Croisières AML: Rediscover Montreal From the River

We know Montreal for its terrasses, its back-alley laneways and its neighbourhood tables. What we sometimes forget is that one of the city’s biggest assets sits right in front of us: the river. Croisières AML, a 100% Quebec family business that has been sailing the St. Lawrence since 1972, has made it its playground. Departing from the Old Port, its dinner cruise turns an ordinary evening into an escape on the water, with the Montreal skyline drifting past while you sit down to eat.

A Quebec Family Business That Has Sailed Since 1972

There’s a real Quebec story behind the experience. Over more than 50 years, Croisières AML has grown into the largest cruise company in Canada, with a fleet of 25 vessels, ten ports served and hundreds of thousands of passengers every year. The company also leans into environmental initiatives, a reminder that the St. Lawrence is far more than a backdrop: it’s a living ecosystem worth getting to know.

From Three-Course Suppers to Red Carpet Nights

The heart of the Montreal offering is the dinner cruise, available in several formulas depending on the mood you’re after. You can go with a three-course meal for a more laid-back outing, or opt for the five-course experience to slow down and make the most of the evening on deck.

Whether it’s a date, a birthday or a night out with friends, Croisières AML has different experiences suited to special occasions. The Red Carpet formula leans upscale, while the Signature pushes the experience further still. For those who’d rather take in the river by day, the brunch cruise offers another way to see Montreal from a fresh angle. And during the fireworks, the cruises deliver a spectacular view from the water, well away from the crowds on the banks.

In the kitchen, local ingredients take center stage through a simple and thoughtful approach. The dishes are designed to complement the evening, allowing the true stars of the experience—the river and the view of Montreal—to shine.

A DJ, a Drink, and the City Lighting Up

On the evening cruises, the outdoor terrace quickly becomes the centre of the experience. A DJ, a drink in hand and the city gradually lighting up create an atmosphere all its own. On one side, the Jacques-Cartier Bridge; on the other, the outline of Montreal reflecting on the water. That’s the moment that won us over: the feeling of switching off completely, even though you’re only minutes from downtown.

Next time you’re looking for a different kind of night out in Montreal — to mark a special occasion, to show visitors around, or simply for a change of pace — think of the river. The view is hard to beat, and the atmosphere on deck is worth the trip on its own.

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Croisières AML