Eastern Canada & USA Explorer with Maritimes Cruise

Toronto, a vibrant metropolis, boasts a diverse culture, iconic landmarks like the CN Tower, and a thriving arts and culinary scene. From its bustling streets to its serene waterfront, it is a delightful city for every traveller.

Your journey into Eastern Canada starts here, with an overnight stay at the Fairmont Royal York. This stunning hotel has hosted royals, presidents and dignitaries among its guests, and today, it will welcome you.

Travel through the countryside before arriving at Niagara Falls and a thrilling cruise to the base of Horseshoe Falls. Get up close to one of the most amazing waterfalls in the world as you feel the mist washing over you. Later, visit a winery in the wine region around Niagara-on-the-Lake, renowned for the production of ice wine.

Tonight, join your fellow travellers and your tour director for a welcome dinner. Enjoy an overnight Special Stay at Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa, where you’ll marvel at the view from your Fallsview room.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we’ll journey to Canada’s graceful capital, Ottawa, where history and modernity merges seamlessly along the tranquil banks of the Rideau Canal. Ottawa is at the confluence of the Ottawa and Rideau rivers, the area was an active transportation corridor for an astounding diversity of Indigenous groups and travellers. In fact, the city’s name is derived from the Algonquin word “Odawa,” meaning “to trade.”

Enjoy a two-night stay at the Fairmont Château Laurier. With its iconic architecture, impeccable service, and lavish amenities, the hotel epitomises luxury and history.

Scenic Enrich: Indulge in Ottawa’s finest cuisine tonight with a progressive dining experience at the city’s renowned restaurants.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner

Unlock the charm of Ottawa on a guided tour. Amidst picturesque landscapes and vibrant streets, you’ll be fascinated by Canada’s bilingual essence, a vivid portrait of its rich heritage. Choose from a range of activities to explore the city.

Freechoice Sightseeing – choose from:
Micro Brewery Tour: Designed for the discerning beer enthusiast, this tour offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into the city’s most distinctive microbreweries.
C’est Bon Cooking Class: Have fun as you immerse yourself in a hands-on experience crafting delectable dishes inspired by Canada’s ingredients. Savour the delicious meal you prepared.
ByWard Market Culinary Tour: Join local chefs, producers, and artisans to experience the delightful market’s flavours and stories firsthand, immersing yourself in the authentic local culture.

Inclusions: Breakfast

Scenic Enrich: Immerse yourself in nature’s wonder at Parc Oméga’s extraordinary wildlife safari. Spanning 1,500 acres, this sanctuary is a haven for bears, wolves, red deer, and an array of other fascinating creatures, offering an unforgettable journey into the heart of the wild.

Continue to Montréal, where you’ll be delighted by the Aura Experience. This immersive visual and musical display in the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal offers a captivating blend of light, sound, and emotion, this immersive journey offers a unique way to connect with the soul of this architectural marvel, leaving you inspired and enlightened. Later, join a haunted downtown ghost walk to discover haunted bars, a forgotten graveyard and hotels rife with paranormal activity. Enjoy two indulgent nights at the grand Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth.

Inclusions: Breakfast

Montréal’s allure lies in its vibrant blend of culture, cuisine, and creativity. From the historic charm of Old Montreal to the dynamic energy of its diverse neighbourhoods, the city offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Discover all the highlights of Montréal on an immersive city tour to explore its heritage, architecture and culture, from the days of Fort Ville-Marie to modern times.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner

Today travel along the Chemin du Roy which connects Quebec City and Montreal and past Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade known as the world capital of ice fishing.

The art of maple sugaring has been a cherished tradition in Quebec for centuries. It began with the Indigenous people of North America, who discovered the sweet sap flowing from maple trees in early spring. As French settlers arrived, they adopted these techniques, giving birth to the beloved sugar shack tradition.

Scenic Enrich: Learn how maple syrup is made and dine on traditional Québécois fare at a local Sugar Shack while accompanied by live, local music.

Renowned for its unique blend of Old World charm and vibrant cultural scene, Québec is one of North America’s oldest cities, with its rich history palpable as you wander through the cobblestone streets of Old Québec, a World Heritage-listed site. Beyond its historic allure, Québec City offers a thriving culinary scene, with bistros serving up French-inspired delicacies, and a lively arts community, featuring festivals and performances throughout the year.

The city’s stunning architecture transports visitors to another era. This includes the iconic Fairmont Château Frontenac, where you’ll spend a two-night Special Stay.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch

Explore this stunning city your way today, choosing from a range of Scenic Freechoice excursions.

Freechoice Sightseeing – choose from:
Old Québec Guided Walk: Take a guided walking tour through the quaint cobblestoned streets of North America’s only walled city.
Lower Town & Grand Market by bike: Enjoy a bike tour rich in history following the city bike path through the narrow streets of the Petit Champlain district. Be immersed in the cultural surrounding and neighbourhood life of Québec City.
Montmorency Falls and Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupres Basilica: Discover the breathtaking natural beauty of Montmorency Falls and feel all its might. Visit Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupres Basilica, the oldest pilgrimage site in Canada.

This evening, join your Tour Director and fellow adventurers for a celebratory farewell dinner.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner

Today another part of your remarkable journey unfolds as you board your Holland American Line cruise. Settle into your comfortable Verandah Stateroom, get familiar with the indulgent amenities and toast to the new experiences ahead.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner

The nearly 1,200-kilometer (750-mile) stretch of the St. Lawrence River is a lighthouse lover’s paradise, with more than 40 of them lining the Québec portion alone. Quixotic weather and sudden choppy waters account for the building of these historic monuments, such as the one built in 1830 at Pointe-des-Monts and the Phare de Matane, both of which are now small museums.

Centuries-old fishing villages line the mighty waterway that alternates between imposing cliffs and plateaus and broad estuaries filled with fertile islets. Humans have fished the rich river and hunted its tributary lands for some 10,000 years. Much is still not known about the two dozen St. Lawrence Iroquoian tribes that had vanished by the time Québec City founder Samuel de Champlain arrived in the early 17th century. The river was a major entry point for exploring North America, and during the Seven Years’ War the British navigated to Québec City to defeat the French at the Plains of Abraham. Today, some 200 miles of the river are called the whale route, along which some 13 resident species thrive, including blue, beluga and right whales.

Sail the majestic Gulf of Saint Lawrence, known for its rich maritime history and diverse marine life. From graceful whales to playful dolphins, the waters teem with fascinating creatures awaiting your discovery. Experience the thrill of searching for wildlife in their natural habitat from the comfort of your ship.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Charlottetown is the capital of Canada’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island, as well as its largest city, though it has fewer than 35,000 residents. Despite its modest size, the city has an impressive number of Victorian houses and buildings and great parks waiting to be explored. For Canadians, it is perhaps most famous as the Birthplace of Confederation. It was here, mostly at Province House, that an 1864 conference led to the creation of the Dominion of Canada.

Prince Edward Island is linked to New Brunswick on the mainland of Canada by the 13-kilometer (eight-mile) Confederation Bridge that soars over the Northumberland Strait. A remarkable feat of engineering, the bridge opened in 1997 and is the longest in the world over icy waters.

Sites within downtown Charlottetown include the lovely Victoria Row, which becomes a pedestrian mall each summer, and other historic buildings, some of which are now museums. Nearby Prince Edward Island National Park is home to white-sand beaches and hiking and biking trails—plus fans can see the house and farm that inspired the beloved book Anne of Green Gables. During your visit, you can also learn about the daily lives, past and present, of residents on lighthouse and boat tours.

Sydney, the vibrant heart of Cape Breton Island, is home to an extraordinary mix of Gaelic, Mi’kmaq, and Acadian cultures. Amidst the rugged beauty of the island’s landscapes, immerse yourself in the timeless traditions and rich heritage of its diverse peoples. From stirring Celtic music to the ancient wisdom of the Mi’kmaq, Sydney invites you on a journey of discovery and connection, with every encounter unveiling a new layer of the island’s captivating story.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Located on a rocky inlet on the Atlantic Ocean, Halifax—Nova Scotia’s provincial capital—is defined by its maritime geography. It’s a spirited mix of world-class history and nautical-themed museums alongside bunkers and fortresses that guarded the harbor, plus striking public art and sights, funky shops and excellent pubs serving up folk music (and good pints).

Explore the Halifax waterfront where steamships once anchored to drop off arriving immigrants at Pier 21. Savor the low-key but classy culinary scene for fresh seafood and Nova Scotia specialties—the city has both street vendors and casual joints catering to university students and upscale eateries with elegant settings. Along Nova Scotia’s southern shores, the city is surrounded by lush greenery and charming villages that are worth the trip from downtown proper. Snap photos of attractions in the charming fishing village, Peggy’s Cove, with its picturesque lighthouse on a rocky outcropping. Or wander the streets of Lunenburg, whose colourful Old Town is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also soak in the charms and sights of Mahone Bay, home to artists’ studios and a trio of steepled churches.

Squint your eyes and admit it: Doesn’t that skinny, bearded hipster walking down the cobbled street look a lot like a 19th-century sea captain heading to the wharf to check his ship? Modern Portland, first settled in 1633, carries the marks of both subsets of Mainers. The restored brick buildings and warehouses of the Old Port and the fine upright houses of prosperous captains, merchants and shipbuilders make the city’s past a living part of its present. And the waterfront is a going concern, not a museum: Fishing boats chug into and out of their berths, buoys clang, harbor seals bark. Those shop windows aren’t displaying hardtack, rope or hand salve, though. Juice joints, art galleries, bookstores (and comic-book stores!), worshipful temples to coffee, locavore bistros with national press, bespoke menswear designers and gelato shops all jostle for attention. Don’t limit your visit to the Old Port, though. Wander through the terrific art museum or take a tour of one of the city’s historic homes. Jump on a ferry or whale-watching boat and get out into the busy harbor. Head to the coast—craggy, windswept, dramatic—a glorious and undeniably New England panorama. Get out and take it all in. Welcome to Vacationland.

Boasting iconic landmarks, world-class universities, and a vibrant cultural scene amidst its charming cobblestone streets, Boston marks the end of your journey. Farewell your new friends, taking with you wonderful memories.

Inclusions: Breakfast