
AURA experience at Notre-Dame Basilica and guided cruise
Traveler rating
4.1/5
Based on 76 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is AURA experience at Notre-Dame Basilica and guided cruise worth booking?
AURA experience at Notre-Dame Basilica and guided cruise is a 2.5-hour experience in Montreal, Canada, from $80 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 76 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 55 / 100
- Rating
- 4.1/5 (76)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $80 per person
With this combined ticket, valid for two of Montreal’s most emblematic attractions, you will enjoy a guided cruise of 1:30 on the St. Lawrence River, ideal for discovering the city from a unique angle, between heritage, urban landscapes and natural panoramas. You will then end your day with an unforgettable visual and musical immersion with the AURA experience, a captivating sound and light show presented inside Notre Dame Basilica. Tickets for AURA are undated and can be used at any time during the 2025 season, without prior reservation, subject to availability. We recommend that you consult the performance schedules before your visit.
What you get
About this experience
With this combined ticket, valid for two of Montreal’s most emblematic attractions, you will enjoy a guided cruise of 1:30 on the St. Lawrence River, ideal for discovering the city from a unique angle, between heritage, urban landscapes and natural panoramas. You will then end your day with an unforgettable visual and musical immersion with the AURA experience, a captivating sound and light show presented inside Notre Dame Basilica. Tickets for AURA are undated and can be used at any time during the 2025 season, without prior reservation, subject to availability. We recommend that you consult the performance schedules before your visit.
What's included
Included
- Admission to the Aura Experience
- Taxes
- 1h30 guided cruise
Not included
- food&drink
What you'll see and do
During a cruise lasting 1h30, embark from the Old Port and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city center. Our professional guide will teach you more about the history of the city of Montreal, its key figures and its maritime heritage.
90 minutes here
Notre-Dame Basilica
The AURA experience immerses you in a captivating visual and musical universe, projected onto one of the most sublime canvases imaginable: the neo-Gothic architecture of the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Montreal
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
2pm cruise
11:30am cruise
4pm cruise
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, cmn, ja, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Croisieres AML
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please present yourself 30 minutes before the departure in front of the Croisieres AML ticket office on the dock; to pick up your physical ticket (required for boarding).
- Cruises operate rain or shine unless weather conditions pose a safety risk to passengers
- For the cruise: The time slot you book is for the guided cruise. Live commentary is offered in English and French. Audio guides are available in: French, English, Italian, Spanish, German, Mandarin, Japanese and Korean
- Rating that the temperature on the water can get cooler than on land, recommended to dress accordingly
- Upon arrival at the Cruises AML Montreal ticket office, you'll be given a voucher for the AURA Experience
- AURA Experience tickets are valid throughout 2026, according to their timetable. No prior reservation is required for AURA.
- Keep in mind that the AURA Experience is not guided
- For personal expenses, only credit card payments are accepted on board (cash not available)
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 75 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
75 verified traveler reviews for AURA experience at Notre-Dame Basilica and guided cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Lovely harbour cruise with stunning city views, though 60 minutes would beat 90
A beautiful way to see Montreal from the water. The views of the city and harbour were lovely, and it's a relaxing way to take in the skyline. That said, the cruise felt a bit long. An hour would have been plenty, rather than 90 minutes. Service was also stretched thin: there weren't enough wait staff for the size of the crowd, so it could take a while to get attention. Still, it's worth doing for the scenery alone.
Response from the operator: Hello Davecia, thank you for sharing your experience. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the beautiful views of Montréal and its harbour from the water. We also appreciate your comments regarding the cruise duration and onboard service. Your feedback is valuable, and we're pleased that the scenery made the experience worthwhile. We hope to welcome you aboard again for another memorable outing! — The Croisières AML team ⚓
via Viator
A wonderful time
The cruise was very relaxing and informative, the guide narrator was fabulous! He had lots of fun and interesting things about Montreal and the area and he was quite funny and entertaining. We then went to the Bascillica of Notre Dame for the Aura light show, it was absolutely beautiful and spectacular in this gorgeous Catholic Church. Highly recommend this excursion.
Response from the operator: Hello, thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed both parts of the experience. It's great to know that the cruise was relaxing, informative, and made even more memorable by the engaging commentary from our guide. We're also thrilled that the AURA experience at Notre-Dame Basilica left such a strong impression. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you again soon! — The Croisières AML team ⚓
via Viator
The best!
It was an amazing experience, worth it every penny.
Response from the operator: Hello rpatico, thank you for your review! We're thrilled to hear that you had such an amazing experience and that the AURA show was worth every penny. Creating memorable moments is exactly what we strive for, and your kind words mean a lot to us. We hope to welcome you again soon for another unforgettable experience! — The Croisières AML team ⚓
via Tripadvisor
George E.
The show was excellent and I would recommend it to everyone.
Response from the operator: Hello George, thank you for your review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the AURA experience and found the show excellent. Knowing that you would recommend it to others means a great deal to us. We hope to welcome you again soon for another memorable experience in Québec City. — The Croisières AML team ⚓
via Tripadvisor
Outstanding light & music show breathtaking
The best laser light show. Both the music and lights brought you to another dimension. I would say spiritually for me. Be sure to go early and sit in the mid zone.
Response from the operator: Hello, thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the AURA experience and found the combination of light, music, and the beauty of Notre-Dame Basilica so moving. It's especially rewarding to know that the experience left such a lasting impression on you. Thank you for sharing your helpful tip for future visitors, and we hope to welcome you again soon! — The Croisières AML team ⚓
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $80 to $109
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 27
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Croisieres AML, who run 6 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 60.5.
See everything Croisieres AML runsWhy this scores 55
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
AURA experience at Notre-Dame Basilica and guided cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Montreal.
How much does AURA experience at Notre-Dame Basilica and guided cruise cost?
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Prices start at $80 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Montreal usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does AURA experience at Notre-Dame Basilica and guided cruise take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Montreal is not rushed.
Is AURA experience at Notre-Dame Basilica and guided cruise worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 76 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Montreal, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule AURA experience at Notre-Dame Basilica and guided cruise?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is AURA experience at Notre-Dame Basilica and guided cruise suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book AURA experience at Notre-Dame Basilica and guided cruise?
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Around 27 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Montreal can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Montreal and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does AURA experience at Notre-Dame Basilica and guided cruise start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Montreal within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Montreal?
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On Outty we rank every Montreal experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Old Montreal Walking Tour | Small Group (Max 10) | by MTL Detours, The Original Montreal Mural Arts Tour by Spade & Palacio, Montreal Mile End Food Tour with Bagel, Poutine and 7 Tastings. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Montreal?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Montreal?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in AURA experience at Notre-Dame Basilica and guided cruise?
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Included: Admission to the Aura Experience; Taxes; and 1h30 guided cruise. Not included: food&drink. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
What languages is AURA experience at Notre-Dame Basilica and guided cruise offered in?
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It is offered in German, Chinese, Japanese, English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for AURA experience at Notre-Dame Basilica and guided cruise?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is AURA experience at Notre-Dame Basilica and guided cruise wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to AURA experience at Notre-Dame Basilica and guided cruise if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Montreal. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about AURA experience at Notre-Dame Basilica and guided cruise?
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Across 76 reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, value for money, the guide. The views and photo stops come up again and again.
What booking options are available for AURA experience at Notre-Dame Basilica and guided cruise?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including 2pm cruise, 11:30am cruise, 4pm cruise. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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