Québec City: Weekend River Brunch Cruise

Quebec City: Weekend River Brunch Cruise – A Unique Dining and Sightseeing Experience

The Québec City: Weekend River Brunch Cruise offers a delightful way to experience the city from the water. Priced at $72 per person and lasting 2.5 hours, this tour combines a delectable 3-course brunch with scenic views of some of Québec’s most iconic landmarks. Departing from Chouinard Pier, it’s perfect for those seeking a family-friendly outing that blends good food, stunning scenery, and engaging storytelling.

This tour is especially suited for visitors who want a relaxed morning, enjoy excellent food, and love learning about Québec’s history via a passionate bilingual guide. While it includes a hearty brunch and a scenic cruise, it’s important to note that the boat is not wheelchair accessible and parking is not included. Still, the experience offers a memorable way to see Québec City from the St. Lawrence River.

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Key Points

• 2.5-hour experience combining a 1-hour brunch with 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise
• Delicious 3-course brunch prepared onboard with local ingredients
• Iconic views of Château Frontenac, Montmorency Falls, and Île d’Orléans from the water
• Bilingual commentary provides insights into Québec’s history, landmarks, and culture
• Optional VIP upgrade includes priority boarding, a chilled mimosa, and window seats
• Meeting point at Chouinard Pier, with paid parking nearby

Scenic Views of Québec’s Landmarks from the Water

The cruise takes place on the St. Lawrence River, offering panoramic views of Old Québec and its historic architecture. As the boat glides along, you’ll get memorable perspectives of Château Frontenac, one of the city’s most recognizable symbols, and Montmorency Falls, visible from a unique vantage point. The cruise also showcases Île d’Orléans, a charming island known for its farms and local produce.

These views are complemented by the outdoor terrace on the boat, where passengers can soak up the sun and capture photos with these landmarks as backdrops. The water-based perspective offers a fresh look at Québec’s familiar cityscape, ideal for photography and simply enjoying the scenery.

The 3-Course Brunch: Locally-Sourced and Expertly Prepared

The onboard brunch features a 3-course menu prepared by an executive chef using locally-sourced ingredients. The menu includes a variety of options to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, such as:

• An assortment of pastries as a starter
• A Greek yogurt dish with wild blueberry preserves and white chocolate shavings
• Main course options like gourmet casserole (scrambled eggs, roasted peppers, cheese curds, bacon, chicken sausage, hollandaise), a captain’s plate (scrambled eggs, meat pie, baked beans, cretons, fruit ketchup), and a sweet tooth option with golden waffles topped with maple sauce and wild berries
• A terroir omelette with local Le Canotier cheese and vegetables
• A vegan casserole with potatoes, vegan sausage, and roasted peppers, plus a kids’ menu with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit

Dessert comes in the form of a profiterole duo with homemade chocolate coulis, and beverages include coffee, tea, and orange juice. For those wanting a more exclusive experience, the signature brunch upgrade offers priority boarding, a chilled mimosa, and window seating.

The Bilingual Guide and Storytelling Style

Throughout the cruise, a passionate bilingual guide shares engaging stories about Québec’s history, landmarks, and culture. The commentary is both informative and lively, enhancing the scenic experience and providing context for the views. The guide’s storytelling style is well-received, making the journey enjoyable for all ages.

After the meal, passengers are encouraged to relax on the outdoor terraces, where they can continue enjoying the scenery while the guide narrates fascinating anecdotes about the city’s past. The balance of food, scenery, and storytelling creates a well-rounded experience.

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Logistics and Meeting Details

Boarding occurs at Chouinard Pier, where you exchange your voucher for a ticket at the ticket booth. It’s recommended to arrive a little early, especially since parking is not included—paid parking is available at Chouinard Pier and nearby options like SPAQ Canotiers parking at 40 Dalhousie Street.

The tour schedule begins with boardings at 10:30 a.m., followed by brunch until 11:30 a.m. The sightseeing cruise departs at 11:30 a.m., with bilingual commentary continuing until 12:50 p.m. The tour concludes around 1:00 p.m. with disembarkation.

Participants should bring a credit card (cash is not accepted onboard), weather-appropriate clothing, and photo ID. It’s not suitable for wheelchair users, and pets, smoking, food, drinks, alcohol, and drugs are not permitted onboard.

The Optional VIP Signature Upgrade

For those who want to elevate their experience, the VIP signature brunch upgrade adds priority boarding, a chilled mimosa (or non-alcoholic option), and guaranteed window seats. This upgrade ensures a more comfortable and scenic experience, especially for special occasions or those seeking a touch of luxury.

The Quality and Consistency of the Experience

With a rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 114 reviews, the Québec City: Weekend River Brunch Cruise enjoys consistent praise. Reviewers highlight the excellent brunch, the knowledgeable guides, and the spectacular views. Several note that the brunch food is plentiful and delicious, and the commentary adds depth to the scenic ride.

While most reviews are highly positive, some mention that the post-brunch portion could be a little more structured, but overall, the experience remains highly recommended.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This cruise appeals most to families, couples, and small groups interested in combining gastronomy and scenic sightseeing. It’s ideal for those wanting a relaxed morning, with good food and informative storytelling about Québec’s landmarks. The outdoor terraces and photo opportunities make it a favorite for photographers and nature lovers.

However, wheelchair users should note that the boat’s multiple decks are not wheelchair accessible. Also, travelers should plan for parking, as free options are not available.

Final Thoughts on the Québec City Brunch Cruise

The Québec City: Weekend River Brunch Cruise offers a value-packed experience that blends local cuisine, scenic vistas, and engaging narration. The delicious, locally-sourced 3-course brunch sets the tone for a relaxing cruise along the St. Lawrence River with views of Château Frontenac, Montmorency Falls, and Île d’Orléans.

While it’s not suited for those with mobility issues, the outdoor terraces and informative guides make it a memorable outing for many. The option to upgrade to VIP status adds a touch of luxury, making it suitable for special occasions. For travelers seeking a combination of good food and sightseeing, this cruise proves to be a reliable and enjoyable choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes a 3-course brunch, tea, coffee, orange juice, a 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise, bilingual commentary, and tips.

How long does the entire experience last?
The total duration is approximately 2.5 hours, starting with brunch at 10:30 a.m. and ending after the disembarkation at **1:00 p.m.

Can I upgrade to a VIP experience?
Yes, the signature brunch upgrade offers priority boarding, window seating, and a chilled mimosa upon arrival.

Where do I meet for the cruise?
Boarding is at Chouinard Pier. Arrive early to exchange your voucher and find parking nearby, as parking is paid.

Is the boat accessible for mobility devices?
No, the boat is not wheelchair accessible due to its multiple decks.

What should I bring on the day of the cruise?
Bring a credit card, weather-appropriate clothing, and photo ID.

Are pets allowed onboard?
No, pets are not permitted on the cruise.

What if I have food allergies or dietary restrictions?
Notify staff beforehand so they can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is parking included?
No, parking is not included but is available nearby at paid parking options.

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