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Voyage Along the St. Lawrence: From Québec to the Canadian Maritimes – with Smithsonian Journeys

Toronto - Boston - Example 12 Day Cruise aboard Le Champlain
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On this 12-day Voyage Along the St. Lawrence: From Québec to the Canadian Maritimes – with Smithsonian Journeys aboard Le Champlain, navigate the scenic St. Lawrence Seaway. The first stop is cosmopolitan Montréal, followed by the Québec City's historic battlements. In Tadoussac, famous for whale watching, experience Canada's oldest European settlement. Next is the village of Percé, the gateway to the UNESCO Global Geopark of Bonaventure Island. Cap-aux-Meules in the Magdalen Islands showcases Acadian heritage, while charming Lunenburg in Nova Scotia, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers rich history and the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. After a relaxing day at sea, arrive in Eastport, Maine, to explore local art, nature parks, or enjoy whale watching. Conclude in the historic city of Boston, Massachusetts.
Building in downtown Toronto - Ontario, CanadaTadoussac village church, QuebecSee the mighty Niagara FallsExplore beautiful MontrealExplore beautiful and historic MontrealLearn about the history and unique culture of Quebec CityExplore the parks around Quebec City for a view of the cityZakim Bridge reflection on the Charles River in BostonVisit Boston's many parksBeautiful Toronto Skyline
Highlights
  • Visit Québec's Old Historic District a UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Travel the Saint Lawrence, one of the largest rivers in the world
  • Observe marine mammals in Tadoussac, at the mouth of the Saguenay River
  • Explore national parks and charming fishing villages
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Toronto | Embark

Toronto, the largest city in Canada and the capital of Ontario, captivates with its remarkable diversity and size. Be sure to visit the CN Tower, the tallest in the western hemisphere, and the St. Lawrence Market, showcasing the city's multicultural richness. Nearby, the historic Distillery District enchants with its brick-paved streets, romantic charm, and numerous restaurants, cafés, boutiques, theatres, and art galleries. The Royal Ontario Museum, with its extensive collections of natural and cultural history, is another must-see during your visit.




 

Day 2: Sailing Lake Ontario and River Saint Lawrence

Lake Ontario, the smallest and easternmost of North America's five Great Lakes, holds one-fifth of the planet's freshwater. Enjoy a stunning setting, especially during the Indian summer, as you voyage on the sparkling waters of this natural gem, situated 76 meters above sea level. Fed by Lake Erie and the majestic Niagara Falls, it flows into the Saint Lawrence River. Straddling the U.S.-Canada border, the lake is home to vibrant cities like Toronto and also features hidden, pristine areas with beaches, forests, and charming small ports in a picturesque setting.

 

Day 3: Montreal

Famous for its gentle way of life, Montreal, Canada’s second-largest city, is a warm and cosmopolitan metropolis. Situated on the eponymous river island, it is home to a multitude of districts, each as unique as the other. Set off to discover Old Montreal, most of which is declared a historic area, Little Italy, where you’ll be able to stroll around the largest open-air market in North America, or the Golden Square Mile, the luxurious district located on one of the hills of Mount Royal and which has sumptuous Victorian-style residences. Simultaneously marked by the influences of the Old Continent and North-American gigantism, Montreal will never cease to amaze you.

Included excursions: 
Old Montreal on Foot
The Tastes of Montreal 
Montreal Highlights 

Day 4: Quebec

The capital of "La Belle Province" sits at the confluence of the St Charles River and the Gulf of St Lawrence in south-east Canada. Founded in the 17th century, the city still has an encircling wall, a historic civil engineering work and the only one of its kind remaining in North America. You will love the postcard-perfect stone houses of Old Quebec, the historic district listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shopping is a pleasure in pedestrian streets such as Petit-Champlain Street, or you can relax over a spruce beer, seasoned with pine buds. Dufferin Boardwalk, an esplanade near the emblematic Château Frontenac, is the perfect place for views of the river and old city.

Included excursions: 
Historic Quebec
Montmorency and Ile D'orleans

 

Day 5: Tadoussac

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 multicoloured 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 centre, you can hone your knowledge of the cetaceans that regularly frequent Tadoussac bay.

Included excursions: 
Whale Watching 
Walking Tour of Tadoussac 

Day 6: Percé

If you appreciate the beauty of the 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.

Included excursions: 
The Tastes of Coin-du-banc
Perce Heritage Walk 
Hiking the Magic Forest 

Day 7: Cap-aux-Meules, Magdalen Islands

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: 
Acadian Culture and Heritage 
Tastes of Iles de la Madeleine 
The Madelinots and their Environment 

Day 8: At Sea

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 centre. 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.

 

Day 9: Lunenburg

Stretching out along the eastern seaboard of Nova Scotia, the picturesque port of Lunenburg will leave an indelible impression. You can admire the colonial architecture of this fishing village whilst strolling through the chequerboard streets studded with brightly colored houses. The enchanting charm of the old town has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. The former naval shipyard town of Lunenburg is where you will also find the replica of the legendary Bluenose schooner, originally built in this port.

Included excursions: 
Lunenburg Walking Tour & Fisheries Museum 

Day 10: At Sea

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. 

Day 11: Eastport

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.

Included excursions: 
Historic Eastport Walking Tour 
Shackford Head State Park 
Lobster Boat Experience 
 

Day 12: Boston | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Nicknamed “ America's Walking City”,   the city is considered to be the epicenter of American history. 

Disembark after breakfast.

Ship/Hotel

Le Champlain

Le Champlain Pool
Ponant Sauna
Swimming pool

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Canada Cruises & Tours.
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Cabin
Deluxe Stateroom
Area: 19 m². 4m² private balcony with French window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower.
Cabin
Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
Area: 19 m². 4m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower.
Cabin
Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
Area: 19 m². 4m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower.
Cabin
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
Area: 19 m². 4m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower.
Cabin
Deluxe Suite
Area: 27 m². 6m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower. Up to 3 passengers per cabin.
Cabin
Prestige Suite Deck 5
Area: 38 m². 8m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower.
Cabin
Prestige Suite Deck 6
Area: 38 m². 8m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower.
Cabin
Privilege Suite
Area: 32 m². 8m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower. Up to 4 passengers per cabin.
Cabin
Grand Deluxe Suite
Area: 45 m². 30m² private balcony with sliding bay windows. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower + bathtub.
Cabin
Owner's Suite
Area: 45 m². 30m² private balcony with hot tub and sliding bay windows. King-size or twin beds and shower + bathtub.

Notes

Please Note:
Fares are based on double occupancy and are capacity controlled. Rates may increase at any time as the ship sells out and subject to change without notice.
Included
  • 11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 11 Dinners
  • 11 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Port Fees
  • Unlimited Wifi
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Gratuities to Onboard Crew
  • “Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
  • 24h Room Service (special selection)
  • English-Speaking Lecturer 
  • Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
  • Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
  • Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite. 
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Visa Fees
  • Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
  • Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
  • Luggage Handling 
  • Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
  • Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions 
  • Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
  • CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
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