Guest Speaker 
Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
15% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
- Last staterooms
Symphony on the St. Lawrence: From Québec to the Canadian Maritimes – with Smithsonian Journeys
Toronto - Boston
Dates:
16/10/2023
to
30/10/2023
days
nights on board
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
Featuring Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart and six musicians – pianist Jihye Chang, cellist Alistair MacRae, soprano Allison Pohl, violist Scott Rawls, violinist Wendy Rawls, and violinist Benjamin Sung – for a program of musical performances aboard on this symphony at sea; and with special musical guests highlighting Celtic and sea chantey traditions joining you en route during the cruise.
The waterways of eastern Canada and northern New England are among the loveliest in the world. The rock-bound coast, soaring cliffs, and idyllic waterfront villages have drawn visitors for more than one hundred years.
Your first full day aboard ship is spent navigating the St. Lawrence Seaway, a network of lakes, canals, and locks that provides deep-water passage from Lake Ontario to the St. Lawrence River.
Montréal, the first of four calls in Québec, is a cosmopolitan metropolis, where you may tour the charming Old Town or explore the arts scene along St. Laurent Boulevard. Québec City, with its narrow cobblestoned lanes and historic battlements, is one of North America’s most romantic spots. Tadoussac, the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in Canada, sits at the mouth of the Saguenay River, an area famous for the whales that congregate there to feed. And the picturesque village of Percé, at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, serves as gateway to the UNESCO Global Geopark of Bonaventure Island.
The colonial seaport of Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island was the site of the conference in 1864 that set the stage for Canada's unification, and it is also home to the Anne of Green Gables House—inspiration for Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic novel.
Cap-aux-Meules, in the Magdalen Islands, is a fascinating Acadian stronghold, where the legacy of the 17th-century colonists who settled here and defended their autonomy against both British and French lives on.
Nova Scotia is next, offering three historical towns for discovery. Charming Baddeck on Cape Breton Island is home to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site where you may peruse the collection that illustrates the life of the inventor. Louisbourg boasts the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, a living museum that recreates 18th-century life through the reconstruction of the formerly thriving settlement. And Lunenburg, whose Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also home to the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic.
A day at sea brings you to Eastport, Maine, where you will enjoy an opportunity to visit the Tides Institute & Museum of Art or Shackford Head State Park on Moose Island, or to join your captain on a whale watching excursion, collecting lobster traps on the way back to port. Disembark the following day in Boston, Massachusetts.
Ref : TG0645US - EE161023
Your itinerary
A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call. A program of musical...
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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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LE SOLÉAL
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
LE BORÉAL
21/8/2024 to the 28/8/2024
- New
LE LYRIAL
- New
LE LYRIAL
8/9/2024 to the 19/9/2024
*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)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Keith Lockhart
Keith Lockhart is Conductor of the Boston Pops, Chief Guest Conductor of the BBC Concert Orchestra, and Artistic Director of the Brevard Music Center in North Carolina (USA).
Now in his twenty-fourth season, he has served as Conductor of the Boston Pops since 1995, a tenure that includes over two thousand performances, forty-three national tours to more than 150 cities, and four international tours. He and the Pops have made seventy-nine television shows and participated in such high-profile sporting events as Super Bowl XXXVI, the 2008 NBA finals, the 2013 Boston Red Sox Ring Ceremony, and, most recently, Game 2 of the 2018 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers. The annual July 4 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular draws a live audience of over half a million with millions more who watch on television or live webcast.
From 2010-2018 Keith served as the seventh Principal Conductor of the BBC Concert Orchestra. Highlights of his tenure include three critically acclaimed North American tours, conducting annual performances at The Proms, and celebrating the orchestra’s 60th year in 2012. In June of that same year, Keith Lockhart conducted the orchestra during Queen Elizabeth II’s gala Diamond Jubilee Concert, which was broadcast around the world.
In addition, he has conducted nearly every major orchestra in North America, as well as the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, the NHK Symphony in Tokyo, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and the London Philharmonic. From 1998-2009 he was the Music Director of the Utah Symphony, and led the orchestra during Opening Ceremonies of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. He has also served as Associate Conductor of both the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and the Music Director of the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra.
Born in Poughkeepsie, NY, Maestro Lockhart began his musical studies on piano at the age of 7, and holds degrees from Furman University and Carnegie Mellon University.
Eric Roorda
Eric Paul Roorda is a maritime historian, author, and artist. A native of the Great Lakes region, he recently retired from thirty years of college teaching for Johns Hopkins University, Williams College, and Mystic Seaport Museum, among other places. His most recent books are The Ocean Reader: History, Politics, Culture (Duke, 2020) and Twain At Sea: The Maritime Writings of Samuel Langhorne Clemons (Brandeis, 2018). His writings on the Panama Canal include contributions to The Oxford Encyclopedia of Maritime History and the encyclopedic America and the Sea. He received his education at The College of William and Mary and The Johns Hopkins University.
Eric comes from a seafaring family in Holland: his grandfather was a First Engineer in the Dutch Merchant Marine whose ships were sunk twice during World War I, and his great-grandfather worked on Zuiderzee ferries. He has been a lecturer on cruise ships for more than twenty years, including several transits of the Panama Canal.
Language spoken : English
Photo credit : ARR
Jihye Chang
Pianist Jihye Chang enjoys a diverse career as a soloist, collaborator, educator, scholar, and advocate for new music in the United States and abroad. Her performances focus on the creative process of collaborating with living composers, curating programs that can connect to various audiences, and giving context to contemporary works.
She is a recipient of the Henry Kohn Award from the Tanglewood Music Center, an Honorary Fellowship from the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra, the Aaron Copland Recording Grant, and first prize of the Mikhashoff International Pianist-Composer Competition. She has appeared as a soloist with the Brevard Music Center Sinfonietta, Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Fargo Moorhead Symphony Orchestra, Wonjoo Philhamronic Orchestra, Montgomery Symphony Orchestra, and Virtuosi of Festival Internacionale de Musica in Recife (Brazil), among others. Since 2016 she has led more than 20 performances of her solo project “Continuum 88” – a solo project in which she programs masterworks of piano literature, focusing on specific genres such as etudes and variations each season, alongside newly commissioned works in the same genres by younger composers – in venues across the United States, South Korea, and Taiwan. She also appeared at the Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth, Old First Church Concert Series of San Francisco, Blue Candlelight Music Series in Dallas, Nuevo Mundo Festival y Academia in Aruba, and Tuesday Concert Series at Seoul National University. Recently she led residencies both in person and online at Indiana University, UCLA, Rutgers University, Texas Christian University, and Tulane University, working with young composers and composition faculty members.
During the COVID-19 lockdown of 2020-2021, she launched an online collaborative project with 8 Boston-area composers, the “Boston Etudes Project,” with 8 online premieres of new etudes written for her. The Project culminated in a live performance with 5 additional etudes at Tufts University in February 2022. She also launched a hybrid concert series entitled “Jihye’s Salon,” in which audience from all over the world enjoyed livestreamed concerts at their own home while artists from various locations performed from their own home. Season II of Jihye’s Salon will be released in the fall 2022.
Chang’s recordings can be found on Albany, Centaur, Parma, and Sony Korea, and she has recently recorded “77 Canonic Variations on Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” by Nathan Lam. Her research has been focused on piano etudes, music by women composers, interdisciplinary outreach programs, and music by Korean composers. She expanded her interest on music by Korean composers into a new music theory course at Florida State University. She has presented several lectures focusing on music as a means to understand Korean culture at Seoul National University Alumni Association’s 2022 Summit, University of Cincinnati College of Music, University of East Maine, and Boston University.
Ms. Chang graduated from Seoul National University, and earned her Master’s and Doctorate degrees from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. Chang is a faculty member at the Brevard Music Center and a core member of the Intersection Contemporary Ensemble. She has been a lecturer at Florida State University since 2012 and served there as a Visiting Assistant Professor in 2014-15. You can visit https://instagram.com/jihyechangpiano to see her passion on espresso, and listen to her online premieres and other performances on https://www.youtube.com/jihyechangpiano.
Language spoken : English
Alistair MacRae
Cellist Alistair MacRae has appeared as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral principal throughout North America and in Europe, Asia, South America, and the Middle East. His playing has been praised for its "rich sound and lyrical phrasing" (Palm Beach Daily News) and his performances have been featured in radio broadcasts across the United States on WQXR, WWFM, WDAV, WCQS, KING FM, and Vermont Public Radio.
Mr. MacRae is the Cordelia Wikarski-Miedel Artist in Residence at the University of Puget Sound and the cellist of the Puget Sound Piano Trio. He is Principal Cello of the Princeton Symphony Orchestra and also performs with his wife, soprano Allison Pohl, in the voice and cello duo Soprello. In addition, he is a member of the Artist Faculty at the Brevard Music Center.
His past projects include chamber music and recitals in venues such as Carnegie Hall's Zankel and Weill Halls, Seattle’s Benaroya Hall, and Palm Beach's Kravis Center for the Performing Arts; concerto appearances with the Asheville Symphony and at the Brevard Music Center; recordings of chamber music by Kodaly and Telemann; premiere performances of 21st-century pieces at Princeton, Yale, Columbia, and Harvard Universities; and ensemble albums of music by Mozart and Scott Joplin. His eclectic collaborations have found him on stage with Paul Taylor Dance Company, the Westminster Choir, tap dancer Savion Glover, jazz bassist Ben Wolfe, the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra, and the rock band Scorpions.
Language spoken : English
Photo credit : David Crow
Allison Pohl
Soprano Allison Pohl's vivacious stage presence and spirited singing have inspired enthusiastic responses across three continents. Her work has received positive reviews for her “sparkling voice” (outerstage.com) and “exuberant” performances (Opera News). Of her performance in L'elisir d'amore at Virginia Opera, The Washington Post wrote: “Allison Pohl stood out with a ripe, flavorful soprano and ample character."
Allison made her Seattle Symphony debut in 2018 as the soprano soloist in Handel's Messiah. She has appeared with opera companies throughout the United States, including Boston Lyric Opera, New York City Opera, Seattle Opera, Virginia Opera, and Tacoma Opera; and has been a featured soloist for orchestral tours in both Italy and China. Favorite operatic roles recently performed include both Countess and Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro, Tatyana in Eugene Onegin, Adina in L’elisir d’amore, Blanche de la Force in Dialogues des Carmélites, Norina in Don Pasquale, Rosina in Il barbiere di Siviglia, and Gretel in Hänsel und Gretel.
As a member of Soprello, Allison has also performed chamber music and new compositions across North America with her husband, cellist Alistair MacRae. She is a Seattle Opera Career Grant recipient and holds degrees from SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music and Boston University.
Language spoken : English
Scott Rawls
Violist Scott Rawls has appeared as soloist and chamber musician throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Europe. Recent chamber music endeavors include performances with Dmitry Sitkovetsky, Paul Rosenthal, Andres Diaz, and Sergey Antonov. With the Nikkanen/Rawls/Bailey string trio, he has played tours in Alaska, Washington, Arizona, and Texas. His solo and chamber music recordings can be heard on the Centaur, CRI, Nonesuch, Capstone, and Philips labels.
A strong proponent of new music, Rawls has premiered dozens of new works by prominent composers. Most notable, he has toured extensively as a member of Steve Reich and Musicians. As the violist in this ensemble, he performed the numerous premieres of Daniel Variations, The Cave and Three Tales by Steve Reich and Beryl Korot, videographer. And under the auspices of presenting organizations such as the Wiener Festwochen, Festival d'Automne a Paris, Holland Festival, Berlin Festival, Spoleto Festival USA, and the Lincoln Center Festival, he has performed in major music centers around the world including London, Vienna, Rome, Milan, Tokyo, Prague, Amsterdam, Brussels, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York.
Under the baton of maestro Dmitry Sitkovetsky, he plays principal viola in the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra. During the summer season, Rawls plays principal in the festival orchestra at Brevard Music Center where he also coordinates the viola program. He was also recently appointed principal viola of the Palm Beach Opera orchestra, David Stern artistic director.
Dr. Rawls currently serves as Professor of Viola and Chamber Music at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He holds a BM degree from Indiana University and a MM and DMA from State University of New York at Stony Brook. His major mentors include Abraham Skernick, Georges Janzer, John Graham, and Julius Levine.
Wendy Rawls
Violinist Wendy Rawls is an active performer and teacher. She is presently assistant concertmaster of the Greensboro Symphony and recent concertmaster for the Greensboro Opera. Ms. Rawls is a member of the GSO String Quintet, an educational outreach ensemble that performs chamber music annually for hundreds of public school children across Guilford County. She has also performed as guest concertmaster with the Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle, North Carolina Opera, Charlotte Symphony, Eastern Music Festival Orchestra and Bach Choir of Bethlehem. As an independent contractor, she has enjoyed collaborating and touring with a wide variety of artists from Rod Stewart to Mannheim Steamroller. She has been on the faculty of the Brevard Music Center since the summer of 2008 and for many summers, she performed in Italy at the Spoleto Festival, in the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria, and at the American School at Fontainbleau, France. As chamber artist, she has recently performed with Sitkovetsky and Friends, Bach’s Lunch @ Starmount, at the Brevard Music Center and with the new ensemble À la carte.
Ms. Rawls is founder and director of the Gate City String School in Greensboro, N.C. and was formerly on the artist faculty at Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and C.W. Post University.
Ms. Rawls has received degrees from Ithaca College, New England Conservatory, and Mannes College of Music. Her major teachers include Linda Case, Paul Kantor, and Hiroko Yajima.
Language spoken : English
Benjamin Sung
Associate Professor of Violin at Florida State University, violinist Benjamin Sung is also a Faculty Artist and violin coordinator at the Brevard Music Center. Recent concert highlights include the 2022 Brevard Music Festival; the 24 Caprices by Paganini during the COVID-shortened 2019-20 season; a TED talk for TEDx Fargo; and a complete Beethoven cycle with pianist David Kalhous. In 2022, after sharing 10 years of concerts of the violin-piano repertoire, Mr. Sung and Mr. Kalhous are embarking on a new chapter of their partnership, called extension: an effort to present the greatest music of the existing repertoire along with newly commissioned works from today’s most exciting composers, both in live performance and recorded and streaming media.
Sung has performed as soloist with numerous orchestras, including the Camerata Romeu of Havana, Cuba, the Virtuosi of Festival Internacionale de Musica in Recife, Brazil, and the National Repertory Orchestra. He is equally in demand as a chamber musician, having shared the stage with great performers including pianist Monique Duphil, and cellists Antonio Meneses and Marcio Carneiro. He is a past winner of the Starling Award of the Eastman School of Music and the Violin Fellowship of the Montgomery Symphony, and an Aaron Copland Fund Recording Grant.
An enthusiastic advocate of contemporary music, Sung has recorded the music of composers Steve Rouse and Marc Satterwhite for Centaur Records, has performed and taught for Studio 2021 at Seoul National University, and has worked with many of the greatest composers of this generation, including John Adams, Pierre Boulez, George Crumb, and Helmut Lachenmann. In 2012, he released an album of new American works entitled FluxFlummoxed on Albany Records, a recording hailed by Fanfare Magazine as "a brilliant performance of four superb works" with "impeccable intonation and tone production." Mr. Sung has an upcoming new solo album featuring works by Sciarrino, Berio, Maderna, and Schnittke.
Sung holds a Bachelor’s degree from the Eastman School of Music, where he studied with Oleh Krysa, and Master’s and Doctorate degrees from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, from the studio of Nelli Shkolnikova. Sung also studied at the Professional Training Program at Carnegie Hall, the Lucerne Festival Academy, the New York String Seminar, and the Chamber Music Residency at The Banff Centre. Benjamin lives with his wife Jihye and son Aiden in Tallahassee, Florida, where he enjoys running, gardening, and watching Aiden turn into a better violinist than he is.
Language spoken : English
Dawn Beaton
Dawn hails from Mabou, Cape Breton and has been playing fiddle and step dancing for over 30 years. Music has been at the forefront of her life, surrounded by it through an infusion from her parents, her relatives, and living in the vibrant community of Mabou. Along with her musical sister, Margie, in 2008 they decided to release their debut album, Taste of Gaelic. It led to opportunities right from the CD release to attend one of the largest Celtic festivals in the world, the Lorient Interceltique Festival in Lorient, France. From there the girls have traveled and taught in Scotland, England, Brazil, China, Ireland and the United States, not to mention a Nova Scotia Music week nomination and an ECMA win for Roots/Traditional Duo or Group Recording of the Year–2010. Dawn has worked at the Celtic Colours International Festival since 2009 as Artistic Director and fully programs all 52 shows in the festival. Additionally, Dawn serves on various volunteer boards and makes it a point to volunteer her musical skills to many worthwhile local charities.
Language spoken: English
Margie Beaton
Margie first took an interest in the traditional culture of the area through the means of dance, enrolling in lessons at the age of 4. Always hearing the music and seeing family and friends take part made it seem a natural fit, Margie coming from a longhistory of musicians, singers, and dancers. Fiddle and piano would come in later years, each fostering new appreciation and skill in the other. Partnered most often with sister Dawn, the two redheads from Mabou have been dancing, playing, learning,and teaching ever since, fortunate to perform and instruct both locally and internationally. Now, combining schooling and love for the culture, Margie works in marketing/design at the Gaelic College.
Language spoken: English
Kenneth MacKenzie
Kenneth is a piper and fiddler from Mabou Coal Mines, Cape Breton Island. He grew up speaking Gaelic and surrounded by Gaelic culture and tradition bearers. He credits older brother Angus and John MacLean as the biggest influences on his piping, which iswell-known for its irresistible drive and lively, traditional feel. In 2010, Kenneth was the recipient of the Celtic Colours Drive’ers Award and released the ECMA-nominated album Pìob is Fidheall (Pipes and Fiddle) with his brother Angus. Kenneth has also recorded with Natalie MacMaster, Brenda Stubbert, Dawn and Margie Beaton, Chrissy Crowley, Kinnon Beaton, Joanne MacIntyre, and others. Kenneth tours with his brothers Angus and Calum and also as a member of the Beaton Sisters' Band, and his music has taken him through Canada and the US, Ireland, Scotland and the UK, Australia, and Central America. He currently resides in Mabou and works as an engineer when he's not enjoying his music.
Language spoken: English
Jason Roach
Jason, a Cheticamp lad born and raised, has crafted a dynamic piano style all his own. Learning in his early years from the legendary Maybelle Chisholm-MacQueen of nearby Margaree, Jason began performing publicly by 1997 and hasn't stopped since. He would go on to earn a Bachelor of Music degree from St. Francis Xavier University and soon join and travel extensively with musical acts like Sprag Session, Step Crew, and Còig. When not gigging locally or touring internationally, Jason can be found teaching piano at École de musique Raveston Music School in Cheticamp, and working on his other craft, Outer Strathspace Folk Art.
Language spoken: English
David Coffin
David has performed throughout New England since 1980. His venues range from concert halls and coffeehouses to schools, radio, and museums. He has performed for weddings, birthdays, memorials, festivals, bonfires–you name it. He is equally adeptatfiring up a crowd to sing, or at playing music in the background to create atmosphere. Widely known for his rich baritone voice, his impressive collection of musical instruments includes concertinas, recorders, pennywhistles, bombards (loud Breton doublereeds), gemshorns, cornamuse, shawm, rauschphieffe–or, as he explains,“generally anything that requires a lot of hot air.”
At the heart of David’s work is traditional and contemporary folk music. He draws on vocal and instrumental music from North America as well as England, Scotland, Ireland,and Brittany. David also has an extensive collection of songs from the Maritime tradition. Sea-chanteys, ballads, and the songs of the sailors comprise his main repertoire.
David has performed with Revels since 1980 as a singer, instrumentalist and, since 1991, as Master of Ceremonies. As of 2022, with the Christmas and Spring performances combined, he has appeared in over 70 different Revels productions, celebrating the solstice through the traditions of many cultures.
In 2000, David quit his“day job”to become a full-time performer, bringing original Enrichment Programs to schools throughout New England. In 2014, he was named Artist-in Residence at Revels. His one-of-a-kind presentation highlighting period instruments, Music from the King’s Court: Exploring the Early Winds, highlights the history of the recorder and related period wind instruments. David’s dynamically interactive performance has inspired novice musicians and “wowed” more advanced students in hundreds of schools. Life at Sea: A Voyage in Song is the no less lively program based on an imaginary whaling voyage that gets audiences singing authentic, historical sea songs as they learn about mariners’ lives long ago and far fromhome. In January of 2021 when Sea Chanteys hit TikTok, David joined in (username: chanteyman) and has posted over 500 videos averaging over one video post per day. Several videos have garnered millions of views.To date, David has recorded four solo CDs, three digital albums, and has participated on numerous other recording projects both vocally and as an instrumentalist. His last CD,Last Trip Home, features his daughter Linnea. Most recently David was the featured Chantey Singer in Amazon Prime’s Blow the Man Down.
Language spoken: English
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
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.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
- A program of musical performances aboard featuring Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart and six musicians – pianist Jihye Chang, cellist Alistair MacRae, soprano Allison Pohl, violist Scott Rawls, violinist Wendy Rawls, and violinist Benjamin Sung.
- Special musical guests joining you along your route, including Celtic fiddlers Dawn and Margie Beaton, piper Kenneth MacKenzie, and pianist Jason Roach while on Cape Breton Island; and maritime folk musician David Coffin from Lunenberg to Boston.
- Engaging discussions onboard with Smithsonian Journeys Expert and maritime historian Eric Roorda.
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites in Québec and Lunenburg.
- Cruise the St. Lawrence Seaway, a marvel of engineering as well as one of North America's most scenic waterways.
- Discover the vibrant art scene of cosmopolitan Montréal.
- Explore a series of wildlife-rich ecosystems and geologically fascinating parks—Saguenay, Gaspé Peninsula, the Magdalen Islands, and Shackford Head State Park.
- Learn of the centuries-long struggle between France and England for control of this part of the world at battlefields in Montréal and Québec and in the living museum in Louisbourg.
Ports of Call & Excursions
16 October 2023 - Toronto
Embarkation 16/10/2023 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 16/10/2023 at 6:00 pm
The largest city in Canada and capital of the province of Ontario, Toronto fascinates as much by its incredible diversity as by its size. Make sure you visit the CN Tower, the tallest tower in the western hemisphere, as well as the St. Lawrence Market whose stalls reflect the multicultural wealth of this city known as the global city. Not far from there, the historic Distillery District unveils its brick-paved streets imbued with romantic charm and its myriad of small restaurants, cafés, boutiques, theatres and art galleries. The Royal Ontario Museum and its impressive collections devoted to the world’s natural and cultural history will also be an unmissable stop during this port of call.
17 October 2023 - Sailing Lake Ontario
Arrival 17/10/2023
Departure 17/10/2023
Lake Ontario is the smallest and most easterly of the five Great Lakes of North America, that together form one fifth of all the freshwater on the planet. You will enjoy a magnificent setting, enhanced by the Indian summer, for an exceptional voyage on the sparkling waters of this natural treasure, lying 76 metres above sea level. Fed by the waters of Lake Eyrie and the extraordinary Niagara Falls, it flows into the Saint Lawrence River which follows its course. On the border between the United States and Canada, the lake has great cities like Toronto on its shores but also boasts more secret and unspoiled areas, teeming with beaches, forests and small ports in a bucolic atmosphere.
17 October 2023 - Sailing River Saint Lawrence and going through its locks
Arrival 17/10/2023
Departure 17/10/2023
Linking the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes region inland, the Saint Lawrence Seaway was inaugurated in 1959, more than 250 years after the initial construction aiming to avoid the rapids obstructing navigation in these parts. This large engineering project, which required four years of huge work, offers a unique sailing experience, punctuated by the passage of the different locks marking out this corridor, which is almost 4,000 km long.
18 October 2023 - Montreal
Arrival 18/10/2023 early morning
Departure 18/10/2023 late afternoon
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.
19 October 2023 - Québec
Arrival 19/10/2023 early morning
Departure 19/10/2023 late afternoon
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.
20 October 2023 - Tadoussac
Arrival 20/10/2023 early morning
Departure 20/10/2023 early evening
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.
21 October 2023 - At sea
Arrival 21/10/2023
Departure 21/10/2023
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
22 October 2023 - Percé
Arrival 22/10/2023 early morning
Departure 22/10/2023 midday
If you appreciate the beauty of scenery and geological phenomena, you will fall under the irresistible spell of Percé, one of the most beautiful villages in Quebec. Apart from the attractions of the town itself, Percé owes its reputation to its proximity to the famous rock of the same name that rises opposite it in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Along with the neighbouring Bonaventure Island, this rocky outcrop forms a national park famed for its natural, historical and geological heritage. With a choice of hiking, underwater exploration and cultural activities, you’ll never be short of things to do in this fascinating region.
23 October 2023 - Charlottetown
Arrival 23/10/2023 early morning
Departure 23/10/2023 late afternoon
The colonial seaport of Charlottetown is the capital of Prince Edward Island, "the Garden of the Gulf of St. Lawrence." The town played a crucial role in Canada's history, hosting the Charlottetown Conference (1864), which set the stage for the country's unification. Province House is site of that conference and now home to the provincial legislature. Explore nearby Prince Edward Island National Park and the Anne of Green Gables House—inspiration for Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic novel. Also see the Confederation Bridge, which crosses the eight miles of the Northumberland Strait, making it Canada's longest bridge and the longest bridge in the world to span ice-covered water.
24 October 2023 - Cap-aux-Meules, Magdalen Islands
Arrival 24/10/2023 early morning
Departure 24/10/2023 late afternoon
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.
25 October 2023 - Baddeck
Arrival 25/10/2023 early morning
Departure 25/10/2023 late afternoon
Discover the charming village of Baddeck in the heart of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. Located on the banks of Bras d’Or Lake, designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this community of several hundred inhabitants is renowned as the point of departure and arrival of the famous Cabot Trail. Named in honour of the Venetian explorer John Cabot who discovered Atlantic Canada at the end of the 15th century, this panoramic road lets travellers enjoy the sumptuous coastal landscapes of the north of the island. Crossing the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, it offers many possibilities to admire the wooded expanses, lakes and streams, deep gorges and steep cliffs that make the area so beautiful.
26 October 2023 - Louisbourg
Arrival 26/10/2023 early morning
Departure 26/10/2023 early afternoon
Set in the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Breton Island turns up fun-to-explore curiosities such as Louisbourg, the former capital from when it was named Ile Royale. This picturesque little town is home to one of the country’s most significant historical sites: the symbolic and beautifully restored Fortress of Louisbourg. A tour transports you back to the heart of 18th-century Canada. Access the old fortified square via the drawbridge and Dauphin Gate, which is guarded by a sentry. You can then explore the fortified town as it was in its heyday. Get ready for an extraordinary adventure that’s more than just a journey back in time.
27 October 2023 - Lunenburg
Arrival 27/10/2023 midday
Departure 27/10/2023 early evening
Stretching out along the eastern seaboard of Nova Scotia, the picturesque port of Lunenburg will leave an indelible impression. You can admire the colonial architecture of this fishing village whilst strolling through the chequerboard streets studded with brightly coloured houses. The enchanting charm of the old town has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. The former naval shipyard town of Lunenburg is where you will also find the replica of the legendary Bluenose schooner, originally built in this port.
28 October 2023 - At sea
Arrival 28/10/2023
Departure 28/10/2023
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
29 October 2023 - Eastport
Arrival 29/10/2023
Departure 29/10/2023 midday
At the Canadian border, Eastport is, as its name suggests, the easternmost city in the United States. It is here that, in 1604, the first French people to arrive in the New World settled. Discover their story at the Saint Croix Island International Historic Site. In the late 19th century, this charming town in Maine grew significantly as a result of the development of the canned sardine industry. At the time, the town boasted more than a dozen sardine canneries. The architecture and some mansions from this period live on, affording the town a distinct elegance. One of the attractions of this town is undeniably its proximity to the Old Sow Whirlpool, the largest tidal whirlpool in the Northern Hemisphere, where visitors can watch the birds and marine mammals that come to feed on the nutrients driven up to the surface.
30 October 2023 - Boston
Arrival 30/10/2023 early morning
Disembarkation 30/10/2023 at 7:00 am
Nicknamed “ America's Walking City”, the city is considered to be the epicentre of American history. Founded in 1630, the tenth largest agglomeration in the United States, is a pleasure for walkers. To get around, just follow the Freedom Trail circuit that serves most of the tourist sites with its red line traced on the ground. Don’t miss all the delicious local specialities on offer at Quincy Market, like the lobster sandwich, and then take time to explore North End, the Italian quarter. For the more romantic among you, Beacon Hill, the historic quarter, with its absolutely charming cobbled streets, is really worth a look.
Old Montreal on Foot
The historic character and charm of Old Montréal comes alive as you walk through its narrow cobblestone streets and alleyways and along its charming waterfront district to discover the splendid architecture of one of the oldest cities in North America.
Your guided tour begins at Place Royale, from where you make your way to Place d'Armes and the Notre-Dame Basilica. Built over several decades in the 19th century, this iconic structure is emblematic of the city of Montreal, and its interior is regarded as a masterpiece of the Gothic Revival. During your tour, take time to observe the intricate wooden carvings throughout, set against rich hues of blue, red, and purple, and to marvel at the stained-glass windows that depict scenes from the history of Montreal.
From the Basilica, make your way to the financial district known as Montréal's Wall Street, where, among the many Victorian buildings are the Bank of Montréal, and the Royal Bank. Pass City Hall and the Courthouse to reach Jacques-Cartier Square, an area of cafés and old-world charm. Your guide will lead you through the walkways of the underground city toward the International District, including Place Riopelle and its unique fountain, the Palais des Congrès, and the World Trade Center, a remarkable example of integration of new and old buildings.
Your tour comes to an end at the Pointe-à-Callière Museum. A designated national archaeological and historic site, Pointe-à-Callière is home to the very birthplace of Montréal and focuses on several centuries of history, from the time of the First Peoples to the present day. In addition to its impressive underground archaeological remains, the museum also offers the opportunity to explore the city through permanent exhibitions and a multimedia show projected over the remains.
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This is a moderate excursion involving extensive walking over sometimes cobblestoned and uneven surfaces. It is not appropriate for guests with limited mobility. Comfortable and sturdy shoes and layered clothing are recommended.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Tastes of Montreal
This excursion is an introduction to Montreal's vibrant and varied culinary scene, a reflection of the city's richly multicultural past.
Beginning in the heart of Old Montreal, your walking tour will include some of the city's iconic sites—Place Royale, the Basilica of Notre Dame, Place d'Armes—as you work your way through various neighborhoods of different ethnicities passionate about their cultures and their food. Your guide, an enthusiastic foodie, will lead you first to Montreal's Chinatown, then through the Jewish and Portuguese quarters, and finally to Little Italy, pausing along the way to sample some of the city's best local products. Spend some time in Jean Talon Market, one of the largest outdoor markets in North America, where you will find a tantalizing variety of vendors offering a wide range of foods from various culinary traditions, including Montreal's own maple treats, Quebec cheeses, and apple cider.
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This is a moderate excursion involving extensive walking over sometimes cobblestoned and uneven surfaces. It is not appropriate for guests with limited mobility. Comfortable and sturdy shoes and layered clothing are recommended.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Montreal Highlights
Discover Montréal's bicultural heritage and cosmopolitan blend of the old and the new on this overview of the city—its rich architectural and historical legacy, elegant upper-class communities, and world-renowned universities.
Begin your tour with a guided drive through Montreal's financial district, including the Bank of Montreal and Royal Bank, and into the Golden Square Mile, home to stately Victorian mansions, the McCord Museum, focusing on Canadian history, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and the beautiful campus of McGill University.
Continue to Montreal's iconic Mont-Royal Park, where you disembark the couch for a short hike (about 15 minutes) to the top of the mountain for panoramic views from the plaza in front of Chalet du Mont-Royal, the most famous vantage point for the city's skyline and surroundings. After ample time for taking in the sights, reboard your coach for the drive back down the mountain to Saint Laurent Boulevard, Montreal's famous street of murals. Montréal has become a hotspot for street art in North America and rivals even international capitals famous for their magnificent graffiti and outdoor murals. In the company of an experienced guide, discover the origins and the current importance of mural art in Montréal, along a path of unique and eclectic works of art.
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This is a relatively easy excursion, mostly aboard a modern coach. There is, however, some walking on an incline over a paved surface at Mont-Royal Park to reach the vantage point, as well as a bit of walking in the mural zone.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Historic Quebec
On this two-part excursion, you will discover much of the historic character and charm of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, as you orient yourself to the most important landmarks during a tour via motor coach, followed by a guided walking tour of the center city.
Drive first to Quebec's most celebrated landmark, the Chateau Frontenac, perched on a cliff some 200 feet above the St. Lawrence River, with breathtaking views of the surrounding area. From the Chateau, travel along the Grande-Allée, the Champs-Élysées of Québec, lined with quaint shops, sidewalk cafés, and boutiques, to the Hôtel du Parlement, built during France's Second Empire. Continue to the Plains of Abraham, site of the historic battle that resulted in French surrender to the British in 1759, and now a beautiful 250-acre park with hills, gardens, monuments, and 18th-century artillery. A brief stop at Le Cap-Diamant, named after the shiny rocks that explorer Jacques Cartier mistook for diamonds, affords yet another view of the surrounding countryside.
Leaving your coach behind, join a guided tour of Old Town. Explore Place-Royale, an historic square once the site of homes of wealthy merchants. The square remains the heart of the Lower Town as well as the home of North America's oldest standing catholic church, the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires. Around the corner is the charming pedestrian-only area of Petit-Champlain, where you will find an array of quaint boutiques, specialty shops and outdoor cafés, as well as strolling musicians and other street performers. Visit Holy Trinity Church, the first Anglican Cathedral built outside the British Isles, and modeled on London's St-Martin-in-the-Fields. Your tour ends at the Morrin Center, built over 200 years ago as the city's first prison, and now home to one of Quebec's most beautiful libraries.
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This is a moderate excursion, half of which is aboard a modern coach. Walking in Old Quebec, however, involves navigating cobblestones and some inclines.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Montmorency and Ile d'Orleans
This excursion focuses on the natural beauty just outside the walled Old City of Quebec, as you discover Montmorency Falls and the pastoral landscapes of the Island of Orléans. Along the St.-Lawrence River and in the foothills of the Laurentian Mountains, the views of the countryside and of the skyline of Québec are spectacular.
From the pier, a 20-minute drive along the bank of the St.-Lawrence brings you to Montmorency Falls, where water cascades down a 272-foot cliff, 1-½ times as high as Niagara Falls. As you walk along the paths near the falls, or take a cable car to the top of the falls, enjoy breathtaking views and witness the power of nature as the Montmorency River roars down the cliff to meet the St.-Lawrence.
Take a step back in time as you cross the bridge to the Ile d'Orleans, where you will enjoy a scenic drive through picturesque villages of traditional rural Québec. First settled by the French over 350 years ago, the Island is a veritable open-air museum, boasting more than 600 heritage buildings. As the first colonists cultivated the land, they became self-sufficient as fishermen, blacksmiths, carpenters, saddlers, tanners, shipbuilders, and captains. But agriculture has always been important here, and you will have the opportunity to taste several examples of the local produce—delicacies made from fresh fruit, local wines, and fruit ciders—and to talk with the farmers and vintners about their craft.
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This is an easy excursion, mostly aboard a modern motor coach. The amount of walking is entirely at your discretion
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Whale Watching
Originally the site of an Inuit base for hunting seals, Tadoussac was established as a trading post by fur merchants in 1599, making it the first French outpost in mainland North America. Today it is a charming tourist destination, a member of the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World, and a leading departure point for whale watching.
This excursion takes full advantage of Tadoussac's access to the abundance of marine mammals—porpoise, dolphin, seal and 13 species of whales—attracted to the rich feeding grounds where the Saguenay River flows into the St. Lawrence. Begin with a two-and-a-half-hour expedition aboard local vessels under the direction of an experienced and expert Captain and Naturalist, searching for whales. October is one of the most active months for the large animals, as they prepare to migrate to their breeding grounds.
On your return to Tadoussac, visit the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre, a museum dedicated to educating the public about whales and other marine mammals. Exhibits range from the skeleton of 40-foot-long sperm whale and a narwhal tooth, to films, sound recordings, and interactive displays.
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The amount of walking on this tour is at your discretion. Guest should dress appropriately (waterproof jacket and rubber-soled shoes) for the whale watch.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Walking Tour of Tadoussac
Originally the site of an Inuit base for hunting seals, Tadoussac was established as a trading post by fur merchants in 1599, making it the first French outpost in mainland North America. Today it is a charming tourist destination, a member of the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World, and a leading departure point for whale watching where the Saguenay River flows into the St. Lawrence.
Your guided walking tour begins with a visit to Greve Gardens, named for one of the co-founders of the 1599 trading post, where you can find vegetation typical to the North Coast of the St.-Lawrence River. Continue to the Chauvin Trading Post (Chauvin was the other co-founder), a recreation of the original, with exhibits on early contacts with First Nations, the building of the post, and the history of its trade in furs and hides.
Stop for a spot of tea at the Tadoussac Grand Hotel, a Belle Époque gem with magnificent views overlooking the Bay and the St.-Lawrence River, before bringing your tour to an end at le Petite Chapelle, the oldest wooden church in North America. Built in 1747 by Jesuit missionaries as part of their effort to convert the Montagnais to Christianity, the chapel still contains some of the original religious items used over two and a half centuries ago.
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This tour is entirely on foot and involves approximately 1.25 miles of walking. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Tastes of Coin-du-Banc
Coin-du-Banc (Corner of the Beach) is a long and sandy beach area located just 15 minutes from the village of Percé. It is one of the region's most beautiful beaches and one of the best for agate collecting. In Coin-du-Banc, enjoy a maple syrup, taffy and crepe tasting while learning about the history of the region.
Then return to Buvette Thétrde, a local restaurant in the heart of Percé, for a sampling of smoked fish from Fumoir Le Paternel, a family-owned buainess with an expertise in smoked seafood and a tasting of local beer. Enjoy a mornin of savoring local delicacies from this delicious region before returning to the ship.
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This is an easy excursion. Most of the walking is at your discretion and over flat surfaces of grvel and some sand. A few stairs.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Global Geopark
A visit to Percé’s UNESCO Global Geopark, because of its unique tectonic and volcanic history, allows you to walk through 500 million years of geological time. Board your shuttle at the quay in Perce for a 10-minute ride to the summit of Petit-Mont-Ste-Anne, where meet your expert guide and set off on a hike through the Magic Forest to the Bottomless Hole. Along the way, your guide will explain what the geological formations around you tell us about five different eras in the history of the formation of the Gaspe Peninsula, including the origins of Bonaventure Island and Perce Rock. At the end of the hike, you may choose to step onto a glass platform suspended some 650 feet above sea level. If you are not prone to vertigo, enjoy the views of village below and Bonaventure and Perce Rock in the distance.
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This is a moderate to difficult excursion. Total walking is a little less than a mile, but the terrain is hilly and through a forest with tree roots in the way. It is not suitable for guests with limited mobility, and participants should be in good physical condition. Sturdy shoes are a must.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Percé Heritage Walk
The village of Percé at the eastern end of the Gaspé Peninsula is often thought of as a gateway to the dramatic natural beauty that surrounds it. But Percé itself has an interesting history, which you can discover on this guided walking tour.
Although modern day Percé is mainly a tourist destination, in the 17th century it was Gaspé’s most important fishing port. Meet your guide at the end of the quay and begin your tour at the site of the old fishing infrastructure, where some of the buildings erected in the late 18th century by Charles Robin can still be seen. Then continue through the village to the church of Saint-Michel de Percé, built at the beginning of the 20th century with sandstone from nearby quarries.
From the church, continue to Cap Mont Joli, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the entire village and of famous Percé Rock, just offshore. This is the site where Récollet missionaries installed a wooden cross in 1672 to mark the arrival of the first European settlers.
Returning to the wharf, pause at La Maison du Pêcheur, where Bernard Lortie first met with Paul and Jacques Rose and became a member of the radical Front de libération du Québec (FLQ), who were responsible for the 1970 kidnapping and murder of the Labour Minister, an event known as the October Crisis and which led to drastic decline in support for the FLQ.
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This is a moderate excursion, involving approximately 1.5 miles of walking over mostly paved surfaces. There is a steep uphill walk to reach the overlook at Mont Joli. It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. Comfortable shores and layered clothing are highly recommended.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Anne of Green Gables & Wine Tasting
Today's excursion, focused on the life and works of Lucy Maud Montgomery, begins with a 45-minute drive from Charlottetown to the northern coast of Prince Edward Island and the site of the house built in 1872 by Montgomery's Aunt Annie and Uncle John Campbell. The house is now the Anne of Green Gables Museum, where you will have ample time to explore. Some of the artifacts you may recognize from the novels are Anne's enchanted bookcase, the organ on which her wedding march was played, and the 'crazy patchwork quilt' she worked on for 5 years, as well as some of Montgomery's personal memorabilia. You will also see the lighthouse mentioned by Montgomery in Anne's House of Dreams, published a year after Anne of Green Gables.
After lunch at a historic inn, travel to one of the wineries on the south shore of the island, where you enjoy a tour of the estate and a tasting. On the way back to Charlottetown, pause briefly along the way in some of the picturesque small fishing villages that dot the coastline.
- This is an easy excursion, where the amount of walking is at your discretion. Wear comfortable shoes and layered clothing to cope with changeable weather.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Meeting an Indigenous Community
The Abegweit Mi’Kmaw Nation is an Indigenous community located east of Charlottetown, where the Mi’kmaq have been for over 10,000 years. This is an opportunity to come to know a bit about the history and traditions of a First Nations people.
On arrival at the community center, you will be greeted by a local Knowledge Keeper, an elder with deep experience of Mi’kmaq traditions, who will provide an introduction and welcome you to the community. You will be cleansed in a smudging ceremony (optional) by the Knowledge Keeper, who will explain the significance of the practice. Following the cleansing, a drummer and two dancers will perform the Honor Song, an example of the critical role drumming and dancing play in Mi’Kmaw ritual. You will then be joined by the Chief, who will conclude your time at the center by introducing himself and delivering a message on behalf of Abegweit First Nation’s Chief and Council. He will talk about how the Mi’kmaq past continues to influence the present, and will share his vision for the future. The Chief will also answer any questions you may have.
There will be time at the end of the program to browse a display of local artwork and a chance to purchase some if you wish.
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This is an easy excursion, with no limitations on participation
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Acadian Culture and Heritage
This excursion to Havre Aubert, where the first Acadians to arrive in the Îles de la Madeleine settled, focuses on their continuing legacy in the architecture, art, agriculture, and marine life of the island.
After a short drive along the beaches that separate Cap-aux-Meules from Havre Aubert, you arrive at Le Verger Pomeloi, the only orchard on the islands, and one of the few distilleries in Canada to produce cider from beginning to end, cultivation to bottling. Capitalizing on the special qualities of fruit grown in salty sea air, and insisting on a process of cold-fermentation, the orchard creates four distinct elixirs, evocatively named l'Enchanteur de pommes, le Chouchen, l'Escarbille and le Pomeloi (with an apple in the bottle).
At the Musée de la Mer, an exhibit on Laboureurs du Golfe illustrates the maritime history of the Islands through the use of models, photographs and artefacts that chronicle the evolution of all sorts of seaborne activity—navigation, fishing, seal hunting—that have been central to the economic welfare of the region. Very near the museum you will find Atelier Cotier, a one-of-a-kind art studio, committed to sustainability, where a multidisciplinary team creates a variety of products from clothing and home decor to jewelry, all inspired by the sea and sand that surrounds them.
Before returning to the port and your ship, drive to Cap-Hérissé on the north coast of Cap-aux-Meules, where you can enjoy views of the steep, jagged cliffs sculpted by the sea that are characteristic of the island.
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This is an easy excursion with very little walking. There are a few uneven surfaces and some steps, but most guests will have no trouble participating. Layered clothing—particularly a windbreaker—is highly recommended
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Tastes of Îles de la Madeleine
The Îles de la Madeleine archipelago is a treasure trove of flavorful locally sourced foods. During this excursion, you will meet with several local producers, discover their passion for their work, and sample some of the fruits of their labor.
From the pier, it is a fifteen-minute drive to the Pied-de-Vent Cheese Factory, where you will be met by the dedicated artisans who work here. Pied-de-Vent uses raw milk to produce their popular Pied-de-Vent cheese, as well as Tomme des Demoiselles, a semi-hard cow's milk cheese. You will have the opportunity to sample both before rejoining your coach to drive through the countryside on the Chemin Pointe-Basse, a road peppered with many examples of the traditional local architecture—primarily Acadian and French, with some New England influences, reflected in the simple homes and barns painted a variety of bright colors.
Visit the Fumoir d’Antan Museum, a typical smokehouse that showcases what was once an important industry on the island. As you sample smoked herring, mackerel, scallops, and salmon, you may want to check out the small museum housed in what used to be the primary smoking room.
Continue your drive along the north coast and pause at Cap-Hérissé to enjoy views of the steep, jagged cliffs sculpted by the sea, before arriving at À l'abri de la Tempête. This microbrewery, founded by two women in 2002, is dedicated to maximum use of local raw materials—from locally malted barley to fresh flowers, marine algae, and herbs. Sample a few of these distinctive, full-flavored beers.
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This is an easy excursion with very little walking. There are a few uneven surfaces and some steps, but most guests will have no trouble participating. Layered clothing—particularly a windbreaker—is highly recommended.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Madelinots and their Environment
This excursion to the northern tip of the island begins with a 90-minute drive through an impossibly beautiful variety of landscapes and seascapes of different shades of blue and green water, golden sand beaches, ever changing sand dunes, and the contrast of rugged red cliffs against a background of rolling green hills. As you pass through the village of Gross Ile, you will be driving atop an enormous underground salt reserve that produces 1.5 million tons of salt each year to be shipped to the United States and eastern Canada, where it is used to de-ice roads.
Your destination is Grand Entrée, the largest lobster fishing wharf in Quebec. Here you will have a chance to meet with some of the local fisherman and learn about the history of the fisheries in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and about their daily lives, tending their boats and traps and dealing with the challenges of conservation in a fragile ecosystem.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch of hearty Madelinot fare at Auberge Le Salicorne before continuing to the East Point National Wildlife Reserve. Administered by Environment Canada's Canadian Wildlife Service, East Point is an essential stopping point for many shorebirds and ducks on their annual migrations. Explore the area on an easy 2-mile walking trail along the dunes above Old Harry Beach, once the site of walrus hunts, and now a prime spot for bird-watching.
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This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately 2 miles of walking on maintained trails. It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Gaelic College & Alexander Graham Bell Museum
From Baddeck, travel about 15 miles north to the campus of Colaisde na Gàidhlig, Gaelic College, founded in 1938 as a school devoted to the study and preservation of Gaelic language, arts, and culture. Situated in the heart of one of the earliest Scottish settlements in Cape Breton, the College began as a school in a small log cabin overlooking St. Ann's Bay. It is now the pre-eminent institution of its kind in North America.
Gaelic is widely spoken in this area of Cape Breton and kept alive at the college. During your time here you will have an opportunity to experience a number of demonstrations and interactive workshops—the construction of a great kilt, a milling frolic, Gaelic storytelling, or a session of Cape Breton music and dance. Before leaving the campus, enjoy time on your own to visit the Great Hall of the Clans, where you may research your family tartan.
Returning to Baddeck, visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, situated on the shores of the beautiful Bras d'Or Lake, where Bell spent most of the last 32 years of his life. At the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, exhibits detail the many outstanding accomplishments of the man best known for the invention of the telephone. Bell made significant contributions to a remarkable number of fields, ranging from medicine and genetics to aeronautics and marine engineering. The museum is home to extensive collections of artifacts accumulated by Dr. Bell and his family.
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This is an easy excursion. All walking is at your discretion and over even paved, gravel, or wooden surfaces. There a few stairs, but the experience should be manageable for most guests.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Cabot Trail, Chéticamp, & Alexander Graham Bell Museum
Cape Breton Island is known the world over for its beauty, named by Travel + Leisure as one of the world's must-see islands. Your exploration of this spectacularly scenic place begins with a drive on the famed Cabot Trail. As you make your way north toward Cape Breton Highlands National Park, you will enjoy stunning ocean vistas, old-growth forests, and prehistoric rock scarred by glaciers.
After about an hour and a half's drive, you will reach Chéticamp, a quaint and picturesque fishing village with a rich Acadian culture. Visit Les Trois Pignons (Three Gables) Cultural Center for an in depth view into Acadian culture and the history of Chéticamp. Visit the Hooked Rug and Homelife Museum, a collection of antiques and genealogical resources displaying the daily life of Chéticamp settlers. After your visit to Les Trois Pignons, quick drive brings you to a local restaurant for a Nova Scotian classic - a maritime Lobster Roll. After lunch, board your coach and return to Baddeck.
Back in Baddeck, visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, situated on the shores of the beautiful Bras d'Or Lake, where Bell spent most of the last 32 years of his life. At the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, exhibits detail the many outstanding accomplishments of the man best known for the invention of the telephone. Bell made significant contributions to a remarkable number of fields, ranging from medicine and genetics to aeronautics and marine engineering. The museum is home to extensive collections of artifacts accumulated by Dr. Bell and his family.
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This is an easy excursion with very little walking. There are a few uneven surfaces and some steps, but most guests will have no trouble participating. Layered clothing—particularly a windbreaker—is highly recommended.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Highland Village & Alexander Graham Bell Museum
Bras d'Or Lake is one of the largest salt-water lakes in Canada, covering over 450 square miles in the center of Cape Breton Island. Your excursion begins with a scenic drive along the shores of the lake, which is a major nesting area for bald eagles. In addition to eagles, be on the lookout for osprey, and for the white-tailed deer and foxes that live in the forested hilltops and highlands surrounding the lake.
After about an hour's drive, you reach Highland Village, a living history museum and cultural center that celebrates the Gaelic heritage of Nova Scotia. Step back in time as you stroll this 43-acre hillside studded with 11 period buildings, all of which are staffed by experienced costumed interpreters who are passionate about their culture. Discover authentic artifacts recovered from the area's rich Gaelic history, and learn a little Gaelic from the staff. Cape Breton is the only place in North America where Gaelic is still widely spoken—an enduring legacy of those who began arriving here from the highlands of Scotland in the late 18th century.
Your scenic drive continues around Bras d'Or Lake to Inverary Resort at the entrance to the Cabot Trail, where you enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking the lake. Following your meal, visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, where Bell spent most of the last 32 years of his life. At the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, exhibits detail the many outstanding accomplishments of the man best known for the invention of the telephone. Bell made significant contributions to a remarkable number of fields, ranging from medicine and genetics to aeronautics and marine engineering. The museum is home to extensive collections of artifacts accumulated by Dr. Bell and his family.
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This is an easy excursion. All walking is at your discretion and over even paved, gravel, or wooden surfaces. There a few stairs, but the experience should be manageable for most guests.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, is Canada's largest historic park, a living museum that recreates 18th-century life through period costumes and reconstruction of the formerly thriving settlement.
Begin your experience of Louisbourg with a visit to the Oceans of Opportunity Marine Science and Heritage Centre, recently opened on the waterfront as a place to learn about the town's fishing traditions and about the research of local marine scientists working toward a sustainable future for the nearby fisheries. After a short drive, you enter the park, and a servant will invite you into one of the finest homes in the Fortress for a sampling of traditional hot chocolate. Hear about the life of Louisbourg’s elite as you sip on the warm drink they enjoyed on chilly days.
Gather at the Mi’kmaw Interpretive Center for a glimpse into the vibrant culture and heritage of the Mi’kmaq who have lived on Unama’ki (Cape Breton Island) since time immemorial. A member of the Mi’kmaw community will share stories and invite you to learn about present-day Mi’kmaw communities whose sustainable practices are based on traditional knowledge.
Visit the Storehouse Tavern, where you will be invited to sample the favorite drink of 18th century Louisbourg—Fortress™ rum. Locally crafted beers and ciders are also available. These local products are inspired by some of the stories of Louisbourg, from exceptional women to the impact of climate change, which you are invited to discover through a multimedia interpretation.
Your time in the Fortress comes to a close as your guide leads you through the streets with tales of a thriving cosmopolitan town, repeatedly besieged by the British from 1713 to 1758, when the French were finally defeated.
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This is a moderate excursion with as much as 2 miles of walking over generally flat and even surfaces. Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended. Not suitable for guests with limited mobility.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Lunenburg Walking Tour & Fisheries Museum
Lunenburg has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the best surviving example of a British colonial settlement in North America. On this excursion you will understand why.
A guided walking tour of this picture-perfect town touches on its history, culture and architecture, dating to the arrival of the first European settlers in 1753. Pass the poignant Fishermen’s Memorial Monument and learn about the devastating August Gales of 1926-27. Hear the story of the legendary sailing ship Bluenose, nicknamed the 'Queen of the North Atlantic', as well as of her replica, Bluenose II, which now serves as Canada's sailing ambassador. Observe the architectural details of well-preserved 18th-and 19th-century homes, and stop at St. John’s Anglican Church, a National Historic Site. Dating from 1753, this remarkable structure is the second-oldest Anglican Church in Canada.
Begin your visit to the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic with a 30-minute guided tour that provides an overview of the industry at the heart and soul of Lunenburg. After the tour, you are free to wander and explore on your own. The Museum is quite large, with floating vessels at the wharves, an extensive aquarium and a large exhibit complex. Whether you’re interested in local crafts and culture, boats, or history, the Museum has much to offer.
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This is an easy excursion, with less about half a mile of walking over sidewalks. Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Downtown Eastport & Tides Museum of Art
Eastport's heyday was in the late 19th century, when the town was busy capitalizing on the local fisheries with more than a dozen sardine canneries at work. Despite a devastating fire in 1886, the wealth created by this industry is still visible in mansions of various architectural styles found around the town. Twenty-nine buildings in the downtown alone are listed in the National Historic Registry. Your guide will lead you on a leisurely walking tour through Eastport's neighborhoods and its charming center, bringing you eventually to the Tides Institute.
The Tides Institute and Museum of Art is a cross-border (U.S./Canada) institution and museum with a focus on the cultural ties between Maine, New England, and the Atlantic Provinces. Crossing disciplinary boundaries as well as geographical borders, the Tides Institute collects and supports new works of art, history, photography and architecture. You will meet the Artist-in-Residence, and have an opportunity to chat about the role of the Museum in the local creative community through social programs and educational outreach.
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This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately 1.5 miles of walking over mostly flat and even surfaces. It is not suitable for guests with limited mobility. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Shackford Head State Park
After a brief overview of downtown Eastport, drive the short distance to Shackford Head State Park, enclosing 90 acres on Moose Island overlooking Cobscook Bay. Hike along a trail through the woods to a rocky headland 173 feet above sea level, passing several pocket beaches and protected coves. From this outlook, visitors can see Campobello Island in New Brunswick, Canada, the town of Lubec, Maine, and the Eastport cargo pier on Estes Head, as well as aquaculture pens where Atlantic salmon are raised. Park trails afford great opportunities for wildlife watching as well—with warblers and hermit thrushes in the woodland areas, and bald eagles, common terns and spotted sandpipers along the shore. Ornithologists have documented 28 different bird species nesting on the headland.
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This is a moderate excursion. The hike to the outlook and back is approximately 1.5 miles over a trail rated as "moderate." It is not suitable guests with limited mobility. Good hiking shoes and binoculars are highly recommended.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Whale Watching
Eastport is the deepest port on the east coast and is known for large tides and strong currents—all of which contribute to creating a rich food source for marine mammals and seabirds alike. Your two-hour whale-watching adventure departs aboard a local boat from the Eastport waterfront, crossing into Canadian waters and past the Old Sow, the largest whirlpool in the western hemisphere. Cruise through head harbor passage to East Quoddy Lighthouse, where the scenery is truly spectacular as you approach the whale feeding grounds. Be on the lookout for humpbacks, minkes, and finbacks, as bald eagles and ospreys soar overhead and seals and porpoise frolic in the waves. As you head back to port, the captain and mate haul up lobster traps and offer you the chance to hold and examine the lobsters, starfish, crabs, and sea urchins that live below the surface.
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The only walking necessary on this tour is at the pier, embarking and disembarking the boat. Guest should dress appropriately (waterproof jacket and rubber-soled shoes) for the cruise.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Le Bellot
Like the other ships in the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Bellot has been designed to provide absolute comfort for its passengers, even at the heart of the world's most remote and isolated regions.
Racy lines, state-of-the-art equipment, a refined design, a softly muted and at the same time convivial ambiance together with a deliberately restricted number of cabins all contribute to the modernity of Le Bellot, a unique ship in the world of cruising.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys have organized the following included programme for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included features:
- A program of musical performances aboard featuring Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart and six musicians – pianist Jihye Chang, cellist Alistair MacRae, soprano Allison Pohl, violist Scott Rawls, violinist Wendy Rawls, and violinist Benjamin Sung.
- Special musical guests joining you along your route, including Celtic fiddlers Dawn and Margie Beaton, piper Kenneth MacKenzie, and pianist Jason Roach while on Cape Breton Island; and maritime folk musician David Coffin from Lunenberg to Boston.
- A program of onboard enrichment provided by Smithsonian Journeys Expert and maritime historian Eric Roorda
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Toronto to the ship on the day of embarkation
- Comprehensive 14-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Bellot, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
- One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Boston at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation
Not included:
- Independent meals and beverages ashore
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
Notes:
- This voyage is offered on a space available basis
- Programme is subject to change without notice
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
HISTORIC TORONTO (1 NIGHT)
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and well worth a full day of exploration. Take advantage of a specially designed program to get acquainted with this vibrant, multicultural city on the shores of Lake Ontario.
Day 1 – Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Arrive at Toronto's Pearson International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to the Fairmont Royal York hotel. A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and to offer suggestions for dining and independent exploration. Join fellow travelers this evening for a welcome cocktail reception. Dinner is on your own.
Day 2 – Toronto | Embark
Following breakfast and check-out from the hotel, embark on a full day tour of Toronto aboard a comfortable coach, whose guide and driver will lead you to some of the highlights of this fascinating city. See the central business district and emblematic CN Tower, visit trendy Yorkville, with its boutiques and chic cafés, and drive along Queen’s Quay to see the redeveloped waterfront. Journey into the Don River Valley and visit the Evergreen Brick Works. Once home to the Don Valley Brick Works factory, the site has been restored and transformed into an award-winning community environmental center and green technology showcase. Following some time at leisure and an independent lunch, continue your panoramic tour with visits to Berczy Park and the Distillery District, an intriguing group of shops, coffee shops, and art studios on cobblestone pedestrian ways that wind among 19th-century buildings that were once a distillery. Your exploration of Toronto comes to an end in late afternoon, when you transfer to the pier and embark your ship.
Your hotel:
The Fairmont Royal York, Toronto’s landmark hotel, is located in the heart of Old Toronto. Recently revitalized, the Fairmont offers all of the facilities and services one would expect from a luxury hotel in a world-class city, including two restaurants and access to a health club, spa, and pool.
Your program includes:
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1 night at the Fairmont Royal York (or similar)
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Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day
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Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the ship on embarkation day
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Welcome cocktail reception on Day 1
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Breakfast on Day 2
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Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
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Local English-speaking guide
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Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
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Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day
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Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
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It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 30 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.
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Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
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The official currency is the Canadian dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
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This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
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Program is offered on a space available basis.
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Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
The Fairmont Royal York
100 Front St W
Toronto, Canada
M5J 1E3
Telephone: +1 416 368 2511
Total : €750
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
Old Montreal on Foot
The historic character and charm of Old Montréal comes alive as you walk through its narrow cobblestone streets and alleyways and along its charming waterfront district to discover the splendid architecture of one of the oldest cities in North America.
Your guided tour begins at Place Royale, from where you make your way to Place d'Armes and the Notre-Dame Basilica. Built over several decades in the 19th century, this iconic structure is emblematic of the city of Montreal, and its interior is regarded as a masterpiece of the Gothic Revival. During your tour, take time to observe the intricate wooden carvings throughout, set against rich hues of blue, red, and purple, and to marvel at the stained-glass windows that depict scenes from the history of Montreal.
From the Basilica, make your way to the financial district known as Montréal's Wall Street, where, among the many Victorian buildings are the Bank of Montréal, and the Royal Bank. Pass City Hall and the Courthouse to reach Jacques-Cartier Square, an area of cafés and old-world charm. Your guide will lead you through the walkways of the underground city toward the International District, including Place Riopelle and its unique fountain, the Palais des Congrès, and the World Trade Center, a remarkable example of integration of new and old buildings.
Your tour comes to an end at the Pointe-à-Callière Museum. A designated national archaeological and historic site, Pointe-à-Callière is home to the very birthplace of Montréal and focuses on several centuries of history, from the time of the First Peoples to the present day. In addition to its impressive underground archaeological remains, the museum also offers the opportunity to explore the city through permanent exhibitions and a multimedia show projected over the remains.
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This is a moderate excursion involving extensive walking over sometimes cobblestoned and uneven surfaces. It is not appropriate for guests with limited mobility. Comfortable and sturdy shoes and layered clothing are recommended.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Tastes of Montreal
This excursion is an introduction to Montreal's vibrant and varied culinary scene, a reflection of the city's richly multicultural past.
Beginning in the heart of Old Montreal, your walking tour will include some of the city's iconic sites—Place Royale, the Basilica of Notre Dame, Place d'Armes—as you work your way through various neighborhoods of different ethnicities passionate about their cultures and their food. Your guide, an enthusiastic foodie, will lead you first to Montreal's Chinatown, then through the Jewish and Portuguese quarters, and finally to Little Italy, pausing along the way to sample some of the city's best local products. Spend some time in Jean Talon Market, one of the largest outdoor markets in North America, where you will find a tantalizing variety of vendors offering a wide range of foods from various culinary traditions, including Montreal's own maple treats, Quebec cheeses, and apple cider.
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This is a moderate excursion involving extensive walking over sometimes cobblestoned and uneven surfaces. It is not appropriate for guests with limited mobility. Comfortable and sturdy shoes and layered clothing are recommended.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Montreal Highlights
Discover Montréal's bicultural heritage and cosmopolitan blend of the old and the new on this overview of the city—its rich architectural and historical legacy, elegant upper-class communities, and world-renowned universities.
Begin your tour with a guided drive through Montreal's financial district, including the Bank of Montreal and Royal Bank, and into the Golden Square Mile, home to stately Victorian mansions, the McCord Museum, focusing on Canadian history, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and the beautiful campus of McGill University.
Continue to Montreal's iconic Mont-Royal Park, where you disembark the couch for a short hike (about 15 minutes) to the top of the mountain for panoramic views from the plaza in front of Chalet du Mont-Royal, the most famous vantage point for the city's skyline and surroundings. After ample time for taking in the sights, reboard your coach for the drive back down the mountain to Saint Laurent Boulevard, Montreal's famous street of murals. Montréal has become a hotspot for street art in North America and rivals even international capitals famous for their magnificent graffiti and outdoor murals. In the company of an experienced guide, discover the origins and the current importance of mural art in Montréal, along a path of unique and eclectic works of art.
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This is a relatively easy excursion, mostly aboard a modern coach. There is, however, some walking on an incline over a paved surface at Mont-Royal Park to reach the vantage point, as well as a bit of walking in the mural zone.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Historic Quebec
On this two-part excursion, you will discover much of the historic character and charm of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, as you orient yourself to the most important landmarks during a tour via motor coach, followed by a guided walking tour of the center city.
Drive first to Quebec's most celebrated landmark, the Chateau Frontenac, perched on a cliff some 200 feet above the St. Lawrence River, with breathtaking views of the surrounding area. From the Chateau, travel along the Grande-Allée, the Champs-Élysées of Québec, lined with quaint shops, sidewalk cafés, and boutiques, to the Hôtel du Parlement, built during France's Second Empire. Continue to the Plains of Abraham, site of the historic battle that resulted in French surrender to the British in 1759, and now a beautiful 250-acre park with hills, gardens, monuments, and 18th-century artillery. A brief stop at Le Cap-Diamant, named after the shiny rocks that explorer Jacques Cartier mistook for diamonds, affords yet another view of the surrounding countryside.
Leaving your coach behind, join a guided tour of Old Town. Explore Place-Royale, an historic square once the site of homes of wealthy merchants. The square remains the heart of the Lower Town as well as the home of North America's oldest standing catholic church, the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires. Around the corner is the charming pedestrian-only area of Petit-Champlain, where you will find an array of quaint boutiques, specialty shops and outdoor cafés, as well as strolling musicians and other street performers. Visit Holy Trinity Church, the first Anglican Cathedral built outside the British Isles, and modeled on London's St-Martin-in-the-Fields. Your tour ends at the Morrin Center, built over 200 years ago as the city's first prison, and now home to one of Quebec's most beautiful libraries.
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This is a moderate excursion, half of which is aboard a modern coach. Walking in Old Quebec, however, involves navigating cobblestones and some inclines.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Montmorency and Ile d'Orleans
This excursion focuses on the natural beauty just outside the walled Old City of Quebec, as you discover Montmorency Falls and the pastoral landscapes of the Island of Orléans. Along the St.-Lawrence River and in the foothills of the Laurentian Mountains, the views of the countryside and of the skyline of Québec are spectacular.
From the pier, a 20-minute drive along the bank of the St.-Lawrence brings you to Montmorency Falls, where water cascades down a 272-foot cliff, 1-½ times as high as Niagara Falls. As you walk along the paths near the falls, or take a cable car to the top of the falls, enjoy breathtaking views and witness the power of nature as the Montmorency River roars down the cliff to meet the St.-Lawrence.
Take a step back in time as you cross the bridge to the Ile d'Orleans, where you will enjoy a scenic drive through picturesque villages of traditional rural Québec. First settled by the French over 350 years ago, the Island is a veritable open-air museum, boasting more than 600 heritage buildings. As the first colonists cultivated the land, they became self-sufficient as fishermen, blacksmiths, carpenters, saddlers, tanners, shipbuilders, and captains. But agriculture has always been important here, and you will have the opportunity to taste several examples of the local produce—delicacies made from fresh fruit, local wines, and fruit ciders—and to talk with the farmers and vintners about their craft.
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This is an easy excursion, mostly aboard a modern motor coach. The amount of walking is entirely at your discretion
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Whale Watching
Originally the site of an Inuit base for hunting seals, Tadoussac was established as a trading post by fur merchants in 1599, making it the first French outpost in mainland North America. Today it is a charming tourist destination, a member of the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World, and a leading departure point for whale watching.
This excursion takes full advantage of Tadoussac's access to the abundance of marine mammals—porpoise, dolphin, seal and 13 species of whales—attracted to the rich feeding grounds where the Saguenay River flows into the St. Lawrence. Begin with a two-and-a-half-hour expedition aboard local vessels under the direction of an experienced and expert Captain and Naturalist, searching for whales. October is one of the most active months for the large animals, as they prepare to migrate to their breeding grounds.
On your return to Tadoussac, visit the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre, a museum dedicated to educating the public about whales and other marine mammals. Exhibits range from the skeleton of 40-foot-long sperm whale and a narwhal tooth, to films, sound recordings, and interactive displays.
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The amount of walking on this tour is at your discretion. Guest should dress appropriately (waterproof jacket and rubber-soled shoes) for the whale watch.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Walking Tour of Tadoussac
Originally the site of an Inuit base for hunting seals, Tadoussac was established as a trading post by fur merchants in 1599, making it the first French outpost in mainland North America. Today it is a charming tourist destination, a member of the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World, and a leading departure point for whale watching where the Saguenay River flows into the St. Lawrence.
Your guided walking tour begins with a visit to Greve Gardens, named for one of the co-founders of the 1599 trading post, where you can find vegetation typical to the North Coast of the St.-Lawrence River. Continue to the Chauvin Trading Post (Chauvin was the other co-founder), a recreation of the original, with exhibits on early contacts with First Nations, the building of the post, and the history of its trade in furs and hides.
Stop for a spot of tea at the Tadoussac Grand Hotel, a Belle Époque gem with magnificent views overlooking the Bay and the St.-Lawrence River, before bringing your tour to an end at le Petite Chapelle, the oldest wooden church in North America. Built in 1747 by Jesuit missionaries as part of their effort to convert the Montagnais to Christianity, the chapel still contains some of the original religious items used over two and a half centuries ago.
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This tour is entirely on foot and involves approximately 1.25 miles of walking. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Tastes of Coin-du-Banc
Coin-du-Banc (Corner of the Beach) is a long and sandy beach area located just 15 minutes from the village of Percé. It is one of the region's most beautiful beaches and one of the best for agate collecting. In Coin-du-Banc, enjoy a maple syrup, taffy and crepe tasting while learning about the history of the region.
Then return to Buvette Thétrde, a local restaurant in the heart of Percé, for a sampling of smoked fish from Fumoir Le Paternel, a family-owned buainess with an expertise in smoked seafood and a tasting of local beer. Enjoy a mornin of savoring local delicacies from this delicious region before returning to the ship.
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This is an easy excursion. Most of the walking is at your discretion and over flat surfaces of grvel and some sand. A few stairs.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Global Geopark
A visit to Percé’s UNESCO Global Geopark, because of its unique tectonic and volcanic history, allows you to walk through 500 million years of geological time. Board your shuttle at the quay in Perce for a 10-minute ride to the summit of Petit-Mont-Ste-Anne, where meet your expert guide and set off on a hike through the Magic Forest to the Bottomless Hole. Along the way, your guide will explain what the geological formations around you tell us about five different eras in the history of the formation of the Gaspe Peninsula, including the origins of Bonaventure Island and Perce Rock. At the end of the hike, you may choose to step onto a glass platform suspended some 650 feet above sea level. If you are not prone to vertigo, enjoy the views of village below and Bonaventure and Perce Rock in the distance.
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This is a moderate to difficult excursion. Total walking is a little less than a mile, but the terrain is hilly and through a forest with tree roots in the way. It is not suitable for guests with limited mobility, and participants should be in good physical condition. Sturdy shoes are a must.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Percé Heritage Walk
The village of Percé at the eastern end of the Gaspé Peninsula is often thought of as a gateway to the dramatic natural beauty that surrounds it. But Percé itself has an interesting history, which you can discover on this guided walking tour.
Although modern day Percé is mainly a tourist destination, in the 17th century it was Gaspé’s most important fishing port. Meet your guide at the end of the quay and begin your tour at the site of the old fishing infrastructure, where some of the buildings erected in the late 18th century by Charles Robin can still be seen. Then continue through the village to the church of Saint-Michel de Percé, built at the beginning of the 20th century with sandstone from nearby quarries.
From the church, continue to Cap Mont Joli, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the entire village and of famous Percé Rock, just offshore. This is the site where Récollet missionaries installed a wooden cross in 1672 to mark the arrival of the first European settlers.
Returning to the wharf, pause at La Maison du Pêcheur, where Bernard Lortie first met with Paul and Jacques Rose and became a member of the radical Front de libération du Québec (FLQ), who were responsible for the 1970 kidnapping and murder of the Labour Minister, an event known as the October Crisis and which led to drastic decline in support for the FLQ.
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This is a moderate excursion, involving approximately 1.5 miles of walking over mostly paved surfaces. There is a steep uphill walk to reach the overlook at Mont Joli. It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. Comfortable shores and layered clothing are highly recommended.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Anne of Green Gables & Wine Tasting
Today's excursion, focused on the life and works of Lucy Maud Montgomery, begins with a 45-minute drive from Charlottetown to the northern coast of Prince Edward Island and the site of the house built in 1872 by Montgomery's Aunt Annie and Uncle John Campbell. The house is now the Anne of Green Gables Museum, where you will have ample time to explore. Some of the artifacts you may recognize from the novels are Anne's enchanted bookcase, the organ on which her wedding march was played, and the 'crazy patchwork quilt' she worked on for 5 years, as well as some of Montgomery's personal memorabilia. You will also see the lighthouse mentioned by Montgomery in Anne's House of Dreams, published a year after Anne of Green Gables.
After lunch at a historic inn, travel to one of the wineries on the south shore of the island, where you enjoy a tour of the estate and a tasting. On the way back to Charlottetown, pause briefly along the way in some of the picturesque small fishing villages that dot the coastline.
- This is an easy excursion, where the amount of walking is at your discretion. Wear comfortable shoes and layered clothing to cope with changeable weather.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Meeting an Indigenous Community
The Abegweit Mi’Kmaw Nation is an Indigenous community located east of Charlottetown, where the Mi’kmaq have been for over 10,000 years. This is an opportunity to come to know a bit about the history and traditions of a First Nations people.
On arrival at the community center, you will be greeted by a local Knowledge Keeper, an elder with deep experience of Mi’kmaq traditions, who will provide an introduction and welcome you to the community. You will be cleansed in a smudging ceremony (optional) by the Knowledge Keeper, who will explain the significance of the practice. Following the cleansing, a drummer and two dancers will perform the Honor Song, an example of the critical role drumming and dancing play in Mi’Kmaw ritual. You will then be joined by the Chief, who will conclude your time at the center by introducing himself and delivering a message on behalf of Abegweit First Nation’s Chief and Council. He will talk about how the Mi’kmaq past continues to influence the present, and will share his vision for the future. The Chief will also answer any questions you may have.
There will be time at the end of the program to browse a display of local artwork and a chance to purchase some if you wish.
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This is an easy excursion, with no limitations on participation
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Acadian Culture and Heritage
This excursion to Havre Aubert, where the first Acadians to arrive in the Îles de la Madeleine settled, focuses on their continuing legacy in the architecture, art, agriculture, and marine life of the island.
After a short drive along the beaches that separate Cap-aux-Meules from Havre Aubert, you arrive at Le Verger Pomeloi, the only orchard on the islands, and one of the few distilleries in Canada to produce cider from beginning to end, cultivation to bottling. Capitalizing on the special qualities of fruit grown in salty sea air, and insisting on a process of cold-fermentation, the orchard creates four distinct elixirs, evocatively named l'Enchanteur de pommes, le Chouchen, l'Escarbille and le Pomeloi (with an apple in the bottle).
At the Musée de la Mer, an exhibit on Laboureurs du Golfe illustrates the maritime history of the Islands through the use of models, photographs and artefacts that chronicle the evolution of all sorts of seaborne activity—navigation, fishing, seal hunting—that have been central to the economic welfare of the region. Very near the museum you will find Atelier Cotier, a one-of-a-kind art studio, committed to sustainability, where a multidisciplinary team creates a variety of products from clothing and home decor to jewelry, all inspired by the sea and sand that surrounds them.
Before returning to the port and your ship, drive to Cap-Hérissé on the north coast of Cap-aux-Meules, where you can enjoy views of the steep, jagged cliffs sculpted by the sea that are characteristic of the island.
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This is an easy excursion with very little walking. There are a few uneven surfaces and some steps, but most guests will have no trouble participating. Layered clothing—particularly a windbreaker—is highly recommended
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Tastes of Îles de la Madeleine
The Îles de la Madeleine archipelago is a treasure trove of flavorful locally sourced foods. During this excursion, you will meet with several local producers, discover their passion for their work, and sample some of the fruits of their labor.
From the pier, it is a fifteen-minute drive to the Pied-de-Vent Cheese Factory, where you will be met by the dedicated artisans who work here. Pied-de-Vent uses raw milk to produce their popular Pied-de-Vent cheese, as well as Tomme des Demoiselles, a semi-hard cow's milk cheese. You will have the opportunity to sample both before rejoining your coach to drive through the countryside on the Chemin Pointe-Basse, a road peppered with many examples of the traditional local architecture—primarily Acadian and French, with some New England influences, reflected in the simple homes and barns painted a variety of bright colors.
Visit the Fumoir d’Antan Museum, a typical smokehouse that showcases what was once an important industry on the island. As you sample smoked herring, mackerel, scallops, and salmon, you may want to check out the small museum housed in what used to be the primary smoking room.
Continue your drive along the north coast and pause at Cap-Hérissé to enjoy views of the steep, jagged cliffs sculpted by the sea, before arriving at À l'abri de la Tempête. This microbrewery, founded by two women in 2002, is dedicated to maximum use of local raw materials—from locally malted barley to fresh flowers, marine algae, and herbs. Sample a few of these distinctive, full-flavored beers.
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This is an easy excursion with very little walking. There are a few uneven surfaces and some steps, but most guests will have no trouble participating. Layered clothing—particularly a windbreaker—is highly recommended.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Madelinots and their Environment
This excursion to the northern tip of the island begins with a 90-minute drive through an impossibly beautiful variety of landscapes and seascapes of different shades of blue and green water, golden sand beaches, ever changing sand dunes, and the contrast of rugged red cliffs against a background of rolling green hills. As you pass through the village of Gross Ile, you will be driving atop an enormous underground salt reserve that produces 1.5 million tons of salt each year to be shipped to the United States and eastern Canada, where it is used to de-ice roads.
Your destination is Grand Entrée, the largest lobster fishing wharf in Quebec. Here you will have a chance to meet with some of the local fisherman and learn about the history of the fisheries in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and about their daily lives, tending their boats and traps and dealing with the challenges of conservation in a fragile ecosystem.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch of hearty Madelinot fare at Auberge Le Salicorne before continuing to the East Point National Wildlife Reserve. Administered by Environment Canada's Canadian Wildlife Service, East Point is an essential stopping point for many shorebirds and ducks on their annual migrations. Explore the area on an easy 2-mile walking trail along the dunes above Old Harry Beach, once the site of walrus hunts, and now a prime spot for bird-watching.
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This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately 2 miles of walking on maintained trails. It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Gaelic College & Alexander Graham Bell Museum
From Baddeck, travel about 15 miles north to the campus of Colaisde na Gàidhlig, Gaelic College, founded in 1938 as a school devoted to the study and preservation of Gaelic language, arts, and culture. Situated in the heart of one of the earliest Scottish settlements in Cape Breton, the College began as a school in a small log cabin overlooking St. Ann's Bay. It is now the pre-eminent institution of its kind in North America.
Gaelic is widely spoken in this area of Cape Breton and kept alive at the college. During your time here you will have an opportunity to experience a number of demonstrations and interactive workshops—the construction of a great kilt, a milling frolic, Gaelic storytelling, or a session of Cape Breton music and dance. Before leaving the campus, enjoy time on your own to visit the Great Hall of the Clans, where you may research your family tartan.
Returning to Baddeck, visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, situated on the shores of the beautiful Bras d'Or Lake, where Bell spent most of the last 32 years of his life. At the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, exhibits detail the many outstanding accomplishments of the man best known for the invention of the telephone. Bell made significant contributions to a remarkable number of fields, ranging from medicine and genetics to aeronautics and marine engineering. The museum is home to extensive collections of artifacts accumulated by Dr. Bell and his family.
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This is an easy excursion. All walking is at your discretion and over even paved, gravel, or wooden surfaces. There a few stairs, but the experience should be manageable for most guests.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Cabot Trail, Chéticamp, & Alexander Graham Bell Museum
Cape Breton Island is known the world over for its beauty, named by Travel + Leisure as one of the world's must-see islands. Your exploration of this spectacularly scenic place begins with a drive on the famed Cabot Trail. As you make your way north toward Cape Breton Highlands National Park, you will enjoy stunning ocean vistas, old-growth forests, and prehistoric rock scarred by glaciers.
After about an hour and a half's drive, you will reach Chéticamp, a quaint and picturesque fishing village with a rich Acadian culture. Visit Les Trois Pignons (Three Gables) Cultural Center for an in depth view into Acadian culture and the history of Chéticamp. Visit the Hooked Rug and Homelife Museum, a collection of antiques and genealogical resources displaying the daily life of Chéticamp settlers. After your visit to Les Trois Pignons, quick drive brings you to a local restaurant for a Nova Scotian classic - a maritime Lobster Roll. After lunch, board your coach and return to Baddeck.
Back in Baddeck, visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, situated on the shores of the beautiful Bras d'Or Lake, where Bell spent most of the last 32 years of his life. At the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, exhibits detail the many outstanding accomplishments of the man best known for the invention of the telephone. Bell made significant contributions to a remarkable number of fields, ranging from medicine and genetics to aeronautics and marine engineering. The museum is home to extensive collections of artifacts accumulated by Dr. Bell and his family.
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This is an easy excursion with very little walking. There are a few uneven surfaces and some steps, but most guests will have no trouble participating. Layered clothing—particularly a windbreaker—is highly recommended.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Highland Village & Alexander Graham Bell Museum
Bras d'Or Lake is one of the largest salt-water lakes in Canada, covering over 450 square miles in the center of Cape Breton Island. Your excursion begins with a scenic drive along the shores of the lake, which is a major nesting area for bald eagles. In addition to eagles, be on the lookout for osprey, and for the white-tailed deer and foxes that live in the forested hilltops and highlands surrounding the lake.
After about an hour's drive, you reach Highland Village, a living history museum and cultural center that celebrates the Gaelic heritage of Nova Scotia. Step back in time as you stroll this 43-acre hillside studded with 11 period buildings, all of which are staffed by experienced costumed interpreters who are passionate about their culture. Discover authentic artifacts recovered from the area's rich Gaelic history, and learn a little Gaelic from the staff. Cape Breton is the only place in North America where Gaelic is still widely spoken—an enduring legacy of those who began arriving here from the highlands of Scotland in the late 18th century.
Your scenic drive continues around Bras d'Or Lake to Inverary Resort at the entrance to the Cabot Trail, where you enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking the lake. Following your meal, visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, where Bell spent most of the last 32 years of his life. At the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, exhibits detail the many outstanding accomplishments of the man best known for the invention of the telephone. Bell made significant contributions to a remarkable number of fields, ranging from medicine and genetics to aeronautics and marine engineering. The museum is home to extensive collections of artifacts accumulated by Dr. Bell and his family.
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This is an easy excursion. All walking is at your discretion and over even paved, gravel, or wooden surfaces. There a few stairs, but the experience should be manageable for most guests.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, is Canada's largest historic park, a living museum that recreates 18th-century life through period costumes and reconstruction of the formerly thriving settlement.
Begin your experience of Louisbourg with a visit to the Oceans of Opportunity Marine Science and Heritage Centre, recently opened on the waterfront as a place to learn about the town's fishing traditions and about the research of local marine scientists working toward a sustainable future for the nearby fisheries. After a short drive, you enter the park, and a servant will invite you into one of the finest homes in the Fortress for a sampling of traditional hot chocolate. Hear about the life of Louisbourg’s elite as you sip on the warm drink they enjoyed on chilly days.
Gather at the Mi’kmaw Interpretive Center for a glimpse into the vibrant culture and heritage of the Mi’kmaq who have lived on Unama’ki (Cape Breton Island) since time immemorial. A member of the Mi’kmaw community will share stories and invite you to learn about present-day Mi’kmaw communities whose sustainable practices are based on traditional knowledge.
Visit the Storehouse Tavern, where you will be invited to sample the favorite drink of 18th century Louisbourg—Fortress™ rum. Locally crafted beers and ciders are also available. These local products are inspired by some of the stories of Louisbourg, from exceptional women to the impact of climate change, which you are invited to discover through a multimedia interpretation.
Your time in the Fortress comes to a close as your guide leads you through the streets with tales of a thriving cosmopolitan town, repeatedly besieged by the British from 1713 to 1758, when the French were finally defeated.
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This is a moderate excursion with as much as 2 miles of walking over generally flat and even surfaces. Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended. Not suitable for guests with limited mobility.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Lunenburg Walking Tour & Fisheries Museum
Lunenburg has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the best surviving example of a British colonial settlement in North America. On this excursion you will understand why.
A guided walking tour of this picture-perfect town touches on its history, culture and architecture, dating to the arrival of the first European settlers in 1753. Pass the poignant Fishermen’s Memorial Monument and learn about the devastating August Gales of 1926-27. Hear the story of the legendary sailing ship Bluenose, nicknamed the 'Queen of the North Atlantic', as well as of her replica, Bluenose II, which now serves as Canada's sailing ambassador. Observe the architectural details of well-preserved 18th-and 19th-century homes, and stop at St. John’s Anglican Church, a National Historic Site. Dating from 1753, this remarkable structure is the second-oldest Anglican Church in Canada.
Begin your visit to the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic with a 30-minute guided tour that provides an overview of the industry at the heart and soul of Lunenburg. After the tour, you are free to wander and explore on your own. The Museum is quite large, with floating vessels at the wharves, an extensive aquarium and a large exhibit complex. Whether you’re interested in local crafts and culture, boats, or history, the Museum has much to offer.
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This is an easy excursion, with less about half a mile of walking over sidewalks. Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Downtown Eastport & Tides Museum of Art
Eastport's heyday was in the late 19th century, when the town was busy capitalizing on the local fisheries with more than a dozen sardine canneries at work. Despite a devastating fire in 1886, the wealth created by this industry is still visible in mansions of various architectural styles found around the town. Twenty-nine buildings in the downtown alone are listed in the National Historic Registry. Your guide will lead you on a leisurely walking tour through Eastport's neighborhoods and its charming center, bringing you eventually to the Tides Institute.
The Tides Institute and Museum of Art is a cross-border (U.S./Canada) institution and museum with a focus on the cultural ties between Maine, New England, and the Atlantic Provinces. Crossing disciplinary boundaries as well as geographical borders, the Tides Institute collects and supports new works of art, history, photography and architecture. You will meet the Artist-in-Residence, and have an opportunity to chat about the role of the Museum in the local creative community through social programs and educational outreach.
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This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately 1.5 miles of walking over mostly flat and even surfaces. It is not suitable for guests with limited mobility. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Shackford Head State Park
After a brief overview of downtown Eastport, drive the short distance to Shackford Head State Park, enclosing 90 acres on Moose Island overlooking Cobscook Bay. Hike along a trail through the woods to a rocky headland 173 feet above sea level, passing several pocket beaches and protected coves. From this outlook, visitors can see Campobello Island in New Brunswick, Canada, the town of Lubec, Maine, and the Eastport cargo pier on Estes Head, as well as aquaculture pens where Atlantic salmon are raised. Park trails afford great opportunities for wildlife watching as well—with warblers and hermit thrushes in the woodland areas, and bald eagles, common terns and spotted sandpipers along the shore. Ornithologists have documented 28 different bird species nesting on the headland.
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This is a moderate excursion. The hike to the outlook and back is approximately 1.5 miles over a trail rated as "moderate." It is not suitable guests with limited mobility. Good hiking shoes and binoculars are highly recommended.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Whale Watching
Eastport is the deepest port on the east coast and is known for large tides and strong currents—all of which contribute to creating a rich food source for marine mammals and seabirds alike. Your two-hour whale-watching adventure departs aboard a local boat from the Eastport waterfront, crossing into Canadian waters and past the Old Sow, the largest whirlpool in the western hemisphere. Cruise through head harbor passage to East Quoddy Lighthouse, where the scenery is truly spectacular as you approach the whale feeding grounds. Be on the lookout for humpbacks, minkes, and finbacks, as bald eagles and ospreys soar overhead and seals and porpoise frolic in the waves. As you head back to port, the captain and mate haul up lobster traps and offer you the chance to hold and examine the lobsters, starfish, crabs, and sea urchins that live below the surface.
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The only walking necessary on this tour is at the pier, embarking and disembarking the boat. Guest should dress appropriately (waterproof jacket and rubber-soled shoes) for the cruise.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.