The Best Boat Rentals in Ville-Marie

Most private charters in the Old Port area run roughly $100–$250 CAD per hour for small motorboats and pontoons, $250–$450 CAD per hour for mid‑size cruisers or sailboats, and $400–$600+ CAD per hour for larger yachts; half‑day outings often land around $600–$1,200 and full days from about $1,200–$2,000+. Pricing usually includes the required safety gear and, for captained trips, the skipper and basic fuel for a standard route; taxes, gratuity, special pickup/docking, overtime, and premium fuel for longer itineraries are typically extra. If you prefer a budget‑friendly option, public sightseeing cruises on the St. Lawrence generally cost around $40–$60 per adult. Rates rise on peak weekends and during major summer events, so booking early helps you secure the best times and prices.

You’ll find comfortable pontoons for relaxed cruising, nimble bowriders/runabouts for quick hops, classic sailboats for scenic tacks, and cabin cruisers or yachts for celebrations and group outings. Many larger boats are designed for social events with shaded deck space, Bluetooth sound, and coolers, while smaller boats keep things simple for couples or small groups. If you want a hands‑off day so you can focus on the party and photos, choose a captained charter; if you’re experienced and want to drive, there are self‑operated options as well.

Both are available. Many groups choose a captained charter for simplicity, local knowledge, and stress‑free docking on the lively Old Port waterfront. If you want to operate the boat yourself, Canadian law requires proof of competency; most renters meet this with a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), but Transport Canada also recognizes a completed Rental Boat Safety Checklist as valid proof for the rental period, and visitors can use an equivalent from their home country. Conditions on the St. Lawrence can include current, wind, and commercial traffic, so pick a boat and itinerary that match your experience level.

The most common launch points are along the Old Port, including Quai Jacques‑Cartier (Jacques‑Cartier Pier) and the Clock Tower Quay at the Bassin de l’Horloge, right by the landmark Clock Tower and beach. Many sightseeing cruises and private charters also use the Grand Quay (Montréal’s cruise terminal) near the Pointe‑à‑Callière museum. Depending on the operator and your plan, pickups may also be arranged across the channel at Parc Jean‑Drapeau or, occasionally, nearby Longueuil—confirm exact meeting details with your captain when you book.

Expect sweeping skyline views, the green‑steel arc of the Jacques‑Cartier Bridge, and the 1920s Clock Tower framing the Old Port. Many routes pass iconic sights like Habitat 67’s stacked cubes, the geodesic Biosphere at Parc Jean‑Drapeau, Silo No. 5, La Ronde, and, on clear days, the Olympic Stadium tower in the distance. Evening trips add golden‑hour light on Old Montreal’s historic stone façades, while summer fireworks nights create a dramatic backdrop over the river.

If you operate a motorized boat yourself, you must carry proof of competency. A Pleasure Craft Operator Card is the most common, but for rental boats the Transport Canada Rental Boat Safety Checklist also qualifies as proof for the duration of your rental; international visitors may use recognized credentials from their home country. For captained charters, no license is needed for guests—your skipper handles the navigation and safety briefing.

Yes—families are welcome, and boats carry the Transport Canada‑required safety equipment, including a properly sized lifejacket or PFD for each person on board. Let your captain know the ages and sizes of children so they can have the right gear ready; if you’re bringing an infant, confirm availability in advance and consider bringing your own infant PFD for best fit. Crew will review basic safety before departure, and many boats have shaded seating and easy boarding to make the day comfortable for younger guests.

Most private charters allow you to bring snacks, birthday cakes, and non‑alcoholic drinks; many also permit alcoholic beverages for guests who are of legal drinking age in Quebec (18+). Captains often ask you to avoid glass on deck and may restrict red wine or messy foods to keep the boat spotless; some can arrange catering or provide coolers on request. As always in Canada, impaired operation is illegal—your captain is responsible for safety and will set reasonable house rules so everyone has a good time.

Small, well‑behaved dogs are often welcome with advance notice, though final approval is up to the owner or captain and a cleaning fee may apply. If you bring a pup, pack a fitted pet lifejacket, water bowl, and a towel, and plan for shade during sunny summer afternoons on the river. Let your captain know about pets before booking so they can recommend the best boat layout and pickup location.

Summer on the St. Lawrence is generally pleasant, but pop‑up showers or gusty winds do happen. Captains monitor the forecast and will make the go/no‑go call with safety in mind; if conditions are unsafe, most will offer a reschedule or refund according to the listing’s cancellation policy. If the weather is safe but not perfect, standard policies apply, so it’s smart to read the cancellation terms at checkout and keep some flexibility in your schedule.

The core boating season runs from mid‑May through mid‑October, with prime weather and longest days from late June to August. Demand spikes on big weekends and event dates: the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles‑Villeneuve (June 13–15, 2025), the International des Feux Loto‑Québec fireworks series (June 26–July 31, 2025), Saint‑Jean‑Baptiste Day (June 24), Canada Day (July 1), OSHEAGA (August 1–3, 2025), and Labour Day (Monday, September 1, 2025). If you’re traveling from the U.S., note that Memorial Day (Monday, May 26, 2025) and Independence Day (Friday, July 4, 2025) also drive summer travel and bookings. For calmer water and easier parking, choose weekday mornings; for photos and city lights, book a sunset or evening cruise, especially on fireworks nights.

Absolutely—private boats are perfect for milestone celebrations, team offsites, and bachelor/bachelorette parties, with options from cozy cruisers to spacious yachts. Share your headcount, preferred vibe (chill sightseeing or lively party), and any must‑see landmarks when you inquire, and your captain can suggest the right vessel, playlist setup, and timing. Popular party windows on summer weekends sell out first, so reserve well in advance if you’re aiming for fireworks nights, Grand Prix weekend, or festival dates.

Yes—the city’s international fireworks competition is a summer standout, and watching the bursts reflect off the St. Lawrence from a boat is unforgettable. Departures from the Old Port time cruises to the 10 p.m. show, with views toward La Ronde and the Jacques‑Cartier Bridge; plan early, as those dates book up quickly and some operators have special event pricing and boarding instructions. If you prefer daytime, scenic loops from the Old Port showcase Habitat 67, the Biosphere, and the skyline without the crowds.