Jazz at Sea from Quebec to the Big Apple

Montreal, the second-largest city in Canada, blends historic charm with modern energy. Located on an island in the St. Lawrence River, the city features distinct neighborhoods worth exploring. Walk the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, a designated historic district. Visit Little Italy and browse Jean-Talon Market, one of North America's biggest open-air markets. Head to the Golden Square Mile to see well-preserved Victorian homes set along the slopes of Mount Royal. Discover a city shaped by both European roots and North American development.

Quebec City, the capital of Quebec province, stands where the St. Charles River meets the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Founded in the 1600s, this city still features intact defensive walls—the only ones of their kind left in North America. Walk through Old Quebec, a UNESCO-listed district known for its historic architecture and narrow lanes. Browse shops along pedestrian-only Petit-Champlain Street or stop for a local spruce beer. Head to Dufferin Terrace for views of the river and the iconic Château Frontenac.

Included Excursions:

Quebec Half-Day Tour – 4 hours and 30 minutes
Start in Old Quebec and explore major historic and natural landmarks. Walk through Battlefields Park, site of the 1759 clash between French and British forces. Continue along Grande-Allee, lined with cafes and boutiques, and view the Parliament Building. Then, drive into the countryside to Montmorency Falls, where water drops dramatically into the St. Lawrence River. At a nearby maple farm, watch maple syrup being poured on snow and taste maple taffy. End with a visit to the Quebec National Museum of Fine Arts, home to collections of local art from different periods.

Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes.

Old Quebec Walk & Chateau Frontenac Tour – 3 hours
Join a guided walk through Old Quebec’s historic streets, originally settled by explorer Samuel de Champlain. Begin at Place Royale, where merchant homes surround the city’s oldest stone church. Continue to the Petit-Champlain district, filled with boutiques and cafés. Ride the funicular up to Upper Town for a guided tour of Château Frontenac, a landmark hotel and former meeting site of World War II leaders. Enjoy panoramic river views from Dufferin Terrace, then follow your guide past key sites including Place d’Armes, Quebec Seminary, and Artists Alley.

Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

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 Excursions:

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.

Exploring Tadoussac on foot - 2 hours and 30 minutes
Possessing one of the world’s lost beautiful bays, flanked by its large hotel with its characteristic red roof, Tadoussac is a picture-postcard village. Walk around this superb territory located at the confluence of the Saint Lawrence River and the Saguenay fjord.

Life goes by peacefully in this village of 800 souls, lulled by the whisper of the waves and the salty air. While the history of the village of Tadoussac goes back to the arrival of Europeans on the American continent, the site itself was occupied by native communities from prehistoric times. Moreover, the origin of the word “tadoussac” finds its roots in Indian vocabulary. Tadoussac experienced the fur trade from the 17th to the 19th century, then the timber industry, before becoming a popular holiday destination.

Walk the Trail Pointe-de-l'Islet, which offers incredible views of the St. Lawrence River and the Saguenay River, as well as the chance to spot whales and belugas!

You will then visit the Chauvin Trading Post, a recreation of Canada’s very first fur trading post, with an exhibition focused on first contacts, the trading post and trading.

Visit the Marine Mammal Interpretation Center (CIMM), which presents an exhibit on the whales of the St. Lawrence and related scientific research. Return to the marina and the end of the tour.

Before leaving, you will visit the Little Chapel, located on the property, also called the Indian Chapel. It is the oldest wooden church in North America, having been constructed in 1747 by Jesuit missionaries who came to convert the local population to Christianity. It houses religious objects that were used over two and a half centuries ago.

This excursion involves walking around 2 km (1.2 miles). It is recommended that you wear comfortable walking shoes. The order of visits may change.

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 Perce, one of the most beautiful villages in Quebec. Apart from the attractions of the town itself, Perce 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 Excursions:

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 the brewery that await you here.

First stop: the Pied-de-Vent dairy, a delicious example of Madelinot perseverance and craftmanship. 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 of 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 A 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.

Acadian Culture & Heritage - 4 hours
From the cider works to the designers’ workshop, via the Sea Museum and Cap Hérissé, discover the various faces of the Magdalen Islands and its inhabitants.
Le Verger de Poméloi orchard is planted on the heights of the Magdalen Islands, overlooking the sea, and will plunge you into a kingdom ruled by the apple. Éloi Vigneau has been passionate about agriculture since his teenage years and started to plant his first apple trees in 1990 as part of an experimental project. From year to year, he followed the growth of the saplings in the local climate, as they faced the wind and sea air. 18 years later, he runs a small cider works and distillery producing excellent beverages while respecting the environment.

Then you will head for the Sea Museum. The permanent exhibition, called Laboureurs du Golfe, recounts the archipelago’s history, which is of course connected to the evolution of maritime practices. Objects and photographs tell stories of fishermen and shipwrecks, the development of ships and lighthouses, seal hunting, etc.

Not far from there is the Atelier Côtier workshop, a creative space coupled with a store where “8 friends and 1 dog have fun making beautiful things”. Here, the sand of the islands is transformed into singular sculptures, and the landscapes inspire the creation of design or decoration objects, clothing or jewellery.
To finish, you will head to the north of the island to admire the incredible jagged cliffs of Cap Hérissé.

There are no particular difficulties with this excursion. It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothing.

Set in the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Breton Island turns up fun-to-explore curiosities such as Louisbourg, the former capital 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 Excursions:

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 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 Café 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, 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 colourful 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 the 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. We recommend wearing 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 to 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.

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 epicentre 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.

This marina harbor, with only 25,000 inhabitants, boasts fabulous Gilded Age mansions inspired by French and Italian palaces. One example is The Elms, the summer residence of the Berwind family, who made their fortune in the coal industry. Another is the imposing Château-sur-Mer built by the Wetmore family. But the cream of the crop is The Breakers, a Renaissance-style palace composed of 70 rooms.

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!