Canada & New England Cruises: Excursions

Let a costumed guide take you on a historic stroll through the downtown Charlottetown area. Learn about the famous conference of 1864 which gave this city its designation as the Birthplace of Canada. Discover street after street of beautiful historic Victorian era homes as you experience part of our Canadian heritage. You’ll learn about the famous Conference of 1864, which gave the city its designation as the Birthplace of Canada. Discover beautiful churches, quaint shops and cobbled streets as you learn about the Fathers of Confederation. Note: Participants must be at least 10 years of age. Distance covered is approximately 3/4-mile. Walking is on paved surfaces, sidewalks and cobblestone streets with slight inclines. Not all venues are wheelchair accessible. 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

Discover Gaspe's rich history on foot. Gespeg, in the native tongue of the Amerindian Mi'gmaq, means 'land’s end' and yet, Gaspe is usually associated with the beginning of western history in North America. A highly diverse cultural mosaic, Gaspe encompasses myriad landscapes and is home to people of many origins. The landscape and daily life in each sector of the Greater Gaspe have their own unique character and color. The deep, coastal indentation is Gaspe Bay – 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 those who enjoy other water sports. Following the example set by the St. Malo explorer, the Gaspe heritage walk gives you the opportunity to learn more about and appreciate the Gaspe’s historical and cultural heritage by showing you the architecture and commemorative art that speak of the past. Travel through time and rediscover Gaspe as these sites whisper their tales of the time Native peoples first inhabited the region and the moment Jacques Cartier laid claim to the land. Located near the Musee de la Gaspesie, a regional museum, the Jacques Cartier Monument National Historic Site was inaugurated in 1982 by the Historic Sites and Monuments. Because of the modern and audacious architecture of the Christ-Roi Cathedral and 1934 Commemorative Cross, luminosity plays a singular role in this wooden cathedral. The building also holds a historic and artistic heritage that is unique on the Gaspe Peninsula. Located across from the Christ-Roi Cathedral, this celebrated 33-feet (10-meter) granite monolith symbolizes the events of 1534 when Jacques Cartier took possession of the territory for the King of France. Enjoy your walk! Note: Walking portion of the tour is for approximately one mile (1.6 km) on uneven ground. We recommend that you wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots (no sandals), appropriate outdoor clothing. Rain gear is suggested. less

Picturesque, historic and entertaining, the lively city of Portland incorporates the character and charm of its past with a developing urban community. Your tour begins with a scenic drive through the quaint streets of the Old Port where street lanterns highlight a gracious mix of architectural styles. Once the home of the warehouse district, the red brick buildings have been transformed into charming restaurants, pubs, unique boutiques and galleries. Continuing to Munjoy Hill, enjoy terrific views of Casco Bay and the islands from Fort Allen Park before continuing past one of the city’s most celebrated landmarks, the Portland Observatory. Passing through the business and commercial center you’ll see Portland’s new Arts District, as well as the beautiful facade of City Hall before entering the Western Promenade, one of America’s best-preserved Victorian residential neighborhoods. Entered into the National Register of Historical Places in 1982, the Western Promenade is built on a cliff’s edge, rising 175 feet above sea level and remains one of the wealthiest areas of the city. Situated just outside the city center and along the beautiful rocky coast of Cape Elizabeth is Fort Williams. Once a military outpost for coastal defense, it is now the home of the oldest lighthouse in Maine. First illuminated on January 10, 1791, Port Head Light has since stood at the gateway to Portland Harbor for mariners traveling Maine’s perilous coast. A short photo stop will be made before returning to your ship. Note: At Portland Head Light, walking is at guest’s discretion; from the bus parking area to the lighthouse guests must walk approximately 200 yards over even and uneven terrain with a few steps. less