Montreal is a turnaround port for one-way Canada and New England voyages that sail down the St. Lawrence River, typically via Quebec City, the Gaspe Peninsula or the Saguenay Fjord and the Maritime provinces, and end in Boston or New York (or start there and finish here). The Grand Quay, the port's renovated cruise terminal inaugurated in 2018, sits in the Old Port, a short walk from Old Montreal's cobbled streets.
The ships are mostly mid-size and small. Holland America, Viking, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania and Azamara all appear on recent and upcoming schedules, along with European and expedition lines. Big mass-market ships rarely sail this far up the river, so Montreal suits travelers who want a quieter, more destination-focused trip.
Cruise ships only come to Montreal in the warmer months, when Canada and New England itineraries are in season. Departures run roughly from late spring to late October, and September and October, when fall color peaks along the St. Lawrence and in New England, are the busiest and most sought-after months.
Where cruises from Montreal go
- Canada & New England Lobster towns, lighthouses and fall foliage from Boston and New York to Nova Scotia and Quebec.
Cruise lines sailing from Montreal
- Holland America Line Mid-size ships, classic service and long, port-rich voyages, with deep roots in Alaska.
- Viking Small, adults-only ocean ships with Scandinavian calm and a culture-first, mostly inclusive fare.
- Silversea Cruises Ultra-luxury small ships with butlers in every suite and expedition voyages to the ends of the earth.
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises All-suite luxury where shore excursions, drinks and tips are built into the fare.
- Oceania Cruises Food-first, mid-size ships on port-rich itineraries, with specialty dining included.
- Azamara Small ships, long port days and drinks and tips included, for travelers who cruise to see places.
Line schedules change by season. We confirm which ships sail from Montreal on your dates when we quote.
Cruise terminals
| Terminal | Used by |
|---|---|
| Grand Quay of the Port of Montreal In the Old Port at the foot of Old Montreal; operated by the Montreal Port Authority. Renovated terminal inaugurated in 2018. | Holland America, Viking, Silversea, Regent, Oceania, Azamara |
Getting there
From Montreal-Trudeau, a taxi or rideshare to the Old Port typically takes 25 to 40 minutes depending on traffic, and the airport also has an express bus downtown. VIA Rail and Amtrak trains arrive at Central Station downtown, a short taxi ride from the Old Port. If you are driving from the U.S., allow time for the land border crossing.
- YUL Montreal-Trudeau International Airport: about 13 miles
Parking
Long-term parking near the Grand Quay is limited to Old Montreal and downtown public garages, and most cruisers arrive by plane or train. If you drive, reserve a multi-day garage in advance and confirm overnight and in-and-out rules.
Where to stay the night before
Old Montreal hotels are walking distance from the Grand Quay. Downtown hotels are a short taxi ride away and close to Central Station.
Season: Seasonal, roughly late spring through late October, with the heaviest schedule in September and October for fall foliage.
Embarkation-day tips
- Bring a passport. U.S. citizens need one to fly into Canada, and one-way cruises between Canada and the U.S. make it essential.
- Book fall sailings early; September and October departures are the most popular.
- One-way itineraries mean open-jaw flights, often into Montreal and home from Boston or New York, or the reverse.
- Pack layers and rain gear; weather on the St. Lawrence and in the Maritimes changes quickly in fall.
Cruising from Montreal: questions
When can I cruise from Montreal?
Only in the warmer months, roughly late spring through late October. September and October are the busiest, with fall foliage itineraries to Quebec City, the Maritimes and New England.
Which cruise lines sail from Montreal?
Mostly premium, luxury and expedition lines, including Holland America, Viking, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania and Azamara, plus several European lines.
Do I need a passport for a cruise from Montreal?
Yes, in practice. You need a passport (or NEXUS card) to fly into Canada, and one-way cruises between Canadian and U.S. ports should be sailed with a passport.
Sources and fact-checking (last checked October 14, 2026)
We write our own guides and check hard facts like fleet sizes, ship specs and published fees against these sources. Cruise lines change things often, so we re-confirm details in every quote. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
