Superior Stateroom
25% Ponant Bonus
21 m²
3
- New
Expedition along Saint Lawrence
Saint Pierre Island, Saint Pierre and Miquelon - Montreal
Dates:
8/9/2024
to
19/9/2024
days
nights on board
Ref : SM074 - LY080924
Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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13/12/2024 to the 23/12/2024
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3/3/2025 to the 21/3/2025
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LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
5/4/2025 to the 17/4/2025
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Three ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Expedition programmes include activities such as zodiac outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landing"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.
Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, position of ice, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.
Travelling to polar/isolated regions is an exhilarating experience in remote areas: please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.
Clothing tips:
- A waterproof rain jacket
- Waterproofed shoes or comfortable resistant walking shoes
- Comfortable trousers: waterproof trousers, hicking tracksuit
- Waterproof and windproof over-trousers – MANDATORY
- Pullover, sweat-shirt or fleece jacket
- A warm hat, woollen ear muffs or fleece ear muffs, fleece or woollen neck warmer (avoid scarves that do not stay in place)- recommended
- Walking socks
Accessories:
- Small waterproof backpack (to protect your camera from water)
- Binoculars (strongly recommended for wildlife viewing)
- Highly protective sunglasses
- Walking poles (highly recommended)
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
PONANT activities
Ports of Call & Excursions
8 September 2024 - Saint Pierre Island, Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Embarkation 8/9/2024 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 8/9/2024 at 7:00 pm
Off the Canadian coast, discover Saint Pierre Island, one of the two main islands of the Saint Pierre and Miquelon archipelago, the only French territory in North America. Endowed with a natural harbour, the island, whose name is a reference to the patron saint of fishermen, developed around the fishing industry and still has many traces of its past today. Whale hunting, cod fishing, alcohol smuggling during the Prohibition: all of these memories are still very much alive in the capital, Saint-Pierre. The island is also renowned for the observation of exceptional fauna including, among others, whales, fin whales, dolphins, seals, puffins and petrels.
9 September 2024 - Miquelon Island, Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Arrival 9/9/2024
Departure 9/9/2024
At the entrance of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, not far from the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, Miquelon is one of the two main islands of the Saint Pierre and Miquelon archipelago and will delight those with a love of wide open space. Made up of three peninsulas connected by long sand spits, this wild land, famous for being home to France’s only boreal forest, has sublime scenery of hills, dotted with ponds, woods and bogs, and ringed by lagoons and steep cliffs. The rich and varied wildlife is the promise of fine encounters, whether inland, populated with white-tailed deer, snowy owls and bald eagles, or on the coast, home to many sea birds and grey seals.
10 September 2024 - Sydney
Arrival 10/9/2024
Departure 10/9/2024
Founded in 1785, Sydney is located in the province of Nova Scotia, on Cape Breton Island. Sydney was very much shaped by the steel industry, since in the early 20th century it became home to the world’s largest steel plants. The city contributed to the allied war effort by becoming a base for the supply convoys bound for Great Britain during the Second World War. Today, tourism has supplanted mining and the Sydney Mines Heritage Museum & Fossil Centre makes for an interesting visit. Walkers will enjoy hiking along the lighthouse coastal trail through the wild nature of Cape Breton, with stunning views over the ocean.
11 September 2024 - Cap-aux-Meules, Magdalen Islands
Arrival 11/9/2024
Departure 11/9/2024
Although it is the administrative and economic centre of the Magdalen Islands archipelago, in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the village of Cap-aux-Meules remains a peaceful location and is ideal for exploring preserved nature. Located on the eponymous island, in reference to the sandstone rocks of the cape that were used in the past to make grindstones, the location is above all considered to be the maritime gateway to the archipelago. In this respect, it offers privileged access to many sites renowned for their natural and historic heritage, such as the village of Havre-Aubert which is a member of the Most Beautiful Villages of Quebec.
12 September 2024 - Woody Point, Gros Morne National Park
Arrival 12/9/2024
Departure 12/9/2024
Located in the heart of Gros Morne National Park, the small town of Woody Point has the typical charm of territories found at the end of the world. From there, you will set off to discover the national park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the beauty of its landscapes, whose geology unveils the evolution of continental drift through its extraordinary rock formations. Sculpted by glacial activity, the park is home to coastal lowlands, alpine plateaux, hemmed-in fjords, immense valleys, jagged cliffs and several preserved lakes: you will marvel at every moment!
13 September 2024 15 September 2024 - Exploring Gulf of St. Lawrence
Arrival 13/9/2024
Departure 15/9/2024
Set off in the wake of the discoverers of Quebec during an unprecedented exploration of the north coast of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Jacques Cartier landed there during his first voyage in 1534, and the fishing trade subsequently attracted many settlers. The first peoples to settle in the region around 9,000 years ago were the Innu and the Naskapi. Today, several communities maintain a nomadic lifestyle close to nature. From Havre-Saint-Pierre, you will be able to discover the Mingan Archipelago, where limestone monoliths sculpted by erosion rise from the waters, forming an enchanting decor. Aboard local boats, the naturalist guides will help you identify the rich marine wildlife and a multitude of birds.
16 September 2024 - Havre-Saint-Pierre
Arrival 16/9/2024
Departure 16/9/2024
Located on the Northern Shore of Quebec, Havre St Pierre is the gateway to the amazing natural heritage that surrounds it. This Quebecois town provides an excellent base for exploring the string of islands sprinkled off the coast. From Havre St Pierre, you can visit the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve. This is a land forged by the sea and elements, where nature still rules. This chain of islands is renowned for its spectacular limestone formations.
17 September 2024 - Tadoussac
Arrival 17/9/2024
Departure 17/9/2024
The Quebec village of Tadoussac stands at the confluence of the Saguenay River and the Gulf of Saint-Lawrence, in south-east Canada. The village is bright with multicoloured houses nestling in an emerald-green pine forest. From the waterfront, it’s easy to spy out Tadoussac Chapel, thanks to its bright red roof. Not far from this church built of wood, one of the oldest in North America, stands a century-old village holiday resort, Hotel Tadoussac. Treat yourself to tea on the terrace overlooking the shoreline. In addition, at the marine mammal interpretation centre, you can hone your knowledge of the cetaceans that regularly frequent Tadoussac bay.
17 September 2024 - Saguenay
Arrival 17/9/2024
Departure 17/9/2024
The city of Saguenay nestles in a valley through which flows the eponymous river, one of the region’s treasures. As it joins the Saint-Lawrence, the Saguenay River forms a spectacular fjord boasting extraordinarily differing landscapes. From Saguenay, you can explore the attractive Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, which is a paradise for those who love the great outdoors. You can combine country walks with boat trips within the various national parks studded throughout this extraordinary natural kingdom.
18 September 2024 - Québec
Arrival 18/9/2024
Departure 18/9/2024
The capital of "La Belle Province" sits at the confluence of the St Charles River and the Gulf of St Lawrence in south-east Canada. Founded in the 17th century, the city still has an encircling wall, a historic civil engineering work and the only one of its kind remaining in North America. You will love the postcard-perfect stone houses of Old Quebec, the historic district listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shopping is a pleasure in pedestrian streets such as Petit-Champlain Street, or you can relax over a spruce beer, seasoned with pine buds. Dufferin Boardwalk, an esplanade near the emblematic Château Frontenac, is the perfect place for views of the river and old city.
19 September 2024 - Montreal
Arrival 19/9/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 19/9/2024 at 7:00 am
Famous for its gentle way of life, Montreal, Canada’s second-largest city, is a warm and cosmopolitan metropolis. Situated on the eponymous river island, it is home to a multitude of districts, each as unique as the other. Set off to discover Old Montreal, most of which is declared a historic area, Little Italy, where you’ll be able to stroll around the largest open-air market in North America, or the Golden Square Mile, the luxurious district located on one of the hills of Mount Royal and which has sumptuous Victorian-style residences. Simultaneously marked by the influences of the Old Continent and North-American gigantism, Montreal will never cease to amaze you.
Hiking Tête Pelée
yoga, meditation and stretching
Acadian culture & heritage
From the cider works to the designers’ workshop, via the Sea Museum and Cap Hérissé, discover the various faces of the Magdalen Islands and its inhabitants.
Le Verger de Poméloi orchard is planted on the heights of the Magdalen Islands, overlooking the sea, and will plunge you into a kingdom ruled by the apple. Éloi Vigneau has been passionate about agriculture since his teenage years and started to plant his first apple trees in 1990 as part of an experimental project. From year to year, he followed the growth of the saplings in the local climate, as they faced the wind and sea air. 18 years later, he runs a small cider works and distillery producing excellent beverages while respecting the environment.
Then you will head for the Sea Museum. The permanent exhibition, called Laboureurs du Golfe, recounts the archipelago’s history, which is of course connected to the evolution of maritime practices. Objects and photographs tell stories of fishermen and shipwrecks, the development of ships and lighthouses, seal hunting, etc.
Not far from there is the Atelier Côtier workshop, a creative space coupled with a store where “8 friends and 1 dog have fun making beautiful things”. Here, the sand of the islands is transformed into singular sculptures, and the landscapes inspire the creation of design or decoration objects, clothing or jewellery.
To finish, you will head to the north of the island to admire the incredible jagged cliffs of Cap Hérissé.
-
There are no particular difficulties with this excursion. We recommend you wear comfortable clothing.
Total : €100
According to availability, price per passenger.Encounter with whales
Set off aboard a Zodiac that will take you to encounter whales in the estuary of the Saint Lawrence River. A magical moment!
A naturalist-guide captain will take you to where the river meets the ocean, an ideal spot to observe these giants of the sea as well as other marine mammals such as belugas, sperm whales, fin whales and dolphins. Indeed, the gulf and the estuary of the Saint Lawrence are a veritable kingdom for whales and a formidable natural laboratory for biologists passionate about these emblematic species. During these two hours on the river, you will appreciate all the wild beauty of the Saguenay fjord.
Back on shore, you will visit the information centre run by the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM), a non-profit organisation dedicated to education for the sake of marine conservation and scientific research on the marine mammals of the Saint Lawrence.
-
Participants must be in good physical condition. This excursion is not suitable for children aged under 10 years old. Each guest will be equipped with a life jacket. We recommend you wear warm and waterproof clothing. The order of the visits may be reversed.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Exploring Tadoussac on foot
Possessing one of the world’s lost beautiful bays, flanked by its large hotel with its characteristic red roof, Tadoussac is a picture-postcard village. Walk around this superb territory located at the confluence of the Saint Lawrence River and the Saguenay fjord.
Life goes by peacefully in this village of 800 souls lulled by the whisper of the waves and the salty air. While the history of the village of Tadoussac goes back to the arrival of Europeans on the American continent, the site itself was occupied by native communities from prehistoric times. Moreover, the origin of the word “tadoussac” finds its roots in Indian vocabulary. Tadoussac experienced the fur trade from the 17th to the 19th century, then the timber industry, before becoming a popular holiday destination.
Discover the North Coast’s typical plant species in Le Jardin de la Grève shoreline gardens. You will then visit the Chauvin Trading Post, a recreation of Canada’s very first fur trading post, with an exhibition focused on first contacts, the trading post and trading.
You will visit the Grand Hôtel Tadoussac, a superb wooden building overlooking Tadoussac Bay and the Saint Lawrence River. Its white wall, red roof, dormer windows and spectacular copula bestow an old-world charm upon it. Admire the old photos decorating the hotel lobby and make yourself comfortable and enjoy a cup of tea while contemplating the bay.
Before leaving, you will visit the Little Chapel located on the property, also called the Indian Chapel. It is the oldest wooden church in North America, having been constructed in 1747 by Jesuit missionaries who came to convert the local population to Christianity. It houses religious objects that were used over two and a half centuries ago.
-
This excursion involves walking around 2.5 km (1.6 miles). We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. The order of visits may change.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.The Craftsman Road
Step back in time and discover the artisans of a by-gone era.
From the pier, board your bus for a short scenic drive to the Touverre Workshop. Glass blowing is one of the oldest forms of art, and one of the most difficult to master. The technique was used in Egypt and Syria thousands of years ago. Nowadays in Saguenay, Guiseppe Benedetto, glassmaker and sculptor, performs this highly sophisticated technique for visitors to his workshop. The glass-maker’s goal is to develop top-of-the-line decorative objects such as whales, blueberries, fruits, lamps, perfumers, and more.
You will then cross the street to visit the Fine Stone Cutting Economuseum and discover the fascinating transformation steps of lapidary work. This workshop will transport you in a world of highly original handmade jewelry. Magnificent amethyst geodes, local and worldwide minerals and fine stones awaits to spark your eyes and wonder your minds. Be privileged by assisting a live stone polishing demonstration in this newly built workshop attached to one of the first Saguenay’s building, the Saint-Alexis presbytery (1868) where contemporary and history harmonize perfectly.
Your next visit will be at the Alpaga Bersi farm. During this visit you will learn about the characteristics of the Alpaga, this friendly natured animal from the collection of his fibre to the finish product. Also known as the Gold of the Andes, this luxurious natural fibre has much to offer. It is light, warm, resistant, not prickly, hypoallergenic, and extremely soft. Combined with the expertise of our craftsman, you will find unique treasures that results such as sweaters, scarf, hats and mittens. At the end of your visit, you will enjoy a tasty and local snack made of a haskap (honeysuckle) crisp and maple syrup.
Finally, you will board your coach and drive back to your ship.
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This excursion involves few walking distance (500m maximum) but sometimes on uneven surfaces. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. You will find giftshops at every venue and all major credit cards are accepted. This tour is limited to 50 participants.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Trail on Mars River banks
Discover the beauty of Quebec’s great Boreal Forest and culture during this unique and authentic experience at the Contact Nature Ecotourism site.
From the pier, you will board your coach for a 20-minute scenic drive.
Once on site, you will be greeted by a naturalist and you will start your trail by the Mars River. This area is famous for its fishing activity for Atlantic salmon and sea trout. You will reach the amazing Bec-Scie canyon with many different belvederes where you will see breathtaking landscapes.
Your guide will give you information about the natural environment, the site’s sampling activities, its fauna and flora as well as the animals that inhabit it.
During your stroll, you will have the opportunity to discover the lifestyle and land use practices of the indigenous people.
Finally, after enjoying a snack and a refreshment, you will take an easy walk through the forest and board your coach back to your ship.
- Please note that this tour is a trail of approximately 1.6 mile on uneven surfaces and involves some stairs (40 in total). We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or walking difficulties. This tour is limited to 40 participants.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Quebec Half day tour
Discover the charm of the old town by exploring its historic and natural sites, then go along the Saint Lawrence River to admire the spectacular scenery of Montmorency Falls. Without forgetting the unmissable gourmet break at a maple farm.
Walk in the magnificent Battlefields Park, which is on the site of the historic battle at which the French surrendered to the British in 1759. Also known as the Plains of Abraham and nestling on the cliffs overlooking the Saint Lawrence River, it is now a stunning park featuring hills, gardens, monuments and artillery artefacts.
You will then go along the Grande-Allée, a vast avenue edged with shops and café-terraces, to the Parliament Building (Hôtel du Parlement), an impressive Second Empire-style building overlooking the city.
Then, you will travel into the Quebec countryside. A few minutes from the fortified town of Old Quebec, Montmorency Falls offers breathtaking landscapes. You will feel the full power of nature when the water from the Montmorency River tumbles over the cliff to fall into the Saint Lawrence River.
At a maple farm, taste maple taffy - maple syrup boiled and poured onto snow; left to cool down, it is then wrapped around a stick to make a sticky treat.
Finally, you will discover the recently expanded Quebec National Museum of Fine Arts, where art, architecture and nature come together. You will discover the history of art in Quebec via its exhibitions of local artists from all eras.
-
We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Le Lyrial
First introduced in 2015 and the fourth ship in the Sisterships series, Le Lyrial is the very embodiment of this new generation of intimately sized cruise ships. Its exterior and interior lines, all sober understatement and refinement, make it a yacht of a rare and innovative kind.
For the interior decoration, we took inspiration from the tones and colours of our destinations and used a palette made up of blues, from the soft, luminous grey-like tones of the polar ice to the vivid notes and turquoises of Mediterranean inlets and coves.
Decks
FLIGHT MONTREAL/SAINT PIERRE AND MIQUELON + TRANSFERS
For your serenity, PONANT selects a flight and organises the transfer between the airport and the port. This package is included in your cruise fare.
Embarkation day - Montreal/Saint-Pierre and Miquelon
Flight Montreal/Saint-Pierre and Miquelon selected by PONANT.
Approximate flight duration: 4 h 30.
We highly recommend you arrive in Montreal the day before this flight.
We suggest you to be at the check-in counter 2 hours before departure.
Meet & greet at the airport by our local English-speaking representative.
Transfer to the pier for embarkation.
- Cruise aboard your cruise ship -
This programme includes:
- Flight Montreal/Saint-Pierre and Miquelon selected by PONANT in economy class.
- Transfer mentioned in the programme.
- English-speaking assistance.
This programme does not include:
- Personal expenses.
- Any other service not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- Flight included in the programme is as of today, operated in economy class.
- Due to limited local transportation resources, waiting might be generated.
- For passengers in transit in Montreal, we recommend staying one night in Montreal before this flight.
- Programme and flight schedule are subject to change without prior notice.
- PONANT will adapte the content of the transfer offer from airport according to your flight schedule.
Polar Expedition
Make your dreams of adventure come true, explore the boundaries of the world, and discover wild and legendary territories. The icy immensity of Antarctica, the constantly changing glaciers and icebergs of the North Pole, the mysterious mists of the North European coastlines, the most remote fjords on the planet… Every destination unveils unrivalled landscapes, home to increasingly varied fauna. Our team of naturalist-guides will share their knowledge with you during varied lectures about the history of the great explorations, geology and climatology, the fauna and flora, and will invite you to share special moments with the local populations.
Back-to-back offer
CONSECUTIVE CRUISES
Take advantage of our special consecutive cruises offers*
- When this cruise is in 2nd position get a -20% discount
- When this cruise is in 3rd position get a -30% discount
- When this cruise is in 4th position get a -40% discount
- When this cruise is in 5th position get a -50% discount
- When this cruise is in 6th position get a -60% discount
*Reduction does not apply to the first cruise and relates to the port/port fare excluding port taxes, non available for Ocean Voyages and subject to availability. The offer is only available on selected cruises. Please, contact us.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
OVERNIGHT IN MONTREAL (1 NIGHT)
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organizes your day of transit in Montreal. This programme will be a pleasant prelude to your embarkation.
Day 1 - Montreal
Meet and greet at the airport arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the hotel Four Seasons Montreal 5*.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Montreal
Breakfast and check-out.
You will be transferred by coach to the airport for your Ponant flight to Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
Your hotel:
The Four Seasons Hotel Montreal 5* is ideally located in the city centre. This hotel with a chic and modern décor is an institution in Montreal’s lively Golden Square Mile neighbourhood. It boasts a restaurant serving refined and local dishes, a wine and cocktail bar, and a Guerlain spa. All the Carré Doré rooms feature a floor-to-ceiling window offering views of the city and are located on the upper floors of the hotel.
Your programme includes:
-
1-night accommodation in a Deluxe Golden Square Mile room at the Four Seasons Hotel Montreal (or similar), including breakfast.
-
Transfers as mentioned in the programme.
-
Services of a local English-speaking guide
Your programme does not include:
-
Dinner on Day 1 and the other meals not mentioned in the programme.
-
Tips for the driver and local staff.
-
Personal expenses.
-
Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
-
The local currency is the Canadian dollar. International credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, and you can withdraw money from banks and currency exchange offices.
-
It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
Contact of your hotel:
Four Seasons Hotel Montreal
1440 Rue de la Montagne
Montreal, QC, H3G 1Z5
Telephone: +1-514-843-2500
Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : €470
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Hiking Tête Pelée
yoga, meditation and stretching
Acadian culture & heritage
From the cider works to the designers’ workshop, via the Sea Museum and Cap Hérissé, discover the various faces of the Magdalen Islands and its inhabitants.
Le Verger de Poméloi orchard is planted on the heights of the Magdalen Islands, overlooking the sea, and will plunge you into a kingdom ruled by the apple. Éloi Vigneau has been passionate about agriculture since his teenage years and started to plant his first apple trees in 1990 as part of an experimental project. From year to year, he followed the growth of the saplings in the local climate, as they faced the wind and sea air. 18 years later, he runs a small cider works and distillery producing excellent beverages while respecting the environment.
Then you will head for the Sea Museum. The permanent exhibition, called Laboureurs du Golfe, recounts the archipelago’s history, which is of course connected to the evolution of maritime practices. Objects and photographs tell stories of fishermen and shipwrecks, the development of ships and lighthouses, seal hunting, etc.
Not far from there is the Atelier Côtier workshop, a creative space coupled with a store where “8 friends and 1 dog have fun making beautiful things”. Here, the sand of the islands is transformed into singular sculptures, and the landscapes inspire the creation of design or decoration objects, clothing or jewellery.
To finish, you will head to the north of the island to admire the incredible jagged cliffs of Cap Hérissé.
-
There are no particular difficulties with this excursion. We recommend you wear comfortable clothing.
Total : €100
According to availability, price per passenger.Encounter with whales
Set off aboard a Zodiac that will take you to encounter whales in the estuary of the Saint Lawrence River. A magical moment!
A naturalist-guide captain will take you to where the river meets the ocean, an ideal spot to observe these giants of the sea as well as other marine mammals such as belugas, sperm whales, fin whales and dolphins. Indeed, the gulf and the estuary of the Saint Lawrence are a veritable kingdom for whales and a formidable natural laboratory for biologists passionate about these emblematic species. During these two hours on the river, you will appreciate all the wild beauty of the Saguenay fjord.
Back on shore, you will visit the information centre run by the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM), a non-profit organisation dedicated to education for the sake of marine conservation and scientific research on the marine mammals of the Saint Lawrence.
-
Participants must be in good physical condition. This excursion is not suitable for children aged under 10 years old. Each guest will be equipped with a life jacket. We recommend you wear warm and waterproof clothing. The order of the visits may be reversed.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Exploring Tadoussac on foot
Possessing one of the world’s lost beautiful bays, flanked by its large hotel with its characteristic red roof, Tadoussac is a picture-postcard village. Walk around this superb territory located at the confluence of the Saint Lawrence River and the Saguenay fjord.
Life goes by peacefully in this village of 800 souls lulled by the whisper of the waves and the salty air. While the history of the village of Tadoussac goes back to the arrival of Europeans on the American continent, the site itself was occupied by native communities from prehistoric times. Moreover, the origin of the word “tadoussac” finds its roots in Indian vocabulary. Tadoussac experienced the fur trade from the 17th to the 19th century, then the timber industry, before becoming a popular holiday destination.
Discover the North Coast’s typical plant species in Le Jardin de la Grève shoreline gardens. You will then visit the Chauvin Trading Post, a recreation of Canada’s very first fur trading post, with an exhibition focused on first contacts, the trading post and trading.
You will visit the Grand Hôtel Tadoussac, a superb wooden building overlooking Tadoussac Bay and the Saint Lawrence River. Its white wall, red roof, dormer windows and spectacular copula bestow an old-world charm upon it. Admire the old photos decorating the hotel lobby and make yourself comfortable and enjoy a cup of tea while contemplating the bay.
Before leaving, you will visit the Little Chapel located on the property, also called the Indian Chapel. It is the oldest wooden church in North America, having been constructed in 1747 by Jesuit missionaries who came to convert the local population to Christianity. It houses religious objects that were used over two and a half centuries ago.
-
This excursion involves walking around 2.5 km (1.6 miles). We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. The order of visits may change.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.The Craftsman Road
Step back in time and discover the artisans of a by-gone era.
From the pier, board your bus for a short scenic drive to the Touverre Workshop. Glass blowing is one of the oldest forms of art, and one of the most difficult to master. The technique was used in Egypt and Syria thousands of years ago. Nowadays in Saguenay, Guiseppe Benedetto, glassmaker and sculptor, performs this highly sophisticated technique for visitors to his workshop. The glass-maker’s goal is to develop top-of-the-line decorative objects such as whales, blueberries, fruits, lamps, perfumers, and more.
You will then cross the street to visit the Fine Stone Cutting Economuseum and discover the fascinating transformation steps of lapidary work. This workshop will transport you in a world of highly original handmade jewelry. Magnificent amethyst geodes, local and worldwide minerals and fine stones awaits to spark your eyes and wonder your minds. Be privileged by assisting a live stone polishing demonstration in this newly built workshop attached to one of the first Saguenay’s building, the Saint-Alexis presbytery (1868) where contemporary and history harmonize perfectly.
Your next visit will be at the Alpaga Bersi farm. During this visit you will learn about the characteristics of the Alpaga, this friendly natured animal from the collection of his fibre to the finish product. Also known as the Gold of the Andes, this luxurious natural fibre has much to offer. It is light, warm, resistant, not prickly, hypoallergenic, and extremely soft. Combined with the expertise of our craftsman, you will find unique treasures that results such as sweaters, scarf, hats and mittens. At the end of your visit, you will enjoy a tasty and local snack made of a haskap (honeysuckle) crisp and maple syrup.
Finally, you will board your coach and drive back to your ship.
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This excursion involves few walking distance (500m maximum) but sometimes on uneven surfaces. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. You will find giftshops at every venue and all major credit cards are accepted. This tour is limited to 50 participants.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Trail on Mars River banks
Discover the beauty of Quebec’s great Boreal Forest and culture during this unique and authentic experience at the Contact Nature Ecotourism site.
From the pier, you will board your coach for a 20-minute scenic drive.
Once on site, you will be greeted by a naturalist and you will start your trail by the Mars River. This area is famous for its fishing activity for Atlantic salmon and sea trout. You will reach the amazing Bec-Scie canyon with many different belvederes where you will see breathtaking landscapes.
Your guide will give you information about the natural environment, the site’s sampling activities, its fauna and flora as well as the animals that inhabit it.
During your stroll, you will have the opportunity to discover the lifestyle and land use practices of the indigenous people.
Finally, after enjoying a snack and a refreshment, you will take an easy walk through the forest and board your coach back to your ship.
- Please note that this tour is a trail of approximately 1.6 mile on uneven surfaces and involves some stairs (40 in total). We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or walking difficulties. This tour is limited to 40 participants.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Quebec Half day tour
Discover the charm of the old town by exploring its historic and natural sites, then go along the Saint Lawrence River to admire the spectacular scenery of Montmorency Falls. Without forgetting the unmissable gourmet break at a maple farm.
Walk in the magnificent Battlefields Park, which is on the site of the historic battle at which the French surrendered to the British in 1759. Also known as the Plains of Abraham and nestling on the cliffs overlooking the Saint Lawrence River, it is now a stunning park featuring hills, gardens, monuments and artillery artefacts.
You will then go along the Grande-Allée, a vast avenue edged with shops and café-terraces, to the Parliament Building (Hôtel du Parlement), an impressive Second Empire-style building overlooking the city.
Then, you will travel into the Quebec countryside. A few minutes from the fortified town of Old Quebec, Montmorency Falls offers breathtaking landscapes. You will feel the full power of nature when the water from the Montmorency River tumbles over the cliff to fall into the Saint Lawrence River.
At a maple farm, taste maple taffy - maple syrup boiled and poured onto snow; left to cool down, it is then wrapped around a stick to make a sticky treat.
Finally, you will discover the recently expanded Quebec National Museum of Fine Arts, where art, architecture and nature come together. You will discover the history of art in Quebec via its exhibitions of local artists from all eras.
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We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.EXPERIENCE A CANADIAN SUGAR SHACK AND OVERVIEW OF MONTREAL
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Montreal
You will be greeted at the port by our local representative and you will be transferred to the city centre.
First you will visit the majestic Notre-Dame Basilica, the first Gothic Revival church in Canada. From there, continue your exploration of Old Montreal’s rich architectural and historical legacy with a short walking tour.
Then you will enjoy a drive through the Golden Square Mile, a downtown neighborhood in constant effervescence where luxury, art and gastronomy are a daily part of its inhabitants’ thrilling lifestyle. Upon arrival on the Mont-Royal, depart for a small walk so you will enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
Next, head to an authentic sugar shack located about an hour’s drive from Montréal. In Quebec, when winter comes to an end, it announces sugaring-off time. Boiling maple sap to transform it into syrup is a typically French-Canadian tradition. The hosts recreated the rural setting of the last century, the perfect surrounding to taste and learn about the sugar-making and its history.
Enjoy lunch at the shack.
You will then be transferred to Montreal Airport to take your flight selected by PONANT.
Your programme includes:
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Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
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Meals as mentioned in the programme.
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Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine and 1 coffee or tea).
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The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
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Tips for the driver and local guide.
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Personal expenses.
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Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
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The local currency is the Canadian dollar. International credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, and you can withdraw money from banks and currency exchange offices.
Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : €250
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.EXPLORE THE LAURENTIDES AND MONTREAL (4 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Spend five days exploring the Laurentian region, its wide-open spaces and its rich history. Round off this nature-focused experience with a three-day stay in Montreal, to discover the largest French-speaking city on the American continent.
Day 1 – Montreal/Mont Tremblant
You will be greeted at the port by our local representative and you will then set off for the magnificent Laurentian region, located to the north of Montreal. After an hour on the road, you will make a first stop at a local cider works. The cider tradition in the Montreal region dates back to the early 19th century. Today it represents a mix of French influence, through the use of special apple varieties and fermentation techniques, and British influence, since in that part of the world cider is considered to be a refreshing beverage. Your host will walk you through the orchard and explain the different methods for growing and ripening the apples. As your visit continues you will have the opportunity to taste local products, including ice cider, a local speciality with a high sugar content.
You will get back on the road for 30 minutes and head to a local sugar shack for a typical culinary experience. After visiting the grounds, you will sit down to a lunch featuring rich, local flavours, served in a homely atmosphere.
After lunch, you will be transferred to your hotel Quintessence Mont Tremblant 5*.
Dinner at leisure.
Day 2 – Mont Tremblant
Breakfast at the hotel.
You will start your day by visiting the small village of Mont-Tremblant on foot. In winter, Mont-Tremblant is a ski resort that is popular with the locals and the village attracts skiers to the local restaurants, cafés and shops. In summer, the village turns into a peaceful haven where nature lovers can unwind. You will head for the heights by taking a gondola to the top of Mont-Tremblant.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
After a 30-minute transfer aboard your bus, you will arrive at the Treetop Walk (Sentier des Cimes). There, you will be met by a French-speaking naturalist guide who will accompany you on your walk up this 40-metre tall panoramic tower with a maximum incline of 6%, built right in the middle of the Laurentian forest. Your naturalist guide will tell you about the local flora and fauna that make this region so rich. Once at the top, enjoy a cocktail as you admire the uninterrupted 360-degree view of the forest.
Way back to your hotel.
Dinner will be served at the hotel’s restaurant.
Day 3 – Mont Tremblant/Montreal
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
There will be a 45-minute transfer to the Laurentian forest, where you will meet a Canadian trapper who has taken up residence there. You will have the chance to converse with him about his way of life, his environment, his connection with nature and with the indigenous tribes. He will take you into the surrounding forest where you will encounter bison he gets to see every day. He will then take you to the river where you can experience trout fishing by hand if you wish.
Back at the cabin, you will have the opportunity to taste these freshly-caught trout, cooked simply over a wood fire, and continue your conversation with your host.
After lunch, you will be transferred to Montreal after a 2h drive.
Check-in at the hotel Four Seasons Montreal 5*.
Dinner will be served at a local restaurant.
Day 4 – Montreal
After breakfast, start your day by visiting one of Montreal’s most emblematic neighbourhoods, the Golden Square Mile. In the early 20th century, the Golden Square Mile was home to some of the biggest fortunes in Canada. Wealthy merchants, industrialists and notables chose this green part of the city as the location for their great Victorian-style mansions, some of which are still standing today. Now a bustling neighbourhood combining luxury, gastronomy and art, it is part of the everyday life of Montreal residents.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
Next, you will wander through Old Montreal and visit the dazzling Notre-Dame Basilica, Canada’s first basilica in the Neo-Gothic style.
The rest of the day and the dinner will be at leisure.
Day 5 – Montreal
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight, or any other flight (please make sure to previously communicate your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your hotels :
The 5* Four Seasons Hotel Montreal is ideally located in the city centre. This hotel with a chic and modern décor is an institution in Montreal’s lively Golden Square Mile neighbourhood. It boasts a restaurant serving refined and local dishes, a wine and cocktail bar, and a Guerlain spa. All the Carré Doré rooms feature a floor-to-ceiling window offering views of the city and are located on the upper floors of the hotel.
The 5* luxury boutique hotel Hôtel Quintessence sits on the edge of Lake Tremblant. It is a tranquil establishment conducive to relaxation. All suites face the lake and feature a private balcony. Boasting a surface area of 65 square metres (700 sq. ft.), the suites also feature a king bed, a living area with fireplace, plus a bathroom with a rain shower and a spa tub.
Superior category rooms may also be requested, based on availability. Extra charges will apply. Please contact your travel agent for more details.
Your programme includes :
- 2-nights accommodation in Deluxe Golden Square room at the Four Season Montreal 5* (or similar), local standards, including breakfast.
- 2-nights accommodation in a suite at the Quintessence Mont Tremblant 5* (or similar), local standards, including breakfast.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverage package during meals (mineral water + 1 glass of wine or 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea), except for the lunch on day 3 as alcohol won’t be available.
- Transfers, visits and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
- Services of a local English-speaking guide.
- Hospitality desk at the hotel, the day of your arrival and departure.
Your programme does not include :
- Dinners on day 1 and day 4.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses.
- Visa if necessary.
- Early check-in at the hotel.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note :
- It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
- The official time of check-out is noon.
- If you wish to stay in your room after the official check-out time, you can request it at the hotel (subject to availability).
- This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
- This programme involves outdoor walking. We recommend dressing accordingly by wearing comfortable walking shoes and clothing.
- The Treetop Walk is 2.7 km (1.7 miles) long in total, with a maximum incline of no more than six degrees.
- For the lunch with the trapper on Day 3, it is important to inform your travel agent of any food allergies to ensure that a suitable meal is available. Cheese fondue is possible as an alternative to the trout.
Contact of your hotels :
Four Season Montréal
1440 Rue de la Montagne
Montréal, QC, Canada, H3G 1Z5
Telephone : +514 8432500
Quintessence Mont Tremblant
3004 chemin de la Chapelle
Mot Tremblant, QC J8E 1E1
Telephone : +819 425 3400
Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : €3,800
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.