ST LAWRENCE SEAWAY AND CANADIAN MARITIMES
__________________
11 DAYS
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | St John's, Newfoundland, Canada | Explore this picturesque capital city before embarking the ship |
| Day 2 | St Pierre, France | France’s oldest remaining overseas territory, explore the L’Arche Museum, learn the importance of the historic cod fisheries |
| Day 3 | At Sea | Watch for the wildlife that calls this region home from the observation deck, including seven species of whales |
| Days 4 - 5 | Côte-Nord, Québec, Canada | Wild landscapes, geologic diversity, abundant marine life, maritime history, a culture influenced by nine Indigenous communities |
| Day 6 | Québec City | Experience the city’s European charm, keep an eye out for iconic realist murals, get a taste for the city’s renowned culinary scene |
| Days 7 - 8 | At Sea | Attend engaging presentations by experts, relax with a book in the lounge, experience a wellness treatment at the spa |
| Day 9 | Îles de la Madeleine | Miles of golden beaches and dunes, grassy hills, dazzling red sandstone cliffs, explore colourful fishing villages |
| Day 10 | At Sea | Reflect on your journey and make final edits to your photos |
| Day 11 | St John's, Newfoundland | Disembark and transfer to the airport |
SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
National Geographic Explorer
National Geographic Explorer was completely redesigned and rebuilt prior to being relaunched in 2008. The ship is equipped with an ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment making it ideal for Antarctic expeditions, and offers a well-appointed interior with vast expanses of glass for an unprecedented connection to the regions explored. The Explorer accommodates guests in 81 spacious outside cabins, most with feature windows and some with balconies. Public areas include a lounge and bar, a spa, fitness centre and sauna, and a choice of dining options that offer regionally inspired cuisine.
Day 1 St John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
Arrive in St. John’s, the picturesque capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador, in the afternoon before embarking the ship.
Day 2 St Pierre, France
The first landfall is in St-Pierre, France’s oldest remaining overseas territory. Get to know this picturesque French fishing enclave by visiting a local island, where you will learn about its historic cod fisheries and explore the fascinating L’Arche Museum, dedicated to preserving the history of this remote territory.
Day 3 At Sea
Sail across the Gulf of St. Lawrence, known for its abundant plant and animal life both under water and on shore. Find a place on the observation deck to watch for the wildlife that calls this region home—including seven species of whales, such as the endangered North Atlantic right whale. Enjoy the day on board to edit photos, attend a presentation about the region with one of the naturalists or schedule a massage with the wellness specialist.
Days 4 – 5 Côte-Nord, Québec, Canada
Bordering the Labrador Sea and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Côte-Nord region of Québec offers breathtaking, wild landscapes and geologic diversity, abundant marine life, maritime history and a culture influenced by its nine Indigenous communities. Spend two days exploring this stunning marine environment by Zodiac, kayak and on foot as you learn about the area alongside local experts.
Day 6 Québec City
Arrive in the provincial capital, Québec City. The only remaining walled city north of Mexico, Québec’s rich history comes to life amid the ramparts and ancient streets of its old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Experience the city’s European charm while strolling the lanes below the stately Citadel, keeping an eye out for the iconic realist murals that showcase Québec’s history. As you explore, get a taste for the city’s renowned culinary scene, from its First Nations recipes and traditional French and English flavors to maple syrup-infused sweets.
Days 7 – 8 At Sea
Originating in Lake Saint-Jean in the Québecois highlands and draining into the St. Lawrence Seaway, the Saguenay River is a haven for marine life, most notably the beluga whale. Harbor seals, porpoises and minke, blue and fin whales can also be seen at different times throughout the year in these nutrient-rich waters. The river’s fjord, carved by glaciers over 10,000 years ago, plunges more than 900 feet below the surface, and its rising peaks and hanging cliffs soar more than 1,500 feet into the air. The landscape provides an astonishing backdrop as you sail and explore where two iconic rivers meet. Enjoy a day at sea by attending an engaging presentation by naturalists and experts, relaxing with a book in the lounge, or experiencing a wellness treatment at the spa. Keep an eye out for wildlife as the ship travels towards Îles de la Madeleine.
Day 9 Îles de la Madeleine
A cluster of wispy islands isolated in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Îles de la Madeleine are home to miles of golden beaches and dunes, grassy hills and dazzling red sandstone cliffs. Local experts will guide you across this landscape of caves and sea arches, stopping along the way in colorful fishing villages as you learn about Acadian culture.
Day 10 At Sea
Retrace a path back through the Gulf of St. Lawrence, passing between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Spend the day on board making final edits to your photos with the certified photography instructor or head to the bridge to learn about the ship’s navigation from the crew.
Day 11 St John’s, Newfoundland
Disembark in St. John’s and transfer to the airport for flights home.