 or 5-course menu that impresses both with flavor and presentation. Second, the vibrant atmosphere of dancing after dinner, with a DJ spinning tunes that keep the energy high and encourage guests to shake a leg on deck.

A potential consideration? The cruise isn’t wheelchair accessible, and some areas might be off-limits during private events, so it’s worth keeping mobility or accessibility needs in mind.

This cruise is perfect for couples, groups celebrating special occasions, or anyone looking to enjoy Montréal from a different perspective—combining fine dining, scenic views, and lively nightlife all in one evening.

Key Points

• Gourmet Cuisine: Savor a carefully crafted 3 or 5-course meal made with local ingredients.
• Spectacular Views: Cruise past Montréal’s illuminated skyline, iconic bridges, and landmarks like the Biosphere.
• Vibrant Atmosphere: Enjoy dancing to a DJ after your meal, or relax on the upper deck with panoramic city views.
• Flexible Options: Standard tickets include the meal and cruise, with an upgraded Red Carpet experience offering VIP treatment.
• Good Value: At $140 per person, considering the quality of food, scenery, and entertainment, it offers a solid price-to-experience ratio.
• Highly Rated: With a 4.5-star rating from 290 reviews, most guests leave satisfied with their evening.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Montréal Dinner Cruise Experience

The Itinerary and Overall Flow

The cruise begins with boarding between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. at the Old Port, an area rich with history and charming streets. Once aboard, you’ll notice the well-organized check-in process—just visit the ticket booth beforehand and collect your ticket, making the boarding smooth and hassle-free.

Departure at 7:00 p.m. marks the start of your 3.5-hour journey, which is set against the stunning backdrop of a setting sun. The boat heads east, passing Old Port and Île Sainte-Hélène, revealing sights like the Biosphere—the iconic geodesic dome from Expo 67—and La Ronde amusement park. As the boat cruises along, you’ll see the Jacques-Cartier Bridge and the Olympic Stadium, all beautifully lit and shimmering in the evening light.

Scenic Highlights and Photo Opportunities

For photography lovers, this cruise offers prime opportunities. The Jacques-Cartier Bridge serves as an impressive backdrop, especially as the city lights start to glow. Reviews highlight guests taking photos with the illuminated Biosphere and the Olympic Stadium—a perfect way to capture memories of your Montréal visit.

The cruise’s route also takes in Îles de Boucherville, a quieter natural area, before returning to the dock. The views are especially striking as the city’s skyline transforms from sunset hues into a glittering nighttime panorama.

The Gourmet Bistronomic Meal

The star of the evening for many guests is clearly the dining experience. The menu is inspired by local ingredients and designed to satisfy a range of tastes. Onboard, the chef prepares dishes that are both delicious and visually appealing, with options such as:

• Amuse-bouche: Smoked shrimp and mackerel with pepper, raspberry extract, and honey pearls.
• Appetizer: Guinea fowl confit salad with black garlic honey-infused pearl barley, quail egg, and ice cider vinaigrette.
• Pre-entrée: Wapiti terrine with wild blueberry chutney.
• Main courses: Choices include chicken supreme with pear confit, Atlantic salmon with mustard sauce, and beef cheek slow-braised for 14 hours with Québec dune pepper. The Red Carpet upgrade adds a filet mignon with lobster tail, elevating the meal further.
• Dessert: Chocolate mousse dome with caramel eruption and raspberry custard.

Guests rave about the quality, noting that “the food was very good,” and “there was plenty of food served.” The locally inspired ingredients elevate the experience, making it more than just a cruise—it’s a taste of Montréal’s culinary soul.

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Post-Dinner Entertainment and Atmosphere

Once the meal concludes around 8:30 p.m., the atmosphere shifts. Guests are invited to hit the dance floor as the DJ kicks off the music set. Many reviews mention the fun and lively vibe, with guests of all ages dancing under the stars or relaxing on the upper deck with the city’s illuminated skyline in the background.

Guests have enjoyed the variety of music, including Latin beats and popular hits, although one reviewer remarked, “the DJ was A Big disappointment,” implying that musical preferences can vary. Still, overall, the music adds a joyful, celebratory tone to the evening.

Practical Details and Considerations

The entire experience is set over 3.5 hours, typically in the evening, making it a perfect way to wind down after a day of sightseeing. The ticket price of $140 per person includes the meal, drinks (including a welcome cocktail, wine for two with the Red Carpet upgrade, and digestifs), tips, and live commentary—offering good value when you consider the scenery, food, and entertainment combined.

Parking is available at the nearby Grand Quais lot, which can accommodate up to 250 vehicles and features bicycle parking and electric charging stations. Other paid parking options are also nearby. Remember, cash is not accepted on board, only credit cards, and pets or smoking are prohibited.

The cruise is designed for flexible, relaxed enjoyment, but note it’s not suited for wheelchair users due to the boat’s multiple decks. Also, some areas might be off-limits during private events, so it’s worth checking ahead if you have specific needs.

What Real Guests Say

Guests consistently praise the friendly and helpful staff, the delicious food, and the beautiful views. One review highlighted a “well-arranged” cruise with “delicious foods,” and another mentioned that the dinner and dancing were “the best” they’d experienced, even among many cruises they had taken.

Others appreciated the attention to dietary restrictions, with one reviewer noting attentive service for their dietary needs. Several guests also mentioned the good value for money, especially with the optional Red Carpet upgrade, which adds VIP extras like priority boarding and a bottle of wine.

While some found the scenery not the main focus—describing it as “not all that pretty”—most agreed that the overall experience was memorable and worth the cost.

The Sum Up

This Montréal dinner cruise offers a well-rounded evening that combines gastronomy, scenic views, and lively entertainment. The quality of the locally inspired menu and the spectacular cityscape make it a worthwhile outing for those wanting to see Montréal from the water while enjoying a delicious meal. The dance party at the end adds a fun, relaxed vibe that appeals to a wide range of travelers.

If you’re after a special evening with excellent food, stunning views, and good value, this cruise deserves a spot on your Montréal itinerary. It’s especially perfect for couples, celebrating milestones, or anyone eager to experience the city’s skyline in a new, memorable way.

For those with mobility challenges or seeking a quieter experience, be aware that accessibility is limited, and some areas may be off-limits. But if you’re looking for a fun, flavorful evening with a touch of glamour, this cruise hits the mark.

FAQ

What is included in the price?
The ticket price covers a 3 or 5-course meal, tea and coffee, a welcome cocktail, a bottle of wine (if you choose the Red Carpet upgrade), a digestif, tips, live entertainment, and commentary during the cruise.

Can I choose between the 3 and 5-course options?
Yes, you can select either a 3 or 5-course meal when booking. The Red Carpet upgrade offers a premium main course—filet mignon with lobster tail—plus additional VIP amenities.

Is parking available nearby?
Yes, the Grand Quais paid lot near the Old Port can accommodate up to 250 vehicles, along with bicycle parking and electric charging stations. Other paid lots are also nearby.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, credit card (cash isn’t accepted), and a jacket, especially if you plan to spend time outside on the terraces.

Are there vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options?
Yes, you should inform your server of any dietary restrictions, and they will accommodate your needs.

Is the cruise accessible for wheelchairs?
No, the boat is not wheelchair accessible due to its multiple decks and layout.

What is the schedule of the cruise?
Boarding begins at 6:00 p.m., with departure at 7:00 p.m. The dinner service runs until about 8:30 p.m., then dancing begins. The cruise returns to the dock around 10:30 p.m.

Is this experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, it’s generally a relaxed evening suited for older children and teens who enjoy dining and dancing. Check with the provider if you have concerns.

This dinner cruise combines the appeal of Montréal’s skyline with a delightful, well-curated meal and lively entertainment. It’s a great choice for anyone wanting to add a special, scenic touch to their visit.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby