Discover Montreal's cultural heritage and cosmopolitan blend of the old and the new on this overview of their delightful city. You will visit the financial district, Westmount and its opulent residences, and Montreal's university. This tour also includes a stop on Mount Royal for a panoramic view of Montreal and a guided visit of Notre Dame Basilica, an outstanding example of Neo-Gothic architecture, China Town and the historical district on your way to the airport.

 

Please note:   It is recommended that you wear flat, comfortable shoes and have your camera ready.

 

 

 

Discover Montreal's cultural heritage and cosmopolitan blend of the old and the new on this overview of their delightful city. You will visit the financial district, Westmount and its opulent residences, and Montreal's university.  This tour also includes a stop on Mount Royal for a panoramic view of Montreal and a guided visit of Notre Dame Basilica, an outstanding example of neo-gothic architecture, China Town and the Historical district on the way to your Windstar hotel.

 

Please note:   It is recommended that you wear flat, comfortable shoes and have your camera ready.

 

 

 

You will discover the charm and character of the Old Town as you explore the historic landmarks followed by a brief journey along the St-Lawrence River to view the spectacular scenery surrounding Montmorency Falls. You will start your tour at Dufferin Terrace located 200 feet above the waterway. From here you will have a spectacular view of the St. Lawrence River, Île d’Orléans, and the Laurentian Mountains. You will also drive by one of Québec’s most celebrated landmarks, the Château Frontenac. Make a stop in Place-Royale a beautifully restored market square of typical 17th and 18th century stone architecture at the heart of the Lower Town. It is the location of the oldest standing Catholic church in North America, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires.  Find National Battlefields Park, also known as the Plains of Abraham, this park was the site of the historic battle where the French surrendered to the British in 1759. Located on the cliffs overlooking the St.-Lawrence River, the Plains of Abraham is now a beautiful 250-acre park with hills, gardens, monuments and artillery artifacts.  Cap-Diamant is located in National Battlefield Park, a photo stop opportunity will be made at Cap-Diamant which was named after the shiny stones explorer Jacques-Cartier mistook for diamonds. From here you will have spectacular views of the St Lawrence River, Lower Town, and surrounding countryside.  Your route will take you along the Grande-Allée, the Champs-Élysées of Québec lined with quaint shops, sidewalk cafés, and boutiques to the Hôtel du Parlement, an imposing Second Empire-style building overlooking the city. Within minutes of the walled city of Old Quebec are the beautiful pastoral landscapes of Quebec’s countryside.  A photo stop will be made at the Montmorency Falls where you will enjoy the breathtaking views and see the powerful forces of nature as the water of the Montmorency River roars down the cliff to eventually meet with the St. Lawrence River.

 

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing.

 

 

 

Your experienced guide will make the history of Québec come alive as you walk the charming cobblestone streets of the Old Town. Best explored on foot, you will discover nearly four centuries of history. Essentially a living museum, the Old Town is the only walled city in North America and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Among the sites you will see is Place-Royale, a historic square once surrounded by the homes of wealthy merchants. Built and rebuilt several times, the square remains the heart of the Lower Town as well as the home of North America’s oldest standing catholic church, the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires. Around the corner from Place-Royale is the charming pedestrian-only area of Petit-Champlain. Along its narrow cobblestone streets, you will find an array of quaint boutiques, specialty shops and outdoor cafés as well as strolling musicians, jugglers, and street performers. From Lower Town to Upper Town, you will enjoy a short funicular ride to reach the Château Frontenac, perched on a hill overlooking the St.-Lawrence River. The castle-like Château is the best-known landmark in Québec. It was here that Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and William Mackenzie King met to discuss the allied strategy during W.W. II. You will have time to relax and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and sample the delectable pastries. Other sites you will see include  Dufferin Terrace  200 feet above the waterway, the Upper City passing Place d’Armes, the Québec Seminary, the Ursuline Convent, Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, and the Artists Alley. You will visit Holy Trinity church, the first Anglican Cathedral built outside the British Isles. At the end of your tour, you will have the option of returning directly to the ship, or to stay in old town to shop and explore by your own.

 

Please note: This tour is not wheelchair accessible.  Wear comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing.

 

 

 

Embark on a cultural journey to the First Nation of Wendat! Wendake, a quiet and peaceful village nestled in the woods on the outskirts of Quebec is the only community in Canada where the Huron-Wendat Nation is located. In this 3.5-hour tour, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in their culture and discover a Nation proud of its origin and its know-how. Upon arrival you will be met by a First Nation’s guide dressed in traditional clothing. You will enjoy a guided tour of the highlights of the village. In the longhouse you will become acquainted with the daily life and customs of the Huron people. Continuing to the smokehouse you will learn about the techniques used for meat drying and food preservation methods. In the Sweat Lodge you will learn about the spirituality of the Huron people as well as the techniques and process of purification used by their ancestors. Relax in the comfort of a large war canoe as your guide explains their construction and use. In a large tepee you will learn about the Huron’s lifestyle before the first contact with Europeans as well as their traditional and herbal forms of medicine.  Inaugurated in 2008, the Huron-Wendat Museum is an institution created to protect and promote the heritage of the Wendat people. With permanent exhibitions and numerous activities, the Museum carries out its mandate to teach and popularize the history, culture and art of the Wendat people and of others First Nations.  During your visit, you will discover artworks of Bourgault (a Wendat artist), ancient manuscripts, and much more. A natural site of rare beauty, the Kabir Kouba Falls plunges into a 138-feet- deep canyon. From 2007 to 2009, archeological digs revealed the vestiges of a flour mill, a saw mill and a paper mill built in the 18th and 19th centuries.

 

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes

 

 

 

Embraced by the rich waters of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Percé Village captivates with its beautiful scenery. Featured on National Geographic’s list of “must-see” places in the world, Percé is named one of the most beautiful villages in Quebec! The impressive sheer rock formation is 1,420 feet (471m) long, 289 feet ( 85m) high and it is the tourist emblem of Quebec province. Climb to strategic viewpoints and marvel at the surprising panoramas. Those interested in art and culture will be amazed by this village’s vitality and diversity.  A visit at the Geopark will offer geology enthusiasts, adventure lovers and thrill seekers a unique opportunity to explore 500 million years of history right in the heart of the Percé Village. Discover Tektonik, an interactive multimedia exhibition, plus a dizzying glass platform suspended 656 feet (200 m) above sea level. On this platform, you will marvel at the Percé Rock, one of the largest natural arches in the World.

 

Please note:   Wear layered clothing according to weather and comfortable shoes.

 

 

 

This easy walking tour informs guests about Gaspésie’s unforgotten past and fishing families’ way of life. A visit to Forillon National Park is sure to be a unique adventure. The tip of Forillon, which was declared a Canadian national park in order to preserve the wild beauty of its coast, reveals various geological formations and phenomena up to 450 million years old. Its majestic landscapes cover a 152 square mile-area that is carved out of the sea, cliffs and mountains. Here, where the land joins the sea, are born pebble beaches, dizzying cliffs, small coves, rocky capes and fine sand beaches. The presence of 10 different rock formations, colonies of seabirds and arctic-alpine plants give this park its unique character. The trail called Une Tournée Dans Les Parages (A Walk Around the Area) will start near the fishing harbor, at the Grande-Grave Heritage Site, where the Hyman & Sons store, the warehouse and the Blanchette House reveal an unforgotten past and attest to the way of life of fishing families. You will be taken back through fields and woods to a number of old houses and barns. Outdoor exhibits along the way recount the history of Grande-Grave. The bracing sea air and Forillon’s magnificent panoramas are sure to make your walk all the more pleasant!

Please note: Wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots (no sandals!) and appropriate outdoor clothing; rain gear if needed.

Experience an exciting and educational adventure on a whale-watching expedition!  Board your bus and head towards the rich waters of the Bay of Gaspé, which harbor a diverse array of eight whale species. Join your knowledgeable local guide aboard a zodiac for an opportunity to witness these magnificent marine mammals in their natural habitat while gaining insights into their environment. Depending on the time of year and available food sources, you may encounter awe-inspiring blue whales (the largest animals on Earth), majestic humpback whales, elegant fin whales, nimble minke whales, playful white-sided dolphins, charming harbour porpoises, and graceful seals.  The whale-watching season in Gaspe runs from June to early October, offering prime opportunities to spot these magnificent creatures. Additionally, the migration of krill starting in October significantly influences the movements of whales in the area.
 

Please note:  Wear warm appropriate outdoor clothing; rain gear if needed.

 

 

Sign up for an hour of fun-filled land and water adventure aboard the famous Harbour Hopper.  Join your Captain and Guide who will introduce Halifax’s finest shops, restaurants, museums, and historic sites. Prepare yourself for a big splash as the Hoppers plunge into the harbor. View the Royal Canadian Naval Fleet and the spectacular sights along the waterfront and end up back at the ship with time for another tour or some shopping. Rain or shine this tour is guaranteed to make you smile!

Please note: Dress in warm layers, including a jacket to protect from Atlantic mists. This tour is not suitable for wheelchair guests or those with mobility issues.  Guests must be able to negotiate 10-12 steps on and off the vehicle.

Beautifully situated, Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse has long been an inspiration to artists and photographers.

You will embark on a scenic 60-minute drive along the winding coastal highway of the lighthouse route, passing picturesque fishing villages to Peggy’s Cove. Upon arrival  you may choose to join your kilted guide on a 20-minute optional walking tour of the Lower Cove, or simply enjoy approximately 1 hour of free time to explore this lovely village independently.  Be sure to have your camera ready to capture the stunning scenery of the world famous Peggy's Cove Lighthouse perched on the granite shores of the cove.  Another "must see" on site is the deGarthe Monument, found among a mass of boulders, this life-size granite carving depicts the life and the people of the area, created by local artist William E. deGarthe through the late 70s and early 80s.  Enjoy free time to peruse the quaint shops, stroll the picturesque harbor and photograph colorful clapboard cottages and fishing shacks. Returning to Halifax, you will take a short drive around the city to familiarize yourself with its many highlights.

Please note: Dress in warm layers, including a jacket to protect you from Atlantic mists.

Relive the history of the Titanic and learn of her amazing connection with Halifax. Although she lies approximately 2 miles below the surface of the North Atlantic it is possible to reach out and touch the Titanic story while in Halifax.  What the ship gave up on April 15, 1912, the City of Halifax now embraces. You will visit the 121 gravestones of her victims at Fairview Lawn Cemetery, then pass by sites connected to the aftermath of the sinking such as the morgue that accepted the body of John Jacob Astor, the church from which the unknown child was buried, and the pier from which the MacKay-Bennett, the death ship, sailed to the sinking site of the Titanic 700 nautical miles east of Halifax. Finally, you will visit the Maritime Museum where you will see the largest collection of wooden Titanic artifacts in the world and hear the tale of the visit to Halifax by the ship’s most famous survivor, the unsinkable Molly Brown. The legend of the Titanic lives on and this tour will give you some of that enduring mystique in this captivating experience.

Please note:  Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in warm layers.

  

This combination excursion of the city’s highlights, Portland Head Light and the charming seaside town of Kennebunkport, will give you a fantastic overview of the Portland area. Starting with a scenic drive through the quaint streets of the old port, you will enjoy the gracious mix of architectural styles as well as the charming pubs, restaurants and shops. Enjoy views of Casco Bay and the Calendar Islands and pass through the arts district as well as the commercial and business districts. A beautiful, scenic drive through Kennebunkport will take you past the stunning Federal and Victorian-style mansions built in the 1700s and 1800s as well as Walker’s Point, the Bush estate and former summer White House. Enjoy approximately 90 minutes of free time for shopping along the picturesque streets of Kennebunkport’s Dock Square, lined with unique boutiques, galleries, antique shops, restaurants, and pubs.  Enjoy a scenic drive along Maine’s beautiful coast to Cape Elizabeth and visit Maine’s oldest lighthouse, Portland Head Light, first illuminated in 1791.

 

Please note: This tour is mainly a coach tour with very limited walking involved apart from a 45-minute stop at the Head Light Lighthouse and free time at Kennebunkport (however it is possible for guests to remain on the coach at this stop). Walking during the free time is at your own discretion.

 

 

 

Tour the picturesque, historic and entertaining city of Portland and visit the historic Portland Head Light.  Begin with a scenic drive through the quaint streets of the Old Port. Once the home of the warehouse district, the red brick buildings have been transformed into charming restaurants, pubs, unique boutiques and galleries. Pass by a number of historic Victorian homes and neighborhoods, enjoying terrific views of Casco Bay and the Calendar Islands from the East End Promenade. You’ll see Portland’s new arts district, as well as the thriving commercial and business districts.  Just outside the city center along Cape Elizabeth’s rocky coast lies Fort Williams, once a military outpost for coastal defense.  Enjoy a visit to Maine’s oldest lighthouse, the Portland Head Light, first illuminated on January 10,1791.  Portland Head Light has since stood at the gateway to Portland Harbor for mariners traveling Maine’s perilous coast.

Please note:  This tour is mainly a coach tour with very limited walking involved apart from a 30 min stop at the Headlight Lighthouse (however it is possible for guests to remain on the coach at this stop). Walking during the free time is at your own discretion.

The spectacular rocky coastline nearby Portland Maine is studded with lighthouses dating back over 200 years. On this half day excursion, you will see three prominent lighthouses and visit the Museum of Portland Head Light. Your journey will begin as you drive through historic Portland, passing by the Eastern Promenade offering a panoramic view of Casco Bay, the Portland Observatory, the new Arts District, as well as the thriving commercial and business districts. Your first stop will be at “Bug Light,” a steel structure lined with brick that was first lit in 1875 as an aid to navigation for this busy port. In addition, you will enjoy the Liberty Ship Memorial dedicated to the 266 ships built on the site during WWII. Your next stop will be at Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, a typical “sparkplug” style lighthouse constructed of brick on a cylindrical cast iron caisson.  Your excursion will continue as you travel along Cape Elizabeth’s rocky coast to Fort Williams, once a military outpost for coastal defense and now home to Maine’s oldest lighthouse, Portland Head Light. Here, you will have ample time to explore the grounds and visit the impressive museum located in the former lighthouse keeper’s quarters.

Please note:  This tour is a coach tour with some walking involved during scheduled stops (however it is possible for guests to remain on the coach at this stop). Walking during the free time is at your own discretion.