Canada & New England Cruises: Excursions

Your tour encompasses all aspects of Halifax's connection to the sinking of the Titanic, including the historic pier from which cable ships were dispatched to pick up victims, the churches, temporary morgue sites, and Fairview Cemetery, where rows of gravestones mark the final resting place of 121 victims. Immerse yourself in history at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which houses an excellent permanent exhibit on the disaster, including photographs, wooden artifacts and the only intact Titanic deck chair in the world. Compare the details of this devastating event to that of the Halifax Explosion, which occurred just five years later. The result of a collision between the Imo and the Mont Blanc, a French munitions ship, the explosion leveled the north end of Halifax, and killed or injured thousands. But most importantly, learn of the compassionate relief effort displayed by the world to help this city and its inhabitants overcome their instant and tragic loss, and rebuild their lives. less

Board your Big Pink Sightseeing bus to explore Sydney, the largest community and commercial center of Cape Breton Island. Begin your tour in the historic north end settled in 1785 by British Loyalists from the New England colonies and pass by Victoria Park, the site of the original garrison camp. Continue through downtown Sydney with a brief stop at Wentworth Park for a photo opportunity. You’ll then proceed to Whitney Pier, the former site of Sydney Steel Mill which dates back to 1900. Visit the Historical Museum and learn about the importance the Sydney Coal Fields have on the local economy.

These industries brought immigrants from many parts of the world giving Sydney a multicultural mix of more than 50 ethnic backgrounds. Another photo stop will be made at The Melting Pot, honoring these people, their strong work ethic and cultural pride. Continue to the First Nations community of Membertou, a modern day blueprint for all aboriginal communities in North America. Return to the pier where you can do some shopping at the cruise terminal, visit the Interpretation Center and The Big Ceilidh Fiddle.

Welcome to New France! Discover the European charm and character of the first French City in North America as you explore the city sites and learn the fascinating history of Quebec's 400-year legacy. Perched on a hill overlooking the St. Lawrence River is the Chateau Frontenac, the best-known landmark in Quebec. Located just outside the Chateau is the romantic boardwalk known as Dufferin Terrace from where you'll have a spectacular view of the St. Lawrence River, Ile d'Orleans and the Laurentian Mountains. Passing through the St. Louis Gate, you'll next explore the National Battlefields Park, with a short photo stop at Cap Diamant. Continuing past trendy Grand Allee, the Champs-Elysees of Quebec lined with quaint shops, sidewalk cafes and boutiques, you'll pass the Hotel du Parliament, an imposing Second Empire-style building. less

Board your Big Pink Sightseeing bus to explore Sydney, the largest community and commercial center of Cape Breton Island. Begin your tour in the historic north end settled in 1785 by British Loyalists from the New England colonies and pass by Victoria Park, the site of the original garrison camp. Continue through downtown Sydney with a brief stop at Wentworth Park for a photo opportunity. You’ll then proceed to Whitney Pier, the former site of Sydney Steel Mill which dates back to 1900. Visit the Historical Museum and learn about the importance the Sydney Coal Fields have on the local economy. These industries brought immigrants from many parts of the world giving Sydney a multicultural mix of more than 50 ethnic backgrounds. Another photo stop will be made at The Melting Pot, honoring these people, their strong work ethic and cultural pride.

Continue to the First Nations community of Membertou where you’ll celebrate the heritage, culture and unique history of these people through educational and interactive experiences. Your tour guide and/or Elders of Membertou will encourage you to experience their story, learn Mi’kmaq dance and drum as they provide a hands on demonstration and instruction. Sample traditional Mi’kmaq food and/or treat as you learn the history of their food, perhaps comparing the old way with the new. Enjoy a walk in their garden area and visit Petroglyphs Gift Shop featuring arts and crafts from the Mi’kmaq Nation and other First Nations across Atlantic Canada. You’ll then board your coach returning to the ship along the waterfront.

Your guide will meet you at the cruise ship pavilion and take you on an approximately 10-minute walk to the 'Haligonian III'. This vessel docked at the Tall Ships Quay, offers a choice of decks - the top is open to the fresh air and the bottom is enclosed and heated. Listen to your guide’s full commentary as you take in the wonderful views and wildlife along the coastline of George’s and Mc Nab’s Island before entering the great North Atlantic. You may see some marine life including seals, porpoises, sunfish and whales (marine life sightings are not guaranteed). Enjoy the true maritime experience of hauling in a live lobster trap while the onboard naturalist introduces you to the economic importance of the lobster fishing industry and takes you through the unique lifecycle of these crustaceans. Also, enjoy onboard demonstrations including a touch tank, featuring many examples of local marine life. Note: You must climb approximately 15 steps to access the lower enclosed deck and washrooms. Participants must be in good enough physical condition to walk to and from the cruise pavilion. Vessel cannot accommodate motorized scooters or wheelchairs. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. less

Travel off the beaten path to explore the Bay of Fundy’s spectacular scenery. Home to the highest tides in the world, the Bay of Fundy has a beautiful and dramatic coastline, with scenic vistas that shift with the ebb and flow of the tide. This scenic tour includes a stop to explore a Bay of Fundy beach, as well as a visit to a working fishing wharf to learn about techniques of fisherfolk of the Bay of Fundy for catching lobster, herring and more. You’ll also stop by a picturesque waterfall on a river en route. Throughout your scenic tour, your local guide will entertain and inform you with facts and folklore about the Bay of Fundy. Learn about the way of life for those who make their living along the Bay of Fundy, as well as the fascinating effects of the Bay of Fundy tides and the varieties of wildlife that call the Bay of Fundy their home. less