Leave the road behind: Experience Québec by water

Heading out on the road for your vacation is great. Heading out on the water for your vacation is even better! You’ll see—here, it’s definitely worthwhile doing part of your trip by water. Québec is large, and the roads can be long, but the province’s ferry network and summer cruises offer a convenient, relaxing and truly refreshing way to get around. Whether you want to visit an island, cross the St. Lawrence River to save driving time, or simply enjoy a relaxing break between two destinations, travelling by water is a summer must! Here’s a quick roundup of what’s available on the water.

A must

Ferries and cruises are invaluable for exploring a vast region (like ours!), connecting otherwise isolated areas, and discovering towns and villages accessible only by water.

A prime example is the Société des traversiers du Québec (STQ), which operates a network of 13 ferries from Montréal to Blanc‑Sablon, in Côte-Nord, that run year-round and facilitate travel between the two shores and out to the islands.

The main ferry services in Québec

1. Everyday river crossings

Perfect for shortening your trips or adding a maritime touch to your vacation, these ferries will take you from one shore to the other or out to an island. Ideal for a short excursion on the water, these ferry services are often located very close to major cities.

• City of Québec – Lévis: Excellent for cyclists and pedestrians, offering a breathtaking view of Old Québec.
• Sorel‑Tracy – Saint‑Ignace‑de‑Loyola: A convenient way to reach the Lanaudière region without having to head back toward Montreal.
• Isle‑aux‑Coudres – Saint‑Joseph‑de‑la‑Rive: Free, delightful and perfect for a getaway in Charlevoix. Explore the idyllic beauty of Isle-aux-Coudres, renowned for its enchanting scenery and friendly locals.

2. A different way to reach the Côte-Nord region

Several crossings allow you to save time on the road and avoid lengthy detours. Others are the only way to get to your destination (other than by air).

• Tadoussac – Baie‑Sainte‑Catherine: Free and frequent, this ferry is essential for accessing the Côte-Nord region (otherwise, you would have to travel up the Rivière Saguenay to the town of the same name to find a bridge!).
• Matane – Baie‑Comeau – Godbout: A classic route connecting the Bas‑Saint‑Laurent and Côte‑Nord regions without having to go all the way around the river. It’s definitely two and a half hours well spent.
• Maritime service to Île d’Anticosti and the Basse-Côte-Nord region (Relais Nordik): Connecting Rimouski to Blanc-Sablon, this maritime service allows travellers to discover the mesmerizing natural beauty of Île d’Anticosti and the Basse-Côte-Nord region, on a single route.

⚓Good to know: For this option, you need to book, sometimes up to several years in advance, especially for the discovery packages that include the full tour.

3. Set off for the Îles-de-la-Madeleine 

To reach the archipelago, you can rely on the Prince Edward Island / Îles de la Madeleine ferry route.

• It’s the maritime gateway to one of Québec’s most remote and spectacular regions!

⚓Good to know: Bookings are required during peak season, and spots fill up fast. It’s also strongly recommended to advance-plan your accommodations on the islands. In the summer, they’re in high demand! The crossing takes about 5 hours.

Summer cruises await you

Summer cruises await, you leave the road behind, hop on board, and you’ll see that suddenly the St. Lawrence River is leading the way. Whether you want to admire a city from the water, explore an archipelago that’s otherwise inaccessible, or simply enjoy a break between two destinations, these cruises offer a more leisurely pace, breathtaking scenery, and that delightful sensation of having already arrived somewhere even while you’re still en route.

There are plenty of options for enjoying the river and other waterways, including:

• River cruises in the city of Québec and Montréal: A great way to take in the cityscapes from the water.
• Gourmet or themed cruises: Dinner‑cruise, fireworks, a festive atmosphere... why not set off on an adventure just for a few hours.
• Archipelago cruises: For example, around the islands of the St. Lawrence or in the island areas of the Bas‑Saint‑Laurent region.
• Interpretive cruises: To learn more about the local flora and fauna or a specific activity, such as fishing.
• Whale-watching cruises: One of the many ways to witness their breathtaking spectacle.

How does it work?

What you need to know before setting out and practical tips for planning your trip:

• Booking: Some ferries don’t require bookings (for example, Tadoussac – Baie‑Sainte‑Catherine), while others do, especially in the summer. Some don’t take bookings but fill up quickly. It’s best to be informed and plan accordingly.
• Costs: Several crossings charge a fee, but some are free (such as the Tadoussac to Isle‑aux‑Coudres route). Rates vary depending on the vehicle, the number of passengers and the season.
• Duration: From 10 minutes to several hours, depending on the destination. The longest trip, excluding the Relais Nordik, is to the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, which takes 5 hours.
• Environmental benefits: By avoiding long road detours, you minimize your emissions (not to mention your fatigue).
• Comfort: Lounges, outdoor decks, dining options and sometimes even a play area for children provide a genuine break in your day. Oh, and keep in mind: if you’re planning to entertain yourself on your cell phone, be aware that most ships don’t offer public Wi-Fi.
• Ferries provide access to regions that would otherwise be isolated, such as the Îles-de-la-Madeleine and certain parts of the Côte‑Nord region. In some cases, the only other option is to fly. We mean it when we say our province is huge...!

A little maritime glossary

There are plenty of expressions inspired by the maritime world! They evoke both adventure and caution, freedom and the art of staying the course despite the unexpected. Here are some phrases to liven up your conversations and immerse (!) you in the nautical world once you’re out on the water. A little treasure trove for word and language enthusiasts.

• Stay the course – to remain focused on your goal.
• Set sail – to set off, head toward a new destination.
• Cast off – to get away, have a change of scenery, break free.
• Be in the same boat – to share a common situation or challenge.
• Navigate by sight – to proceed cautiously, improvise or adapt to changing conditions.
• Have the wind in one’s sails – to be on a roll, make rapid progress.
• Change course – to alter one’s direction or strategy.
• Drop anchor – to stop moving, stay put, settle down somewhere.
• Stay afloat – to hang on, keep going despite the challenges.
• Make waves – to cause a stir, attract attention or provoke a reaction.
• Row against the current – to struggle against prevailing forces.
• Have sea legs – to feel at ease in an unstable or moving environment.
• Be in calm waters – to be going through a peaceful, worry-free period.
• Go overboard – to overdo something, exaggerate, go too far.

Ultimately, travelling by water means turning a simple trip into a true vacation experience. Ferries save you time, give you access to harder-to-reach places, and allow you to experience the river from a unique perspective. And summer cruises add a touch of fun and relaxation to your itinerary. This summer, whether you’re looking for an efficient route, stunning scenery, new adventures or a breather between two drives, the water will be your best friend. Simply climb aboard and let yourself be carried along by the rhythm of the waves.