Star Collector: Autumn in Newfoundland and New England

Autumn leaves, scenic lighthouses, French culture, Colonial history… discover it all as you cruise between the scenic St. Lawrence River and Gulf, and Boston. Fall in love with Gallic culture and Old World streets lined with bistros, boutiques, and boulangeries, and spend your old Euros in St. Pierre & Miquelon, the last remaining French territories in North America. Visiting St. John's in the fall offers a delightful blend of vibrant autumn colors and cultural experiences, from exploring Signal Hill to enjoying the local arts scene. In St. Anthony and Bonne Bay, a small ship exclusive port, you can immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes, discover Viking history, and savor seasonal seafood while taking in the stunning coastal views. Take in the epic scenery of vibrant maples, lonely lighthouses, storybook fishing villages, and natural wonders. Soak up history as you walk the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec, Boston’s Freedom Trail, and the Fortress of Louisbourg. And add to your UNESCO life list as you tick off nearly half a dozen ranging from America’s first Viking outpost to unspeakably beautiful Gros Morne National Park.

Founded in 1630 by Puritan settlers, Boston is one of the oldest cities in the U.S. It was a pivotal place during the American Revolution for the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Siege of Boston. Tourists to Boston see the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the JFK Library and Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the New England Aquarium, and the USS Constitution.

The New England charm of Portland is a delightful mix of stylish and sophisticated, modest and folksy, with a reputation for great dining. There is a plethora of local art and music, lovely parks and a pleasing array of 19^th century architecture including beautiful Victorian-era homes. The cobblestone lanes of the Old Port district waterfront are alive with working fishing piers and warehouses converted into shops and restaurants.

One of the best places to appreciate nature is found at Bar Harbor, with its stunning coastal beauty. Surrounded by Acadia National Park, with over 50 square miles of mountains, lakes, forests, soaring granite cliffs and amazing views, Bar Harbor’s laid-back atmosphere encourages relaxation and repose. Bar Harbor was the premier summer resort of the 19th century for some of America’s most powerful families like the Vanderbilts and the Rockefellers until the destructive 1947 fire. Visit the Abbe Museum, which showcases the Wabanaki Indians, the Dorr Museums of Natural History or the Bar Harbor Historical Society Museum.

The capital of Nova Scotia was ranked the 4th best place to live in Canada back in 2012. It is a city with more pubs and clubs per capita than any other Canadian city and even one of the mayors was a brewmaster. The boardwalk on the waterfront follows the water’s edge and is lined with unique shops. Halifax is home to the longest running saltwater ferry and a 200-year-old restored fishing village. Be sure to find time to try fabled donair (pita, meat and sauce), the official food of Halifax.

The capital of Nova Scotia was ranked the 4th best place to live in Canada back in 2012. It is a city with more pubs and clubs per capita than any other Canadian city and even one of the mayors was a brewmaster. The boardwalk on the waterfront follows the water’s edge and is lined with unique shops. Halifax is home to the longest running saltwater ferry and a 200-year-old restored fishing village. Be sure to find time to try fabled donair (pita, meat and sauce), the official food of Halifax.

Four hundred miles northeast of Quebec City lies Gaspe, one of National Geographic’s Canada’s 50 Places of a Lifetime. This wonderful wilderness area is home to four national parks; Perce Rock; North America’s largest gannet colony; lighthouses and remarkable historic sites. Visit the modern cathedral built almost entirely of wood and make sure to try some of the local specialties such as French-styled lobsters and game.

A focal point of French culture and one of North America’s oldest and most beautiful cities, Quebec City sits above the St. Lawrence River on a rocky spur with 328-foot cliffs. This French-speaking city was established in 1608 with the only fortified city walls remaining in America north of Mexico, and declared a UNESCO World Heritage City. The Old Town is packed with museums, cobblestone streets and mansard-roofed houses begging to be explored. Other historic attractions include the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac, Notre Dame Basilica, Battlefields Park and Terrasse Dufferin.

A focal point of French culture and one of North America’s oldest and most beautiful cities, Quebec City sits above the St. Lawrence River on a rocky spur with 328-foot cliffs. This French-speaking city was established in 1608 with the only fortified city walls remaining in America north of Mexico, and declared a UNESCO World Heritage City. The Old Town is packed with museums, cobblestone streets and mansard-roofed houses begging to be explored. Other historic attractions include the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac, Notre Dame Basilica, Battlefields Park and Terrasse Dufferin.

Montreal is full of interesting architecture and is considered by many to be the creative capital of Canada. Named a UNESCO City of Design, Montreal attractions include Basilique Notre-Dame, Stade Olympique, Canal de Lachine, Old Montreal, and Habitat 67. Enjoy a meal at one of the terraced cafes of Plateau Mont-Royal and make sure you try Kamouraska lamb, Arctic char and poutine.

Picturesque Saguenay sits on the Saguenay Fjord and is a perfect “get away from it all” place. More secluded than other Quebec cities, this charming area is made up of lakes, rivers, valleys and hills that burst with fall color. Highlights here include the beautiful Saguenay Fjord, the massive pulp mill, the Pyramid of Ha! Ha!, Chicoutimi’s Boardwalk and local markets to shop for the popular Saguenay Cheese and blueberry pie.

With its village main street and many restaurants and bars, charming Cap aux Meules is the gateway to the Magdalen Islands Archipelago located in the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The port bustles with fishing boats, ferries, and a well-equipped marina offering a huge travel lift crane for dry dock. Sites to see include the church of St. Pierre, constructed from the wreckage of ships and the lighthouse which now warns of the offshore shoals.

This self-governing overseas territory of France is the only part of New France that remains under French control. Situated in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, seabirds are plentiful here with seals and other wildlife found in the lagoon. Sparsely populated, but with a distinct French atmosphere, see the National Museum and the cathedral.

Considered one of North America’s oldest settlements, St. John’s is a charming blend of winding streets, colorful row houses, hidden alleyways and a bustling harbor. Visit Quidi Vidi, St. John’s village-within-a-city, and Signal Hill where small wooden houses cling to the cliff-sides and Cabot Tower stands guard. Take time to visit The Rooms, a provincial museum, art gallery and archives housed next to the twin clock towers of the Basilica of St. John the Baptist.

Considered one of North America’s oldest settlements, St. John’s is a charming blend of winding streets, colorful row houses, hidden alleyways and a bustling harbor. Visit Quidi Vidi, St. John’s village-within-a-city, and Signal Hill where small wooden houses cling to the cliff-sides and Cabot Tower stands guard. Take time to visit The Rooms, a provincial museum, art gallery and archives housed next to the twin clock towers of the Basilica of St. John the Baptist.

St. Anthony is a popular whale-watching destination. Located at the northern tip of Newfoundland, icebergs appear along Newfoundland Iceberg Alley and the rugged coastline, there is a vast wilderness of valleys and lake-dotted mountains, and the local fresh seafood is among the best.

Red Bay is a fishing village that was, between 1530 and the early 17th century, a major Basque whaling area. Here the highlight will be what you learn as you see three Basque whaling galleons and four small chalupas used for capturing whales, Red Bay’s livelihood at the time. In 2013 Red Bay Basque Whaling Station was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site where original Basque artifacts, and a restored chalupa are preserved.

Bonne Bay and Woody Point are part of the Gros Morne National Park, whose ancient landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bonne Bay has two sections – Inner Bonne Bay and Outer Bonne Bay. Inner Bonne Bay has two arms with wooded coves and beaches. Outer Bonne Bay is the entrance to the Bonne Bay fjord. This bay was carved out approximately 10,000 years ago and is an area full of wildlife – moose and caribou, Arctic hare and ptarmigan.

Situated at the northern end of the St. Lawrence River, Havre St. Pierre is home to the eerie limestone structures of the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve. Tourism contributes hugely to the economy of this small town noted for the unique variety of flora and fauna found here such as the rare Mingan Thistle and puffins. Excellent fishing is also found here,made up of snow crab, scallops, lobster and salmon.

A focal point of French culture and one of North America’s oldest and most beautiful cities, Quebec City sits above the St. Lawrence River on a rocky spur with 328-foot cliffs. This French-speaking city was established in 1608 with the only fortified city walls remaining in America north of Mexico, and declared a UNESCO World Heritage City. The Old Town is packed with museums, cobblestone streets and mansard-roofed houses begging to be explored. Other historic attractions include the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac, Notre Dame Basilica, Battlefields Park and Terrasse Dufferin.

Montreal is full of interesting architecture and is considered by many to be the creative capital of Canada. Named a UNESCO City of Design, Montreal attractions include Basilique Notre-Dame, Stade Olympique, Canal de Lachine, Old Montreal, and Habitat 67. Enjoy a meal at one of the terraced cafes of Plateau Mont-Royal and make sure you try Kamouraska lamb, Arctic char and poutine.