A colorful seaside village scales the rocky landscape
Sunset and grassy cliffs in Newfoundland
A blue wooden boat, bright red houses and wooden crab pots set along the rocky shoreline of Newfoundland during a pastel sunset.
Sandstone cliffs overlooking beach and Labrador sea
A narrow walkway streams through the yellow rocky landscape.
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North America Canada Cruise

The Canadian Maritimes & Newfoundland

Embark on the 148-guest National Geographic Explorer and sail into Eastern Canada’s breathtaking natural beauty. This trip begins and ends in St. John’s, Canada. Explore Newfoundland’s little known yet astonishing Viking past. Your journey of pure discovery ventures to the legendary islands of Cape Breton, Saint Pierre and the Isles de la Madeleine.

Immerse yourself in the region’s extraordinary history while venturing into the ancient Viking settlement of L’Anse aux Meadows, the only widely accepted site of trans-Atlantic Viking establishment and very early Norse exploration. See WWII harbor defenses and visit the only North American island that remains under French control, an outpost of its era as a colonial superpower.

Cruise in Canada’s eastern waters for sweeping dunes, wind- and wave-carved cliffs and sandstone hills that cover the wild land. Keep an eye out for moose and seabirds—including charming puffins—while relying on National Geographic eagle-eyed naturalists to keep an eye on the horizon for whales. Explore the geology of intriguing red cliffs, mars-like landscape and strange tabletop formations at Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The unparalleled Canada travel guides on this trip offer an engaging, in-depth experience, and the generous ratio of 1 staff member to 10 guests means more choice in activities. This highly specialized group includes an expedition leader, eight naturalists/historians, a National Geographic photographer plus a certified photo instructor, an undersea specialist, a Global Perspectives guest speaker, a wellness specialist and a video chronicler.

Read on for details about this trip, learn more about AdventureSmith’s Canada small ship cruises and Canada adventure travel.



Itinerary

The Canadian Maritimes & Newfoundland Itinerary

This 10-day expedition through the Gulf of St Lawrence and around Newfoundland begins and ends in St. John’s, Newfoundland, visiting fishing villages, history-rich islands (including Red Bay and its Basque whaling station) and stunning red sandstone cliffs.

Map of gulf of st lawrence small ship cruise and its circular route
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Day 1
Embark St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada

Arrive in St. John’s, the picturesque capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador, and embark the ship.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
St. Pierre, France

The first landfall is St. Pierre, France’s oldest remaining overseas territory. Explore this picturesque French fishing enclave to visit a local island and learn the importance of the historic cod fisheries here, and explore the fascinating L’Arche Museum.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Louisbourg & Baddeck, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

Today visit the reconstructed Fortress of Louisbourg, an 18th-century fort where the British and French fought. Later, visit the village of Baddeck, where Alexander Graham Bell built his summer home, now the centerpiece of a beautiful park and museum. Explore the life of Bell and enjoy a tour of the Bell Museum to view historic artifacts.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Îles de la Madeleine, Quebec

A cluster of wispy islands isolated in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Îles de la Madeleine are home to miles of dunes, grassy hills and dazzling red sandstone cliffs. Be guided by local experts across this landscape of caves and sea arches, stopping along the way in colorful fishing villages as we learn about Acadian culture.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Exploring the Gulf of St. Lawrence

Today is a day of exploration where the expedition team will look for the best opportunities to focus on the culture, natural history and landscapes of the region.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
Gros Morne National Park

Graced by cliffs, fjords and a sweeping alpine plateau, Gros Morne National Park has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its spectacular geology. Go on a variety of walks with the naturalists, along waterfalls, marine inlets and forested trails. Learn about the forces that shaped this land and the ancient serpentine rock that illustrates the phenomenon of plate tectonics.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 7
Red Bay

Today explore Red Bay, the site of a historic Basque whaling station dating back to the 1500s. See original Basque remains and artifacts at this National Historic Site or take a scenic hike to a viewpoint overlooking the small village.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 8
L’Anse Aux Meadows

In the World Heritage site of L’Anse aux Meadows, walk among 11th-century Norse ruins and reconstructed sod huts, and learn the saga of the Vikings in North America—nearly 500 years before Columbus arrived.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 9
Exploring Eastern Newfoundland

Wild, rugged, and often accessible only by sea, Newfoundland’s east coast is dotted with tiny fishing villages tucked into coves. Explore these stunning shores and, back aboard, gain expert insights into the island’s people and wildlife.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 10
Disembark St. John’s, Newfoundland

Sail through The Narrows in the early morning and disembark in St. John’s. Visit the colorful waterfront and historic Signal Hill or The Rooms Museum before transferring to the airport for the flight home.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Ship accommodations; meals as indicated; beer, wine & full bar; excursions; services of Lindblad Expeditions’ Leader, Naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; entrance fees; all port charges and service taxes; basic WiFi (enhanced and premium packages available for purchase). Gratuities for all departures of National Geographic Explorer, Orion, Endurance, Resolution, Sea Cloud, Jahan and Lord of the Glens.

Exclusions

Immigration fees; air transportation; extensions; meals not indicated; reserve wines & premium spirits; gratuities for all departures of Delfin II, Endeavour II, Islander II, Venture, Quest, Sea Bird and Sea Lion; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special payment terms apply for groups of 8 or more; inquire for details. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 or more days – 100% of deposit**
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
**Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking. 

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Canadian Maritimes & Newfoundland cruise begins and ends in St. John’s, Newfoundland (YYT). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Embarkation time on Day 1 may vary based upon arrival of group flights from New York, New York (LGA) via Toronto, Canada (YYZ). Disembarkation is after breakfast on Day 9 of the outlined itinerary; afternoon departure times may vary, depending on group flights to New York, New York via Toronto, Canada. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit ourBooking Flights resource page.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include walking, hiking, kayaking, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, photography, wildlife observation, town exploration, museum visits and morning yoga and stretching.

Room Configuration

In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Children under the age of 18 are eligible for $500 off the double occupancy rate. Skilled staff members trained with National Geographic Education organize activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change.

Aug 31 - Sep 09, 2025
National Geographic Explorer • 10 days
From $11900USD
Per Person
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Sep 09 - Sep 18, 2025
National Geographic Explorer • 10 days
From $11200USD
Per Person
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Aug 24 - Sep 02, 2026
National Geographic Explorer • 10 days
From $11419USD
Per Person
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Sep 22 - Oct 01, 2026
National Geographic Explorer • 10 days
From $11419USD
Per Person
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Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
National Geographic Explorer

The National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship accommodating 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. She is fully stabilized, enabling her to navigate polar passages while providing comfort.

Deals

Current Deals on This Trip

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Offer expires December 31st, 2024
Groups Save 5% On Select 2025 Nat Geo Fleet Worldwide

Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more on a variety of 2025 National Geographic expeditions worldwide.

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Offer expires December 31st, 2024
Book Early & Save On 2026-27 Nat Geo Fleet Worldwide

Choose from a variety of cruises worldwide wen you book your 2026-27 departure and save in more ways!

Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options After Your Cruise

In conjunction with this cruise, the following post-cruise option is available for a seamless land-and-sea group travel experience with National Geographic guides and fellow passengers. Contact AdventureSmith Explorations for pricing.

Fogo Island Inn Extension is a 5-day post-cruise exploration of the National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World and Condé Nast Traveler’s 2016 Gold List winner, Fogo Island Inn. This stunning inn is located off the coast of Newfoundland at the furthest eastern reach of Canada. Experience the unique accommodations and its soulful surroundings over the course of several days—savor superb meals featuring local ingredients, call in on the island’s artist-in-residence program, take in the untamed wilderness on a berry-picking excursion (over twenty types of berries flourish here) and get acquainted with the infectious hospitality of this remote outport community. Contact AdventureSmith Explorations for pricing.

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Explore the Canadian Arctic on Somerset Island in Nunavut by e-biking, rafting, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, hiking, kayaking, trail running and exploring on ATVs at this unique wilderness lodge and world-class beluga whale observation site.

From $13150USD
Jul Aug
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6 - 7 Day Land Tour
Classic Polar Bear Adventure

Encounter the world’s greatest concentration of polar bears as they gather along Hudson Bay from the comfort of Polar Rover vehicles that allow up close observation in small intimate groups.

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