RIVER TRIPS · CANADA RIVER CRUISES
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 canada river cruises worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Set out from Chouinard Pier for a 90-minute guided cruise past Old Québec, Château Frontenac, Île d’Orléans, and Montmorency Falls. A bilingual guide, often presented in character as Louis Jolliet, explains the sights in French and English. Enjoy outdoor decks, an enclosed bistro, and drinks onboard.
“Everything was good! Great info provided by the guide”
Cruise from Montréal’s Grand Quay past the Old Port, Biosphere, Jacques Cartier Bridge, Olympic Stadium, and Îles-de-Boucherville. A bilingual English and French guide provides lively city context, while outdoor decks, a bar, and onboard food service make this a relaxed way to see Montréal.
“Great way to see the city during a spell of very hot weather. You could sit outside or inside and there was a bar on board too.”
Cruise the Ottawa River aboard the Paula D for 90 minutes of bilingual commentary, city views, and water-only angles on Parliament, Rideau Canal Locks, Rideau Falls, Ottawa, and Gatineau. Choose an Ottawa or Gatineau dock, then enjoy the open-air upper deck or the enclosed bar below.
“I loved the tour guide. Her name is Elodie she’s very sweet and funny. We were able to take great pictures of the city and got to learn about the city. I’m very content with the tour 😊”
You’ll ride from Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours into Devil’s Hole and through Class 5 rapids, including the 365-degree Hamilton Turn. Choose the Wet Jet to get soaked or the covered Jet Dome to stay dry. An English-speaking guide adds river history, though engine noise can make the commentary hard to hear.
“It was an amazing activity for the whole family. Lots of fun, loads of thrills and none stop action. Highly recommend”
Board the triple-deck Island Queen in Kingston for a three-hour cruise through the Admiralty group of the Thousand Islands. Hear English commentary on places such as Napoleon’s Hat, Wanderer’s Channel, Bateau Channel, and Mandalay Mansion, with live music, a canteen, and bar onboard.
“The Island Queen boat was oversold. Too many people crowded on the boat. People standing at the railing and it was hard to see the views. Spencer the entertainer was marginal. Totally unnecessary to have entertainment on this type of cruise. Charge less for the cruise rather than paying an entertainer. Picked up some interesting tips about Thousand Islands and Wolfe Island.”
Choose a 3 to 6.5-hour rafting trip on Golden’s Kicking Horse River. Guides such as Austin, Ryan, Steffi, and Carlos lead boats through Class III and IV rapids, with gear, shuttle service, and lunch on select tours.
“Austin was an amazing guide. Super fun! We had a great time! We recommend the full day! Food was excellent and staff was super helpful!”
Ride a calm horse beside the Bow River and past Cave and Basin, the birthplace of Banff National Park. Your English-speaking guide gives basic instruction and shares local stories. Guides such as Sarah, Jade, and Mandi have earned praise for their friendly approach. Bring long pants, sturdy shoes, and insect repellent.
“Amazing experience. Beautiful views of Bow valley throughout. The staff was really friendly and helpful”
Spend about an hour rafting the Athabasca River on an easy Class II run from Jasper. Guides such as Molly, Nate, Jonah, and Ollie keep the trip safe and lively, while the valley, wildlife, and glacier-fed water add plenty to see. Round-trip transport is included.
“Great family experience! Our guide Felix was great. Super organisation, well rounded! Party of 6 ranging from 7 to 70 YO and we all had a blast :)”
Spend about an hour on horseback near Banff, following the Bow River trail toward natural sulfur springs. Guides such as Crystal, Summer, Edie, and Leyah provide instruction, history, and safety checks. Horses are calm and well cared for, but riders must be at least 8 and under 230 pounds.
“Informative ride and nice horses. Trail was easy and the guides were helpful. Very nice facility here”
Float about six miles down the Athabasca River with a licensed guide such as Finn, Owen, or Jacob at the oars. Expect calm stretches, small rapids, Jasper history, mountain views, and possible splashes. Lifejackets and ponchos are supplied, but bring clothes and shoes that can get wet.
“A great trip down the Athabasca River with our very skilled oarsman Joel. Very relaxing, nothing too strenuous and we didn't get too wet.”
Spend four hours rafting the Kananaskis River near Banff and Canmore, punching through 10-plus Class 2 and 3 rapids with an English-speaking guide such as Geoff, Sam, or Eoghann. You will get a wetsuit, helmet, life jacket, booties, splash jacket, transport to the river, and a drink afterward.
“Rafting was a lot of fun. Nelson was a great guide.”
Ride a calm horse through Banff’s wooded trails, cross the Spray River, and view Bow Falls and the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course. Guides such as Sam, Summer, Ki, and Liv provide instruction and keep the group together. No riding experience is required, but you need long pants, closed shoes, and fluent English.
“Myself and three sons enjoyed our ride through trails and rivers.”
Board at Montréal’s Grand Quai for a generous three-course brunch, then cruise the St. Lawrence past the Old Port, Biosphere, Olympic Park, Clock Tower, and Jacques Cartier Bridge. You’ll hear commentary in English and French, with a Signature upgrade offering priority boarding, a mimosa, and window seating.
“Awesome, I recommend it and you will not leave the boat hungry. I promesse. Beautiful brunch and food was amazing.”
Spend four hours rafting the Kananaskis River from Nakoda Lakeside Lodge, with 1.5 to 2 hours on the water. Guides such as Alex, Hazel, David, and Rachel keep beginners moving safely through Class 2 and 3 rapids, followed by a swim, snack, hot drink, and free online photos.
“David was an excellent guide with great stories about the River and area.”
Spend about four hours rafting 20 km of British Columbia’s Kicking Horse River with Hydra River Guides. You start on calm class-one water, practice paddling, then tackle class-four rapids. Guides such as Jaro, Kyle, Bill, and Hennessy are known for clear safety advice and good humor.
“Brilliant! Our guide (Kyle) has was superb - made sure everyone had a great time and never felt anything other than safe. Our family of 5 had an awesome trip down the river - hit some really decent rapids and got soaked! Set up at base camp is great - plenty of parking, places to change, hot showers and snacks. Don’t be put off by the necessary safety briefing - at no point on the trip did we feel unsafe or concerned. Fully recommend the trip and Hydra - thanks team👍”
An hour, an evening, a set of rapids or a week aboard.
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