Saturday, 30 July 2011

Cruises in Montreal, Canada

Montreal cruises are a magnificent way to explore the city’s waterfront and see numerous attractions from a unique vantage point. Sightseeing harbor cruises in Montreal, lunch and dinner cruises, and many other types of waterfront rides are scenic and popular ways to take a greater look at Montreal. Sightseeing harbor cruises in Montreal are a major highlight for many visitors. The cruises last roughly two hours. There are several different cruise providers and each has their own specific timeline. A day cruise around Montreal’s harbor is possible between the months of May, once most of the ice has melted off the water, through to October, right before the deep freeze sets in.

A boat tour of the harbor generally departs from the Old Port, or Vieux-Port as it’s called in French. There are several different types of boats to choose from, including glass-bottom ships, historical-type boats resembling larger vessels that ply the Seine, powerboats, glass-topped boats, large ferries, and even hydro-jet boats. Harbor tours bring many Montreal high points into view, sail the St Lawrence River waters, and reveal the Old World waterfront filled with both vintage and new buildings. Many Montreal cruises through the harbor pass Ile Sainte Helene and Ile Notre Dame (home to the 1967 Montreal Expo and now other current events). The canoeing and rowing basin developed for the 1976 Summer Olympics comes into full view as does the Casino de Montreal, a few beaches and pretty, landscaped green spaces.

Sightseeing harbor cruises in Montreal can also take form of history cruises that span the St Lawrence passing many age-old landmarks. These urban boat cruises are conducted by a historical figure relaying interesting anecdotes and plenty of rich regional history. The European elegance of Montreal unfolds as does the geographical and historical city background. The cruises travel more than sixteen miles of the St Lawrence with attractions such as Boucherville Islands and Jacques Cartier Bridge coming into view. Onboard, amenities like a snack bar with desserts, drinks, and small meals are available.

A Montreal dinner cruise is a perfectly romantic way to spend an evening. Most cruise companies will conveniently provide pick up and drop off at any Montreal hotels making it very easy to enjoy some wonderful regional wines. A Montreal dinner cruise lasts anywhere from three to four hours. It usually includes live entertainment in the form of a jazz band or other musical group, multiple-course meals featuring the best of Montreal cuisine, fantastic views from the glass-enclosed dining areas, and seasonal cruise decks with music and warm summer breezes.

Once the sun sets during a dinner cruise, the shores light up with the lights and sound of the city’s evening social agenda. The surrounding islands offer a pretty backdrop as the sun sets. Most Montreal dinner cruises depart from the King Edward Pier which is also home to the Montreal Science Center and close to many city museums. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the cruise lines directly or by filling out a reservation online. Usually gratuities are not included.

Aside from dinner and sightseeing cruises in Montreal, there are many other options. Nature and adventure cruises include visits to the Mingan Archipelago islands where natural gems like unique rock formations and the Northern Gannet bird colonies on Île Bonaventure. Touring the watery corridors of cities like Montreal and Trois Rivieres is a great way to see some of the old ports up close. For a week-long French adventure, Montreal cruises to picturesque Îles-de-la-Madeleine are the way to go. The seven-day cruises whisk passengers off on an adventure-filled trip that stops at Chandler at the Gaspésie, The North Shore’s Havre-Saint-Pierre, and Quebec City. Pair a walk up to the Montreal Tower with a cruise and get the best city views available anywhere in Montreal.

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