Great Lakes And St Lawrence River - Lifeline Of North American In Indian Summer

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.

In Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island, you will explore the birthplace of Canada. The history of the Confederation is domineered by the glories of nature on a scenic tour1 or a visit to an oyster farm1 On the Iles de la Madeleine, red cliffs and long sandy beaches provide breathtaking island impressions1. Alternatively, a culinary tour1 combines cheese, fish and the art of brewing.

Designated as the Island capital in 1765, Charlottetown is both PEI’s oldest and largest urban center. However, since the whole "metropolitan" area only has a population of about 65,000, a pleasing small-town atmosphere remains. The city is a winner appearance-wise as well. Peppered with gingerbread-clad homes, converted warehouses, striking churches, and monumental government buildings, Charlottetown’s core seems relatively unchanged from its 19th-century heyday when it hosted the conference that led to the formation of Canada. The city is understandably proud of its role as the "Birthplace of Confederation" and, in summer, downtown streets are dotted with people dressed as personages from the past who’ll regale you with tales about the Confederation debate.

The local charm of the small town of Gaspe is defined by the surrounding picturesque bays and cliffs. Autumn shows its vibrant guises once again on a scenic tour of the peninsula and the Forillon National Park1. You can also explore this paradise for amateur ornithologists actively on a hike1.

As you travel along the river, your team of experts on board will tell you all about the region’s great history – from the early Woodland period and the First Nations to the current economic significance. With a little luck, you’ll spot beluga, blue, humpback or fin whales whilst whale watching1 off Tadoussac.

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.

Indian summer hues will colour your route with accents of reds and yellows. The exact period and intensity of the natural phenomenon are difficult to predict, but the timing of your cruise is favourable for enjoying profoundly vibrant impressions. One of the largest side branches of the St Lawrence River, the Saguenay, is also particularly picturesque at this time of year. Experience the wilderness actively on a hike1 or by seaplane1. Cruising on the Saguenay Fjord, you may be lucky to spot belugas, which can be found hunting for fish and plankton here all year round.

French savoir vivre and Canadian zest for life invite you to explore the historic quarter in Quebec. Explore the many sights on a city tour1. On a trip to Montmorency Falls and Ile d’Orleans,1 you will pass some of Canada’s oldest French settlements.

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.

Afterwards, Montreal welcomes you with its European charm as the second largest francophone city in the world. A city tour1 combines picturesque town houses and wide boulevards with a walk in the underground city. Alternatively, the wineries in the Eastern Townships1 will awaken the sommelier in 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.

An extraordinary passage follows during a lock adventure on the St Lawrence River. This is a nautical masterpiece that only a few ships can manage. The open deck areas are the ideal place from which to watch the ship negotiate the seven locks and the height differences.

In Toronto, a city tour by tram1 shows how skyscrapers, parks and trendy districts complement each other well. As Canada’s largest city, Toronto is Canada’s economic centre and one of the world’s leading financial centres, after decades during which Montreal had held that role. The city is located on the north-western shore of Lake Ontario, the smallest of the five Great Lakes. From Toronto it is also not far to the most famous waterfalls in North America – the Niagara Falls1.

The next stage of your cruise is a lock adventure on the Welland Canal. Follow the challenging passage on the deck tour at the bow or the ship’s many open deck areas. Through eight locks, your small ship overcomes almost 100 m (328 ft) of height, corresponding to a lock lift the height of Niagara Falls. This is only possible thanks to the ship’s retractable bridge wings.

The next stage of your cruise is a lock adventure on the Welland Canal. Follow the challenging passage on the deck tour at the bow or the ship’s many open deck areas. Through eight locks, your small ship overcomes almost 100 m (328 ft) of height, corresponding to a lock lift the height of Niagara Falls. This is only possible thanks to the ship’s retractable bridge wings.

Behind you lies vast Lake Erie and the route takes you on to Windsor in Canada. From the ship, you’ll have the best view of the skyline of America’s former “Motor City” on the other bank of the river. Visit Detroit1 to discover the roots of automotive history and the varied architecture of this city that is once again on the up. Follow in the footsteps of Henry Ford1 at the museum that bears his name and see masterpieces of the road and rails. The stunning passage on the Detroit River takes you towards Lake Huron.

Maritime charm awaits you on your cruise on Lake Huron to the fishing town of Tobermory in Georgian Bay. Let your impressions be shaped by limestone coastlines, small bays and Canadian flora on a hike along the Bruce Trail at your own pace.

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.

The small coastal municipality of Killarney reveals its Irish roots in its name. The “emerald isle” of George Island can be reached by ferry and will show off its colourful side in autumn. Many outdoor activities and a great sense of freedom define your explorations of the uninhabited island. Discover Killarney independently and enjoy a Zodiac ride with beautiful scenery and good chances of seeing wildlife. With a bit of luck, you will spot cormorants, Canada geese and bald eagles.

The small HANSEATIC inspiration is in its element as it charts a course through a scenic labyrinth of water to reach Parry Sound. Explore the town and the nearby lake shore on the marine walking trails or take a boat trip of the Thirty Thousand Islands1. The varied archipelago scenery is filled with islands emerging from the water, narrow channels and imposing cliffs. Alternatively, you can soak up the unforgettable panoramas in Killbear Provincial Park1, where pink granite banks and autumnal forest blend to create majestic scenery.

On a walk through Sault Sainte Marie, you can immerse yourself in the fascinating stories of immigrants at the museum or marvel at the enormous lock system that separates Canada and the USA here.

Mackinac Island is a natural jewel of the Great Lakes and is one of the most beautiful islands in the USA. Discover the small car-free idyll independently by bicycle or on a carriage ride. Whilst Victorian villas and the Grand Hotel recall the 19th century, Fort Mackinac serves as a reminder of the American Revolutionary War.