Warmed by the waters of the Gulf Stream, Canada’s east coast comes alive in springtime. Trees and flowers burst into bloom, marine mammals are on the move, and seabirds flock in the thousands. Centuries of overlapping culture—Mi’kmaq, Acadian, English, Scottish, Irish, and French—have left their mark on the landscapes here. Rugged forts, quaint towns, rustic villages, and remote islands dot the coastlines. With expedition stops in Newfoundland, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia’s south coast, the Fundy Isles, and more, this tour includes lesser-known and hard-to-reach gems of Canada’s glorious east coast—and every stop is a highlight!
Highlights
Visit the Fortress of Louisbourg and learn about its history
Cruise the South coast of Newfoundland and look for marine wildlife
Discover charming Sable Island and walk along its sand dunes
Hike the Skyline trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Welcome to St. John’s—the vibrant capital of Newfoundland and Labrador. Sailing out of the historic port, Signal Hill keeps watch as you exit the world-famous narrows. The charming houses of The Battery are always a hit with shutterbugs. Watch for icebergs, whales and seabirds as you sail!
You’ll be in full-on learning mode as your expedition team shares the fascinating history and ecology of Sable Island. On deck, watch for marine mammals and seabirds in the rich waters of the northwest Atlantic.
A sandbar as long as Manhattan—but only about a kilometre wide—Sable Island is home to many varieties of birds, including the endemic Ispwich sparrow, hundreds of grey seals, and the world-famous Sable Island horses.
Unique weather conditions prevail at Sable Island. Our scheduled two days here allow us to maximize opportunities to explore the dunes, cruise the shores and view the wildlife. We’ll also learn firsthand about Sable Island’s fascinating human history.
The Gully is a Marine Protected Area where the sea floor plunges two and a half kilometers into a submarine valley. The Gully is one of the most prominent undersea features in eastern Canada. Significant coral communities make for a diversity of both shallow and deep-water fish, which draws whales and dolphins.
Join your on board researchers to appreciate the abundance of marine life!
In the struggle between English, and French colonial powers for control of what is now Canada, the French Fortress of Louisbourg on Cape Breton Island played a pivotal role. Established in 1720, the fortifications were captured by the British in 1745, returned to the French, captured again in 1758 and then destroyed.
Reconstructed in the 1960s and 1970s, the Fortress of Louisbourg is a National Historic Site, offering a fascinating glimpse into military colonial Canada.
Conditions permitting, enjoy a Zodiac cruise at the Bird Islands, just off Cape Breton’s coast near Cape Dauphin. This critical seabird nesting and breeding area includes the largest colony of Great Cormorants in Canada. You’ll also be looking for Black-legged Kittiwakes, Razorbills and Atlantic Puffins, Black Guillemots and perhaps Leach’s Storm-petrels.
Cape Breton Island is a bastion of Gaelic music and culture, “more Scots than the Scots.” Its rugged highlands and wind-swept coasts are home to the world-famous Cabot Trail and Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Today, call in at the fishing village of Chéticamp, on the western shore of Cape Breton Island. A busy fishing harbor, rug-hooking museum, shops and restaurants offer a taste of Acadian heritage.
Nearby Cape Breton Highlands National Park is world-renowned for scenery and wildlife. If weather permits, hike the spectacular Skyline Trail.
Historic Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island is known as the Birthplace of Confederation. A charming town and the capital of Canada’s smallest province, Charlottetown offers access to all of PEI within a relatively short drive.
Optional excursions will include a visit to Green Gables, —the fictional home of the famous Anne—, and Lennox Island Mi’Kmaq First Nation.
The wild and windswept coast of southern Newfoundland is home to a few remaining outport communities. Visits here are often a highlight of the trip.
There are many choices of unique bays and coves to explore via Zodiac or land excursions. Along the coast, the geology is outstanding, and the plant life is gorgeous. Be on the watch for wildlife too and make the most of every chance to explore this beautiful and remote coast.
Just off the shores of Newfoundland lie the islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon—an official territory of France. The colorful town of Saint-Pierre makes a charming finale to our trip. Winding streets with shops, houses, and cafés bring a taste of Europe to the east coast of North America.
On the final day of your expedition, sail back though the picturesque Narrows and into St. John’s harbor. Say your farewells in North America's oldest city.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$3,995
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Quadruple - Category 1
Deck four: Interior cabin, four lower berths, private bath (separate shower room and powder room) - approx. 240 sq. ft.
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Triple - Category 2
Deck four: Interior cabin, three lower berths, two private baths - approx. 200 sq. ft.
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Interior Twin - Category 3
Deck five: Interior cabin, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 125 sq. ft. (twin)/110 sq. ft. (single)
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Exterior Twin - Category 4
Deck four: Porthole window, unobstructed view, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 100 sq. ft. (twin)/90 sq. ft. (single)
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Main Twin - Category 5
Deck five: Picture window, unobstructed view, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 115 sq. ft.
Initial deposit is $2000, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
