14-night Canada & East Coast Explorer Cruise

It’s been called “a city that works.” As the capital of Ontario and Canada’s largest city, Toronto has become a dynamic cosmopolitan hub known for entertainment, culture, sports, high fashion and big business. The city boasts more than 20,000 retail stores and restaurants. Yet for such a large city (current population is 4.4 million) it is miraculously clean, safe and friendly. Tourists are drawn to the charm of the Lake Ontario waterfront district, the high-rise splendor of the popular Yonge Street, and the trendy shops and quaint cafés along College Street and Queen Street. With a flourishing music and performing arts scene, Toronto is very popular with young people.

Destination Guide

The Saint Lawrence Seaway is a system of canals, locks and dams located from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes. The length of the Seaway is measured to be 2340 miles long and ends in the Atlantic. The Saint Lawrence Seaway was known to be one of the greatest engineering achievements back when it was first opened in the late 1950’s.

Trois Rivieres, Quebec, a small city overlooking the St. Lawrence, is between Quebec City and Montreal, some 75 mi/120 km southwest of Quebec City.

Although Trois Rivieres is more than 350 years old, it has a modern feel because many of the old buildings were destroyed in a fire early in the 1900s. It is now a paper-mill city, with the typical paper-mill odor, but it has some interesting historical attractions.

Perhaps most important is the Lieu Historique National du Canada des Forges du St. Maurice (Forges of St. Maurice National Historical Site of Canada). This site depicts life in the region 1729-1883 and has actual iron forges.

The old part of Trois Rivieres, Vieux Trois Rivieres, has cafes and restaurants, a Westminster-style cathedral and several 18th-century manors and houses. The Musee des Ursulines, located in the Ursulines' Monastery, contains artwork and artifacts that were collected by the nuns. Some of them date to the 1600s.

West of town is the spectacular Parc des Chutes de Ste. Ursule, famous for its falls that unfurl in seven cascades. To the north is Parc National du Canada de la Mauricie, which offers some great scenic views and excellent fishing.

Destination Guide

Because Quebec City is Canada’s most historic city and the only walled city in North America, it was classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Treasure by. Visitors are greeted by an authentic, profoundly French city. The city features winding, cobbled streets with 17th- and 18th-century stone houses and churches, graceful parks and squares, and many monuments. Great emphasis has been placed on Québec nationalism, and the city has become a symbol of glorious French heritage. Visit the oldest church in Québec, Our Lady of Victory, dating from 1688. See the cellars of Maison des Vins, where Québec Société des Alcools sells more than 1,000 kinds of rare vintage wines in a warehouse dating from 1689. See the exhibits at Civilization Museum. The most striking building is celebrated landmark Château Frontenac. Looming high above St. Lawrence, the turreted building with its slanting, copper roof is an impressive sight. Built to accommodate colonial governors, it is now a hostelry.

Destination Guide

Cruising

Cap-aux-Meules is an unincorporated Canadian community on the Magdalen Islands in Quebec. Although small, this community has a lot to offer visitors, including kayaking, kite boarding, seal watching, lively shops, and friendly restaurants. Looking around the island visitors will discover a church constructed from a ship wreck, a church paying homage to marine life, and at Pointe herisse a modern lighthouse.

Founded in 1713 for its cod fishery, Louisbourg enjoyed three peaceful decades as a French colonial seaport. New Englanders captured the town in 1745, but watched its return to France three years later. The peace was shortlived and in 1758, the British captured the town a second time. In 1760, Louisbourg's fortifications were destroyed and the small British garrison left the fortress eight years later. Today, the Fortress exists as a National Historic Site operated by Parks Canada and offers the visitor a taste of 18th-century life in a French fortress.

Destination Guide

Lunenburg's affinity with the sea has shaped her destiny. Canada's most famous tall ship, the "Bluenose" was a classic tribute to its shipbuilding expertise. Check out other visiting tall ships and other boats at Lunenburg Marine Railway. The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic has a tallship visitors can board - Salt Banker "Theresa E. Connor". Lunenburg's architecture reflects a strong European influence. Tour some National, Provincial and Municipal registered historic houses and churches in Lunenburg. Lunenburg's fine artisians capture the Maritime Heritage in their work with handcarved duck decoys, ship models, pottery and beautiful paintings displayed locally. The surrounding waters are a sailor's paradise. Nova Scotia's majestic south shore Lighthouse Route is famous for its scenic drives and beautiful beaches. Lunenburg and the nearby seaside community of Blue Rocks are classic examples of the area's picturesque beauty. Discover and share our unique heritage, scenic beauty and warm hospitality.

Norfolk, Virginia is situated at the mouth of the James, Elizabeth, and Nansemond rivers near the outlet of Chesapeake Bay on the Atlantic Ocean. With the cities of Hampton, Portsmouth, and Newport News, Norfolk forms the port of Hampton Roads - one of the greatest natural harbours in the world. Norfolk is a major national seaport and an important military centre, having one of the world's largest concentrations of naval installations as well as important US Marine, Coast Guard, and NATO facilities and an Armed Forces Staff College. Norfolk is the site of the Chrysler Museum, the Mariners Museum, an opera company, a symphony orchestra, and the Virginia Stage Company. Nearby you can visit Colonial Williamsburg.

Destination Guide

Charleston is one of America's favorite destinations with beautifully preserved architectural and historic treasure, and a rich heritage. There are exciting and educational amusements, museums, great dining, luxurious accommodations, golf, and outdoor recreation second to none. Tree lined streets, beautiful homes, and breathtaking parks and gardens abound in Charleston. Some of the more popular attractions are White Point Gardens and the Waterfront Park. Some other must see attractions include the new South Carolina Aquarium, Provost Dungeon, Gibbes Museum and the Old Exchange. Visitors are constantly amazed at the quality and variety of attractions, restaurants and shopping that can be enjoyed here.

Destination Guide

Originally a fort built by the U.S. Army in 1838, during the Second Seminole War, Ft. Lauderdale has little left of its warlike past. Instead the city welcomes visitors with broad beaches and an easy pace of life, plus convenient air and water connections that make the city a perfect place to visit.

Destination Guide