St. Lawrence River Cruise: Canada to The East Coast

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. Enjoy a magnificent setting, enhanced by the Indian summer, for an exceptional voyage on the sparkling waters of this natural treasure, lying 250 feet 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.

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 2,485 miles long.

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.

The capital of La Belle Province sits at the confluence of the St Charles River and the Gulf of St Lawrence in southeast 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. Enjoy the postcard-perfect stone houses of Old Quebec and the historic district, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shopping is a pleasure in pedestrian streets such as Petit-Champlain Street, or 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.

The Quebec village of Tadoussac stands at the confluence of the Saguenay River and the Gulf of Saint-Lawrence, in southeast Canada. The village is bright with multicolored houses nestling in an emerald-green pine forest. From the waterfront, it’s easy to spy the 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 center, hone your knowledge of the cetaceans that regularly frequent Tadoussac bay.

Make the most of the plethora of services and activities on board during this day at sea. Enjoy a workout class in the fitness center, or a treatment in the spa. Take in lectures or shows, do some shopping in the boutique or meet the ship’s photographers. 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.

Those who appreciate the beauty of scenery and geological phenomena 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 neighboring 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, there’s never a shortage of things to do in this fascinating region.

The colonial seaport of Charlottetown is the capital of Prince Edward Island, known to some as 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 the 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.

Although it is the administrative and economic center 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.

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 honor of the Venetian explorer John Cabot who discovered Atlantic Canada at the end of the 15th century, this panoramic road lets travelers 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.

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. 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.

Stretching out along the eastern seaboard of Nova Scotia, the picturesque port of Lunenburg will leave an indelible impression. Admire the colonial architecture of this fishing village whilst strolling through the checkerboard streets studded with brightly colored houses. The enchanting charm of the old town has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. The former naval shipyard town of Lunenburg is where one will also find the replica of the legendary Bluenose schooner, originally built in this port.

Make the most of the plethora of services and activities on board during this day at sea. Enjoy a workout class in the fitness center, or a treatment in the spa. Take in lectures or shows, do some shopping in the boutique or meet the ship’s photographers. 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.

With landscapes that seem to have come straight from a Stephen King novel, made up of long rocky outcrops plunging into the cold waters of the Atlantic, the region of Maine is full of unexpected delights. Bar Harbor is one of them. A seaside resort for aristocrats of another era, this former fishing port, founded in the early 18th Century, reveals an atmosphere that is both chic and refined, and over time has become the ideal destination for romantics and lovers of open spaces.

Gloucester is a coastal town in Massachusetts, founded on the site named Le Beau Port by Samuel de Champlain in 1604. The oldest fishing port on America’s Eastern seaboard enjoyed a prosperous economy. The stunning seaside landscapes of Cape Ann and its proximity to New York and Boston made this a popular holiday destination for artists. Among these were Impressionist painters such as Rudyard Kipling or Edward Hopper. Be captivated by the coming and going of ships in the harbor, the creative vibe on Rocky Neck Avenue and the serene beauty of the surrounding nature. One may also spot some whales.