Canada & New England Cruises: Excursions

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.

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.

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

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