Great Lakes And St Lawrence River - Lakes And Rivers Awash With The American Dream

Mackinac Island is considered a natural jewel of the Great Lakes, one of the most beautiful islands in the USA. Discover this small, car-free idyll at your own pace, either by bicycle or on a carriage ride. While the Victorian mansions and the Grand Hotel recount tales from the 19th century, Fort Mackinac evokes memories of the American Revolutionary War.

The small HANSEATIC inspiration is truly in its element as it navigates the charming water labyrinth to Parry Sound. Discover the town and the nearby lakeshore on the Marine Walking Trails, or embark on a boat tour through the 30,000 Islands. The islands rise densely from the water, forming a diverse archipelago landscape with narrow channels and imposing cliffs. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the unforgettable panoramic views at Killbear Provincial Park, where pink granite shores and autumn-red forests meld into a breathtaking scene.

The small coastal town of Killarney carries its Irish roots in its name. George Island, which can be reached by ferry, is a “green island” that now displays its colourful side in autumn. Exploring this uninhabited isle is defined by numerous outdoor activities and a profound sense of freedom. Discover Killarney at your own pace and enjoy a Zodiac ride showcasing beautiful landscapes and excellent opportunities for wildlife sightings. With a bit of luck, you may spot cormorants, Canada geese, and bald eagles.

Maritime charm awaits you as you journey on Lake Huron to the fishing village of Tobermory in Georgian Bay. Limestone coastlines, small coves, and Canadian flora define your impressions during an individual exploration along the Bruce Trail.

You'll always receive a welcome to remember, as the colourful cafes, houses and shops that line Tobermory's picturesque harbour salute your arrival. Located on the craggy Scottish Inner Hebrides, Tobermory serves as the capital of the Isle of Mull. There's a high chance you'll recognise the town’s colourfully-daubed buildings, as their charming exteriors have featured in countless TV shows - most notably in the children’s favourite, Balamory. There's always a new story to discover here – not least the legend that suggests there's a sunken Spanish galleon, brimming with lost gold, sitting just below the waves that roll around the harbour. Learn a little more of the area’s history at the Mull Museum, or head out to enjoy some of the fabulous wildlife watching opportunities on offer on a boat tour. You can spot majestic birds like white tail and golden eagles circling in the skies, or turn your attention to the waves, where friendly dolphins and Minke whales are regular visitors. Treat yourself to a sample of one of the island's finest exports before leaving, as you drop in at the Tobermory Distillery for some whiskey tasting. Established in 1798, it’s one of Scotland's oldest distilleries.

Ahead of you lies the vast expanse of Lake Erie and the impressive passage along the Detroit River to the Canadian city of Windsor. From the ship, enjoy the finest views of the skyline of Detroit—the former "Motor City" of the USA—on the opposite riverbank. Your visit to Detroit takes you to the roots of automotive history and showcases the architectural variety of this once-again thriving city. Following in the footsteps of Henry Ford, the namesake museum commemorates the "masterpieces" of roads and rails.

The next stage of your journey is the lock adventure in the Welland Canal. Follow the challenging passage from the bow's observation deck or from the many open deck areas. Your small ship will navigate through eight locks, overcoming almost 100 metres in elevation, equivalent to the rise of the Niagara Falls. This feat is made possible by the retractable bridge wings.

In Toronto, a city tour by tram showcases how skyscrapers, parks, and trendy neighbourhoods harmoniously coexist. As Canada’s largest city, Toronto has taken over from Montreal, which held this role for decades, to become the nation’s economic hub and one of the world’s leading financial centres. The city is situated on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario, the smallest of the five Great Lakes. Additionally, Toronto is not far from North America’s most famous waterfalls – the Niagara Falls.

Next, an extraordinary passage awaits you: the lock adventure on the Saint Lawrence River. This nautical masterpiece is accomplished by only a few ships. From the deck, you can closely observe the overcoming of elevation changes in the seven locks.

Afterwards, Montreal, the world's second-largest French-speaking city, welcomes you with its European charm. A city tour connects picturesque townhouses and wide boulevards with a stroll through the underground city. Alternatively, the vineyards in the Eastern Townships may awaken the sommelier within you.

Canada's most diverse metropolis, Montréal, is an island city that favors style and elegance over order or even prosperity, a city where past and present intrude on each other daily. In some ways it resembles Vienna—well past its peak of power and glory, perhaps, yet still vibrant and grand.But don't get the wrong idea. Montréal has always had a bit of an edge. During Prohibition, thirsty Americans headed north to the city on the St. Lawrence for booze, music, and a good time, and people still come for the same things. Summer festivals celebrate everything from comedy and French music and culture to beer and fireworks, and, of course, jazz. And on those rare weeks when there isn't a planned event, the party continues. Clubs and sidewalk cafés are abuzz from late afternoon to the early hours of the morning. And Montréal is a city that knows how to mix it up even when it's 20 below zero. Rue St-Denis is almost as lively on a Saturday night in January as it is in July, and the festival Montréal en Lumière, or Montréal Highlights, enlivens the dreary days of February with concerts, balls, and fine food.Montréal takes its name from Parc du Mont-Royal, a stubby plug of tree-covered igneous rock that rises 764 feet above the surrounding cityscape. Although its height is unimpressive, "the Mountain" forms one of Canada's finest urban parks, and views from the Chalet du Mont-Royal atop the hill provide an excellent orientation to the city's layout and major landmarks.Old Montréal is home to museums, the municipal government, and the magnificent Basilique Notre-Dame-de-Montréal within its network of narrow, cobblestone streets. Although Montréal's centre-ville, or Downtown, bustles like many other major cities on the surface, it's active below street level as well, in the so-called Underground City–-the underground levels of shopping malls and food courts connected by pedestrian tunnels and the city's subway system, or métro. Residential Plateau Mont-Royal and trendy neighborhoods are abuzz with restaurants, nightclubs, art galleries, and cafés. The greener areas of town are composed of the Parc du Mont-Royal and the Jardin Botanique.

French savoir-vivre and Canadian joie de vivre invite you to explore the historic district of Quebec. Discover the city's landmarks on a city tour. Your journey takes you past some of Canada's oldest French settlements, leading to the Montmorency Falls and Ile d’Orléans.

Québec City's alluring setting atop Cape Diamond (Cap Diamant) evokes a past of high adventure, military history, and exploration. This French-speaking capital city is the only walled city north of Mexico. Visitors come for the delicious and inventive cuisine, the remarkable historical continuity, and to share in the seasonal exuberance of the largest Francophone population outside France.The historic heart of this community is the Old City (Vieux-Québec), comprising the part of Upper Town (Haute-Ville) surrounded by walls and Lower Town (Basse-Ville), which spreads out at the base of the hill from Place Royale. Many sets of staircases and the popular funicular link the top of the hill with the bottom. Cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and elaborate cathedrals here are charming in all seasons. The Old City earned recognition as an official UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985, thanks largely to city planners who managed to update and preserve the 400-year-old buildings and attractions without destroying what made them worth preserving. The most familiar icon of the city, Fairmont Château Frontenac, is set on the highest point in Upper Town, where it holds court over the entire city.Sitting proudly above the confluence of the St. Lawrence and St. Charles rivers, the city's famous military fortification, La Citadelle, built in the early 19th century, remains the largest of its kind in North America. In summer, visitors should try to catch the Changing of the Guard, held every morning at 10 am; you can get much closer to the guards here than at Buckingham Palace in London.Enchanting as it is, the Old City is just a small part of the true Québec City experience. Think outside the walls and explore St-Roch, a downtown hot spot, which has artsy galleries, foodie haunts, and a bustling square. Cruise the Grande-Allée and avenue Cartier to find a livelier part of town dotted with nightclubs and fun eateries. Or while away the hours in St-Jean-Baptiste, a neighborhood with trendy shops and hipster hangouts.

The Indian Summer adds vibrant accents in shades of red and yellow to your route. While the timing and intensity of this natural phenomenon are difficult to predict, your travel period is ideal for capturing these vivid impressions. One of the largest tributaries of the Saint Lawrence River, the Saguenay, is especially picturesque at this time of year. Experience the wilderness actively with a hike or from above in a seaplane. As you cruise through the Saguenay Fjord, you might be fortunate enough to spot belugas, which can be found here year-round hunting for fish and plankton.

Sitting on the natural junction where the River Saguenay unloads into the massive Saint Lawrence, a visit to strategically located Tadoussac leaves you fantastically placed to explore some of Quebec's finest history, wildlife and scenery. Sail a little further up the Saguenay, and you’ll be confronted by the glorious Saguenay Fjord, as you cruise through verdant hills of dense forestry, and steep cliffs. Or, alternatively, voyage out onto the deep waters of the Saint Lawrence river, where you can spot the surface parting, as the world's largest animals - blue whales - slowly emerge from the depths to gulp in air. With a fantastic supply of krill to tempt the whales, you can even spot the various species that visit from Tadoussac’s shoreline – just make sure you brush up on your whale knowledge beforehand, at the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre.The town was the first trading post established by the French when they landed here, and it remains the oldest of the settlements still in existence. As the name suggests, Tadoussac's Old Chapel, has an impressive history, and is North America's oldest wooden chapel. You wouldn't necessarily know it from the outside, however, as the charming little church gleams tidily with a fresh lick of cherry red and white paint.

The Indian Summer adds vibrant accents in shades of red and yellow to your route. While the timing and intensity of this natural phenomenon are difficult to predict, your travel period is ideal for capturing these vivid impressions. One of the largest tributaries of the Saint Lawrence River, the Saguenay, is especially picturesque at this time of year. Experience the wilderness actively with a hike or from above in a seaplane. As you cruise through the Saguenay Fjord, you might be fortunate enough to spot belugas, which can be found here year-round hunting for fish and plankton.

Just after visiting Saguenay, the wonderful Saguenay River pours into the massive St. Lawrence River. Before then, however, it slices through one of the world's most southerly fjords and dense forests of towering pine trees. The nature watching here is nothing short of sublime, with outdoor spots like the Parc National du Fjord-du-Saguenay offering panoramic vistas and sandy river-beaches. Island-sized blue whales cruise through the waters of the mighty rivers, and flick gallons of water into the air effortlessly with a single swish of their colossal tails. With hiking, kayaking and cycling opportunities inviting you to explore the spectacular scenery - you'll find endless ways to fall in love with this majestic outdoor escape. In fall, gorgeous colours ripple through the foliage, and in doing so, they provide one of nature's greatest performances.

The Indian Summer adds vibrant accents in shades of red and yellow to your route. While the timing and intensity of this natural phenomenon are difficult to predict, your travel period is ideal for capturing these vivid impressions. One of the largest tributaries of the Saint Lawrence River, the Saguenay, is especially picturesque at this time of year. Experience the wilderness actively with a hike or from above in a seaplane. As you cruise through the Saguenay Fjord, you might be fortunate enough to spot belugas, which can be found here year-round hunting for fish and plankton.

During the passage, the onboard experts will share the region’s rich history with you—from the early Woodland period and the First Nations to its current economic significance. Near Tadoussac, you may be fortunate enough to spot belugas, blue whales, humpback whales, or fin whales during a whale-watching excursion.

Sitting on the natural junction where the River Saguenay unloads into the massive Saint Lawrence, a visit to strategically located Tadoussac leaves you fantastically placed to explore some of Quebec's finest history, wildlife and scenery. Sail a little further up the Saguenay, and you’ll be confronted by the glorious Saguenay Fjord, as you cruise through verdant hills of dense forestry, and steep cliffs. Or, alternatively, voyage out onto the deep waters of the Saint Lawrence river, where you can spot the surface parting, as the world's largest animals - blue whales - slowly emerge from the depths to gulp in air. With a fantastic supply of krill to tempt the whales, you can even spot the various species that visit from Tadoussac’s shoreline – just make sure you brush up on your whale knowledge beforehand, at the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre.The town was the first trading post established by the French when they landed here, and it remains the oldest of the settlements still in existence. As the name suggests, Tadoussac's Old Chapel, has an impressive history, and is North America's oldest wooden chapel. You wouldn't necessarily know it from the outside, however, as the charming little church gleams tidily with a fresh lick of cherry red and white paint.

The local colour of the small town of Gaspé is defined by the surrounding picturesque bays and cliffs. The vibrant hues of autumn are once again on display as you embark on a scenic drive across the peninsula and through Forillon National Park. This paradise for amateur ornithologists can also be actively explored on a hike.

On the Îles de la Madeleine, red cliffs and long sandy beaches create intoxicating island impressions. Alternatively, a culinary tour offers a delightful combination of cheese, seafood, and brewing craftsmanship. In Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island, you will explore the birthplace of Canada. The history of the Confederation is complemented by the natural beauty, experienced during a scenic drive or a visit to an oyster fisher.

The Îles-de-la-Madeleine, or 'Magdalen Islands', form a small archipelago in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence with a land area of 79.36 square miles (205.53 square kilometres). Though closer to Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, the islands form part of the Canadian province of Quebec. Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine encompass eight major islands: Havre-Aubert, Grande Entrée, Cap aux Meules, Grosse-Île, Havre aux Maisons, Pointe-Aux-Loups, Île d'Entrée and Brion. All except Brion are inhabited. Several other tiny islands are also considered part of the archipelago: Rocher aux Oiseaux; Île aux Loups-marins; Île Paquet; and Rocher du Corps Mort. Although Europeans first arrived on the islands in the mid-1600s, Mi'kmaq Indians had been visiting the islands for hundreds of years, and numerous archaeological sites have been excavated on the archipelago. By the mid-18th century, the islands were inhabited by French-speaking Acadians, and administered as part of the colony of Newfoundland from 1763-1774, when they were annexed to Quebec by the Quebec Act. A segment of the population are English descendants from survivors of the over 400 shipwrecks on the islands. The construction of lighthouses eventually reduced the number of shipwrecks, but many old hulks remain on the beaches and under the waters. Until the 20th century, the islands were completely isolated during the winter months due to the pack ice that made the trip to the mainland impassable by boat. However, a new wireless telegraph station provided Magdalens with year-round communication with the outside world. In recent years, the pristine natural beauty of the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, along with the archipelago's strategic geographic location in the heart of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, has made tourism an important part of the local economy. The well-preserved natural heritage, extraordinarily beautiful marine landscapes and exceptional coastline of the Îles-de-la-Madeleine offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the area's natural splendour. The panoramic archipelago features dramatic red cliffs, rolling green hills, brightly-coloured houses, intimate inlets, hidden coves, and over 180 miles (290 kilometres) of honey-coloured and white-sand beaches; half of the archipelago's islands are linked by sand dunes. The Îles-de-la-Madeleine are also home to a wealth of diverse marine life, bird species, and flora and fauna to discover. The Îles-de-la-Madeleine offer a truly distinctive blend of Acadian, Madelinot, French and English cultures, traditions and communities that make this breath-taking archipelago a truly unforgettable destination. You can explore the people and history of the islands during visits to the many wonderful museums and interpretation centres, public areas and historical sites, art galleries, artisan workshops, archival centres, performing arts and theatres, industrial facilities, culinary and wine shops, charming boutiques, and cultural and gourmet festivals and events. The exquisite natural and coastal splendour of the Îles-de-la-Madeleine include a host of incredibly scenic and memorable sightseeing venues. Land-based excursions include picturesque nature hikes, walking trails, bicycling, bird-watching, horseback riding, golfing at the Club de golf des Iles, kite-flying, and flightseeing. The teeming coastal waters are ideally-suited for seal- and whale-watching, mariculture, canoeing, sea-kayaking, surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, fishing, boating, sailing and Zodiac tours, snorkelling, scuba diving, and more. Private arrangements for independent sightseeing may be requested through the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship.

Surrounded by natural treasures and glorious seascapes, Halifax is an attractive and vibrant hub with noteworthy historic and modern architecture, great dining and shopping, and a lively nightlife and festival scene. The old city manages to feel both hip and historic. Previous generations had the foresight to preserve the cultural and architectural integrity of the city, yet students from five local universities keep it lively and current. It's a perfect starting point to any tour of the Atlantic provinces, but even if you don't venture beyond its boundaries, you will get a real taste of the region.It was Halifax’s natural harbor—the second largest in the world after Sydney, Australia’s—that first drew the British here in 1749, and today most major sites are conveniently located either along it or on the Citadel-crowned hill overlooking it. That’s good news for visitors because this city actually covers quite a bit of ground.Since amalgamating with Dartmouth (directly across the harbor) and several suburbs in 1996, Halifax has been absorbed into the Halifax Regional Municipality, and the HRM, as it is known, has around 415,000 residents. That may not sound like a lot by U.S. standards, but it makes Nova Scotia’s capital the most significant Canadian urban center east of Montréal.There's easy access to the water, and despite being the focal point of a busy commercial port, Halifax Harbour doubles as a playground, with one of the world's longest downtown boardwalks. It's a place where container ships, commuter ferries, cruise ships, and tour boats compete for space, and where workaday tugs and fishing vessels tie up beside glitzy yachts. Like Halifax as a whole, the harbor represents a blend of the traditional and the contemporary.