Canada & New England Cruises: Excursions

Take a scenic drive through the vibrant city of Boston en route to magnificent Copley Square. Along the way you'll pass the spectacular Boston Common, the oldest park in the country and the start of the Freedom Trail. See the New State House with its magnificent gold dome, the Public Garden, famous for its century-old swan boats, and the Old South Meeting House where the most memorable gathering sparked the Boston Tea Party in 1773 and ignited the Revolutionary War. Drive along Newbury Street with its upscale boutiques, unique galleries and trendy cafes. Your first stop will be Copley Square which showcases stunning examples of medieval, classical, and modern design. The most prominent building is the Romanesque Trinity Church. Located on the south side is the magnificent Boston Public Library. Founded in 1848, it was the first free municipal library in the United States. Noted for its Italian Renaissance-style exterior, it is an important example of early 19th-century American architecture. Overlooking the square is the ultra-modern John Hancock Tower. Designed by world-renowned Chinese architect I.M. Pei, the building is the tallest in New England at 60 stories high and its modernist design transforms the skyline. Enjoy a picturesque drive through the town of Lynn and then the town of Salem where you'll begin with lunch in an elegant restaurant followed by a walk down Chestnut Street. Grand, old homes line this magnificent street, many of them built by sea Captains and merchants in the early 1800's during Salem's 'Great Age of Sail.' Enjoy a visit to the Salem Witch Museum which takes you back to the Salem of 1692. Using stage sets, life-size figures, lighting and narration you’ll learn about the Witch Trials of 1692. There will also be time to explore the "Witches: Evolving Perceptions" exhibit which examines the stereotypical witch, aspects of witchcraft in the 17th century, modern witchcraft and the phenomenon of witch hunts. Prior to departing, stop in the museum's gift shop for unusual mementos and souvenirs. Enjoy a picturesque drive on your return to port. Note: This tour will require walking and standing for approximately 40 minutes at the Witch Museum. Walking in Salem is at your discretion. There is a gift shop available in the Witch Museum and a variety of shops along Salem’s waterfront. Witch Museum is wheelchair accessible however some of the shops in town are not. less

Cruise to Perce Rock and around Bonaventure Island sectors to see its gannet colony – the largest in the world – then explore Perce on your own. The Parc National de l'Ile-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Perce is an enchanting site. Sculpted by time and the sea at the tip of the Gaspe Peninsula, it makes an extravagant show of its rich historical heritage and amazing geological history. Its remarkable flora and fauna, including its world-renowned northern gannet colony, contribute to the park's reputation as a must-see destination. This rocky bastion is a prolongation of the Appalachian Mountains extending into the waters of the Gulf of the St. Lawrence and has for its fortress Bonaventure Island and Perce Rock, Quebec’s tourist-emblem, as its majestic vessel of stone. Bonaventure Island is home to a spectacular congregation of 300,000 sea birds, including razorbills, gulls, murres, and puffins. The island also has 223 species of avian wildlife. Perce Rock, one of the world’s largest and most spectacular natural arches, is proud testament to Gaspesie’s geological heritage. An unshakeable mass of rock and limestone 375 million years old, it measures 474 yards (433 meters) in length, 98 yards (90 meters) wide, and 96 yards (88 meters) at its highest point. Its weight is estimated at five million tons. The arch itself is 49 feet (15 meters) high. The rock is a nesting place for cormorants, kittiwakes and seagulls. One of the most popular activities in Perce is the boat tour around the Parc National de l’Ile-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Perce, which takes visitors to both sides of the famous Perce Rock and then out to see the thousands of birds nesting on the cliffs of Bonaventure Island. A boat excursion to the rock and around the island is an unforgettable experience. The highpoint of the visit is without doubt the sight of 250,000 birds nesting on the island. The island’s colony of 120,000 northern gannets is the most important and accessible in the world. 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 tour takes you to some of Prince Edward Island's top attractions and most scenic locations. You’ll start with an introduction to the capital of Prince Edward Island, with a highlights drive past the Historic Waterfront and through Charlottetown. Uncover the island’s rich history as the Birthplace of Canada while you drive along Great George Street to Province House National Historic Site. Take a drive through Victoria Park and see Beaconsfield historic home, one of many Victorian homes once owned by wealthy merchants and shipbuilders. Continue your journey to Borden, to see the world’s longest bridge that covers frozen water, and the chance to shop for lovingly handcrafted souvenirs. Next, skirt the North Shore to the quaint fishing village of North Rustico, where breathtaking coastal vistas await you. Take in the fresh salt air while the famous red sand caresses your toes and you snap a few keepsake photos on the beach. This leg stretch is followed by a casual lunch of local seafood. After lunch, drive to picturesque Cavendish to visit Green Gables, the farmstead which inspired the setting for L.M. Montgomery to create her beloved tale of a red-haired orphan, Anne of Green Gables. On the return drive to Charlottetown enjoy a tour and sample what is arguably Canada’s premium ice cream at Cow’s Creamery. Note: Walking is at guest’s discretion on paved sidewalks, gravel pathways, grassy areas and slight inclines with some steps. Not all buildings are wheelchair accessible. less

Experience ziplining like nowhere else in Atlantic Canada. It's a cross between parachuting and flying and it's the ride of a lifetime! Challenge yourself on this exciting zipline located at the base of Marble Mountain. The mountains and waterfalls of Corner Brook provide a dramatic, scenic back-drop to your adventure. The English speaking zip crew will meet you and transport you by van to Steady Brook.

Journey up Marble Mountain by mountain truck, to where nine ziplines and 10 platforms provide a thrill-of-a-lifetime over majestic 250 foot waterfalls and the scenic Humber Valley, at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. Marble Zip provides an unforgettable and thrilling adventure, in an environmentally friendly manner that can be enjoyed by all ages, from six to eighty. All participants will be required by the operator to sign an English language waiver prior to the start of the adventure.

Note: Participants must be at least 6 years of age, weigh no less than 65 lbs. (approximately 30 kg) no more than 275 lbs. (approximately 125 kg) and be in good physical condition. less

It’s hard to fit all you can see and do in Halifax into one visit. This tour offers a full day experiencing the best that Halifax and Peggy’s Cove has to offer. After boarding your motor coach, you’ll be taken on a scenic drive to beautiful Peggy’s Cove. Here you’ll have free time to explore this charming area, take pictures of the most famous lighthouse in Canada or shop.

Afterwards return to the city to enjoy a delicious lunch in Murphy’s Restaurant, take a tour of Citadel Hill, check out the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and enjoy a walk through Halifax’s Public Gardens. Learn the history of the city of Halifax, while taking in all of the sights and sounds of this bustling city.

Note: Walking in the Cove is on uneven terrain and rocky surfaces, which may be slippery. The tour at Citadel Hill involves walking on uneven gravel, not suitable for guests in wheelchairs. less

Catch a glimpse of the rich Scottish Heritage of Cape Breton Island with a visit to the Nova Scotia Highland Village and the Village of Baddeck. Travel to Iona and immerse yourself in the Scottish Pioneer culture at this living history museum located on a hillside overlooking the Bras d'Or Lake. Featuring a chronological journey through 180 years of Cape Breton architecture, step back in time as your costumed guides provide meaningful commentary. Each structure, from the simple Scottish Block House to the more advanced, multi-storied colonial homes, are filled with furniture and interesting artifacts. You’ll travel by cable ferry to the seaside community of Baddeck, home to Alexander Graham Bell. Nestled along the shoreline of the Bras d'Or Lake, this picturesque village features plenty of interesting gift shops and cozy cafes. You’ll be served a buffet lunch at a resort hotel and then enjoy leisure time strolling the main street while window shopping or perhaps relaxing for a bit while watching the pleasure boats ply the calm waters of the lake. You’ll tour the Alexander Graham Bell Museum prior to our scenic drive back to Sydney. Note: There is a fair amount of walking at the Highland Village. Tour may operate in reverse order. less