The Best Boat Rentals Near Longueuil

Expect small powerboats and pontoons to run about $100 to $150 per hour, mid-size cruisers and sailboats with a skipper to average around $200 to $400 per hour, and larger yachts to start near $300 to $600+ per hour. Half-day trips commonly land between $600 and $1,200, while full-day charters are often $1,200 to $2,000 or more. Rates usually include the vessel, required safety gear, and, when selected, a professional captain; fuel for a standard route, taxes, gratuity, special pickup fees, and docking at additional stops may be extra. Prices on Getmyboat can display in USD or CAD based on your settings, so double-check the currency before you book.

You’ll find an easy mix suited to sightseeing and celebrations: comfortable pontoons for relaxed cruising, nimble bowriders and runabouts for quick hops along the river, classic sailboats for scenic tacks, and cabin cruisers or yachts when you want more space, a galley, and a restroom. Houseboat-style options appear in the region too for longer, slower days. Choose captained if you want a hands-off day; choose self-operated if you’re experienced and meet competency requirements.

Most groups choose a captained trip because the Saint Lawrence River around Montréal has busy shipping lanes, bridges, strong currents, and occasional lock traffic nearby. A captain handles routing, docking, and conditions so you can focus on hosting. Experienced boaters can request self-operated rentals for certain smaller boats, but owners may restrict self-drive on peak days or in windy conditions. If you want the simplest planning and the best timing for photos, sunsets, and fireworks nights, go captained.

Popular South Shore departure points include the Port de plaisance Réal‑Bouvier (Longueuil Marina) along Chemin de la Rive and the nearby Club nautique de Longueuil, both conveniently placed for quick access to the main channel. Some charters can also arrange pickups at Île Charron’s dock near Parc national des Îles‑de‑Boucherville or, when itineraries include crossings, at Montréal’s Old Port by the Jacques‑Cartier Pier. Confirm exact pickup, parking, and any marina gate codes with your captain a day before departure.

From the South Shore, you’ll have postcard views of the Montréal skyline, the Jacques‑Cartier Bridge, La Ronde’s riverside amusement park, and Parc Jean‑Drapeau on Île Sainte‑Hélène and Île Notre‑Dame. Sightlines toward Habitat 67 and the Old Port are excellent, and if you head east toward the islands, the channels around Îles‑de‑Boucherville feel surprisingly wild, with frequent heron, cormorant, and deer sightings. West of Longueuil, passing near the St‑Lambert Lock offers a front‑row look at big ships navigating the Seaway.

For self-operated rentals on any motorized boat in Canada, you need proof of competency. Most locals carry a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, but visitors can usually present an equivalent boater card from their home state or complete a Transport Canada rental safety checklist that’s valid for the duration of the rental. If you book a captained charter, the skipper’s credentials cover vessel operation, so you won’t need a licence.

Yes, families are welcome, and every legal charter carries properly sized, Transport Canada–approved lifejackets or PFDs for all guests. Children should wear their flotation device while on deck, and many captains will require it underway. If you’re bringing a baby, ask in advance about infant sizes; operators may have limited infant stock, so parents sometimes bring their own. Safety briefings before departure cover basics like moving around the deck, staying seated while underway, and what to do near bridges and locks.

Most private charters are BYO for snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, and many allow beer and wine for adult groups. Captains typically prefer cans and reusable bottles over glass, and red wine is sometimes discouraged to prevent stains. You can often add coolers, ice, or catering at checkout. If your charter includes swimming stops, plan simple, packable food, and secure everything during transits under the bridge where winds can pick up.

Small, well‑behaved dogs are often allowed with advance approval, and some owners may add a cleaning fee or ask you to bring a pet lifejacket. Larger breeds and multiple pets are at the captain’s discretion, and certain marinas or island docks may restrict animals in specific areas. If wildlife viewing is on your route—especially around Îles‑de‑Boucherville—keep pets leashed and onboard to protect sensitive habitats.

Your captain monitors marine forecasts for the Montréal–Longueuil section of the Saint Lawrence and will make a safety call if conditions look unsafe, especially with strong wind warnings, thunderstorms, or low visibility. Light rain usually means the trip goes ahead with adjusted routing and covered seating if available. If the operator cancels for weather, you can typically reschedule or receive a refund according to the charter’s policy. Build a little timing flexibility into your day, as passing showers or bridge closures during major events can shift departure times.

Yes. Most South Shore charters are set up for parties and special occasions with sound systems, coolers, and space to serve food. Let the captain know your headcount, music plans, and décor needs, and ask about maximum capacity, footwear guidelines, and dockside photo options. Summer fireworks nights, Grand Prix weekend, and big festival dates book out earliest; securing your time slot a few weeks in advance ensures the boat size and pickup point you want.

Peak boating runs from late May through September, with the warmest water and longest golden-hour light in July and August. Weekdays are calmer on the river and easier for docking photos; weekends feel livelier but sell out faster. Morning departures are usually the smoothest for cruising and wildlife, while late‑afternoon and sunset trips deliver dramatic skyline colors and a comfortable breeze. Holiday and event periods to plan around include Memorial Day weekend travel from the U.S., Québec’s Fête nationale on June 24, Canada Day on July 1, U.S. Independence Day around July 4, Montréal’s fireworks competition in late June and July, and Labour Day on the first Monday of September. Booking slightly earlier or choosing a weekday can help you secure better pricing and availability.

Launching from the South Shore puts you right on broad, scenic water with fast access to iconic views in both directions—Old Montréal to the west and the island channels to the east—while avoiding some of the Old Port’s traffic and parking crunch. You’ll also be well‑positioned for relaxed loops through Îles‑de‑Boucherville’s quiet channels or for timing a sunset pass under the Jacques‑Cartier Bridge before heading back to an easy, crowd‑free dock.

Absolutely. Fireworks nights are a highlight on the Saint Lawrence, with shows typically starting at 10:00 p.m. on selected evenings from late June through July. Captained trips know the best vantage points near La Ronde and the Jacques‑Cartier Bridge while keeping safe distances from closures and heavy traffic. These charters sell out early, so reserve a few weeks ahead, plan for cooler evening breezes on the water, and confirm your pickup time, as bridges and nearby roads can close prior to the show.