The Best Boat Rentals Near Laval

Most renters in Laval choose comfortable pontoons for relaxed cruising, sporty bowriders and wake boats for swimming stops and towing, classic sailboats on nearby open water, and cabin cruisers or small yachts for celebrations. You’ll also find fishing-friendly powerboats for leisurely trolling along the Rivière des Mille Îles. Captained and self-operated options are both available, so you can match the boat style to your group and experience level.

Expect easy, round-number pricing: smaller motorboats and pontoons commonly run about $100–$200 per hour, mid-size cabin cruisers with a captain are often $250–$450 per hour, and larger yachts typically start around $400–$600+ per hour. Shared sightseeing cruises can be closer to $40–$60 per adult. Safety gear is included, and captained trips usually include the skipper and basic fuel for a standard route; taxes, gratuity, premium fuel for longer routes, special pickup fees, and cleaning charges may be extra. Prices rise on peak weekends and during major summer events, so booking early helps lock in better rates.

Common pickup points include the Sainte-Rose waterfront along the Rivière des Mille Îles, especially near Marina Sainte‑Rose in the historic Vieux‑Sainte‑Rose district, the Port de Plaisance Laval‑sur‑le‑Lac on the edge of Lac des Deux Montagnes, and Marina Bo‑Bi‑No in Sainte‑Dorothée. Some captains can arrange custom pickups at nearby public docks when tides, space, and permissions allow. Your exact meeting spot will be confirmed in your booking details.

Laval sits between the Rivière des Mille Îles and the Rivière des Prairies, so you’ll cruise past green islands, quiet marshes, and plenty of wildlife—think great blue herons, ospreys, turtles sunning on logs, and the occasional beaver. Westward runs open toward broad views on Lac des Deux Montagnes, sunsets near Oka’s long sandy shoreline, and calm coves for swimming. If your captain continues toward Montréal on select itineraries, you may also glimpse iconic riverfront sights further south on the St. Lawrence.

If you plan to drive the boat yourself, Canada requires proof of competency for motorized pleasure craft. Most locals show a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, but visitors can present equivalent proof from their home state or complete a Rental Boat Safety Checklist provided by the owner for the duration of the rental. Choosing a captained charter means the licensed skipper handles the driving, which is the simplest option for many groups.

For stress‑free planning, a captained trip is hard to beat: the skipper handles navigation, docking, and safety briefings while you focus on your guests. Self‑drive boats suit confident operators familiar with narrow channels and no‑wake zones on the Mille Îles and Prairies rivers. If you’re coordinating a birthday or bachelorette, or want flexible routes and timing, a captain usually makes the day smoother.

Yes—families are welcome. Transport‑approved lifejackets or PFDs are provided for every passenger, including child sizes; most captains ask that children wear them whenever the boat is underway. You’ll get a safety briefing before departure, and many boats have shaded seating and easy swim ladders. Let your host know ages and sizes in advance so they can have the right gear ready.

Most private charters are BYO for snacks, picnic fare, and non‑alcoholic drinks, and many provide a cooler with ice or bottled water. Glass is discouraged; cans and reusable containers are best. In Québec, alcohol is only permitted under specific conditions on boats, and consumption is ultimately at the captain’s discretion for safety. If you’d like to celebrate with a toast, confirm what’s allowed on your boat before you pack.

Pet policies are set by each owner. Many captains welcome well‑behaved dogs on a case‑by‑case basis—typically smaller breeds—with a towel, leash, and paw protection to avoid scratches on seats. If your dog is joining, bring a fitted pet PFD and let your host know in advance so they can suggest the best boat layout and swim stops.

Summer days around Laval can bring quick changes—sunshine in the morning and a pop‑up thunderstorm in the afternoon. Captains monitor conditions and will delay, reroute to calmer water, or reschedule for safety if lightning, high winds, or strong storms are expected. If the captain cancels for unsafe weather, you can typically reschedule or receive a refund according to the booking policy; check your confirmation for the exact terms.

Absolutely. Pontoons and mid‑size cruisers are popular for 8–12 guests, and select yachts can host up to about 15, making them ideal for milestone birthdays, family reunions, bachelorettes, and casual corporate events. Many hosts can help you plan a simple itinerary with a scenic cruise, a swim stop, a sunset pass, and your favorite playlist. Share your headcount and vibe, and your captain will recommend the best route and timing.

Peak boating season runs roughly mid‑May through mid‑October, with the warmest water and longest days from late June through August. Local holidays that book up fast include Québec’s National Patriots’ Day in late May, Saint‑Jean‑Baptiste Day on June 24, Canada Day on July 1, and Labour Day on the first Monday of September. U.S. holiday weekends—Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day—also drive demand with cross‑border visitors. For calmer water and easier parking, choose weekday mornings; sunsets are stunning, but weekends fill early, so reserve in advance.

Two favorites top many itineraries. First, a wildlife‑rich cruise through the Parc de la Rivière‑des‑Mille‑Îles, where you can spot herons, ospreys, and turtles among the islands. Second, a westward run to Lac des Deux Montagnes for swimming coves and golden‑hour views near Oka’s beaches. In late June and July, many boaters also plan special evenings to view Montréal’s weekly international fireworks from the water on select routes, a memorable add‑on if your captain offers it.