lake minnewanka cruise tickets

Is The Lake Minnewanka Cruise Worth It?

Lake Minnewanka is one of the most beautiful lakes in all of Banff . Its beauty captures the hearts of nearly every visitor to the park. Even after seeing the lake numerous times throughout every month of the year, it never gets old.

While enjoying the lake from its shores is satisfying enough, there’s another way to experience this body of water. Enjoying a Lake Minnewanka cruise is one of the best ways to spend a summer day. But what can you expect from your time on the water, how much is the tour, and when is the best time to visit?

About Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka is a large glacial lake just 5km from Downtown Banff. It’s one of the largest lakes in the Canadian Rockies at 21 kilometers and a whopping 142 meters deep. It’s an incredibly popular destination in Banff year-round. In the summer, the large lakes see canoers, boaters, bikers, and hikers – as well as visitors who just want to relax in a beautiful setting. In the winter, visitors flock here to ice skate, snowshoe, and marvel at the towering peaks nearby, like Mount Almyer and Mount Inglismaldie.

For generations, people have set up camps and engaged in hunting activities along the historic shores of Lake Minnewanka. The Stoney Nakoda First Nations , the indigenous people of the area, referred to it as Minn-waki (Lake of the Spirits), attributing reverence and fear to the lake’s resident spirits. Early European settlers would later designate it as Devil’s Lake.

Lake Minnewanka is one of our favorite places to relax in Banff in the summer. We have visited the lake what feels like hundreds of times with family and friends, as it’s a great spot to sightsee. The forests around Lake Minnewanka are teeming with wildlife, including mule deer, bears, wolves, elk, bighorn sheep, and an abundant birdlife population.

When Do the Cruises Run?

In 2024, Lake Minnewanka Cruises will run every day between May 10th – October 14th (weather dependent).

Where Do the Cruises Depart From?

Lake Minnewanka cruises depart from the boat dock, which is about a 10-minute walk from the parking area. It’s recommended to get to the boat dock 15 minutes before your cruise departs so that you can check in and pick a seat. Cruises leave on time with or without you. If you show up late and have to rebook, there may be a $25 rebooking fee.

Our Review of the Lake Minnewanka Cruise

One of the best things to do in Banff in the summer is enjoy the Lake Minnewanka Cruise . This hour-long panoramic cruise cruises Lake Minnewanka. The longer cruises head to Devil’s Gap at the end of Lake Minnewanka and then makes a return.

What is Devil’s Gap? This unique natural feature looks out to the east and the plains of Alberta while enveloped in a mountain amphitheater.

Envision an amphitheater embraced by towering mountains. In the distant east, verdant prairie land peeks through, providing a captivating backdrop. If you are lucky, you can witness the majestic bald eagles nesting or see an occasional bear ascending the slopes of Saddle’s Peak.

Within Devil’s Gap lies a glacial path meandering through the eastern extremity of Lake Minnewanka, near Ghost Lakes near Cochrane. Here is also the lake’s deepest point, plunging 152 meters beneath the surface. To explore this hidden gem on foot, one must embark on a 30-kilometer journey into the remote Canadian Rockies. Though on a Lake Minnewanka Cruise, this can be reached in just 30 minutes, which alone, we think just this makes the cruise well worth it. When you reach Devil’s Gap, the captain will turn off the engine and ask for a moment of silence so that cruisers can appreciate the area’s beauty.

While Devil’s Gap is certainly a highlight of the entire cruise, the captain will point out other points of interest and landmarks along the route. There are plenty of photo ops as you pass Mount Girouard and Mount Peechee.

All these sights are combined with insights into the region’s history to enhance the overall experience. Travelers will learn about interesting tidbits, such as how the Nakoda people historically utilized Devil’s Gap as an entry point into the Rockies, a route shared with early European explorers. For over 13,000 years, Devil’s Gap has served as a vital corridor for both human and wildlife movement.

Types of Cruises Offered

Lake Minnewanka Classic Cruise

This is the most standard cruise and includes a short visit Devil’s Gap. It is one hour long. The classic cruise runs from May 10 – October 14, 2024 .

• May 10 – June 13: 10 AM – 6 PM
• June 14 – September 2: 9 AM – 7 PM
• September 3 – September 29: 10 AM – 6 PM
• September 30 – October 14: 10 AM – 5 PM

Lake Minnewanka Premium Cruise

The premium cruise runs May 24 – September 29, 2024 and includes a longer stop to view Devil’s Gap. This cruise is 1.5 hours long and includes a taste of tasty Pine Tea. Daily departures are at 10:30 AM.

Beer Voyage Cruise

From May 24 – September 29, 2024 beer lovers can enjoy the Lake Minnewanka Beer Voyage Cruise in the summer. This 90-minute cruise runs daily at 5pm and allows guests to enjoy local craft brews while enjoying the views. Guests of 2 are given 4 beers total for the tasting, and you can bring home any unopened cans you don’t consume. If this will affect your driving to and from Lake Minnewanka, consider taking public transit to Lake Minnewanka. This is an 18+ only cruise.

Family Cruise

If visiting Banff with kids , families can enjoy a 1-hour cruise on Lake Minnewanka that is specially made for kids 12 and under. This cruise runs from June 29 – September 2, 2024 and includes a kids journal book, a treat for kids at the docks, and one free child is included for each full paying adult. There are two daily departure, one at 12:40 PM and one at 3:20 PM.

Who Runs this Experience?

There is only one company that operates the cruises on Lake Minnewanka, and that is Pursuit. They are the same company that operates popular Banff attractions like the Banff Gondola , Athabasca Glacier Experience, and the Jasper Skywalk . You can book directly with Pursuit, or book on Viator.

Amenities Available on the Cruise

Surprisingly there’s not much available on the actual boat. You can expect seats with room enough for plenty of people. There are large windows to take in the surroundings from, and and outdoor space to get closer to nature. There are no bathrooms on the boats, so please do your business beforehand, or it will be a very long boat ride. There are public restrooms available near the Lake Minnewanka parking area.

How Long is the Cruise?

Cruises last between 1 hour and 1.5 hours depending on which cruise package you purchase. We recommend booking the 1.5 hour Premium Cruise or Beer Voyage Cruise.

How Much is the Cruise?

Advanced Purchase Pricing:

• Classic One-Hour Cruise: $65.00/adult and $42.25/child
• Premium Cruise (1.5 hours) : $74.00/adult and $48.10/child
• Beer Voyage Cruise (1.5 hours): $91.00/adult
• Age 5 & Under – Free
• Pursuit Pass Lite (Banff Gondola and Columbia Icefield Adventure + Minnewanka) : $110.00/adult and $71.50/child.
• Pursuit Pass Rockies Value : Package Includes Banff Gondola (anytime) + Lake Minnewanka Cruise, Columbia Icefield Adventure – Including Skywalk, Maligne Lake Cruise in Jasper, and the Golden Skybridge in Golden all after 3:30 pm. $299.00 / adult and $195 / child

Book the Classic Cruise Online on Viator in Advance or Book on Pursuits Website

Alberta can residents save up to 20% with a valid ID

You can buy individual tickets for the cruise, but for the best deal, consider purchasing the Banff Jasper Collective’s Banff Value, which includes the Banff Gondola, Columbia Icefield Adventure – Including the Skywalk, Maligne Lake Cruise in Jasper , and the Golden Skybridge in Golden .

Do You Have to Book in Advance?

No you do not have to book in advance, though cruises do sell out during periods of high demand. You also save a bit of cash by booking in advance.

When is the Best Time to Enjoy the Cruise?

Lake Minnewanka Cruises only run during the summer season. For the best weather, we recommend July and August , and for the calmest waters, we recommend booking either an early morning cruise or an evening cruise.

What to Wear and Bring on Board

My number one tip is to go to the bathroom before you board the cruise, especially if you are on the beer cruise. We were given four large beers on our journey, and by the time our 1.5-hour cruise had finished, I was sprinting to the toilets.

It’s also recommended to bring your camera and a windbreaker jacket. Even in the dead of summer, it gets cool out on the water.

Our Banff Packing List (Covering Winter and Summer)

Hiking Trails, Picnic Spots, and Other Recreational Activities Nearby

Hiking Opportunities:

There are several great Banff hikes around Lake Minnewanka. You can take simple strolls along the lake, summit nearby Mt. Alymer (scramble), head up the Mt. Alymer Lookout, or make a multiday backpacking trip out of it.

One of our favorite hikes in the area is C-Level Cirque . Which is a nice challenge that provides astounding views of Lake Minnewanka and the Bow Valley.

Lake Minnewanka Hikes

• Stewart Canyon Trail
• Lake Minnewanka Trail
• Alymer Lookout Trail
• C Level Cirque

Sightseeing Opportunities

If you’re already going to Lake Minnewanka, you can’t miss a stop at Two Jack Lake , Johnson Lake, and Cascade Ponds. All provide stellar views of Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain . If you have a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, we highly recommend getting out on the water at any of these bodies of water.

If you’re into ghost towns, there’s one nearby! Bankhead is a tiny coal mining town that thrived in Banff National Park in the early 1900s. The town’s coal mine was situated under Cascade Mountain, which harbored superior-quality anthracite coal reserves.

Lake Minnewanka is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy a picnic with friends. There are plenty of places to lounge and picnic benches to spread out on. PLEASE remember to pack out what you pack in. There are PLENTY of bear-safe trash bins around Lake Minnewanka, yet every time we visit Lake Minnewanka in the summer, there is trash left about by careless tourists. Remember you are in a national park, and no one is there to pick up after you. Do not feed wildlife.

Other Boating Opportunities

There are a wide range of boating options on Lake Minnewanka, including canoes, motorboats, kayaks, or even stand-up paddleboards. The boat dock is also managed by Pursuit.

Lake Minnewanka Boats and Canoe Costs

• Location : Pursuit Collection Lake Minnewanka Boat Dock
• Canoe Cost : $85 first hour/$42.50, additional hours
• Kayak Cost : $45 for first hours/$22.50 additional hours
• Double Kayak Cost : $85 for the first hour/$42.50 additional hours
• Motor Boat Cost : $155 first hour/$77.50 additional hours/Half Day (4 hours) $355
• Season: June to October

* Rentals are available on-site at the Lake Minnewanka boathouse on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s best to arrive first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid waiting.

Is the Lake Minnewanka Cruise Worth It?

We have visited Lake Minnewanka hundreds of times, but last summer was the first month we finally set sail on the cruise. We enjoyed the Beer Voyage cruise on a beautiful summer evening and loved every second of our time. I even brought my dad, and as a beer lover he enjoyed drinking fresh brews while taking in the views. However, he did say that the Banff Gondola was his favorite thing to do in Banff (the gondola is always a hit with everyone). So if you’re choosing between only a few activities, read about Banff’s gondolas.

Although we have ice skated , canoed, and hiked around Lake Minnewanka, nothing compares to the views you get from the water. If your budget allows, we highly recommend booking a Lake Minnewanka Cruise!

I Can Only Choose One Cruise – Lake Minnewanka or Maligne Lake?

Many visitors to the Rockies can only choose so many paid experiences, as a trip to Banff can get very expensive. The two cruise experiences are on Maligne Lake in Jasper and Lake Minnewanka in Banff. While both are fantastic, we would tell any visitor who can only choose one to consider the Maligne Lake cruise to Spirit Island over the cruise on Lake Minnewanka. We detail why below.

Getting To Lake Minnewanka

By Car: Getting to Lake Minnewanka by car is easy peasy. If you are traveling from Calgary to Banff, you’ll want to get off on the exit “Banff/Lake Minnewanka Loop.” This is right off Highway 1 after you pass the park gates. The turn will be on your right-hand side if coming from Canmore.

You’ll see signs for Cascade Pond/Two Jack Lake. Once you get onto the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Route Drive all you have to do is keep driving until you reach Lake Minnewanka. You’ll pass a turn-off for Johnson Lake on the way, as well as Two Jack Lake Campground and Two Jack Lake.

During the winter, the western part of the road is closed as it’s a wildlife corridor. You’ll only be able to drive the eastern section of the road in the winter. In the summer, the full loop is open to vehicles and bikers. If driving, please watch out for cyclists on the road. It’s a very popular road to cycle, and cyclist deserve their space on the road.

By Public Transport: It is possible to get to Lake Minnewanka by public transport in the summer months. Route 6 leaves downtown Banff every 30 minutes and takes approximately 25 minutes to reach the lake. Show your Lake Minnewanka Cruise tour ticket to the Route 6 bus and get a FREE return ride on the day of your cruise.

This service operates 7 days a week, and the first bus departs at 8AM each morning. Stops along the way include Cascade Ponds, Johnson Lake, Two Jack Lakeside Campground, Two Jack Main Campground, Two Jack Day Use Area, Lake Minnewanka Lookout, and finally, Lake Minnewanka. Service typically starts in late May and runs until late September and costs $2 for adults and $1 for Seniors/Youth. This is a great way to get to Lake Minnewanka if you visit Banff without a vehicle .

By Bike: If you don’t have a car and don’t want to take the bus, a bike is one of the best ways to get to Lake Minnewanka. The Lake Minnewanka Loop Rd is a great road to cycle, and I usually cycle this road from Canmore a few times every summer.

From Banff, the route takes you on the Legacy Trail and passes Cascade Ponds, Two Jack Lake, and finally, Lake Minnewanka. I like to take the first right after Cascade Ponds and go counterclockwise on the road. It’s a bit of a climb to Two Jack, but it’s all downhill and super cruisy and fun once you get past Two Jack. The full Lake Minnewanka Scenic Dr is approximately 13 km.

Accessibility and Parking at Lake Minnewanka

There are two large lots for parking at Lake Minnewanka, including a large lot for trucks with boat trailers. On an average day, it’s not too difficult to get parking, but the parking lot quickly fills up during peak times in the summer. The peak times are weekends from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can still visit during these times, but parking will be difficult.

If you don’t want to deal with parking you can park at the Minnewanka Park & Ride or the Banff Train Station and hop on the Roam Transit (route 6) , which will take you to the lake. Those with cruise tickets can board the ROAM bus for free from Downtown Banff. The bus route also stops at Two Jack Lake, Johnson Lake , and Cascade Ponds. Rides are $2 for adults and $1 for children. The bus only operates in the summer from May 17th to September 15th (season dependent, make sure to check dates on the Roam website).

Do You Need a Parks Pass to Visit?

Yes, all visitors need a Parks Pass to recreate in Banff National Park, and Lake Minnewanka is located in Banff National Park. Park fees are as follows:

Parks Canada Day Pass Rates

A  Parks Canada Discovery Pass grants you entrance to all Parks Canada destinations for a year. For many visitors, purchasing an annual pass makes more sense, as an adult’s day pass is $11.00 per day. The pass also grants access to historic sites such as Cave & Basin along with any other national park in the country.

Parks Canada Discovery Pass Fees

Our ultimate guide to purchasing a Canadian Parks Pass

Recommended Hotels Nearby

The Rimrock

Is a super great pet-friendly option in Banff. It’s close to Sulphur Mountain and the Banff Hot Springs. It’s one of the most popular places to stay in Banff, so book it in advance.

Check Rates

The Banff Springs

Stay in a literal castle in Banff! You can’t get more iconic than the Banff Springs. It’s beautiful year round!

Elk & Avenue

Elk & Avenue is right on Banff Avenue. It has a fantastic location and offers a more affordable place to stay with underground parking!

The Moose Hotel

Our favorite hotel on Banff Avenue, with an excellent location, and super comfortable rooms!

Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies

• Tours (New in 2024): The Banff Blog is partnering with one of the leading tour companies in Western Canada so readers can experience the magic of the Rockies with other travelers – without having to think about a thing. See all our 2024 tour offerings here!
• Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
• Get to Banff or Canmore Without a Car : The Banff Airporter provides fantastic service connecting you from the Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Banff or Canmore.
• Get Around : We suggest renting a car to get around. You can search for rental cars on Rentalcars.com. Or embark on an epic campervan trip. We like to compare prices on Motorhome Republic and Outdoorsy .
• Cheaper Airfare: We also use Going to watch for cheap airfare deals!
• Hop On, Hop Off : This tour is taking Banff by storm. It’s exactly what it sounds like, hop on and off a bus bound for all the best attractions at your own pace!

About Natasha

Natasha calls Canmore, Alberta home. After traveling across seven continents and 90 countries with Cameron, she settled down in the stunning Canadian Rockies. She loves to help others travel and make their planning easier. She is a winter enthusiast and loves to snowboard, ice skate, and snowshoe and enjoy all the fantastic summer opportunities in Banff like hiking, scrambling, and biking. You can find her in the mountains or enjoying a coffee by the river. Learn more on the about us page! If you have found the content on this site helpful to your trip planning please consider supporting The Banff Blog. You can say thanks directly by buying us a coffee . All support is much appreciated!

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Go cruising, banff lake cruise (lake minnewanka), adventure details, book your adventure, beer voyage (lake minnewanka).

For the best experience, leave the drive to us. Show your tour ticket to the Route 6 bus driver of the Bow Valley's Roam Public Transit service from Downtown Banff to Lake Minnewanka and get a FREE RETURN RIDE. Visit Roam Transit to see the bus schedule.

The Classic Lake Cruise departs daily on the hour from 10am - 6pm with additional departures on the half hour during peak summer. This tour departs from mid May until mid October.

The Beer Voyage departs at 5pm daily from mid May to late September & requires a minimum 2 guests per booking.

What is the Lake Minnewanka Cruise?

How long are the tours, what time do the tours depart, how do i get to lake minnewanka, is the lake minnewanka cruise pet friendly, can i bring my stroller on board, how many people can fit on the boat cruise, what other amenities / facilities are available at lake minnewanka, can i swim in the lake, can i fish on lake minnewanka, do i need to make a reservation for the boat cruise, will we get wet, what is the cancellation policy, you might also like..., bow river float trip, banff explorer, ultimate explorer package, big canoe tours.

For inquiries or to book by phone, call

1.866.474.4766

• Location & Hours
• Premium Cruise
• Junior Explorer Cruise
• Beer Voyage

Frequently Asked Questions

The Lake Minnewanka Cruise (formerly Banff Lake Cruise) is a unique sightseeing tour exploring Lake Minnewanka, the largest lake in Banff National Park. Your voyage will be an approximate one hour interpretive cruise with an experienced captain and entertaining guide who will introduce you to the rugged paradise, native folklore and geology of the area.

For up-to-date Lake Minnewanka Cruise daily operating hours please visit the Location & Hours page .

The Lake Minnewanka Classic Cruise and Junior Explorer Cruise is approximately 60 minutes long including the safety briefing and loading. The Premium Cruise and Beer Voyage Cruise is approximately 90 minutes long including the safety briefing and loading.

We have multiple tours running daily. For more details, please visit our Location & Hours page .

There are two options to get to Lake Minnewanka:

By Public Transportation: Lake Minnewanka is one of Banff’s most popular destinations and the parking lot fills quickly. For the best experience, consider taking the bus. Hop on Roam Transit's Route 6 service and show your cruise ticket to the bus driver to get a FREE RIDE .

Board a bus from downtown Banff no later than an hour prior to your cruise time to ensure you arrive on time. Review Roam's bus schedule to find the most appropriate timing*.

*Free Roam Public Transit ride with tour ticket returning May 17, 2024 .

By car: Please arrive at least two hours prior to your cruise time to ensure you find a parking spot and have time to explore the area from the shore.

Most Lake Minnewanka Cruise boats are now wheelchair accessible. If you've booked online, contact our boathouse at 403.762.4425 to make necessary arrangements. Mobility aids, including wheelchairs up to 32 inches wide, can be accommodated. For any other inquiries related to accessibility, please contact our team.

The allowance of pets are up to the discretion of the boat captain and other cruise passengers, so there is no guarantee. For the safety of your pet and the comfort of our passengers, we recommend keeping your pets on leash.

Although wildlife such as bald eagles, big horn sheep, wolves and grizzly bears frequent the Lake Minnewanka area, they can be difficult to find and we cannot guarantee that you will see them.

Unfortunately, for safety reasons, we are unable to accommodate for a stroller on the boats. They can be left at the boat docks.

Our boat capacity in normal times ranges from 38 to 60 passengers, depending on which boat you're on.

Generally, no. Our cruise boats are covered, but there may be a bit of water spray if the windows are open when the boat picks up speed.

Weather can be unpredictable. The lake tends to be cooler than the temperature in the town of Banff so a light jacket is recommended.

The Black Anchor Snack shop is available for a variety of snacks and to-go food and drink items right off the lakeshore. Washroom facilities are available at the parking lot and there are also plentiful picnic and recreational areas around Lake Minnewanka.

No. Parks Canada requires all adult visitors to Canada’s national parks to buy a permit for the duration of their stay to support visitor services and facilities. Day Passes or a yearly Discovery Pass are available to buy in-person at Parks Canada's park gates and information centres in Banff and Jasper . Admission for youth 17 and under is free.

Lake Minnewanka is one of the most popular recreational areas in Banff National Park. There are plenty of great trails for hiking and biking in addition to picnic areas. In addition to these, you can also rent kayaks, fishing boats or visit the Lake Minnewanka Cruise for an interpretive voyage across the lake.

You may swim in Lake Minnewanka at your own risk. We caution visitors against swimming here because Lake Minnewanka's waters are extremely cold, even in the hot summer months.

Yes. Lake Minnewanka is known as a "fisherman's paradise" and ranks in the top ten lake trout fisheries in Canada. Our guides have years of experience and know all the secret spots to help you locate that prized Lake Trout.

You will require a national park fishing license which can be purchased onsite at the boathouse. A daily fishing permit from Parks Canada costs $9.80 per person, or an annual permit can be purchased for $34.30.

Yes, to book a chartered fishing trip. The Lake Minnewanka Cruise boathouse has a limited number of boats and guides available. Reservations are required to ensure availability.

There is no need for reservation if you already have a license and have your own boat.

Yes. We will provide fishing rods, reels, tackle and modern electronic and sonar equipment on all our guided trips. Each person is allowed to keep two fish, and our guides will gut, clean and prep them for you.

No permits are necessary if you are operating a boat under 10 horsepower. Credit card deposits will be required upon your rental.

Please note that we have limited equipment available on-site at the Lake Minnewanka boathouse on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend arriving first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon.

The boats are tin boats, 16 feet long and can seat 4 or 5 people.

Safety briefings and instructions are provided prior to your departure. Staff will also provide you with emergency phone numbers. You will be instructed to stay within a certain area so that your boat can remain visible to the lake staff. Our boats are designed to avoid flipping and lifejackets will be provided as a safety precaution.

1.866.606.6700   |  CONTACT US

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

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City Sightseeing Moscow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise

• Hop-on or hop-off at any of Moscow’s main highlights
• Views of Moscow from an open-top, double-decker bus
• Learn about the city with recorded commentary
• Visit Red Square, Alexander Gardens, and more
• Bus pass inclusions: 48 or 72 hour bus pass + walking tour
• Boat pass inclusions: 60 minute boat trip + walking tour
• Bus & Boat pass inclusions: 48 hour bus pass + 60 minute boat trip + walking tour
• Vouchers valid for 12 months
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Location Name: The route begins at Red Square but you can board at any stop
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Red Route runs from 10:00am - 6:00pm, every 25 minutes. Duration - 60 minutes. First stop - Bolotnaya Square.
• Most travelers can participate
• Green Route runs from 10:00am - 6:00pm, every 60 minutes. Duration - 120 minutes. First stop - Bolotnaya Square.
• Orange Route (currently suspended) runs from 10:30am - 6:30pm, every 30 minutes. Duration - 140 minutes. First stop - Museum of Cosmonautics
• Walking tour runs daily at 10:45am. Duration - 2 hours 30 minutes. Meeting point - Next to monument of Saints Cyril and Methodius.
• Boat tour operates 5th May - 20th October, from 11:30am - 6:30pm. Duration - 60 minutes. Meeting point - Zaryadye Park Pier.
• Mobile and paper vouchers are accepted for this tour.
• Vouchers can be redeemed at any of the stops along the routes.
• Vouchers are valid for 12 months
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

• DebbJ 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great way to get oriented to Moscow We started our Moscow experience with the hop on hop off. It was a great way to get orientated to the city. The additional optional tours were also good, we did the Metro tour which I highly recommend, we also paid for the Kremlin tour. The hop on hop off has three different lines all included. Only fault was the bus was sometimes full and you had to wait for the next one which was about 15 minutes (in the cold). Read more Written January 6, 2020
• UmaDelhi 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 2 days are required Very very good audio guides- the voice quality was also good and also the anecdotes of history were brilliant. Russia is truly beautiful Read more Written September 1, 2019
• BeverleyT 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Boat trip - TERRIBLE We got on the bus, but couldn’t buy a 1 day ticket. They suggested we do the 1 hour boat trip and said they would drop us to the dock. 1) they dropped us in the wrong place 2) they were lost because of the marathon Then the boat, after we finally found it: 1) stinking fumes, actually gagging 2) no commentary, in fact, no interaction unless you begged 3) offered us 2 for 1 icecreams as they had melted and refrozen as the fridge gets turned off at night Honestly, we enjoyed the afternoon in the boat but spent all of it laughing at just how awful it was!!! The worst thing in Moscow! Read more Written August 18, 2019
• niruDurbs 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Not the best value for the price The ticket is quite expensive and covers three different routes in a 24 hour period. The red route is quite exciting and takes about an hour. The bus comes every 10 to 15 minutes. However the other two routes take about two hours each and buses come every 30 to 40 minute period. If the bus is full then you have to wait at the stop for the next bus. So personally I feel that not much can be seen this way. I definitely was not impressed. However it must be noted that one can learn a lot about the history of Moscow Read more Written July 3, 2019
• IrishCueTravel 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles SLO Motion Not all their fault , but if you plan on trying this Attraction be patient! Traffic is a big problem first and foremost. But to add additional unnecessary delays; the bus stops at each site for 15 minutes at a time or More ! I gave up half way through ( 45 minutes) ; and walked back to the starting point in 10 minutes! Read more Written June 4, 2019
• michael g 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Worst hop on/hop off EVER Waited for 40 minutes in the cold rain for a bus that never came... unacceptable. Traffic is so bad that when on a bus the previos day it was barely moving. My advice-get a subway pass and a good travel guide book and do sightseeing on your own! Read more Written October 24, 2018
• Rebecca J 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Boat element was excellent We purchased a ticket online for the boat and bus for 2 days. The boat element was wonderful, we saw some amazing parts of Moscow along the river side. The bus element was very disappointing as it only started at 10am and was finished by 6:30pm. It was extremely warm when we were there and it would have been great to do the tour in the cool of the day. There was also no air conditioning in the down stairs part of the bus. They also turned away passengers at one of the stops as the bus was full and there was not another bus for 40 minutes. Read more Written September 26, 2018
• Monismith2014 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles it was very enjoyable it was very interesting seeing things we saw walking around from the bus. so much more to see. we had a lot better view of the attractions from the height of the bus.also the bus was reasonable slow which gave us time enough for photos. it stopped at sparrow hill for 10 minutes for picture taking Read more Written September 20, 2018
• fati666222 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles The best way to see Moscow We did both routes but if you have little time then only do the red route.Its very informative and it takes you to the important sights.The staff on the bus are very friendly and helpful. Read more Written August 20, 2018
• adolfo17 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles The worst hope-on hope-off service I've ever seen Diffiult to understand the route maps and stops. Staff wouldn't help either. Lengthy stops. No air conditioning. Read more Written August 4, 2018
• Peter F 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Two Routes There is a short red route which depending on the traffic takes about an hour. The route is generally around the Red Square area. The ear phones were small and sometimes the commentary did not link up with the sites you were seeing. The green bus takes you on a longer route and ours took two and a half hours due to the heavy traffic. I would not recommend this trip unless it is raining or you want to fill in time. The sights we saw were nothing outstanding with plenty of time at certain stops for photos. Also the driver stop for a bite to eat at one stop. Read more Written July 30, 2018
• Bernardo P 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Boat Trips Moscow, Russia Yesterday, I booked a boat trip with the GetYourGuide.com web page and was totally horrible, didn’t have audio guide as it shows on the picture-Nobody Talk-. The girl on the picture-light blue bag-ask for 100 Rubles for show her the QR Code while I had the Booking and PIN number cause she must see the vessel name-Didn’t say nothing and after she said board any vessel. I suggest take the trip and pay on site, avoid fake internet pages, there are many other services with a lot of entertainment, don’t take this ones. Read more Written July 14, 2018
• Kathrynowl91 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Good way to see some sites We usually do these tours when we travel. They get you round and you see the sight . The traffic is quite heavy so it is a bit slow but there is not a lot they can do about it. We only did the red route. Just a note people don’t queue here when the bus comes it’s a bit of a free for all. Read more Written July 13, 2018
• Daniyal91 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Was Ok.! Started our tour of moscow from here, We had got the 2 Day Pass with the boat ride. The route and the map was good but not well managed. The bus didn't stop at many points. Were were unaware a couple of times at what point we were and missed them. Headphones and maps were provided. Would recommend one should check out the route map before going and decide which places to stop in advance, this way one can manage and enjoy the tour more and us it more effectively.! The boat ride was Ok, a little crowded. No guide provided, just a boat ride with restaurant service Read more Written July 12, 2018
• WilliamDyer 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Poor service on boat and too many waiting times on buses For the price, you should expect at minimum English speaking tour guides with decent experience, but at least in my case that did not happen both in buses and boats. And in the boat even tough we were 90% English speaking tourist at least, the tour guide spoke 95% of the time in Russia, and only 3 sentences in English, I really counted how many times she spoke in English. And at the end she asks us if we have any questions? Of course I told her I couldn’t ask her anything since I didn’t understand 95% of what she was saying. The boat tour is not worth it, just take the bus that would be my advice. Second minus is the waiting times, in the boat they made us wait an hour before it departed, and in many stops with the buses waiting times of 20-30 minutes. I actually think I lost that day around 2 hours doing nothing. Be careful. Read more Written July 10, 2018

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

City Sightseeing Moscow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise provided by City Sightseeing Moscow

For inquiries or to book by phone, call

1.866.474.4766

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• Premium Cruise
• Junior Explorer Cruise
• Beer Voyage

The premier Lake Minnewanka experience

Cruise further, see more and dig deeper into the wonders of Lake Minnewanka with our Premium Cruise. This 90-minute guided tour takes you beyond the route of the Classic Cruise to see the quiet, remote scenery of Devil’s Gap, with added stories of Minnewanka’s fascinating history and more opportunities to spot wildlife along the way. You’ll also sample delicious local pine tea while on board. Set off on the Premium Cruise and connect with Lake Minnewanka like never before.

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No Cancellation Charges  up to 24 hours before the chosen travel date. 100% cancellation fee applied within 24 hours of travel date.

For groups of 12 or more, you may send us an inquiry at [email protected]. Although we do not guarantee bulk deals for all our tours, there are some tours for which we can offer discounted pricing. Ordinary hop-on-hop-off bus tickets are entitled to group savings. Attractions, pass items and combo tickets aren't.

Due the nature of this type of tour and varying demand, group travellers should be aware that there is no guarantee that the group will be able to travel altogether as the available seats vary from stop to stop and depends on demand each day. The group may need to split up and/or wait for the next bus(s).

As, we cannot guarantee that the group shall be able to travel together as one group, therefore we will reduce the group size down to 4-5 smaller groups per ticket (depending upon group size).

City Sightseeing: Moscow Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

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• The Bus Tour offers unlimited 360° panoramic views of main sights of Moscow.
• Access to audio-guide in 10 different languages which enables to know about Moscow’s history and traditions.
• The three-bus tour routes and 40+ stops around Moscow completes the trip. Draw an itinerary to explore the city on your own.
• There can be a boat tour and bus tour to enjoy panoramic views of Moskva River.
• Smartphone Voucher Accepted. (No need to print)

The City Sightseeing at Moscow begins at Bolotnaya Square with Hop-on-Hop-off bus service. The bus operates on the Red, Green and Orange lines. If you have limited time in Moscow, start your trip on the Redline and get yourself acquainted with the city’s 16 best attractions. The green line, however, covers 26 amazing spots so if you are staying for an extended period catch the green line.

• Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
• Alexander Garden
• GUM State Department Store
• Sofiyskaya Embankment
• Cathedral of Christ the Saviour
• University Square, Vorobyovy Gory Observation Deck
• Hotel Ukraina Pier
• Zaryadye Park
• Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics
• VDNKh Metro Station
• Cosmonauts Alley
• Ostankino Television Tower
• Red Route: Schedule: 10:00 - 18:00 , Loop: 60 Minutes , Frequency: 15 Minutes
• Green Route : Schedule: 10:00 - 18:00 , Loop: 120 Minutes , Frequency: 30 Minutes
• Orange Route : Schedule: 10:00 - 18:30 , Loop: 140 Minutes , Frequency: 30 Minutes
• 24 / 48-Hours Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket
• Red Line Audio Guide: Russian, English, German, Spanish, Italian, French, Chinese, Arabic, Portuguese, Farsi
• Green Line Audio Guide: Russian, English, German, Spanish, Italian, French, Chinese, Arabic
• Orange Line Audio Guide : Russian English, German, Spanish, Italian, French
• Guided walking tour
• Boat Tour (If option selected)
• Hotel Transfers
• Entrance Fees (Unless Specified)

Redemption Info

You can board the bus at any stop and voucher can be exchanged directly with the driver. Printed vouchers required for this tour and are accepted at all stops. You will receive a ticket in exchange for your voucher, which you must keep until the expiry date/ tour. Please check your ticket to know when it expires. After exchanging your voucher for a ticket, your voucher will no longer be valid. In loss of voucher/ticket, company is not liable for any refund. Book Now! You can use your ticket any day within 12 months.

Know Before You Go

Wheelchair Access, Heating Please note that face masks must be worn on board the bus. Orange Route is temporarily suspended   

Operational Details: Walking Tour

• Daily at 10:45 a.m.
• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Meeting point: next to the monument to Saints Cyril and Methodius (Kitay-Gorod metro station)

Capital River Boat Tour

• May - October: from 11:30am to 6:30pm (Subject to change)
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Departure Point: Zaryadye Park Pier

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