Canada and New England – Montreal to New York

The island of Montréal was first occupied by the St. Lawrence Iroquois, whose small village of Hochelaga, or ‘Place of the Beaver’, was situated at the base of Mont Royal. French explorer Jacques Cartier arrived here in 1535 while on an expedition searching for a northwest route to Asia. The soldiers of Paul de Chomedy, who had been ordered by France to ‘bring about the glory of God and the salvation of the Indians’, established the first settlement. Attempts to follow these instructions resulted in bloody conflicts with the Iroquois, until a treaty in 1701 guaranteed that the settlement was to be the main embarkation point for the fur and lumber trade.

For centuries, a native Iroquois village occupied the cliff-top site of what is now Quebec City. The first permanent European settlement began in 1608 when Samuel de Champlain established a fur trading post. By 1663, New France had become a royal province, administered by a council appointed directly by the crown and answerable to the king’s council in France. Long-brewing European struggles between England and France spilled over into the colonies, prompting the construction of Quebec’s formidable fortifications. The Seven Years War put an end to French reign and left the city in English hands. The English successfully warded off an American attack in 1775, and for the next century Quebec quietly earned its livelihood as a center for shipbuilding and timber trade.

By 1840, when it was declared the provincial capital of Lower Canada, the accessible supplies of timber had run out. The final blow came with the appearance of steamships that could travel as far as Montreal, while sailing ships found it difficult to proceed beyond Quebec City. Losing its importance as a major port, the city experienced a decline but remained a center of small industry and local government. Later years saw a tremendous rise as tourism made use of Quebec’s fantastic location and appearance. Being Canada’s most historic city and the only walled city in North America earned it the classification of World Heritage Treasure by UNESCO in 1985. Today, the visitor is greeted by an authentic, profoundly French city, where 95% of its half million people are French-speaking. Both parts of the city – Haute-Ville and Basse-Ville (Upper and Lower Town) – feature winding, cobbled streets flanked by 17th- and 18th-century stone houses and churches, graceful parks and squares and countless monuments. Croissants and steaming cups of coffee at sidewalk cafés conjure images and aromas of Paris.

Great emphasis has been placed on Quebec nationalism; as a result the city has become a symbol of the glory of French heritage. The motto “Je me souviens” (I remember) is inscribed above the entrance to the Parliament Building and on the license plates of Quebec cars. As you come ashore, endless pleasures await you in this marvelous city.

The gateway to the Saguenay Fjord, the city lies at the intersection of a triad of sprawling national parks, amid some of North America’s most impressive scenery. Embark on adventures to witness leaping waterfalls, forest-clad fjord banks, and whales crashing athletically offshore. Learn more of Saguenay’s heritage, with a tour of the picturesque pulp mill, which dates back to the 1800s, and now houses a museum. Elsewhere the Petite Maison Blanche is a humble wooden house that was one of the few buildings to survive the floods of 1947.

Known as the birthplace of Canada, owing to its role as host of the conference that would eventually lead to the formation of the Canadian Confederation – Charlottetown is a celebration of all things Great White North. Perched just offshore on Prince Edward Island, there’s a small-town charm to the locals’ genuine smiles that is instantly disarming. Despite its capital status, the city’s welcoming demeanour, pretty timber lighthouses and low-key coastal location, make Charlottetown an easy-going, idyllic island escape.

1864 saw Charlottetown lead the Confederation Conference, welcoming delegations from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island to Province House. Together, they thrashed out the plan to create the Dominion of Canada, which was formally enacted three years later. This key role in the birth of the nation is worn proudly as a badge of honour here, and the gargantuan Confederation Centre of the Arts pays tribute to this historic chapter, while also providing space for contemporary cultural pursuits to shine. The auburn pigtails of Anne of Green Gables are also a regular sight around these parts. Canada’s much loved, longest-running musical, premiered right here in Charlottetown in 1965. The abundant natural resources of the Atlantic make Charlottetown a haven for rich, juicy seafood – like tender lobster and mussel pots. Charlottetown’s cuisine is also imbued with quality via the Culinary Institute of Canada – which simmers the area in cooking talent – while its thriving craft brewing scene adds a hoppy tang to the area’s friendly bars.

Rising in the heart of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the archipelago of Iles-de-la-Madeleine offers diverse wildlife and sweeping coastal scenery. The somewhat precarious location of these 12 islands, in the middle of the world’s most immense estuary, means they have historically been something of a ship graveyard. The craggy red rocks that emerge suddenly from the waves here have gashed the hulls of countless ships in times gone by. View less

A gang of six pretty lighthouses share the task of warning of the islands’ treacherous waters, while simultaneously providing a scenic twinkle amid the copper-coloured cliffs and coastal archways. Acadian French accents ring out on the shores and, despite their location, the Iles-de-la-Madeleine form part of Quebec’s province. Historically cut off by thick ice, they have developed a distinct culture and character of their own. The 55 mile-long stretch of Route 199 provides the backbone of the island, tying the seven inhabited landforms together, along with a chain of undulating sand dunes. Each of the islands has its own character and profile to explore – offering everything from windswept beaches to sheltered lagoons and rolling emerald hills. Whales cruise through the deep waters offshore, and you can sail up close and personal to the marine mammals, as well as the seals who are occasionally spotted lounging around on floating chunks of ice. Port du Millerand’s flotilla of fishing boats reap the rewards of the location, bringing home vast hauls so local restaurants can serve up the freshest lobster, mussels and crab. With bird watching, coastal golf courses, water-sports and diving opportunities among the many recreations on offer here – this clutch of estuary islands has something for everyone.

A city that thrives on a diet of music, outdoor events and ocean-faring history, Nova Scotia’s capital – and Atlantic Canada’s largest conurbation – oozes salt-licked charm. The star-shaped fortress of Halifax Citadel sits above the city, while down below, Halifax revolves around its bustling harbour. Here, jet-skis skid across the water and heritage ships jaunt out to scenic offshore islands. Music carries on the waterfront’s breeze as summer’s events play out, while a hefty population of pubs and restaurants provides all the space required for sitting back and relaxing. View less

The shorefront boardwalk invites you on a gentle stroll along the waves, wandering back through Halifax’s history. The Canadian Museum of Immigration waits at Pier 21 and was the doorway to a country of opportunity for so many – with over a million immigrants taking their first footsteps into Canada here. The pier’s wooden boards are dotted with cafes, craft shops and artist studios. Sail deeper into seafaring heritage at the maritime museum. As the closest city to the sinking of the Titanic, recovered victims were transported to – and many were buried – in Halifax. The story, and items from the doomed vessel, are displayed in the museum’s collection. Peggy’s Cove lighthouse is nearby, and this immaculate little lighthouse is one of Canada’s favourite, watching out stoically over the Atlantic’s waves. With rich pickings available from its coastal location, the fruits of the sea are served up in the fryers of Halifax’s varied restaurants – try seared scallops and juicy mussels. Round off any meal with a buttery blueberry grunt dessert – delicious when served up warm with a dollop of melting vanilla ice cream.

Historic yet revolutionary, few places embody the American dream quite as well as Boston – and you’ll feel the strong independent streak, and pride in the founding ideals of freedom and independence wherever you go. Skyscrapers mingle harmoniously with cobbled streets, and every footstep here promises new tales of legend, daring and valour, as you walk through the pages of history and immerse yourself in the stories of one of the USA’s oldest cities.

The flashing colours of Fall – a period when the foliage around Boston explodes with blazes of red, orange and purple – attract visitors from across the world, more than compensating for the northerly city’s harsh winters. Green open spaces like Boston Public Garden also decorate the city, offering breathing space, and the chance to enjoy blossom-perfumed sanctuary,as you sit among scampering squirrels and quiet boating lakes. At times, Boston feels like an open-air history museum, and the Freedom Trail links together the city’s many valuable historic sites. It’s no exaggeration to say that the world’s history pivoted significantly on this humble two-and-a-half-mile trail. Wander across incendiary sites like the Boston Massacre Site, and Bunker Hill – where the first shots of the American Revolutionary War were fired, eventually leading to independence from British rule. Fenway Park is the cathedral-like home of Boston’s famous Red Sox, and a must visit for any sports fan. You’ll also find plenty of acclaimed New England seafood to sample, including famous buttery clam chowder. Restaurants in the thriving Seaport District serve up freshly harvested crab and lobster, accompanied by spectacular views of the crashing Atlantic waves.

The city comprises the central island of Manhattan along with four other boroughs: Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. To many, Manhattan is New York. The 22-square-mile island is divided into the three districts of Downtown, Midtown and Upper Manhattan. There are countless museums, theaters, restaurants and parks. Many residents never get to see it all in a lifetime, so don’t expect to take it all in during one visit.

A prime slice of New England coastline, Newport serves up colonial splendour, striking seascapes, and some of the freshest seafood around. One of America’s most historic cities, drop in on the oldest library in the country, visit an incredible fortress city, and wander beside spectacular summer houses. With wild beaches, wineries, breweries and festivals for every season, Newport has lost none of its enticing allure. View less

The fresh, ocean air of Newport was much sought after during the Gilded Age, as the rich and powerful made their mark, building grand and stately mansions overlooking the waves. These magnificent houses – and landscaped gardens – add whitewash grandeur to the beautiful stretch of coastline. Take the 3.5-mile coastal walk, out across rugged cliffs with birds calling out, and wildflowers dotting the path. Be warned that the walk does become a little more difficult as it progresses. Stroll the coast, and sit to watch surfers catching Atlantic rollers, or take the twists and turns of Newport’s incredible ocean drive, to soak in the wonderful views by road. Laced with underground tunnels, Fort Adams is Newport’s sprawling complex military fortress. Surrounded by Fort Adams State Park, you can enjoy the relaxed surroundings, absorbing scenic views of the harbour and Narragansett Bay. Unpack a picknick on the grass, as the swells of music carry on the sea breeze – especially during the annual folk and jazz festivals. Or try great Newport seafood in the bustling eateries of repurposed wharves – serving up Rhode Island specials like steamed lobster and clams.