Tour operator
Pro Velo
A Brussels cycling association running themed three-hour guided bike tours of the city from March to December, with classic and electric bikes to rent.
Brussels by Water
A Brussels organisation promoting boat trips on the city's canal and waterways, with guided cruises from May to October and a Waterbus service to Vilvoorde.
At a glance
- Type
- Canal boat tours
- Area
- Canal (Quai des Péniches), Brussels, Belgium
- Official site
- brusselsbywater.be
Good to know
- Guided boat trips
- Waterbus to Vilvoorde
- Group cruises
- Seasonal May to October
Why we recommend it
Brussels by Water is a Brussels-based organisation that promotes boat trips, cycling and visits along the waterways of the region, including the Brabant canals, the river Zenne and the canal that bears its name. It offers a side of the city most visitors never see: the working canal that once made Brussels a port, lined with warehouses, industrial buildings and new developments.
Its guided tourist cruises run from 1 May to 31 October and are open to individuals and groups. The trips themselves are booked and operated by its partner Rivertours. Routes listed by the organisation include journeys through Brussels, trips to Antwerp and its port, the Scheldt valley national park and excursions to the historic ship lifts, a fine example of Belgian industrial heritage.
There is also a Waterbus, a scheduled canal boat service between Brussels and Vilvoorde. It runs as a transport link as well as a scenic trip, and it requires advance booking and payment. Bikes are a natural partner to the boat, and the organisation also promotes cycling along the canal paths.
Boat trips suit families, couples and anyone who enjoys seeing a city from the water, as well as those interested in industrial heritage and urban change. They are a relaxing contrast to a day of museums and walking, and they work well for visitors with limited mobility who want to see more of the region without long walks; check accessibility with the operator when booking.
Book in advance, especially for weekends and longer excursions, and check departure points, which vary by trip. The organisation's address is on the Quai des Péniches, beside the canal north of the city centre, within reach of Yser metro station. Bring a warm layer even in summer, as it can be breezy on deck.
As the season ends on 31 October, plan a cruise for late spring, summer or early autumn, and combine it with a walk around the canal and the Sainte-Catherine district. Seeing Brussels from the canal also helps explain the city's history as a trading and industrial centre, a story that is easy to miss when you stay among the historic streets of the old town. Check the operator's website for current routes and timetables, as these vary through the season.
Brussels by Water FAQs
What does Brussels by Water offer?
Guided boat trips on the canal and waterways, plus the Waterbus service between Brussels and Vilvoorde.
When do the cruises run?
Guided tourist cruises run from 1 May to 31 October.
Who operates the boats?
The trips are booked and run by its partner Rivertours.
What is the Waterbus?
A scheduled canal boat service between Brussels and Vilvoorde that must be booked and paid for in advance.
Where can the boats go?
Routes include Brussels, Antwerp and its port, the Scheldt valley and the historic ship lifts.
Are group trips available?
Yes. Cruises are offered for individuals and groups.
Where is the office?
At Quai des Péniches 2bis, beside the canal in Brussels.
Do I need to book?
Yes, booking in advance is recommended and is required for the Waterbus.