Montreal: Jet Boat Lachine Rapids Ride & City Landmarks

4.90

(144 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, you’ll dry off eventually — or just embrace it!” That’s what our captain yelled over the engine as we pulled away from the dock, which made everyone laugh (and maybe a little nervous). Montreal looked different from the water — all those city landmarks like the Clock Tower and Habitat 67 slid by in flashes of color and concrete. There was this mix of sunscreen, river spray, and something like popcorn from somewhere upstream. The guide, Marie, pointed out Victoria Bridge with this pride only locals have — she said her grandfather helped paint it once, which I didn’t expect to hear on a jet boat.

The real heart-thumper is when you hit the Lachine Rapids. It’s loud — not just the engine but the slap of water against metal and everyone yelling (half joy, half surprise). I sat up front for “the full experience,” which basically means I got drenched first. The water is cold even in July; it hits your face sharp as mint gum. There’s a moment where you can’t see anything but spray and then suddenly you’re through, grinning at strangers who are now your wet companions. My sandal nearly floated away at one point — they give you spares but next time I’d bring my own.

I liked that nobody pretended to stay dry or cool; we all looked ridiculous by the end, wringing out shirts in the changing rooms (which are actually heated — bless them). Marie told us no other commercial boats go into these rapids, which somehow made it feel like we’d snuck into a part of Montreal most people don’t get to see. There was a kid behind me who kept counting bridges out loud — lost track after Champlain Bridge because he was laughing too hard.

Afterward, walking back toward Old Port with hair still dripping and shoes squelching, I kept thinking about how alive everything felt on that stretch of river. I still think about that cold splash under bright sun — not sure if it woke me up or just shook loose something good.