It’s hard to believe in early May in Montreal, when it’s cool and makes us almost regret having put our gloves away in the back of the closet, but summers are scorching in Montreal. This summer of 2026, according to the Farmers’ Almanac, is going to be especially hot and dry.
And our favorite way to get around during the Montreal summer is by taking the river shuttle. This year, we’ll be able to travel on the water starting May 22, 2026.
The sun in your eyes and the wind in your hair
Montreal’s river shuttles spiral along the river, between the Island of Montreal and Île Sainte-Hélène, zigzagging between the North and South shores.
While they are all part of the STM network, they are operated by two different companies; lines N4 and N5 are operated by Croisières AML, and lines N1, N2, N3, and N6 are operated by NAVARK.
You can use them to go to Parc Jean-Drapeau, Pointe-aux-Trembles, and all the way to Repentigny in the summer. It’s also an opportunity for cyclists to take rides between the various riverside villages not far from Montreal—because you can board the river shuttles with your bike.
Practical Information
Where and When?
Line N4 (Old Port–Île Sainte-Hélène–Longueuil) / May 22–September 7, 2026
Express Line N5 (Old Port–Île Sainte-Hélène) / May 22–July 31, 2026, and August 8–September 7, 2026
Grand Prix & Osheaga Special Line N5 (Old Port–Île Sainte-Hélène) / May 22, 23, and 24, 2026, and August 1 and 2, 2026
For lines N1, N2, N3, and N6, ferry service will also begin on May 22, 2026
- Route 1: Montreal-Mercier / Boucherville – 30 minutes
- N2: Old Port / Boucherville – 30 minutes
- Route 3: Old Port / Pointe-aux-Trembles / Varennes – 50 minutes
- N4: Old Port / Île Sainte-Hélène / Longueuil – 25 minutes
- N5: Old Port / Île Sainte-Hélène – 5 minutes
- N6: Montreal-Mercier / Île Charron – 15 minutes
How?
Lines N4 and N5 / It’s free for children ages 0–11, and for older passengers , the fare starts at $6. You must reserve your tickets in advance; for more information, click here. Dogs are not allowed on board, except for service dogs.
- The first departures for shuttles N1, N2, and N3 take place between 6:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, to accommodate workers’ schedules.
- Route N4, connecting the Old Port of Montreal, Île Sainte-Hélène, and Longueuil, will once again offer extended service until 11 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, allowing passengers to enjoy their evenings even more.
- The shuttles integrate easily with other public transit options thanks to simplified connections with the metro and bus networks as well as BIXI stations, and are accessible at no additional cost to holders of certain OPUS card passes.