Itinerary

1. Lady Liberty - New York

   After embarking MS Fram, join us on deck as we sail past the Statue of Liberty on our way out of the harbor.

2. Relax at Sea - At sea

   A day at sea means you can join the lectures by the Expedition Team, spend time on deck or relax in the Panorama Lounge with fellow travelers. Or, perhaps you'd like a refreshing workout in our well-equipped fitness room and then let your muscles relax in one of our outdoor whirlpools.

3. A Town Built by Ships - Yarmouth

   A lovely historic town built on shipbuilding and trade, Yarmouth boasts fine Victorian homes, museums, churches, wharves and other hidden gems. Join an excursion to see ornate Captain's homes, and the lighthouse that guided sailors safely back home after long journeys at sea. Or take a seaside walking trail to Cape Forchu, and explore the rugged landscape as you take in stunning views.  

4. Seacoast City with Rich History - Halifax

   While the area around Halifax has been inhabited by native Mi'kmaq peoples for millennia, modern Halifax was founded in 1749 as a British military outpost. Today it is Atlantic Canada’s entertainment and cultural capital, melding the old and new worlds. Modern office towers of glass and steel stand beside historic buildings that once stored the booty of privateers. Located on the second largest natural harbour in the world, life here revolves around the sea and the surrounding areas offer plenty of fun activities on land, water and in the air. Spend some time to explore this vibrant urban centre set on the edge of true wilderness.

5. Where the Past is Present - Louisburg

   Sailing along the eastern shores of Nova Scotia, we head for the large island of Cape Breton to reach Louisbourg, home to the historic jewel, the Fortress of Louisbourg. At this National Historic Site, you can experience what life was like in the bustling French fortified town in 1744, then one of the largest European fortifications in North America. As you might expect, the rugged coastal setting offers up plenty of outdoor adventure, with brilliant hiking and biking trails. 

6. Deep Acadian Traditions - Chéticamp

   This traditional fishing village is located on majestic, lush Cape Breton Island on the shores of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.  The village dates back to the 1785 and is an Acadian community that has managed to maintain age-old French traditions and culture.  Nearby Cape Breton Highlands National Park is perfect for exploring with hiking trails for any level of ability. Enjoy spectacular sea views as you walk through valleys and forests where moose, black bears and bald eagles can be found.  

7. Home of the Madelinots - Cap-aux-Meules

   Twelve islands make up the roughly 60 miles long sand archipelago called Îles de la Madeleine. The six largest of these islands are connected by miles of sand dunes, peppered with fuzzy tufts of grass. Shaped by wind and waves, the iron-rich red and grey sandstone cliffs amaze with their spectacular forms.

   The coastline here is dotted with harbors, multi-colored houses and picturesque bays. We dock in Cap-aux-Meules, home to more than half of the archipelago’s population. Long before the arrival of Europeans, native people came to these islands to fish and hunt for seal and sea cows. Preceded by Basque fishermen, Jaques Cartier arrived in 1534, and by 1765, the islands were inhabited by 22 French-speaking Acadians and their families.

   The locals who live here today are called Madelinots, and they identify themselves both as Acadians and Québécois. Others are descendants of survivors from the more than 400 shipwrecks on the island. Come ashore and discover this little outpost, where high winds and ocean storms are a part of life. Have a nibble at Café la Côte, Pas Perdu, Café d’Chez Nous or something to drink at Bar Le Central to feel the island’s bohemian pulse. If you feel like being active, you can go kayaking or enjoy a hike in this relatively flat terrain.

8. Flora, Fauna and Magnificent Birds - Bonaventure Island

   Famous as the home for over 280,000 gannets, Bonaventure Island is one of the world’s largest and most accessible gannet colonies. It is also home to numerous grey seals, who enjoy basking on the rocks of this uninhabited National Park. The imposing Percé Rock, at 289 feet high and 1,437 wide, provides a spectacular light show through its natural arch at sunset. Join us as we cruise around the island in our small boats or enjoy one of the numerous hiking trails in the Percé area for spectacular views.

9. Wildlife and Power - Baie Comeau

   Baie Comeau is situated banks of the St. Lawrence and Mancouagan Rivers, making it an ideal location for creating hydroelectricity, and the Manicougan Reservoir Dam produces vast amounts of power for the Québec region.  This area has abundant wildlife and you may just get a glimpse of whales, moose  and reindeer!  Enjoy a hike to really explore the region.  

10. Beauty and Tranquillity on the River - Saguenay and Saguenay River

    We spend the morning cruising up the Saguenay River which was carved by glaciers over 10,000 years ago – featuring cliffs rising up to over 1,300 feet.  Along the river, picturesque villages dot the shores.

    The city of Saguenay lies 125 miles north of Québec City with around 150,000 people calling it home.  This lively city is sure to delight you with the sheer number of experiences on offer.  Well-landscaped hiking trails with breath-taking views take you amongst lush forests and ravines. 

    Relish in some of the renowned culinary delights of the area – well known for organic produce, microbreweries and cheese.  And of course there is La Fabuleuse – a captivating performance that showcases Saguenay’s fascinating history in a unique sound and visual display.

11. The Soul of Canada - Québec City

    Our last morning and we arrive at Québec City - known as the soul of Québec. Dating back to 1608, the Old Town is today a UNESCO World Heritage site. As one of Northern Canada’s oldest towns, the city is a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets with stone buildings and houses from a bygone era. 

    The Old Town of Québec is split in two, known as the Upper and Lower Towns. The city is a perfect size for exploring the museums and narrow streets on foot. Perched at the top of the Upper Old Town and located inside the walls of Old Québec are the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac Hotel as well as La Citadelle, both with magnificent views of the St. Lawrence River.