Canada & New England Cruises: Excursions

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.

Featuring one of the most scenic drives on the east coast, Acadia is one of the most visited National Parks in the United States. You’ll first pass through the quaint town of Bar Harbor to view some of the charming Victorian Mansions built by America’s rich and famous at the turn of the century. Entering the National Park, your journey along the 27-mile Park Loop Road will take you along the ocean’s edge passing Sand Beach, Schooner Head Overlook, and the High Seas mansion built by a wealthy gentleman whose wife perished on the Titanic. Continue past Otter Cliffs and the Gulf of Maine with beautiful views of the offshore islands. Travel through pine forests and past the Jordon Pond House with a beautiful view of the Penobscot Mountains and Bubbles Hill. Keep your eyes open for bald eagles and white tail deer as you make your way around the Park Loop Road. Your tour culminates (weather permitting) with a photo stop atop the 1,530-foot (466 meters) Cadillac Mountain, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of granite cliffs, coastal mountains, forests, lakes, and valleys. Note: At Cadillac Mountain, walking is at your discretion. Walking surfaces are paved and partially accessible by wheelchair, but there are some uneven, slippery-when-wet areas and some steps. If weather conditions dictate, Cadillac Mountain will be substituted with a stop at Jordan Pond or the Visitors Center. The order of the stops might be reversed to avoid congestion. less

To make the most of your day in Portland, this tour combines the city highlights with a visit to Portland Head Light and the charming seaside town of Kennebunkport. Highlights of Portland include 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 past a number of historic Victorian homes and neighborhoods, enjoy terrific views of Casco Bay and the islands from the East End Promenade. Passing through the urban center, you’ll see Portland's new Arts District, as well as the thriving commercial and business district. Continuing along the beautiful coastline of Maine, arrive at the picturesque town of Cape Elizabeth for a visit of the oldest lighthouse in Maine. First illuminated on January 10, 1791, Portland 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.

Located just 45 minutes from Portland, enjoy a scenic drive through Kennebunkport passing the stunning Federal and Victorian-style mansions built by wealthy sea captains and merchants in the 1700s and 1800s. Pass Walker's Point, the Bush estate and former Summer White House where world leaders often gathered. A stop will be made in the center of Kennebunkport at Dock Square to enjoy some free time for shopping along the picturesque bayfront streets lined with galleries, unique boutiques and antique stores. You’ll also have time for lunch or a snack on your own in one of the many restaurants, outdoor cafes, or pubs overlooking the harbor.

On this tour, experience the best of both the city of Quebec and the surrounding countryside. Perched high above the St. Lawrence River, your tour will include a stop at Dufferin Terrace and Chateau Frontenac, where you'll have an opportunity to independently visit the Chateau or take in the spectacular view of the St. Lawrence River, Ile d’Orleans and the Laurentian Mountains. Passing through the St. Louis Gate, explore the National Battlefields Park, site of the historic battle where the French surrendered to the British in 1759. A photo stop will be made at Cap Diamant before continuing to the heart of the Lower Town and the beautifully restored market square, Place Royale. Along the narrow cobblestone streets of Petit Champlain, discover quaint boutiques, specialty shops and outdoor cafes. Within minutes of the Old Walled City of Quebec are the beautiful pastoral landscapes of the Island of Orleans and Montmorency Falls. Cascading down a 272-foot (83 meter) cliff, Montmorency Falls 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 passing the tip of the island and the lovely 19th-century resort homes of Quebec's rich merchant class with spectacular views of the skyline of Quebec. Located along the infamous Beaupre Coast, your journey takes you along the Chemin de Roy (King's Road) to the world-renowned shrine of St. Anne de Beaupre. With over one-and-a-half million visitors and pilgrims making their way to the shrine each year, St. Anne has become one of the most important Catholic sites in North America. Enjoy lunch at a beautiful setting in the countryside of Quebec. Note: Walking at the different stops is mostly on level ground, with some cobblestone streets. There are 20 steps to reach the basilica, 20 steps at the memorial chapel and 85 steps at the Scala Santa. less