Canada & New England Cruises: Excursions

This exciting, once-in-a-lifetime experience of Halifax’s 'Top 10' things to see and do is designed for those who want to see it all and in very little time. Your tour starts as you travel to Peggy’s Cove the world’s most photographed fishing village. Here you’ll have time to visit and explore the rugged, sea-sculpted granite shores. On your return to the city learn about the maple syrup industry as you make a stop at Acadian Maple and sample a sweet treat. Continue onto Halifax and its major sites. You’ll visit Fairview Lawn Cemetery where 121 victims of the Titanic disaster are buried. Discover trendy Spring Garden Road with its many restaurants and boutiques – it’s been voted "best place to people watch” east of Montreal.

Escape to the lush oasis of the Public Gardens, an authentic Victorian garden nestled in the city’s bustling downtown. Stop atop atop Citadel Hill, one of Canada’s most visited National Historic Sites where you'll have an amazing photo opportunity of the city. Drive along the waterfront and see the longest oceanfront boardwalk in Canada and the unique stone buildings of the first business in Halifax. You'll see historic properties and hear the tales of privateers, pirates and the founding fathers of the banking industry of Canada. See Nova Scotian Crystal where skilled artisans craft blown and hand cut crystal, the only place of its kind in Canada.

Note: Admission to Citadel Hill is not included. Fairview Lawn Cemetery, Peggy's Cove (path to lighthouse) and many older buildings in Halifax are not wheelchair accessible. less

If you want to see and do it all in one day, this is the tour for you! Combining the best of the region’s rich history and heritage with the natural beauty of the world-famous Bay of Fundy, this tour features the Top 10 things to see and do in Saint John and the Bay of Fundy. Discover favorites of locals and visitors alike, including the world-famous Reversing Falls Rapids, a Bay of Fundy fishing village with a working harbor, the Bay of Fundy beach and sea caves of St. Martins, scenic vistas of the Bay of Fundy shoreline, charming covered bridges and chatting with local vendors at the Saint John City Market. Hear about the rich military history as your tour takes you past key sites such as the Carleton Martello Tower and Fort Howe, see parts of North America’s first Geopark, named Stonehammer, take in the Victorian architecture of the Historic District and enjoy a taste of Moosehead Beer at an Irish Pub. Led by a local guide, this excursion will ensure you experience the best of Saint John and the Bay of Fundy. Note: Some walking is on uneven cobblestone pathways and on uneven rocky, muddy beach. Participants must be at least 19 years of age to drink beer. Lunch is not included in this tour, but you’ll have time on your own at the St. Martins Sea Caves and the Old City Market. less

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

Discover Halifax, Nova Scotia’s vibrant capital that was founded in 1749, visit charming Peggy’s Cove and enjoy a meal at a local farm. In Halifax stunning 18th and 19th century buildings are interspersed with ultra-modern glass towers. Passing through the bustling downtown, you’ll see Province House, the Public Gardens, Citadel Hill and the Old Town Clock. Continue on a scenic journey to the fishing community of Peggy's Cove. Spend your free time exploring the village, shopping and photographing the most famous lighthouse in all of Canada.

Depart the Cove and head to the country for a hay ride at a farm. Here you’ll be treated to an inviting meal of soup or chowder and a sampling of Nova Scotia mussels, followed by a berry dessert accompanied by coffee or tea. You’ll have time to wander the grounds, play mini golf or maybe even take a horse ride before returning 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

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.

Note: This tour is conducted in French. Participants will have approximately 1 3/4 hours of free time at the Dock Square area of Kennebunkport. Walking is on sidewalk and gravel at guest’s discretion. Lunch is at your own expense. At Portland Head Light, guests must walk from the bus parking lot to the lighthouse for approximately 200 yards on level and uneven ground with a few steps. less