Canada & New England Cruises: Excursions

Enjoy all that Maine has to offer as you board a private boat for a cruise through Casco Bay to a private island where you’ll enjoy a delicious 'downeast' lobster bake and a tour of a Civil War Fort. Departing from the waterfront, you’ll have magnificent views of Portland and the surrounding islands as you cruise through Casco Bay to House Island. With records dating back to 1661, House Island was one of the first islands in the Bay area to be occupied. Originally built to defend Portland against the British, the fort was later used to defend the north against the south during the Civil War. During your walking tour of the fort, explore the 70 gun casements, subterranean vaults, archways, tunnels and circular stairways of this unique fort. After you have worked up an appetite touring the fort, you’ll be treated to a feast comprised of an approximately 1 1/4-pound lobster, clam chowder, corn on the cob, cole slaw, potato chips and blueberry cake and a non-alcoholic beverage. For the non-lobster lover, it can be substituted with chicken. Note: The topography of the island is not suitable for guests on wheelchairs. Participants must be able to walk approximately 1/2 mile over uneven and cobblestone surfaces with approximately 15 to 20 steps. Boat does not have a ramp. less

Experience the splendor of French Canada's countryside as you drive into the foothills of the Laurentian Mountains to the renowned Lake Beauport area. Surrounded by emerald forests, a photo stop will be made to view the beauty of the lake and mountain scenery. Continuing toward the Beaupre Coast a stop will be made at the magnificent Montmorency Falls. Cascading down a 272-foot (83 meter) cliff, Montmorency is one-and-a-half times as high as Niagara Falls. Take a step back in time as you cross the bridge to the Ile d'Orleans where you'll enjoy a scenic drive through the picturesque villages of traditional rural Quebec. Passing the tip of the island, see the lovely 19th-century resort homes of Quebec's rich merchant class with spectacular views of the skyline of the city. The Quebec area is well-known for its production of maple syrup therefore, during the tour you'll have the opportunity to visit an authentic sugar shack, learn about the production of the maple products and sample the sweet maple taffy. Note: You'll have free time to walk the nature trails along the falls. Coffee, tea and pastries will be served either at the Montmorency Manor or the Sugar Shack. less

Experience a narrated excursion of Halifax, including a drive by historic properties, a restored section of the waterfront, Citadel Hill and the beautiful public gardens before heading out to Peggy’s Cove. On this tour you’ll travel along the scenic coastal highway to the tiny village of Peggy’s Cove, where less than 40 residents live year round. See the brightly colored houses nestled close to the water’s edge in this working rustic fishing village.

As you enter the cove, drive by the monument carved by local artist William deGarthe from a massive slab of granite and a tribute to the people of Peggy’s Cove. Your guide will also spin tales of the Cove, explain how it got its name, tell you the story of its lighthouse and talk about the lobster fishery, which is the backbone of the local economy. There is also an optional live lobster demonstration by your guide, if you wish. Explore the village on your own and if you choose, there is plenty of time to visit a few of the shops and galleries before you return to your ship.

Note: Walking at Peggy's Cove is optional. If you choose to explore the Peggy’s Cove area, wear warm clothing, a raincoat and sturdy low-heeled shoes, as the wind often carries salt water spray great distances. less

Explore the mountains, fjords and coastal wonders of Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This tour features beautiful scenery on the north side of the park and includes a total of four hours of travel by coach. The local lunch features distinctive Newfoundland flavors. You’ll stop at Gros Morne Park’s visitor center to learn about the geological significance of this park, hailed as the “Galapagos of Geology”. The Lobster Cove Lighthouse stop will introduce you to the first people of North America and the history of the local communities including some famous local shipwrecks.

Newfoundland's geological history comes alive at Western Brook Pond, looking at the distant, raised, inland fjord that was carved by the sea and slipped away from the ocean's edge a mere 15,000 years ago. There’s lots of opportunity to enjoy the scenery including Gros Morne Mountain and to learn about the history and geology of our planet together with the fishing culture of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Note: This tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs. less

Begin with a memorable drive through historic downtown Charlottetown followed by a stop at the famous Prince Edward Island National Park, home of Cavendish and Anne of Green Gables homestead. Green Gables, part of Lucy Maud Montgomery's Cavendish National Historic Site, has become famous around the world as the inspiration for the setting in Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic tale of fiction, Anne of Green Gables. In real life, this farm was the home of David Jr. and Margaret MacNeill, who were cousins of Montgomery's grandfather. You’ll rekindle memories from the past as you stroll the site. En route, you’ll stop at the Prince Edward Island Preserves Company to sample homemade jams and visit the coastal fishing village of North Rustico, on the shore of Rustico Harbour, and learn about the history of the Prince Edward Island fishery. Then relax and enjoy the picturesque landscape on the drive back to the city as your tour winds to a close. Note: Access to Green Gables main floor is via wheelchair ramp. The second floor at Green Gables is not wheelchair accessible. Color photographs of the second floor rooms are available for those who cannot climb stairs. Tour itinerary may be reversed to avoid overcrowding at Green Gables. less