Overlooking Casco Bay, Portland is home to a wealth of historical and architectural treasures with a rich nautical heritage which has been preserved for centuries. Big city excitement blends delightfully with small-town charm, as fishing vessels bustle in the harbor and Victorian-era buildings still line cobblestone streets.
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Nestled on the east side of Mt. Desert Island, Bar Harbor has enchanted visitors throughout history with its incredible natural beauty as well as its vibrant downtown village. Its majestic mountains and stunning seascapes have long inspired artists and writers and beckoned many others who come for reflection, relaxation, or outdoor exploration. In the early 20th century, wealthy visionaries donated the area now known as Acadia National Park, recognized for its breathtaking vistas and abundant wildlife.
Acadia National Park
This captivating tour includes stops at the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the first land in the United States touched by the morning sun. Witness Thunder Hole, an inlet naturally carved out of rocks where the waves spout water as high as 40 feet. Along the way, witness the unspoiled beauty of nature and the wildlife.
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Enjoy the delightful journey from the shores of Bar Harbor to the picturesque waterfront of Lunenburg. Relax with fellow guests on the sun deck or in one of our comfortable lounges.
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Lunenburg was the first British Colonial settlement in Nova Scotia and remains one of its most historic and charming villages. Many of the downtown buildings possess a distinctive style with ornamental brackets and towers which complement their brightly painted designs. A growing number of art galleries and crafts shops also make for a rewarding browsing experience. The picturesque Lunenburg waterfront is the home of the world-class Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, with aquarium exhibits and a replica of Bluenose, Canada’s most- recognized and most-storied ship.
Highlights of Lunenburg and Mahone Bay
Explore the brightly painted cottages and enjoy the salt-scented air of charming Lunenburg on a guided tour of this beautiful region. Lunenburg’s unique flavor and architectural character make it one of the most captivating places in Nova Scotia. View the cheerfully colored buildings on the waterfront that date back to the 18th century and walk the grounds of St. John’s Anglican Church.
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Nova Scotia’s capital is a historic community that still shows a striking resemblance to the Halifax of the 1800s when it was a key naval station in the British Empire. The Halifax Citadel, a military bastion that has been standing for over 250 years, was restored and is still active. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic on the waterfront celebrates the colorful history of Samuel Cunard, a Nova Scotia native who became a Canadian shipping magnate and founded a successful steamship company. A highlight of the city is Spring Garden Road, a lively neighborhood with intriguing boutiques in a subtly Bohemian setting.
Double Decker Bus Adventure
While on board an authentic Double Decker bus, discover the historic streets of Halifax as your guide introduces you to one of North America’s most captivating cities. Learn about the Halifax Explosion, the city’s role in the War of 1812, and view the artifacts that have been collected at the Titanic Burial Site at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
Historic Halifax Walking Excursion
In a seaport that is overflowing with history and atmosphere, walking is the ideal way to explore the sites and tranquil gardens. Your kilted guide will take you along the historic boardwalk and to the revitalized city center to discover the area the way it is seen best - on foot.
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The Town of Pictou, located on the beautiful Northumberland Shore of Nova Scotia, is renowned as the “Birthplace of New Scotland,” since it was here that the first wave of Scottish immigrants landed in 1773. Led by our local guide, explore Pictou’s 18th-century style homes on tree-lined streets and be welcomed by its warm and charming community.
Historic Charlottetown Exploration
Walk along the waterfront and through the heritage district of Charlottetown, while your guide gives you a wonderful, historic overview of the province’s capital. Visit the Province House National Historic Site and learn how Canada was formed as the result of a conference held in the building in 1864.
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The pastoral Prince Edward Island is known for its world famous lush golf courses and sandy beaches. Explore Green Gables, an old farmhouse immortalized in Lucy Maud Montgomery’s cherished 1908 novel, Anne of Green Gables, high among the list of favorite places to visit. The true architectural jewel of downtown Charlottetown is the majestic St. Dunstan’s Basilica. Adorned by three copper spires visible virtually anywhere in the city, the church adds to the Victorian splendor of the downtown core.
Anne of Green Gables and Island Drive
Green Gables is one of the most notable literary landmarks in Canada. The Green Gables farm and its surroundings are the settings for the popular Anne of Green Gables novels by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Both those who are familiar with the books and who are not will enjoy exploring and learning the history of this circa-19th-century farmhouse. On the way to this National Historic Site, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Prince Edward Island while listening to your knowledgeable tour guide explain the Island’s unique culture and heritage.
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Day
8
Îles de la Madeleine, QC
Spend the day in this remote archipelago on some of the most spectacular secluded beaches in North America. Located in the geographical center of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the Isles are made up of about a dozen islands, six of which are linked by sand dunes. Highlights of the area include beautiful red cliffs, rolling hills, 180 miles of honey-colored sand, and the brightly colored fishermen’s houses which dot the landscape.
The Magdalen Islands Culture and Heritage Excursion
Discover the beauty of the Magdalen Islands on this guided exploration of some of the best sites and attractions that Madeleine has to offer. Stop at the Ile’s lighthouse and enjoy the beautiful sight of the archipelago’s red sandstone cliffs. Visit the extraordinary South Dune Beach and walk through its amazing red sandstone underground caves that have been sculpted by the sea. Visit Fumoir d’Antan, a typical smokehouse, which brings to life this last vestige of what was once a very important industry.
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Day
9
Gaspé, QC / Percé, QC
The deep water port of Gaspé is notable for having been the first stop of Jacques Cartier to claim the land for France which is why it is often referred to as the “Birthplace of Canada.” The town is proud to have a magnificent stretch of water in Gaspé Bay, which is considered to be the second largest natural bay in the world. Visit the picturesque Percé, a charming village which also borders Percé Rock, the dominant natural feature of the area.
Discover Percé & Bonaventure Island
Enjoy the stunning scenery as you travel down the Gaspésie coast. Your bilingual speaker will explain the history and culture of Gaspé, Percé, and the surrounding countryside while pointing out all of the beautiful sites. In Percé, explore the beautiful waterfront, view the famous Percé Rock, and take a boat ride around Bonaventure Island, home to the world’s largest gannet colony.
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Located in the Manicouagana Peninsula on the St. Lawrence Estuary, Baie-Comeau is rich in sandy beaches with picturesque views of the archipelago of islands that are inhabited by harbor seals and various species of seabirds. Explore its natural wonders and fall in love with the magnificent backdrop of clear waters and the wild beauty of boreal forests.
The Treasures of Baie-Comeau
On this tour, learn about the rich religious and cultural heritage, as well as the strong character of the hearty souls living in this remote paradise. Enjoy a stop at the Village d’antan (old-time forest village), which tells the history of forest industry through its buildings, period objects, and old photographs. Continue the tour to Manoir, a hotel with all the charm of an old French colonial manor. Enjoy tea and cake on the terrace while admiring the spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River. Led by our local guide, visit St. Amelie’s church which features fresco paintings, 30 stained glass windows, and the pink granite of Quebec’s North Shore.
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Day
11
Saguenay Fjord, QC
The villages along the Saguenay Fjord can be reached by road, but the best way to experience this magnificent waterway is by boat. One of the most popular whale watching spots is where the St. Lawrence River meets the Saguenay Fjord. The thriving natural conditions here support a permanent colony of a thousand or more whales. Beautiful views of the length of the fjord are found at Cap Trinite, a cliff that rises above the channel with a 33-foot statue of the Virgin Mary surveying the scenery from the lowest ledge.
Scenic Chicoutimi Experience
At the tip of a majestic fjord where the waters of the Saguenay and the St. Lawrence Rivers meet lies the charming village of Saguenay. With a decidedly French atmosphere and a touch of the Old World, visit the district of Chicoutimi, and learn about the area’s history, culture, and natural surroundings.
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Québec City is nestled beside the majestic St. Lawrence River, where enchanting old stone houses cozy up to great religious institutions built from the same stone. The old city is a sheer delight for history buffs with a diversity of architectural styles reminiscent of those in England and France. Walk along the streets of Old Québec, and enjoy the magnificent churches, fragrant gardens, and chic boutiques.
Historic Quebec with Montmorency Falls
Hailed as the most French city outside of France, Québec is a delightful blend of European charm and natural splendor. Learn about the fascinating history of the Old Town as you explore its notable sites. Take a journey along the St. Lawrence River to view the spectacular scenery surrounding Montmorency Falls. At 275 feet high and 150 feet across, it is the highest waterfall in all of Quebec and is nearly 100 feet higher than Niagara Falls.
Old Quebec Exploration
Our expert guide will make the history of Québec come alive as you walk along the charming cobblestone streets of the Old Town. Best explored on foot, discover this living museum which is a remarkable mix of architecture, heritage, art, and culture. Designated a World Heritage Treasure by UNESCO, Old Québec is the only walled city north of Mexico.
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Montreal, known for its dynamic cultural scene, is the second-largest French-speaking city in the world and the most bilingual city in North America. Appointed a UNESCO City of Design in 2006, the city features a diversity of architecture, from 18th century Victorian-style stone buildings to modern, ultra-sleek skyscrapers. Visit Mont Royal (the “mountain”), a park which towers high above the city, before heading downtown to explore elegant boutiques, department stores, and shopping complexes. Discover Old Montreal, an area that displays some of North America’s most remarkable architecture with a concentration of 17th, 18th, and 19th-century buildings.
Montreal Highlights Excursion
Enjoy a sightseeing city excursion that will take you through Montreal and its surrounding countryside. Explore the streets of Old Montreal and discover its unique shops and restaurants. Travel to the downtown business district as well as up to the top of Mount Royal for a spectacular view of the city and the majestic St. Lawrence Seaway.
Old Montreal Experience
Best explored on foot, the historic character and charm of Old Montreal comes alive as you walk the narrow cobblestone streets, alleyways, and past the charming waterfront district. Admire the splendid architecture of one of the oldest cities in North America.
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Day
14
Day of River Cruising
As we journey to Clayton, witness breathtaking views of the region’s scenic landscapes as you relax on the sun deck of the Pearl Mist. Enjoy our award-winning onboard enrichment programs presented by the area’s finest historians, naturalists, and entertainers.
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Clayton is a hidden treasure located on the south bank of the St. Lawrence River. More than a century ago, the Thousand Islands Region was the playground of the nation’s most powerful. Nearly the entire downtown district is designated as “historic,” with buildings dating back to the late 1800s. For the boating buffs, The Clayton Antique Boat Museum offers the largest collection of fresh-water yachting artifacts on the continent.
Clayton City Discovery & Antique Boat Museum
Explore Clayton on a guided tour of this quaint and historic city. Learn about the founding of the Village of Clayton and how its favorable location on the St. Lawrence River has shaped its past, present, and future. Visit the Antique Boat Museum and witness some of the most beautifully preserved boats and nautical artifacts in North America.
Coyote Moon Winery
Discover New York State’s vineyards and taste the locally crafted, award-winning wines on this guided vineyard tour. The fertile lands are able to produce Northern Climate grapes that are known for their acidity and flavor. Learn about how these grapes survive the harsh New York winters and enjoy tasting a few of these delicious varieties.
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End your journey in Toronto, first established as a Native American settlement and French fur trading post and now a vibrant metropolitan area. Within its impressive skyline, there are several cultural hotspots including art galleries, museums, and performance centers. Shoppers will delight in Queen Street West, where chic boutiques replaced this old warehouse area and Kensington Street, where retro-style abounds.
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