From Quebec to the Big Apple: Nature & Remarkable Cities

Montreal, Canada’s second-largest city, is a diverse and cosmopolitan destination located on an island in the St. Lawrence River. Explore Old Montreal, a designated historic district known for its cobblestone streets and preserved architecture. Visit Little Italy, home to the largest open-air market in North America, or head to the Golden Square Mile, a historic neighborhood on Mount Royal featuring grand Victorian-era residences. The city reflects both European and North American influences, offering a blend of cultural heritage and urban energy.

Quebec City stands where the St. Charles River meets the St. Lawrence River in southeastern Canada. Established in the 1600s, it remains the only walled city north of Mexico, with fortifications that reflect its colonial past. Walk through Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see its preserved stone architecture. Shop along pedestrian-only Petit-Champlain Street or enjoy views of the city and river from the Dufferin Terrace near Chateau Frontenac.

Included Excursions:

Quebec City Highlights & Montmorency Falls – 4 hours and 30 minutes
Explore key landmarks, starting at Battlefields Park, the site of the 1759 battle that led to British control of Quebec. Known as the Plains of Abraham, the park features sweeping lawns, monuments, and cannons. Continue down Grande-Allee, lined with shops and open-air cafés, and see the Parliament Building with its distinctive Second Empire architecture.

Leave the city behind and follow the St. Lawrence River to Montmorency Falls, where water drops over 270 feet, taller than Niagara. Stop at a nearby maple farm to sample maple taffy, a traditional treat made by pouring syrup on snow and rolling it onto a stick. Conclude at the Quebec National Museum of Fine Arts, which showcases works from Quebec artists and blends modern design with historic architecture.

Old Quebec Walking Tour & Château Frontenac – 3 hours
Step into history with a walking tour through Old Quebec. Begin at Place Royale, once a center of commerce and home to North America’s oldest stone church. Wander the streets of Petit-Champlain, a charming district filled with local shops, cafés, and entertainers.

Take the funicular up to Upper Town to visit Château Frontenac, Quebec’s most recognizable building. Learn how world leaders met here during World War II. Continue to Dufferin Terrace, a scenic boardwalk offering views of the river and surrounding landscapes. Walk past landmarks such as Place d’Armes, the Quebec Seminary, the Ursuline Convent, and Artists Alley in the city’s fortress district.

Recommended attire: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking.

The Quebec village of Tadoussac stands at the confluence of the Saguenay River and the Gulf of Saint-Lawrence, in south-east Canada. The village is bright with multicolored houses nestling in an emerald-green pine forest. From the waterfront, it’s easy to spy out Tadoussac Chapel, thanks to its bright red roof. Not far from this church, built of wood, one of the oldest in North America, stands a century-old village holiday resort, Hotel Tadoussac. Treat yourself to tea on the terrace overlooking the shoreline. In addition, at the marine mammal interpretation center, you can hone your knowledge of the cetaceans that regularly frequent Tadoussac Bay.

Included Excursion:

Encounter with whales - 3 hours and 30 minutes
Set off aboard a Zodiac that will take you to encounter whales in the estuary of the Saint Lawrence River. A magical moment!
A naturalist-guide captain will take you to where the river meets the ocean, an ideal spot to observe these giants of the sea as well as other marine mammals such as blue whale, fin whale, minke whale, beluga, humpback whale and grey seal. Indeed, the gulf and the estuary of the Saint Lawrence are a veritable kingdom for whales and a formidable natural laboratory for biologists passionate about these emblematic species. During these two hours on the river, you will appreciate all the wild beauty of the Saguenay Fjord.

Back on shore, you will visit the information center run by the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM), a non-profit organization dedicated to education for the sake of marine conservation and scientific research on the marine mammals of the Saint Lawrence.

Participants must be in good physical condition. This excursion is not suitable for children under 10 years old. Each guest will be equipped with waterproof clothing. It is recommended that you wear warm and waterproof clothing. The order of the visits may be reversed.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

If you appreciate the beauty of scenery and geological phenomena, you will fall under the irresistible spell of Percé, one of the most beautiful villages in Quebec. Apart from the attractions of the town itself, Percé owes its reputation to its proximity to the famous rock of the same name that rises opposite it in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Along with the neighboring Bonaventure Island, this rocky outcrop forms a national park famed for its natural, historical, and geological heritage. With a choice of hiking, underwater exploration, and cultural activities, you’ll never be short of things to do in this fascinating region.

Although it is the administrative and economic center of the Magdalen Islands archipelago, in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the village of Cap-aux-Meules remains a peaceful location and is ideal for exploring preserved nature. Located on the eponymous island, in reference to the sandstone rocks of the cape that were used in the past to make grindstones, the location is, above all, considered to be the maritime gateway to the archipelago. In this respect, it offers privileged access to many sites renowned for their natural and historic heritage, such as the village of Havre-Aubert which is a member of the Most Beautiful Villages of Quebec.

Included Excursion:

Culinary Heritage of the Magdalen Islands - 3 hours and 30 minutes
Renowned for its stunning scenery and rich cultural history, the Magdalen Islands archipelago can also claim a fine culinary heritage, constantly renewed by passionate artisans, like the dairy, smokehouse, and brewery that await you here.

First stop: the Pied-de-Vent dairy, a delicious example of Madelinot perseverance and craftsmanship. In just a few years, the artisans working here have successfully developed cheeses that are popular all over the country. Their secret is their great love for their terroir combined with a savvy blend of tradition and modernity, as you will discover during your visit to the farm, followed by a tasting.

Then, after coming along the lovely Chemin de la Pointe Basse, scattered here and there with typical painted houses and farms – with small closed porches, consoles and corbels, verandas but also painted or stained cedar shingles which are reminiscent of the Acadian and French origins of their first inhabitants -, you will discover the Fumoir d’Antan. Now, an eco-museum dedicated to herring smoking, this typical smokehouse brings to life the last vestiges of what was a very important industry in the past. It has been used for three generations to smoke herring, mackerel, salmon, and scallops; you will find out all about its history before tasting some specialties.

Then go along the northern coast of the island and the aptly named Cap-Herisse, which is home to spectacular sheer and rugged cliffs that have been sculpted by the sea, before your final port of call: the À l’abri de la Tempête brewery. Here, local ingredients reign supreme. The brewers started using locally malted barley, then moved on to harvesting and using fresh flowers, marine algae, and herbs from the area, to brew unique full-flavored beers that you will have the pleasure of tasting.

There are no difficulties involved with this excursion. Participants must be a minimum age of 18 to take part in this visit.

Set in the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Breton Island turns up fun-to-explore curiosities such as Louisbourg, the former capital from when it was named Ile Royale. This picturesque little town is home to one of the country’s most significant historical sites: the symbolic and beautifully restored Fortress of Louisbourg. A tour transports you back to the heart of 18th-century Canada. Access the old fortified square via the drawbridge and Dauphin Gate, which is guarded by a sentry. You can then explore the fortified town as it was in its heyday. Get ready for an extraordinary adventure that’s more than just a journey back in time.

Included Excursion:

Fortress of Louisbourg - 2 hours
During a unique excursion, plunge into the past of the Fortress of Louisbourg, where each stone tells the story of an emblematic era. Imagine yourself back transported back in time to the era of New France, where this impressive fortress stood proudly on the shores of Cape Breton Island, protecting French interests in the New World.

It is the partial reconstruction of the most extensive colonial town in North America. An 18th-century French building, the Fortress of Louisbourg represents an essential part of Cape Breton history. As you cross the massive gates to the fortress, you will be enveloped by the fragrance of history. The cobblestones beneath your feet will resonate to the clicking of soldiers’ boots and the shouts of the merchants bustling in the narrow streets. You will find yourself at the heart of a living recreation, where characters in period costumes attend to their day-to-day business.

As you explore the impressive ramparts, the view over the Atlantic Ocean stretches as far as the eye can see, as a reminder of the strategic importance of this fortress built to deal with the threat of invasion during the turbulent times of the expansion of the British Empire. Thanks to the efforts and work accomplished by Parks Canada and the Fortress Louisbourg Association, soak up the yesteryear atmosphere and enter the dozen or so buildings that are open to visitors, including three authentic 18th-century restaurants. 

In visiting the Fortress of Louisbourg, you will relive a chapter of history as you explore the site by yourself, follow a guided tour, and see demonstrations of music, dancing, cookery, military exercises, etc. In addition, you can bring back a little taste of the past, with bread from the Boulangerie du Roi and sweets from Cafe Destouches.

This excursion includes a 45-minute guided tour of the fortress with your local guide; it involves walking on flat ground after the tour, and you will have some free time. It is recommended that you wear comfortable walking shoes and warm clothes.

A historical port city on the Canadian east coast, Halifax, surrounded by enchanting nature, stands out as the provincial capital and the cultural hub of Nova Scotia. The city played an important strategic military role in the two World Wars and was also the largest Royal Navy base during the American Revolutionary War and the Napoleonic Wars. Most of the victims of the Titanic disaster were laid to rest here in the Fairview cemetery, which you will have the chance to discover. At this port of call, you will also have the opportunity to visit the picturesque fishing village of Peggy’s Cove and discover its breathtaking natural landscapes.

Included Excursions:

Halifax Highlights & Peggy’s Cove - 5 hours
Turned towards the ocean, Halifax is one of the country’s most important fishing ports and will offer up a perfect blend of history and nature, sea spray and feasts, for enthusiasts of maritime tales. Proof of this will be found at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and in the charming village of Peggy’s Cove.

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic houses many maritime treasures, including thousands of marine photographs, boat models, a vast collection of marine maps, portraits of ships, and so on. However, it is doubtless its permanent exhibition devoted to the Titanic, the largest collection of wooden objects from the ship that sank 700 nautical miles off the coast, which attracts the most curiosity.

Then, Peggy’s Cove, a charming fishing village where 40 souls live all year round, will reveal its colorful houses, its small shops, its immense rocks, its lighthouse, and its history with close links to lobster fishing. In the eponymous cove, discover the sculpture of William de Garthe, dedicated to local fishermen.
On the way back, admire the panoramic views over Halifax and its famous citadel, the guardian of the city since it was founded two and a half centuries ago.

This excursion involves walking approximately 1 km (0.6 miles). The walk to Peggy's Cove is optional, but it is recommended that you wear warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable shoes.

Halifax Past & Present - 3 hours
It would almost be easy to forget that Halifax, capital of Nova Scotia, is one of the country’s largest and most dynamic ports. Its public gardens, its historic monuments, and the old-world charm of certain buildings make it seem like an attractive little town sitting at the crossroads of eras.

Amidst the ultra-modern glass towers, Halifax unveils various historical and architectural treasures that make the city, founded in 1749, even more distinctive. In the city center, for example, you will come face to face with Province House, the seat of provincial government and the oldest legislative building in Canada. It was proclaimed a gem of Georgian architecture by Charles Dickens. The hospitals, universities, City Hall, St Paul's Church, and the residential districts of the South End also offer a fine overview of 18th- and 19th-century architecture.

Further on, the Public Gardens, built in the Victorian style in 1874, unveil lush nature, punctuated here and there with elegant statues, fountains, and a fine bandstand.

On the foothills of the city, Halifax Citadel will tell another part of this natural harbor’s history. A majestic fort completed in 1856, it was one of the jewels of the Crown and among the most advanced British military fortifications of its day.

Finally, at Fairview Lawn Cemetery, the final resting place for 112 victims of the sinking of the Titanic, you will rediscover the history of the famous cruise ship’s tragic maiden voyage.

This excursion involves walking around 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) on uneven ground. It is recommended that you wear comfortable walking shoes.

Yarmouth, anchored on the south-western coast of Nova Scotia, is appreciated for its maritime charm. A historic port and the second southernmost town in Canada, the charming little town is overflowing with rich Acadian culture, evidence of its vibrant past. The Acadians, descendants of the French settlers who arrived at the start of the 1600s, have conserved their language, culture, customs and traditions. Explore the emblematic Cape Forchu Lighthouse, with its spectacular ocean views, and fall under the charm of the warm and welcoming atmosphere that reigns in its streets edged with colorful houses as well as around its lively quays.

Included Excursions:

Historic walking tour of Yarmouth - 2 hours
Set off to discover Yarmouth’s rich past during a guided walk around its historic district, followed by a visit of its museum.

Follow your guide through the peaceful streets of Yarmouth, home to fine Victorian residences and former sea captains’ homes, witnesses to a golden age shaped by the sea. During the walk, you will hear captivating anecdotes about the bravery of the sailors of yesteryear and the maritime prosperity that made the town famous.

The excursion will culminate with a visit to the Yarmouth County Museum and Archives and its fascinating collection, before you enjoy a sweet break – coffee, tea, and local treats – in a welcoming atmosphere.

This excursion involves walking a few kilometers on uneven and sometimes steep ground. It is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing.

Folklore of the South Shore​ - 2 hours
Explore the town of Yarmouth on foot and dive into the mysterious and fascinating stories of Nova Scotia’s southern coast. This gripping experience features unresolved crimes, urban legends, and folklore.

Follow your guide on an unusual walk through the historic streets of Yarmouth, discovering its dark and little-known side. You will be drawn in by these accounts of strange and unexplained events, which still haunt the collective imagination today. Fans of investigations and unsolved cases will enjoy this immersive experience featuring a blend of reality and superstition.

This excursion involves walking around 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) on varied and sometimes steep ground, with some steps to negotiate. It is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

The Lighthouse of Cape Forchu - 3 hours and 9 minutes
Discover the wild beauty and maritime heritage of Yarmouth & Acadian Shores during an exclusive excursion to Cape Forchu.

Nestling at the southwestern tip of Nova Scotia, the Yarmouth region reveals a little-known face of Canada, between untamed sea, living heritage, and ancient traditions. On the Killam Bros. Marina, the salty breeze sweeps across the pontoon where local enthusiastic guides await you. You will take a bus in the direction of one of Nova Scotia’s most spectacular sites: Cape Forchu. Perched on windswept cliffs, it offers a breathtaking view over the Atlantic Ocean, whose roaring swell recounts centuries of maritime history all by itself.

Here, visitors are invited to stroll at their own pace on the paths running along the sea, to discover the emblematic apple-core-shaped lighthouse, to celebrate the present moment before the infinite blue expanse, and to talk with the local interpreters who perpetuate the accounts of this territory shaped by fishermen and pioneers. One of the highlights of the visit is the Living Wharves demonstration, a captivating immersion into the ancestral handicraft and expertise of the fishing industry, still very much alive in these lands.

On the way back, the escapade is extended on the Yarmouth Bar, with two stops that are as photogenic as they are symbolic. First of all, the Buoy Wall, a colorful display of floats marked by the spray, silent witnesses to a culture that looks to the sea. Then, Fish Point, a natural belvedere on the bay, and its fishing boats, where the visitor’s gaze may lose itself between the sky and the ocean.

All along the way, French-speaking guides will enthusiastically tell you local anecdotes and legends, providing precious insight into this land full of memory and character.

Finally, the excursion will end where it began, in the port of Yarmouth, with your cameras full of vibrant shots and your spirits nourished by an authentic experience.

This excursion involves walking around 1.55 kilometers (almost 1 mile) on uneven and rocky ground. Climbing the 77 steps leading to the top of the lighthouse requires a good physical condition. The order of visits may vary.

At the Canadian border, Eastport is, as its name suggests, the easternmost city in the United States. It is here that, in 1604, the first French people to arrive in the New World settled. Discover their story at the Saint Croix Island International Historic Site. In the late 19th century, this charming town in Maine grew significantly as a result of the development of the canned sardine industry. At the time, the town boasted more than a dozen sardine canneries. The architecture and some mansions from this period live on, affording the town a distinct elegance. One of the attractions of this town is undeniably its proximity to the Old Sow Whirlpool, the largest tidal whirlpool in the Northern Hemisphere, where visitors can watch the birds and marine mammals that come to feed on the nutrients driven up to the surface.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.

Nicknamed “ America's Walking City”,   the city is considered to be the epicenter of American history. Founded in 1630, the tenth largest agglomeration in the United States,  is a pleasure for walkers. To get around, just follow the Freedom Trail circuit that serves most of the tourist sites with its red line traced on the ground. Don’t miss all the delicious local specialities on offer at Quincy Market, like the lobster sandwich, and then take time to explore North End, the Italian quarter. For the more romantic among you, Beacon Hill, the historic quarter, with its absolutely charming cobbled streets, is really worth a look.

Included Excursion:

Scenic Boston and JFK Library - 3 hours and 30 minutes
From the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum to a panoramic walk through the city’s emblematic sites, discover Boston from a different perspective and dive into the fascinating history of the capital of Massachusetts.

Boston, renowned for its rich historic and cultural heritage, has a host of treasures to offer, including the emblematic John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, dedicated to the former US president. At Columbia Point, between the walls of the building designed by the iconic architect I.M. Pei, explore the history of the Kennedy administration through a multitude of artwork, personal artifacts, rare videos, and historic documents. A special section is devoted to Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, highlighting her elegance (some of her outfits are displayed here), her grace, and her impact as First Lady.

Following this dive into the Kennedy era, set off on a panoramic visit of Boston. Cross Copley Square and its emblematic buildings, wind your way through the historic streets of the Beacon Hill neighborhood, admire the Massachusetts State House and its golden dome, the Freedom Trail, and the King's Chapel.

This excursion will be conducted in English only. The order of visits may change. It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

This little town is the ideal starting point for a stroll around Martha’s Vineyard ».  The gentle lifestyle of this incomparable setting has been attracting American presidents for several decades. Oak Bluffs will surprise you first and foremost by its Gingerbread Houses. The story goes that the Methodist community settled here more than a century ago, and built these colorful houses, straight out of the Hansel and Gretel fairytale fairytale. You’ll certainly enjoy a visit to the Flying Horses, the oldest wooden carousel in the United States.

The biggest city in the United States is fascinating on many accounts. With its five particularly spread out districts - Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island –, it offers an incredible number of cultural interests. You’ll just love taking in the constant buzz in Times Square, discovering beautiful classical masterpieces at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, taking a stroll in Central Park’s 341 hectares, or climbing to the top of the Statue of Liberty. Not surprising then that the Big Apple is to be consumed without moderation!