Itinerary

1. The Soul of Canada - Québec City

   Explore this lovely city before embarkation. Québec City dates back to 1608 and this long history is reflected in the stunning Old Town, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll the labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets among stone buildings and houses of a bygone era. 

   The city is perfect size for exploring on foot, with great museums and narrow scenic lanes. Walk to the top of the Upper Old Town section to find the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac Hotel as well as La Citadelle, both with magnificent views of the St. Lawrence River.

2. Beauty and Tranquillity - Saguenay and Saguenay River

   We cruise up the Saguenay River, one of Canada’s most spectacular waterways, carved by glaciers over 10,000 years ago – with cliffs rising up to over 1,300 feet. The river is home to picturesque villages along the lush and rugged shores.

   The city of Saguenay lies 125 miles north of Québec with 150,000 people calling it home. This lively city is sure to delight with a vast number of exciting excursions on offer. Excellent hiking trails lead you to breathtaking views amongst rich forests and dramatic ravines. The area is also renowned for its culinary delights - organic produce, microbrew beer and artisan cheese.  And there is La Fabuleuse – a captivating performance that showcases Saguenay’s fascinating history in a unique sound and visual display.

3. Water, Energy and Wildlife - Baie-Comeau

   Baie-Comeau is situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence and Manicouagan Rivers, making it an ideal location for the Manicouagan Réservoir Dam, which produces vast amounts of power for Québec. Thanks to an abundant population of wildlife, we may sight whales, moose and reindeer in the area. Enjoy a hike ashore to explore this beautiful wilderness.  

4. Flora, Fauna and Birdlife - Bonaventure Island

   Famous as the home to over 280,000 gannets, Bonaventure Island hosts one of the world’s largest and most accessible colonies of these elegant birds. It is also home to grey seals, who bask in the sun on the rocks of this uninhabited national park. Get close to the island´s impressive flora and fauna on a hike through lush forest, along the beautiful shoreline or through picturesque meadows.

   Enjoy a view of the imposing arch of Percé Rock, some 289 feet high and 1,437 feet wide, which creates a spectacular natural light-show at sunset. Join us as we cruise around the rugged island in our small boats, or enjoy one of the numerous hiking trails in the Percé area for spectacular views.

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

   Twelve islands make up the roughly 62 mile long sand archipelago called Îles de la Madeleine. The six largest of these islands are connected by thin sand dunes, peppered with fuzzy tufts of grass and framed by red sandstone cliffs that amaze with their spectacular forms. We dock in Cap-aux-Meules, a village with a long history. Well before the arrival of Europeans, native people came here to fish and hunt for seal and sea cows.

   The first European, 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, with some the descendants of survivors from the more than 400 shipwrecks on the island.

   Come ashore to have a delicious bite to eat at Café la Côte, Pas Perdu, or Café d’Chez Nous, or enjoy a drink at Bar Le Central to feel the island’s bohemian pulse. If you feel like being active, join us for a kayaking or hiking excursion in this beautiful area.

6. Spectacular Views and Wildlife - Chéticamp

   This traditional fishing village is located on majestic, verdant Cape Breton Island on the shores of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.  The settlement dates back to the 1785 and is an Acadian community that has managed to maintain their age-old French traditions and culture. 

   Set at the edge of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, this is a perfect base for exploring hiking trails designed to suit every ability level with paths that offer spectacular sea views as you walk through valleys and forests where moose, black bears and bald eagles can be found.  

7. Where the Past is Present - Louisburg

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

8. Urban Life On the Edge of Wilderness - 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, seamlessly 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 entertainment on land, water and in the air. Spend some time exploring this vibrant urban centre set on the edge of true wilderness.

9. A Town Built on the Sea - Yarmouth

   A lovely historic town built on shipping and trade, Yarmouth boasts fine Victorian homes, museums, churches, wharves and other hidden gems.  Join an excursion to see ornate Captain's homes as well as the lighthouse that guided them 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 the stunning views.  

10. Relax at Sea - At sea

    A day at sea means you can join the lectures by the Expedition Team, spend time on deck or enjoy some time in the Panorama Lounge with fellow explorers. Perhaps you'd like a refreshing workout in our well-equipped fitness room with a panoramic ocean view or maybe you prefer to let your muscles relax in one of the outdoor whirlpools.

11. The Big Apple - New York City

    We end our expedition in New York – one of the world's most quixotic, iconic, and energetic cities. After disembarking, take a stroll through Central Park, or marvel at the architecture of skyscrapers such as the Empire State building. Spend some time to enjoy all that New York has to offer before heading home.