Cities
St. Lawrence River
WaterwaysA tide of feeling on the water
If the cruise ships continue to sail up the St. Lawrence, it’s partly because Québec City, seen from the river, is a sight that’s unsurpassed for sheer magnificence! Climb on board yourself, and fall in love with the endlessly changing vistas.
Welcome aboard
The St. Lawrence River, estuary and gulf are really three worlds in one, giving you an embarrassment of choice! Various boat operators in Montréal and Québec City offer up port tours, dinner cruises or romantic evening excursions on the water, with great views of the city—and sometimes of the fireworks. If you’re driving through the province, take a break from the wheel on one of the ferries linking the two sides of the St. Lawrence, or hop aboard a guided tour of some of its many islands. Moments of sheer bliss and pure freedom to enjoy with family and friends!
The estuary and gulf are home to over a dozen species of whale, from the beluga to the blue whale. Make the most of their presence to get a closer look, either in inflatable rafts or on a comfortable ship. These great sea mammals are protected in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, and generally satisfy the curious with their antics, which are often acrobatic!The open sea air
The St. Lawrence is the perfect spot to enjoy a pleasure cruise, sailing or kayaking. All along the river, tour operators specialize in organizing sea kayaking excursions, complete with experienced guides. If you’ve got experience and a taste for adventure, explore the “blue routes” of the Sentier maritime du Saint-Laurent (St. Lawrence water trail): an hour, a half-day or a week spent breaking the waves will make you feel truly alive! Other coastline companies offer scuba-diving rentals and excursions.
In the winter, the river hosts many original activities. Fancy a little ice fishing on Lac Saint-Pierre or the Saguenay Fjord? How about ice canoe racing at the Québec Winter Carnival? You’ll see that good times need have no fear of the cold—in fact, quite the opposite!
