Canada & New England Cruises: Excursions

Explore Gaspe, its surroundings and magnificent Forillon National Park. In the Micmac language, Gaspe means Land’s End. Gaspe is associated with the beginning of western history in North America; the cross that Jacques Cartier erected here in 1534 has made it the birthplace of Canada. The town is unique, covering 606 square miles (975 square km), with 93 miles (150 km) of coastline exposed to the sea! Wherever one is in Gaspe, water – either fresh or salty – is never far away. The deep, coastal indentation is the Bay of Gaspe – a magnificent body of water sheltered by the surrounding mountains. Edged by stretches of sandy or pebble beaches, the bay becomes the gathering place for swimmers, boaters and water-sports enthusiasts. A visit to Forillon National Park is sure to be a unique adventure. The tip of Forillon, which was declared a Canadian national park in order to preserve the wild beauty of its coast, reveals various geological formations and phenomena up to 450 million years old. Its majestic landscapes cover a 152 square mile (244 square km) area that is carved out of the sea, cliffs and mountains. Here, where the land joins the sea, are born pebble beaches, dizzying cliffs, small coves, rocky capes and fine sand beaches. The presence of ten different rock formations, colonies of seabirds and enigmatic Arctic-alpine plants give this park its unique character. The park also bears witness to an important cultural and historical heritage. The mark humans have left on the Forillon landscape speaks of how closely their lifestyle was attuned to the natural environment. In fact, 'Harmony between man, the land and the sea' was chosen as the theme that would guide promotional activities in the park precisely because of the significant natural and cultural characteristics inherent to Forillon. To the west of the village, you can explore Fort Peninsule, an old lookout and vestige of the Second World War. A little-known episode of the Second World War took place right in the Bay of Gaspe. Located in the northern area of Forillon National Park, Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse, erected in 1858, is one of the tallest beacons built by the Canadian Coast Guard in Quebec. Canada's tallest lighthouse, it soars 112 feet (34.1 meters) into the air. The Cap-Bon-Ami Sea Cliffs constitute the rock walls corresponding to the peak front and are located at the northern side of the Forillon Peninsula. Those escarpments are huge especially near the sea, from the end of the Cap-des-Rosiers plains to Forillon extremity. All of the littoral wall vary in heights and can go to 197 feet (180 meters) at the south-east of Cap-bon-Ami. Seabirds give the park a definite maritime feel. Each year, the spring migrations bring double-crested cormorant, black guillemot, black-legged kittiwake, gulls and razorbill, all attracted by suitable breeding sites and an abundance of food in the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Gaspe Bay. The sea cliffs of the Cap-bon-Ami area accommodate the park's largest gathering of birds during the breeding period, including thousands of black-legged kittiwakes. Designated a historic monument and a national historic site of Canada, the Manoir Le Boutillier was constructed around 1850 by John Le Boutillier, a leading cod merchant originally from Jersey (one of the Channel Islands). The lively tour introduces visitors to a facet of the regional heritage of the Gaspe Peninsula; the restored manor is as it was when John Le Boutillier occupied the house (1850-1860). Wrap up your tour with lunch at Centre Culturel Le Griffon, a unique cultural center with a maritime atmosphere. Located in a former authentic cold store built in 1942, The Centre Culturel Le Griffon houses a number of services for visitors including the Cafe de L'Anse, a historic exhibit on the time when cooperatives came into being, and an artists' studio. Note: Walking is on both flat and gravel surfaces with 1 1/2 flights of stairs at Le Boutillier Manor. Fort Peninsula and LeBoutiller Manor are not wheelchair accessible. less

See the best of Saint John by land and sea. Depart the pier with your local guide and explore the city’s highlights, including the colorful streets of Saint John’s historic uptown and the breathtaking view from Fort Howe. Stop for a photo at Fallsview Park, where the mighty St. John River meets the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy, creating the renowned Reversing Falls Rapids. Next, board an enclosed sightseeing tour boat for a view of the rapids from sea level and a cruise of the Saint John Harbor, including Harbour Passage, the Port of Saint John and of course, your cruise ship. Both on land and sea, your guide will entertain you with tales of Saint John’s fascinating personalities and historic events. Disembark your sightseeing boat at Market Slip and enjoy the walk along the waterfront to return to the pier or stay uptown to explore at your leisure. Note: Participants must be able to descend 60 steps onto a floating dock with an incline that varies with the tides and walk back to the pier after your tour for approximately 1/4-mile. less

Experience ziplining like nowhere else in Atlantic Canada. It's a cross between parachuting and flying and it's the ride of a lifetime! Challenge yourself on this exciting zipline located at the base of Marble Mountain. The mountains and waterfalls of Corner Brook provide a dramatic, scenic back-drop to your adventure. The English speaking zip crew will meet you and transport you by van to Steady Brook.

Journey up Marble Mountain by mountain truck, to where nine ziplines and 10 platforms provide a thrill-of-a-lifetime over majestic 250 foot waterfalls and the scenic Humber Valley, at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. Marble Zip provides an unforgettable and thrilling adventure, in an environmentally friendly manner that can be enjoyed by all ages, from six to eighty. All participants will be required by the operator to sign an English language waiver prior to the start of the adventure.

New Brunswick is renowned for its Wild Blueberries, ranked as nature’s number one antioxidant. On this unique excursion, your senses will come alive as you see, touch, and taste this delicious fruit. Meet the farmers, learn all about our native wild blueberry, and taste these blueberries in gourmet experiences you never dreamed possible. Granite Town is nestled in the heart of wild blueberry country in St. George, New Brunswick. The owners proudly grow all of their own northern wild blueberries to create a unique line of specialty and gourmet products. Get acquainted with all aspects of farming and processing the blueberries, and hear stories of how they are grown and pollinated with honey bees. Try your hand at raking blueberries and see where gourmet products are still processed by hand. Then, top off the experience with their signature taste tour, a mouth-watering tasting and sampling of their many gourmet wild blueberry products. Note: Uneven loose gravel, dirt and grass areas. Inside processing, packaging and tasting area has even paved concrete. less

Tour Saint John on a San Francisco-style motorized trolley, similar to the century-old streetcars and enjoy the narrative by your driver-guide as Saint John history comes to life. Discover Saint John’s charm and learn about the personalities and events that have contributed to its fascinating history. Visit the Reversing Falls Rapids, where the mighty Bay of Fundy causes the St. John River to reverse direction and flow upstream. View the port of Saint John and your cruise ship against the beauty of the Bay of Fundy from Fort Howe lookout. Discover 400 years of history in the heart of Canada’s oldest incorporated city and experience a delightful blend of past and present. Your tour ends at the Old City Market, in the heart of Saint John. Disembark and explore at your leisure, as you are within a three block radius of Saint John’s top attractions. If you wish, you may stay on your trolley to return to your ship. less