Canada & New England Cruises: Excursions

Explore the scenic Bay of Islands, a charming fishing village and make several photo stops on this bus exploration of a portion of Captain Cook's Trail. Photo stops include Frenchman's Cove, a small boat inshore fishery which has been the economic mainstay of the area and Bottle Cove, a small fishing community. See Captain Cook's Monument with excellent views. Take a look at reproduced charts mapped by Captain Cook. Also visit Lark Harbour, meet the ladies at the church hall and see their handmade crafts.

Note: Captain Cook Monument has areas of rough and uneven terrain, not suitable for guests in wheelchairs or those with walking difficulties. 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

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.

Note: 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

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

Step back in time to 1744 to experience Louisbourg, a thriving seaport and capital of Île Royale (Cape Breton Island). The Fortress of Louisbourg was one of the busiest harbors in North America and one of France's key centers of trade and military strength in the New World. Today, the site is an exciting and entertaining lesson in history. Plan to see selected buildings and exhibits. Experience the life of a military officer as you visit the home of Captain and Madame DeGannes. Discuss household duties with the servant in the Engineer’s Residence. Discover some tricks of open-hearth cooking and then wander up to the spectacular chapel in the King’s Bastion. Talk to a soldier. You'll find them happy to tell you about guard duty, living conditions, security, food and a soldier's life in general. Note: Considerable walking is involved. Wear sturdy walking shoes and dress warmly, bring a jacket or windbreaker. This tour is not recommended for persons with special mobility needs or wheelchairs. less