One of the oldest European settlements in North America, Québec takes its name from the Algonquin word meaning ‘where the river narrows.’ The city that Champlain founded in 1608 was the capital of New France, and later, of British North America. Today, the proud capital of the province of the same name boasts the old-world charms of Vieux Québec, the world-famous Chateau Frontenac Hotel, and the only remaining intact citadel walls in North America. Cultural riches, superb cuisine, and an incredible view over the river make Québec City the perfect place to begin your voyage. A city tour is available for those who are interested in the morning.
 
Tadoussac was France’s first trading post on the mainland of New France, located at the confluence of the Saguenay and the Saint Lawrence Rivers. Originally established as an Innu settlement, it had become an important trading post by the seventeenth century, and was the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in Canada. Today, it is celebrated for its vibrant local culture, dramatic scenery, and incredible whale-watching opportunities. The group meets mid-morning in Québec City for a briefing before embarking on a coach tour along the beautiful north coast of the Saint Lawrence en route to Tadoussac to embark the Ocean Endeavour.

The Saguenay drains fresh water from Lac St. Jean, but the greater part of its volume is salt tidal water from the Saint Lawrence Estuary. The result is an ideal habitat for marine mammals including four species of whales—fin, minke, blue, and the famous (and endangered) Saguenay beluga population. Saguenay-Saint Lawrence Marine Park and Saguenay Fjord National Park both protect the region’s vast natural riches. 

Today, explore the south coast of the Lower Saint Lawrence, visiting the communities in the area. Excursions are weather-dependent, though the crew plans to stop at the famed Reford Gardens. The gardens are home to a sculpture park, art installations, and an enormous roster of unique floral walks and enclosures.

The spectacular natural sculptures of the Mingan Islands are formed of limestone, shaped by the action of the sea. At 50° N, these islands owe as much to the north as to the east for their character. Atlantic puffins and arctic eiders vie for the attention of birders, while harp, harbour and gray seals cavort in the waters. Not to be outdone, the flora of the islands is wildly diverse, including 450 plant species, 190 lichens, and 300 mosses! 

The Gaspé Peninsula, also known as Gaspésie, separates the mouth of the Saint Lawrence from Baie de Chaleur. Dominated by high cliffs on the north shore, the Gaspé includes the contours of the Appalachian Mountain chain and offers amazing views from its highland regions, which jut above the treeline. 

The first National Park in Québec, Forillon is an important bird and marine mammal habitat. Forillon also preserves human history in the Grand-Grave National Heritage Site, telling the story of the fishing families that once made their homes here. The park contains Canada’s tallest lighthouse, as well as fortifications dating from the Second World War, when German U-boats threatened Allied shipping. 

Parc National de l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé is the formal name of the park at the eastern tip of the Gaspé Peninsula. But most Canadians are more familiar with its best-known feature, the awe-inspiring Percé Rock. The area’s flora and fauna are world-renowned, including famous colonies of northern gannets. The largest of these is on Bonaventure Island and comprises nearly 50,000 pairs. 
 
Named by Samuel de Champlain, Percé itself is an internationally famed marvel, a huge natural arch within a mass of reddish limestone and sandstone. A second arch collapsed in 1845, leaving a massive column at one end. Fin, minke, humpback, and blue whales ply the nearby waters of this magnificent coastal outpost.

Long frequented by Mi’kmaq people, likely walrus hunters, the Magdalen Islands (les Îles-de-la-Madeleine) in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence were first sighted by Europeans when Jacques Cartier sailed among them in 1534. Today, although closer to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, they form a regional municipality of the province of Québec. 

However, the islands have a history distinct from that of mainland Québec. When the British expelled the Acadians from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, the Magdalene Islanders remained, and to this day take great pride in their Acadian heritage. There are also long-standing English settlements, and a percentage of the population can claim descent from survivors of the many shipwrecks that have occurred among the islands. Dramatic red sandstone cliffs are among the islands’ most striking features. 

Today call in at picturesque Cape Breton Island, an island comprising rocky shores, rolling farmland, glacial valleys, barren headlands, mountains, woods, and plateaus. A day of memorable hiking and cultural experiences awaits you here.

Newfoundland’s South Shore is full of surprises, including vast stretches of virtually uninhabited wilderness. Fjords, cliffs and islands offer excellent Zodiac cruising territory and terrific birding. The ship may stop in any of several possible destinations depending on conditions.

On a trip that traces the history and geography of New France, it’s appropriate that you wind up in France. The small islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon remain officially a part of the French Republic, despite their location only a few dozen kilometers off the shore of Newfoundland.

Have an opportunity to explore the charming, colourful town before transferring to your charter flight to that takes you to St. John’s, NL.

Optional extension:

One-Night Sailing: Voyage from Saint-Pierre, FR to St. John’s, NL
Spend the morning and afternoon touring the town of Saint-Pierre. In the early afternoon embark the Ocean Endeavour and sail across to St. John’s, NL on a one-night sailing. There are no landings, but you can enjoy a fun onboard program with music and entertainment, and have a chance to look for seabirds and marine wildlife en route to St. John’s.