Sailing the St. Lawrence Seaway and Canadian Maritimes - Eastern Canada Cruise
Discover the natural beauty and diverse cultures of Eastern Canada on an adventure along the picturesque St. Lawrence River. Stroll through 400 years of history in Old Québec—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and St-Pierre, the only remaining French territory in North America. Venture into the rugged wildernesses of the Saguenay River Fjord and Île Bonaventure, a National Park of Canada in search of rare wildlife. And, at every turn, you’ll be immersed in the region’s fascinating history, stemming from French, British, and Indigenous roots.
Highlights
• Look for majestic belugas and minke whales in the Saguenay River Fjord and right whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence
• Stroll the charming streets of Québec City to explore its historic architecture, vibrant culture, and renowned culinary scene
• Immerse yourself in the region’s gastronomy both on and off ship—from Indigenous recipes such as traditional Bannock bread to fresh-caught seafood in fishing villages
• Explore the stunning landscapes of the Îles de la Madeleine—its miles of dunes, grassy hills, and red sandstone cliffs —in the company of local experts
• Throughout the voyage, enjoy the unique sounds of Acadian music, with roots in French and Celtic traditions
This afternoon, arrive in St. John’s, the picturesque capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador and transfer to the National Geographic Explorer.
Meals Included: Dinner
The first landfall is in St-Pierre, France’s oldest remaining overseas territory. Get to know this picturesque French fishing enclave by visiting a local island, where you will learn about its historic cod fisheries and explore the fascinating L’Arche Museum, dedicated to preserving the history of this remote territory.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sail across the Gulf of St. Lawrence, known for its abundant plant and animal life both under water and on shore. Find a place on the observation deck to watch for the wildlife that calls this region home—including seven species of whales, such as the endangered North Atlantic right whale. Enjoy the day on board to edit photos, attend a presentation about the region with one of the naturalists or schedule a massage with the wellness specialist.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bordering the Labrador Sea and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Côte-Nord region of Québec offers breathtaking, wild landscapes and geologic diversity, abundant marine life, maritime history and a culture influenced by its nine Indigenous communities. Spend two days exploring this stunning marine environment by Zodiac, kayak, and on foot as you learn about the area alongside local experts.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arrive in the provincial capital, Québec City. The only remaining walled city north of Mexico, Québec’s rich history comes to life amid the ramparts and ancient streets of its old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Experience the city’s European charm while strolling the lanes below the stately Citadel, keeping an eye out for the iconic realist murals that showcase Québec’s history. As you explore, get a taste for the city’s renowned culinary scene, from its First Nations recipes and traditional French and English flavors to maple syrup-infused sweets.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Originating in Lake Saint-Jean in the Québecois highlands and draining into the St. Lawrence Seaway, the Saguenay River is a haven for marine life, most notably the beluga whale. Harbor seals, porpoises, minke, blue, and fin whales can also be seen at different times throughout the year in these nutrient-rich waters. The river’s fjord, carved by glaciers over 10,000 years ago, plunges more than 900 feet below the surface, and its rising peaks and hanging cliffs soar more than 1,500 feet into the air. The landscape provides an astonishing backdrop as you sail and explore where two iconic rivers meet.
Enjoy a day at sea by attending an engaging presentation by naturalists and experts, relaxing with a book in the lounge, or experiencing a wellness treatment at the spa. Keep an eye out for wildlife as the ship travels towards Îles de la Madeleine.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A cluster of wispy islands isolated in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Îles de la Madeleine are home to miles of golden beaches and dunes, grassy hills and dazzling red sandstone cliffs. Local experts will guide you across this landscape of caves and sea arches, stopping along the way in colorful fishing villages as you learn about Acadian culture.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Retrace a path back through the Gulf of St. Lawrence, passing between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Spend the day on board making final edits to your photos with the certified photography instructor or head to the bridge to learn about the ship’s navigation from the crew.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Disembark in St. John's and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 108 meters
Passenger Capacity: 148 (single & twin cabins)
Built / Refurbished: 1982 / 2008
Originally constructed for Norway’s renowned Hurtigruten Coastal Express, National Geographic Explorer was a natural fit for the Lindblad Expeditions fleet thanks to her exceptional manoeuvrability, ice-strengthened hull, and purpose-built expedition design. Now fully stabilised and refitted with over five decades of exploration expertise, she is ideally suited for navigating the most remote corners of the globe—from the rugged coasts of Europe to the icy passages of the polar regions. With vast windows throughout and a Scandinavian-inspired interior, the ship invites guests to stay connected with their environment at every turn.
Aboard National Geographic Explorer, every feature is tailored to enhance discovery. From the open Bridge and observation deck to the Chart Room and mudroom for expedition gear, the ship is an authentic platform for adventure. Her recently updated suites offer comfort and understated elegance, while public spaces such as the library, Global Gallery, and multiple dining areas encourage camaraderie and relaxation. Carrying expert guides, state-of-the-art tools, and a fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks, this 148-guest ship brings guests closer to nature with all the style and substance expected of a flagship expedition vessel.
Inclusions
• All accommodations, meals, and non-alcoholic beverages aboard ships
• Use of snorkeling equipment, wet suits, and kayaks (where available)
• Services of our expert expedition team and guest speakers
• Services of a ship physician on most voyages
• Certain hotels and meals ashore as indicated in the itinerary
• Round-trip transfers based on group flights
• Shore excursions, sightseeing, entrance fees, and special access permits
• Taxes, service charges, and tips (except for ship’s crew, at our guests’ discretion)
Exclusions
• Air transportation (except when we indicated in the itinerary, as included) Extensions
• Passport, visa, and immigration fees
• Travel Protection Plan
• Special and unique excursions such as scuba diving, flightseeing, etc. (where offered)
• Alcoholic beverages (alcohol is included on select ships)
• Items of personal nature
• Phone and Internet Service
• Laundry
• Gratuity for ship’s crew, at our guests’ discretion (crew tips are included on select ships)
Expedition
Our Associates Include
