The untold beauty and richly layered history of New England and Canada are ours to discover on this fascinating voyage aboard the 138-guest Yorktown. Setting out from the quintessential fishing town of Gloucester, we sail north along the picturesque coast of Maine, calling at such places as Boothbay Harbor, where the heritage of shipbuilding is still alive, and famed Acadia National Park, where rugged granite crags meet the sea. We also explore Nova Scotia, with its historic villages and bucolic countryside; the pastoral landscapes of Prince Edward Island; and the Gaspé Peninsula, where Jacques Cartier first claimed Canada for France. Our voyage ends with a glorious sail down the St. Lawrence Seaway to Quebec City, whose historic heart is a World Heritage Site, and the cultural capital of Montreal.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-3
Boston / Boothbay Harbor / Acadia National Park

From Gloucester, Massachusetts, we embark on the Yorktown and cruise to Boothbay Harbor, whose harbor bustles with colorful fishing boats and pleasure craft. At the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, we step aboard an old schooner that is an example of the boats that once cruised the Grand Banks off Newfoundland in search of cod. In Acadia National Park, we discover the Wild Gardens of Acadia, showcasing more than 300 native plant species, and the Abbe Museum, whose collections chronicle Maine’s 10,000 years of Native American culture and history.

Days 4-6
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia / Lunenberg / Halifax

Cruising to the maritime province of Nova Scotia, we visit Yarmouth, an old fishing port with charming Victorian homes, art galleries, museums, and a fascinating shipbuilding history. After exploring the 19th century village of Lunenberg, whose Old Town is a World Heritage Site, we discover the cultural and historic delights of the vibrant port city of Halifax.

Days 7-8
Cape Breton Island / Prince Edward Island

We take in the scenic beauty of Cape Breton Island as we explore the Cabot Trail, the historic route that linked isolated Scottish, English, and Acadian communities during colonial times. Heading to Prince Edward Island, we visit the old seaport of Charlottetown and the Anne of Green Gables House—the inspiration for the classic novel.

Days 9-10
Acadian Peninsula, New Brunswick / Gaspé Peninsula

We get a glimpse of 18th century Acadian life as we visit remote villages of the Acadian Peninsula including Grande Anse, Ile le Mec, and historical Caraquet, settled by Acadians after their expulsion from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in the 1750s. From Gaspé, we visit Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock National Park, home to the largest concentration of northern gannets in North America, and dramatic Percé Rock, rising out of the sea to a height of 300 feet.

Days 11-13
Saguenay River / Quebec City / Montreal

As we head down the St. Lawrence Seaway, a side cruise takes us into the Saguenay River, an important trade route for Canada’s native peoples and the 18th century fur trade. Arriving at Quebec City, we explore this romantic town with its old city walls, historic battlements, and narrow cobblestone lanes. Our voyage ends in Montreal, with an optional 2-night post-cruise extension.

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What the Trip is Like

The trip is rated Level 1, Easiest. There are shore excursions featuring walks, and it is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active.

Explanation of Trip Levels