Overview
Cruise the mighty Saint Lawrence Seaway from charming Quebec City to the southern coast of Newfoundland. Along the way, you'll enjoy Zodiac cruises in search of whales and dolphins, marvel at the prolific birdlife and geological attractions of the Mingan Archipelago, hike to Canada’s tallest lighthouse, and explore the natural history of the Gaspé Peninsula, with its famed Percé Rock. You'll also visit Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island, and learn about the Acadian heritage in the Magdalen Islands. After exploring Newfoundland's southern coast, you're in for a treat—the French-owned isles of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, bastions of European culture in easternmost Canada—the perfect ending to this journey full of natural and cultural wonderment.
Note: This cruise is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as agent in booking your reservation with the ship operator. The itinerary, lecturers, and all other arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of the cruise line.
Itinerary
Day 1
Québec City & Tadoussac, Québec, Canada
Welcome to Québec—the vibrant capital of the province with the same name. Predominantly French-speaking, Québec retains strong European influences in architecture, cuisine, and culture. Meet the rest of your like-minded travel companions in the morning, then journey by coach to the charming community of Tadoussac to board the Ocean Endeavour.
Day 2
Saguenay Fjord / Search for Whales and Dolphins
Explore the community of Tadoussac, once an Innu sealing camp and later, in 1599, the site of the first trading post in what is now Canada. Take a Zodiac cruise of Saguenay Fjord National Park, searching for the fin, minke, blue, and beluga whales known to frequent these nutrient-rich waters. Here at the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord, along the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River estuary, this brackish waterway teems with marine life.
Day 3
Jardins De Métis / Reford Gardens
Visit the famed Jardins de Métis, a National Historic Site also called Reford Gardens. Meander the scenic pathways that wind among fifteen distinct gardens offering more than 3,000 species and varieties of flowers and plants. Explore this expansive site to its fullest, including the art installations, sculptures, museum, and restaurant.
Day 4
Havre-Saint-Pierre, Mingan Archipelago
Stand in awe at the spectacular natural sculptures of the Mingan Islands, formed of limestone and shaped by the action of the sea, then wander amongs this incredible landscape. Keep your binoculars at the ready for the Atlantic puffins and Arctic eiders vying for your attention, while harp, harbor, and gray seals cavort in the waters. Make note of the wildly diverse flora of the islands, including 450 plant species, 190 lichens, and 300 mosses!
Day 5
Forillon National Park and Gaspé / Hike to Canada's Tallest Lighthouse
Take in a hike best suited to your own pace—whether that’s a leisurely stroll or an energetic trek—through these remnants of the Appalachian Mountain chain in Forillon National Park. Keep an eye out for birds, marine mammals, and other wildlife. Walk to Canada’s tallest lighthouse and visit Grande-Grave National Heritage Site, which tells the story of the fishing families who once made their homes here. Soak in the scenery of these stunning sea cliffs jutting above the treeline. Here, the Gaspésie (Gaspé Peninsula), separates the mouth of the Saint Lawrence estuary from the Baie de Chaleur.
Day 6
Île Bonaventure National Park / Percé Rock
Visit Parc National de l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé while enjoying a Zodiac cruise. Learn about the geology of world-famous Percé Rock, a huge natural arch of reddish-gold limestone and sandstone with a large sea stack at one end. Marvel at the sight of thousands of northern gannets and other seabirds that nest at nearby Bonaventure Island.
Day 7
Prince Edward Island / Visit Enchanting Communities
Meander through historic Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, 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. You might also opt for possibilities to explore Green Gables—the fictional home of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s famous Anne—or Lennox Island Mi’kmaq First Nation.
Days 8-9
Magdalen Islands / Acadian Culture
Spend two days exploring the robust Acadian heritage, culture, cuisine, and language of les Îles-de-la-Madeleine (the Magdalen Islands). Admire the striking red sandstone cliffs that, though a part of Québec, are in fact geographically closer to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Meet some of the 12,000 or so friendly residents who call this archipelago home and be sure to browse the shops and restaurants for handicrafts, seafood, and local wines and beers!
Day 10
Newfoundland’s South Coast
Journey through the beautiful and windswept coast of southern Newfoundland, dotted with bays, coves, and a few remaining remote outpost communities. Admire outstanding geology and gorgeous botanical life. Spot plentiful birds, whales, and other wildlife as you make the most of every opportunity for Zodiac and land excursions. A visit here will be a highlight of your trip!
Day 11
Saint-Pierre, France / Savor European Shops and Cafés
Indulge in the colorful town of Saint-Pierre, a charming finale to your trip. Just off the shores of Newfoundland lie the islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon—an official territory of France. Wind through charming streets lined with shops, houses, and cafés that bring a taste of Europe to the east coast of North America. Disembark in Saint-Pierre, France, or end your expedition with a charter flight to St. John’s, NL, a cultural hotspot and North America's oldest city.
Mighty Saint Lawrence
