Bruges Canal Ride

[kmcgann21]

Hi,

The one thing we really want to do in Bruges is the canal ride. I'm not seeing where we can purchase in advance online (unless a group of 20+ people which we are not) as some have recommended unless we do it as part of a walking tour. Is that what you all would recommend? Or, do you think we'll have luck just walking up that day and waiting in line? Some have said that if it's a busy port day, it's almost impossible to walk up and get a ticket the day of.

 

Thanks! 

[mskaufman]

There are multiple places to pick up a boat.  We were there in prime tourist season and did not have to wait more than 15 minutes.

[John Bull]

Anyone who has mentioned "busy port days" is uninformed. 

Bruges is a popular tourist city, it matters little whether there are one or two (are there ever more than two?) cruise ships in port.

https://www.portofantwerpbruges.com/en/shipping/cruises/arrivals-and-departures-cruises-zeebruges

 

So just like any other tourist city it's busier at weekends and during school holidays.

I used to regularly drive day-trippers to Bruges - busy days & quiet days, fine days and wet days (the weather in Bruges is quite fickle).

 

As @mskaufman has mentioned, there are half-a-dozen or more boarding points around the canal route.

The boats all take the same route - you alight at the same place that you boarded, so wherever you board is immaterial - the only difference is the order in which you see places.

Yes, I've seen lines for the boats - the answer is to keep the boats in mind as you explore the city, and join a line if (more likely when) you see a short one. 

But if the weather is threatening, the sooner the better - these are all small (25? pax) open boats, they have to be because of the very low bridges. And even on a glorious day, take a lightweight waterproof jacket or cape or thin throwaway poncho to avoid getting too wet.

Of course, the reverse is just as likely - a day which starts with miserable early rain can quickly turn into a fine day

 

Other than the business of following a guide with a paddle on a set itinerary and at the group's pace, there's nothing wrong with a walking tour - it's useful if you want to learn about Bruges. But certainly don't commit yourselves to a tour just to avoid any potential lines for a boat.

(tours in buses are pointless - they're not permitted in the historic cobbled part of the city)

 

JB 🙂

 

 

 

Edited September 12, 2023 by John Bull

[kmcgann21]

1 hour ago, John Bull said:

Anyone who has mentioned "busy port days" is uninformed. 

Bruges is a popular tourist city, it matters little whether there are one or two (are there ever more than two?) cruise ships in port.

https://www.portofantwerpbruges.com/en/shipping/cruises/arrivals-and-departures-cruises-zeebruges

 

So just like any other tourist city it's busier at weekends and during school holidays.

I used to regularly drive day-trippers to Bruges - busy days & quiet days, fine days and wet days (the weather in Bruges is quite fickle).

 

As @mskaufman has mentioned, there are half-a-dozen or more boarding points around the canal route.

The boats all take the same route - you alight at the same place that you boarded, so wherever you board is immaterial - the only difference is the order in which you see places.

Yes, I've seen lines for the boats - the answer is to keep the boats in mind as you explore the city, and join a line if (more likely when) you see a short one. 

But if the weather is threatening, the sooner the better - these are all small (25? pax) open boats, they have to be because of the very low bridges. And even on a glorious day, take a lightweight waterproof jacket or cape or thin throwaway poncho to avoid getting too wet.

Of course, the reverse is just as likely - a day which starts with miserable early rain can quickly turn into a fine day

 

Other than the business of following a guide with a paddle on a set itinerary and at the group's pace, there's nothing wrong with a walking tour - it's useful if you want to learn about Bruges. But certainly don't commit yourselves to a tour just to avoid any potential lines for a boat.

(tours in buses are pointless - they're not permitted in the historic cobbled part of the city)

 

JB 🙂

 

 

 

Extremely, extremely helpful! Thank you!!

 

[amet beach]

There are 5 canal boat operators in Brugge each with multiple boats that are in a load and go format. All take same 30 minute route

Yesterday no waiting and enjoyable  12 euro

[mskaufman]

Well worth your time.

[marys350]

How much of a step up or down is it to enter or exit the boats? Just wondering if it would be difficult for an older person with slight balance issues?

[John Bull]

2 hours ago, marys350 said:

How much of a step up or down is it to enter or exit the boats? Just wondering if it would be difficult for an older person with slight balance issues?

 

 

That's going to vary depending on which boarding point & the water level at the time.

Google "Bruges canal boats" and click on "images". And again on "vdeos"

 

JB 🙂