Saint-Siméon to Rivière-du-Loup Ferry
A scenic ferry crossing the St. Lawrence River, offering beautiful views and a unique travel break. Free for EVs!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, beautiful light
Saint-Siméon to Rivière-du-Loup Ferry
Best Time
Fewer crowds, beautiful light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic ferry crossing the St. Lawrence River, offering beautiful views and a unique travel break. Free for EVs!
"Cool experience but don't be pressed for time! Arrive early for a spot."
🚗 Arrive Early!
Get there 30+ mins before sailing to secure a spot, especially with a car.
☕ Bring Snacks & Drinks
Onboard food is pricey. Pack your own to save money.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Water Views
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the St. Lawrence River during your crossing. A perfect photo opportunity!
Unique Ferry Experience
A classic mode of transport offering a relaxing break on a longer road trip. Experience the charm of an older, well-maintained vessel.
EV Travel Perk
Electric vehicles with Quebec green plates travel for free! A significant saving for eco-conscious road trippers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for Your Spot
Budget for Snacks and Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Traversier entre QC et Riviere-du-Loup
🚗 Arrive Early!
Get there 30+ mins before sailing to secure a spot, especially with a car.
☕ Bring Snacks & Drinks
Onboard food is pricey. Pack your own to save money.
⚡ EV Perks
Quebec green plates mean free passage for electric vehicles!
⏳ Be Patient
Crossings can be delayed. Don't be pressed for time.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early!
Get there 30+ mins before sailing to secure a spot, especially with a car.
☕ Bring Snacks & Drinks
Onboard food is pricey. Pack your own to save money.
⚡ EV Perks
Quebec green plates mean free passage for electric vehicles!
⏳ Be Patient
Crossings can be delayed. Don't be pressed for time.
♿ Mobility Assistance
Ask for assistance for special vehicle placement if needed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers find the ferry offers beautiful water views and a unique travel experience, especially for electric vehicles which travel free. However, the ferry is noted as being aged, and passengers are advised to arrive very early to secure a spot, as it can fill up quickly. The onboard food is also considered pricey.
"We took it in the off season in Early October. It was advised to arrive 30 minutes before and I am glad we did because the boat appeared to fill up. 100$ for two people and a car, the views on the water were beautiful. The ferry is definitely on the older side but clean and well run"
Robert McSweeney
"Cool Experience But Don’t Be Pressed For Time!
We arrived 2.5hrs before the first sailing from St Siméon. I suggest getting there early if you want a spot on the ship because once you are in line you can’t get out. There isn’t much to do at the terminal and I suggest bringing your own coffee and snacks. Boarding is done by rows, the staff is very friendly and they PACK you inside. We left 30 mins late for a 60 min crossing. We have an EV (quebec green plate is free) so didn’t need to pay for the car but two passengers was around 45$. 2 pax and a car is around 100$
The ship itself is ancient and desperately needs to be replaced but in good enough condition. Our crossing was very smooth! The onboard resto is pricey… 9$ for two mediocre coffees.
Here is the thing as an experience it’s great but as a mode of transport unless you really need it.. you might be better off avoiding. 30 min drive from La Malbaie, waiting time and crossing time. It’s scratch with driving around. Also about 15-20 cars didn’t make it on… see arriving early. This run needs a two ship service."
Mr. G
"Well organized ferry service between Rivière-Du-Loup and Saint Simeone. A bit pricey per person, but green plates go for free. Was truly amazed by the vehicle capacity, the staff is very talented in getting us all parked in safely.
Has a climate controlled seating area and a small restaurant serving hot soup and other fresh food. Washrooms were clean and tidy."
Akhil Raj K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Saint-Siméon terminal is accessible by car. It's a scenic drive along the north shore from Quebec City. If coming from the west, you'll drive towards the St. Lawrence River.
The ferry is a unique option, offering a break from driving. Alternatively, you can drive the entire route via Highway 20, which is generally faster.
Information on direct public transport to the terminals is limited. Most travelers use private vehicles. It's advisable to check local bus schedules if relying on public transport.
The crossing itself is approximately 60 minutes, but delays can occur, making the total travel time longer.
Yes, the ferry accommodates vehicles. It's recommended to arrive early to ensure a spot for your car, as they can fill up.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cost is around $100 for two passengers and a car. Passengers are about $45 each, but electric vehicles with Quebec green plates travel for free.
While advance booking isn't always mandatory, arriving early is crucial to secure a spot, especially during busy periods.
Operating hours vary by season. It's best to check the official ferry schedule for the most up-to-date information.
Specific discounts for seniors or students are not widely mentioned. However, electric vehicles with Quebec green plates are free.
If you miss your scheduled ferry, you'll likely need to wait for the next available sailing, which could involve significant waiting time. Arriving early is key.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The ferry has a climate-controlled seating area, clean washrooms, and a small restaurant serving food and drinks.
Yes, there's a small onboard restaurant. However, reviews suggest it's pricey, so bringing your own snacks is a good idea.
Yes, you can move around the climate-controlled seating areas and access the restaurant.
Yes, those with mobility concerns can request assistance, and their vehicle can be placed in a special spot for easier elevator access.
The views of the St. Lawrence River are described as beautiful and magnificent, making it a great break on a journey.
📸 📸 Photography
The outer decks offer the best panoramic views of the river and coastline. Capture the ferry itself against the water for a classic shot.
Yes, the open decks provide unobstructed views. Be mindful of the wind and sea spray when taking photos.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light and beautiful colors on the water.
Yes, you can take photos of your car on the car deck or as it's being loaded/unloaded.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography, but avoid interfering with operations or other passengers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking your tickets or arriving very early to minimize any stress associated with potential delays or full sailings. The ferry is a good way to break up a longer road trip, allowing everyone to stretch their legs and enjoy a different perspective of the landscape.
🚗 Road Trippers
Factor in the waiting time and the crossing duration when planning your itinerary. While the ferry itself is an experience, driving the route might be more time-efficient if you're on a tight schedule. However, for those seeking a more relaxed journey with stunning water views, this ferry is a must-do. Don't forget to pack snacks and drinks, as onboard options are pricey.
🌿 Eco-Conscious Travelers
While the ferry is an older vessel, it serves as a functional link. For those looking to minimize their carbon footprint, choosing an EV and taking advantage of the free ferry is a smart move. Remember to bring your own reusable water bottles and snacks to further reduce waste.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Ferry Journey
The ferry itself is described as ancient and in need of modernization, yet it's noted as being clean and well-run. The staff are praised for their efficiency in packing vehicles onto the ship. While there's an onboard restaurant, it's considered pricey, leading many to recommend bringing your own snacks and drinks to save money and ensure you have something you like. For those with electric vehicles bearing Quebec green plates, the journey is free, a significant perk.
Consider this ferry crossing as an experience rather than purely a functional transport link. If your primary goal is speed, driving around the St. Lawrence might be more efficient. But for a relaxing interlude with lovely scenery, it's a worthwhile option, especially if you're not on a tight schedule.
Cost and Value Considerations
However, there's a significant exception: electric vehicles with Quebec green plates travel for free. This makes the ferry an incredibly attractive and economical option for EV owners. For others, the value proposition depends on what you prioritize. If you're looking for a scenic break, a unique travel experience, and a chance to relax and enjoy the St. Lawrence River, the cost might be justified. If speed and directness are paramount, driving might be a better financial and time investment.
It's also worth noting that the onboard restaurant is considered pricey, with a $9 charge for two coffees. Bringing your own food and beverages is a common strategy to mitigate overall trip expenses.
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