Canada & New England Cruises: Excursions

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

Perched atop steep cliffs, Gaspe and Perce are breathtakingly beautiful, and the bus ride that joins the two cities is an unforgettable experience. As the bus winds slowly along the more than 62 miles (100 km) of rugged cliffs and past sweeping bays, travelers can admire the most extraordinary panoramas in Eastern Canada. The Bay of Gaspe, the cliffs of Forillon National Park, the Barachois de Malbaie (sandbar), the unique precipices along the coast in Perce and of course, its legendary rock, offer an unending feast for the eyes. This fascinating site has attracted visitors since the 1930s, when it became a popular cultural center. Artists were attracted and charmed by the colorful fishermen and the incredible beauty of the site. Over the years, Perce has acquired an enviable position within the tourism industry of the province of Quebec, being accurately described as the tourism capital of the Gaspesie region. With its magnificent landscapes and diverse activities, Perce lures ecotourism enthusiasts as well as admirers of art and culture. Perce and its surroundings inspire energy and wonder. Climb to strategic viewpoints and marvel at the surprising panoramas. Those interested in art and culture will be amazed by Perce’s vitality and diversity. Here, one may meet local artists and artisans or discover Perce’s rich historical and architectural heritage. Perce is an ideal place for shopping. Its many souvenir shops, art galleries and handicraft boutiques offer a wide variety of local and regional crafts and products, certain to inspire a multitude of gifts ideas. Note: At Perce, walking is at guest’s discretion on mainly flat surfaces. At the marina, must be able to walk approximately 100 yards (92 meters) from the tender dock and manage a flight of stairs. less

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.

Founded in 1753, Lunenburg has since been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Nova Scotia’s most historic towns and a splendid example of a British Colonial settlement. While the drive is approximately 75 minutes, the wait is worth it, once you arrive in this charming scenic waterfront town. Enjoying the historic and colorful working waterfront, you can expect your tour guide to regale you with intriguing tales of shipbuilding, fishing, rum running, and even the buried treasure of Oak Island, all part of the local lore. You’ll also enjoy the Lunenburgers’ unique accent - no doubt the result of their Swiss and German forebears (German was spoken here well into the 1800s). You’ll have some time to explore on your own, perhaps to visit the Fisheries Museum of Lunenburg (small fee), where the 'Bluenose II', a replica of Nova Scotia’s famous racing schooner of the 1920s was built in 1963. Known as the Ambassador of Nova Scotia, the 'Bluenose I' graces the Canadian dime, and, when not offering tours from the Halifax waterfront, can be found docked here at her home wharf. Returning to Halifax, enjoy a drive through Mahone Bay, famous for its three waterfront churches. Note: Many of the older buildings in Lunenburg are not accessible to guests confined to a wheelchair. less