Prince Edward Island & Maine Coast

Enjoy a Downeast Lobster & Seal Cruise on a genuine Maine lobster boat, The Lady H, where we will stop and demonstrate Maine’s number one commercial fishery…. Lobstering! Pull actual lobster traps from the waters of Passamaquoddy Bay with a licensed lobster fisherman. Watch as the captain hauls traps and see, touch, and handle lobsters, crabs, starfish, scallops, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and more after the traps are pulled into the boat. You may also spot porpoise, whales, bald eagles, osprey, seals, and other marine life who make the bay their home. Experience 26+ foot tides, travel through the hemisphere’s largest whirlpool, “Old Sow,”  and listen to the tales of the sea from your experienced captain.  

Enjoy a guided exploration of Eastport with a knowledgeable local guide who will bring the region’s history and character to life. Your journey begins in the heart of historic downtown Eastport, where you’ll hear dramatic stories of the “Great Fire” and discover the rich history of the working waterfront.

Continue past Raye’s Mustard Mill—the last remaining stone-ground mustard mill in the country—and learn why mustard plays such an important role in Eastport’s heritage. Take in views of Shackford Head State Park from its trailhead, glimpse an active aquaculture site, and visit a working lobster pond and processing facility.

As you travel around the city, enjoy sweeping coastal vistas while gaining insight into Eastport’s fishing industry, early attempts to harness the power of the tides for electricity, and the fascinating phenomenon known as Old Sow, the largest whirlpool in the Western Hemisphere. You’ll also hear about the region’s deep connections to the Passamaquoddy people, as well as memorable stories of the Roosevelts and their ties to the area.

Enjoy a leisurely walk through Eastport’s historic downtown. Begin at the working waterfront, where you’ll spot fishing boats that head out for lobster in summer and scallops in winter. Capture a photo at the city’s newest landmark—a restored buoy celebrating Eastport as the easternmost city in the United States. As you look across Passamaquoddy Bay, take note of the dramatic tidal changes that shape daily life here.

Stroll along Water Street and learn about the Great Fire of 1886, which once devastated the sardine industry. Admire the beautifully restored historic buildings as the town experiences a vibrant renaissance filled with new shops and restaurants. Continue past the WaCo Diner, Maine’s oldest diner (est. 1924), and the historic 30,000-square-foot Sea Street building, once home to a major sardine can manufacturer. At the south end of downtown, enjoy sweeping views of the International Bridge and Campobello Island, the beloved summer retreat of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt.

Visit the Fisherman Statue and hear captivating stories of Eastport’s past—from the British occupation and the Great Fire to the rich history behind the 29 surrounding historic buildings.

Step inside Canada’s oldest independent brewery and discover the story behind the iconic Moosehead beer. On a guided tour of this modern brewing facility, see firsthand how Moosehead is brewed, bottled, and shipped around the world. Explore the historic brewery, learn about its remarkable journey since 1867, and get up close to the brewing process and state-of-the-art packaging line. Cap off your visit with samples of award-winning beers fresh from the aging tanks—and take home a souvenir from this legendary Canadian brewery.

Cross the Kennebecasis River on one of the few remaining cable ferries in New Brunswick. Travel through historic Kingston Corner, to Elmhurst Outdoors, a small family-run maple sugar farm.

Join your guide for an enlightening “walk through time” to the present-day maple sugar shack. Informative displays will take you back to the beginnings of maple sugaring by native North Americans, then onward in history from the early settlers to the mid-1900s and the present.

Return to the lodge for home-made pancakes, sausage, pure maple syrup, and coffee or tea. To round out a perfect day, we’ll treat you to an age-old tradition of maple taffy on snow.

Enjoy a beautiful drive through the countryside along the Saint John River as your guide provides commentary enroute to the newly built Yip Cider production facility and tasting room. 

Upon arrival at this working cidery, hear from a third-generation member of the Mackay Family. Discover how their apple orchard and cider production has grown from his grandfather, Yip, pressing apples in the basement of the original barn to the modernized production facility used today. 

Delight in tasting one of the many unique flavors of Yip Cider, proudly made with 100% New Brunswick apples. Relax in the tasting room or venture onto the outdoor patio with breathtaking views of the Saint John River. Enjoy a stroll to the river's edge along the wilderness trail before returning to your ship. 

Experience a delightful blend of past and present, on board a motorized trolley, similar to century-old streetcars. Listen to the entertaining narrative of your guide, who brings to life 400 years of history and culture in Canada's oldest incorporated city.

Visit the Reversing Falls Rapids, where the Bay of Fundy tides battle with the Saint John River. At low tide, the river rushes into the Bay in a series of fantastic rapids and whirlpools, and at high tide, the Bay forces the river to reverse direction and flow backwards. No matter which stage of the tide cycle you see, you’ll be fascinated by this unique phenomenon. 

Aboard the trolley, hear stories behind the unique architecture of the historic district. View the port of Saint John and your cruise ship against the beauty of the Bay of Fundy as you drive along Fort Howe lookout. Your tour ends at the Old City Market, in the heart of Saint John. Disembark and explore at your leisure, as you are within a 3 block radius of Saint John’s top attractions. For guests who choose not to disembark at the City Market, the trolley will return to the ship.

Join your guide for an incredible discovery of the unspoiled natural beauty of Grand Manan. Learn about the famous Bay of Fundy, which surrounds Grand Manan and is renowned for its tides – the highest in the world. The rich waters of the bay are home to an abundant variety of marine life, which has kept island fisheries thriving for generations. View lobster pounds, fishing weirs, and other indications of a lifestyle built around the sea. Beneath the surface of the water lie many a testament of the ocean’s unforgiving side. Over 300 vessels have been wrecked around the island over the past two centuries. During your journey, hear stories of these tragedies, as well as and other facets of Grand Manan’s incredible history. Enjoy a guided tour of Grand Manan Museum, which features fascinating displays on the history of the island. Tour the breathtaking coastline and view lighthouses that have guided fishermen into Grand Manan’s harbors for decades. Learn how the world-renowned Dark Harbour Dulse is harvested and try some for yourself. Return to your ship, having experienced the warm community, natural wonders, and island life on Grand Manan.

Meet members of Swallowtail Keepers Society and learn about the restoration and “Keepers in Residence” program of this iconic Grand Manan landmark. Swallowtail is held dear by islanders and visitors alike, not only as an historic lighthouse, but for the majestic marine vista it affords. Still an active aid to navigation, the lighthouse has a distinct history, and was first lit on July 7, 1860 using porpoise oil. It has weathered many storms and has been a welcoming beacon for fishermen, sailors, and visitors. Swallowtail still has its original tower, one of only a handful of remaining wooden light towers in Canada. The wonderful panoramic view of the coastline coupled with this iconic wooden lighthouse make it a perfect setting for photographers, artists, and sightseers. In fact, Swallowtail is one of the most photographed lighthouses in New Brunswick. Explore inside the lighthouse museum, climb the stairs to the top of the lighthouse, and walk between the lighthouse and keepers house, following the footsteps of the keepers over the years.

 Discover the postcard-perfect charm of one of Nova Scotia’s most enchanting seaside towns, Mahone Bay. Your journey begins with a scenic drive around Lunenburg Harbor, where you’ll enjoy a truly special vantage point across the water. From this breathtaking angle, you can capture stunning photographs of the colorful town of Lunenburg rising gracefully along the hillside.

From there, continue along the coast to the welcoming community of Mahone Bay. With free time to explore at your leisure, stroll along picturesque Main Street, browse charming local boutiques and art galleries, and savor fresh flavors in inviting cafés and restaurants. Here, the laid-back rhythm and warm hospitality of Nova Scotia’s South Shore shine at their very best.

While visiting, don’t miss the chance to photograph the town’s most iconic landmark, the beautiful Three Churches, standing proudly along the shoreline, their reflections shimmering across the calm waters of the bay. Relax and take in the coastal scenery as you enjoy a scenic drive back to the Lunenburg pier, bringing your unforgettable day to a perfect close.

Discover Lunenburg and its splendor on walk through Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – known as the best preserved North American example of an eighteenth-century British colonial town plan. On a stroll through this picture-perfect town, learn about the history, culture and architecture, dating back to the arrival of the first European settlers in 1753, mostly German, French and Swiss. All along the way, you’ll be treated to stories, personal anecdotes and seafaring folklore. 

Only a short walk from the ship, explore the world class Hector Heritage Quay and board the full-sized ship Hector replica. The Hector arrived in Pictou Harbor on September 15, 1773, bringing 189 emigrants to their new home. The story of the Hector and its passengers is a unique tale of the first permanent, enduring Scottish settlement in Nova Scotia. Discover the story of the Hector settlers and why they decided to come to Nova Scotia. Learn the history of these early settlers and the hardship they overcame to become the backbone of settlement for Nova Scotia and Canada, as well as the Indigenous community who was instrumental in their survival during their first years of settlement.

Welcome to the Town of Pictou, located on the beautiful Northumberland Shore of Nova Scotia. Renowned as the "Birthplace of New Scotland," it was here that the first wave of Scottish immigrants landed in 1773. The town of Pictou is the best place to experience old-world charm and culture, as well as present-day hospitality. 

When was the last time you had the chance to watch a falcon in full flight, soaring, diving, and catching air? This is not something most people have ever seen, as many falcons are an endangered species, although their population is growing again thanks to conservation breeding programs.

A Master Falconer, who has been working with a variety of these birds of prey on Prince Edward Island for several years, will be on site to share his knowledge with you. If conditions are right, you will be able watch him as he trains his birds to fly free and return to a lure at speeds of up to 200 mph. If conditions don't allow flying, you will have the opportunity to put on the falconer's glove and have a falcon sit on your hand, or if conditions permit, fly in and land on your gloved hand. Be sure to bring your camera to capture this memorable experience.

Departing from Port Charlottetown, set out on a scenic drive into the Island’s picturesque central region. Your knowledgeable guide will entertain you with stories about the Island and will select the best spots for photo opportunities. Along this coastline, you will see plenty of what the Island is most well-known for: oysters. Long considered one of the world’s tastiest oysters, the Malpeque oyster has been farmed in these cold waters for generations. To this day, oyster fishers set out in their dories and pluck the shellfish from the bottom of local rivers and bays with a set of long wooden tongs.

Stop at the Raspberry Point Oyster Co. facility, where a team of oyster experts will teach you all about the oyster industry, the difference between standard and choice oysters, and about "merroir," the environmental conditions that shape flavor. After your lesson, try your hand at shucking and sample the cleanest and freshest oysters you will ever taste.

As you make your way back to the Seaport, stop at another beloved local favorite, Prince Edward Island Preserve Company. Located on the beautiful River Clyde, enjoy free time to wander this beautiful property, gift shop, and sample the tasty jams and preserves made right onsite.  

Step back in time and get a glimpse into the fascinating history of Prince Edward Island as you travel along its breathtaking coastline. Led by your knowledgeable guide, learn about the area’s many lighthouses, which have outlasted generations, dating as far back as the early 1800s. These beacons of light were crucial for trade and commerce, vastly increasing the safety of the first mode of transportation used by early settlers. Each lighthouse has its individual day-markings and distinguishing flash patterns, so sailors can ascertain which headlight is ahead of them.

The first stop is at Point Prim Lighthouse. Built in 1846, this is Prince Edward Island's oldest lighthouse, standing 60 feet tall. Next, visit Wood Islands Lighthouse on the Northumberland Strait. At 50 feet tall, it began operations in 1876 to aid fishing boats around Wood Island and features an attached six-room, two story dwelling where the keepers once resided. The last to be manned on the island, Wood Island Lighthouse was automated in 1990.

Conclude your adventure at the Rossignol Estate Winery, which has a 45,000 bottle capacity and produces a variety of premium fruit and table wines made from local produce. Enjoy an unlimited wine tasting paired with Prince Edward Island cheeses. Try the 2015 Gold Medal winners - Marechal Foch, Cassis, Liberty Blossom, and L'Acadie Blanc, as well as Wild Blueberry and Blackberry Mead.

Your excursion begins with a guided walk through the storied streets of Charlottetown, as your guide shares the stories and heritage that have shaped the city’s significance within Canada. Continue to one of the well-preserved buildings that line its picturesque streets, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by one of Prince Edward Island’s passionate and talented local chefs.

In an inviting, open-concept kitchen, enjoy an engaging culinary presentation and demonstration as your host shares insights into the Island’s world-renowned agriculture and aquaculture industries. Discover the abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients produced locally and learn how they come together to create exceptional dishes.

Then, of course, it’s time to dine. Savor the delicious meal you’ve helped prepare, while continuing to enjoy the chef’s stories, expertise, and warm hospitality.

Start your lively exploration of enchanting Charlottetown with a leisurely stroll along the waterfront before boarding your unique ‘Harbor Hopper’ amphibious vehicle.  Discover the city’s highlights, from the Gothic elegance of St. Dunstan’s Basilica to the Confederation Centre of the Arts, City Hall’s Romanesque Revival, and the stately Government House. 

Admire harbor views at Victoria Park, step inside the elegant 1877 Beaconsfield House, and explore Province House, the birthplace of Confederation. Then, splash into the Harbor, feeling the sea breeze as you glide past your cruise ship and watch the bustling waterfront from the water. Return to port inspired, with a deeper appreciation for Charlottetown’s rich history and vibrant allure.

Pedal, sip, and snack your way along Charlottetown’s waterfront aboard a lively 14-passenger Pedal Bus. This social, music-filled experience includes two pub or restaurant stops, each offering exclusive food and drink specials. Seated face-to-face at a “bar on wheels,” guests share laughter, stories, and local flavors as the city unfolds around them. Pedal as much or as little as you like; with electric assistance, the ride is smooth and enjoyable for all fitness levels.

Along the way, pass a selection of Charlottetown’s most iconic sights, including the striking St. Dunstan’s Basilica, Province House, Confederation Centre of the Arts, the stately homes of Great George Street, and more. Each guest leaves with an Eco-Tourist Certificate, a local seafood recipe, and memorable stories to share.

Enjoy a cruise aboard Isola Solaretto, the world’s FIRST solar-powered dinner cruise boat. A Canadian Heritage Vessel from the famous 1967 Montreal Expo (World’s Fair), the boat undertook an 8 year, $1.3M renovation to become North America’s largest solar-powered boat.

On this a slow and gentle journey, enjoy coffee and tea as you admire the beautiful scenery of Charlottetown Harbor through large open windows. Four TV screens and an onboard sound system enable guests to enjoy live audio and visual commentary. 

Sights along the way include the marinas of Charlottetown, St. Dunstan’s Basilica, the Irish Settlers Monument, Government House (the birthplace of Canada), the armories and cannons of Victoria Park, and Fort La Joie/Fort Amherst. You will also hear maritime folklore and learn about the expulsion of the Acadians, the history of fishing lobster, mussels and oysters in PEI, farming potatoes in PEI, the Confederation Bridge, Anne of Green Gables, as well as the history of and technology used on Isola Solaretto. There will be trivia and prizes throughout your journey and every rider will receive an Eco-tourist Certificate of Completion, local seafood recipes, and more.

Board this convenient shuttle. Enjoy self-exploration of the Charlottetown Port Area, as well as Great George Street in downtown Charlottetown.

Downtown Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island (PEI), known as Canada’s Food Island, is bursting with character, history, and most importantly flavor. Would you like some steamed mussels, a half-pint of craft beer, and to try the famous PEI Potatoes? Then let your taste buds be your guide during this roving sampling of some of Charlottetown’s finest offerings. This guided walk will take you to four of our most beloved locations, where you will not only get to sample a little local Island flavor, such as an oyster and a mini lobster slider, but also learn a little about the various industries, local products, and providers along the way.  

Explore Canada’s tiniest and most charming province, famous for its red earth and white beaches.  Follow a trail through the same historic streets as the delegates did when they gathered in 1864 for the Charlottetown Conference that led to the Confederation of Canada. Venture along to the North Shore and soak up the picturesque views of the rolling countryside before reliving the magic at Green Gables, the farmstead that inspired the setting for L.M. Montgomery to create her beloved tales of a red-haired orphan, Anne of Green Gables. Visit the gift shop for unique Anne-inspired souvenirs. Spend some time strolling along the boardwalk and breathing in the sea air at Cavendish Beach.  

Walk along the waterfront and through the heritage district of Charlottetown, giving you a wonderful, historic overview of the province’s capital on this leisurely exploration. Your guide will meet you at the pier where your walking excursion will begin. During your city orientation, you will hear about the founding families and see some of their original homes, typically made of wood, sandstone, or brick. View Province House National Historic Site, where your guide will explain how Canada was formed as the result of a conference held in the building in 1864. That event led to Canada becoming a federation and when Charlottetown became known as the Birthplace of Canada. Your excursion concludes at the Charlottetown’s waterfront, where you may remain in town and do some further exploring on your own or walk back to the pier.