Take a scenic drive to the Touverre Workshop to enjoy a glass blowing demonstration. Watch in awe as Giuseppe Benedetto, a glassmaker and sculptor, uses his highly sophisticated technique to perform one of the oldest and most difficult art forms to master, practiced in Egypt and Syria thousands of years ago. Today, this master craftsman creates top-of-the-line decorative objects such as whales, fruits, lamps, perfumers, and more. His creations integrate art with architecture, producing limited-series sculptures which incorporate granite, glass, aluminum, bronze, or steel, which demonstrate contrasts in strength and fragility.

Next, cross the street to visit the Fine Stone Cutting Economuseum. Witness the fascinating transformation steps of lapidary work necessary to create original handmade jewelry. Admire magnificent amethyst geodes, local and worldwide minerals, and fine stones. Assist with a live stone polishing demonstration in this newly built workshop attached to one of Saguenay’s first buildings, the Saint-Alexis Presbytery (1868).

Finally, stop at the Alpaga Bersi farm which is home to 31 alpacas and 2 llamas living freely in large pastures. Learn the characteristics of this good-natured animal, from the collection of his fiber to the finish product. Also known as the Gold of the Andes, this luxurious natural fiberis light, warm, resistant, hypoallergenic, and extremely soft. Visit their shop which features several products made with alpaca fiber, such as sweaters, scarves, tuques, socks, mittens and more, hand-knitted by regional artisans. 

Visit the interpretation center of the Fromagerie Boivin. While tasting some samples of cheese, hear the history of this family enterprise which produces about 2.3 million kilos of cheese yearly.

Continue through Chicoutimi to Jonquière. On the scenic drive overlooking the Saguenay River, view the Little White House that miraculously survived the Flood of 1996 and the Pulp Mill. Founded in 1898, the mill played an important role in the development of the area. Also noted as the first French Canadian owned Pulp Company, the mill produced a high-quality pulp that was exported throughout the world. You will also pass the Rio Tinto Aluminum Factory in Jonquière.

During a stop at the Domaine Le Cageot, learn all about the history of blueberries in Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean while enjoying a delicious blueberry pastry accompanied by a cup of blueberry tea. After, you will have the opportunity to taste some wines made of blueberries and other little fruits. Discover other artisanal berry products available for purchase, such as wine, vinegar dressing, jam, jelly, syrup, honey, chocolate, and more!

For a truly unique experience, discover the natural beauty of the Fjord from the air. This unforgettable flight will take you over picturesque villages, lakes, and the majestic Saguenay Fjord. Meet with your pilot pier side and board a five to six-passenger Beaver or Cessna seaplane. Your journey will take you over the New France Site and the lovely village Ste-Rose du Nord where the Saguenay River becomes a fjord. Fly over gorgeous Cap au Leste, the Sentier Cross, and the Ha! Ha! Bay, and enjoy a picture-perfect view of the ship. 

Learn about the rich religious and cultural heritage, as well as the strong character of the hearty souls living in this remote paradise. The journey starts at a forest interpretation center known as Village Forestier d’Antan, a typical lumberjack village. Typical buildings, period objects, and old photographs demonstrate a lumberjack’s living conditions and way of life of this period. Taste a sample of a typical lumberjack meal. Do you know that a lumberjack meal turned around 2000 calories at that time?

Travel to Saint-Amelie Church for a guided exploration of the church's magnificent fresco paintings, stained glass windows, and pink granite of Quebec’s North Shore. Finally, there will be a short exploration of Baie-Comeau’s heritage area, including Place La Salle, a quaint commercial artery, with sites of historical interest, as well as souvenir shops, art galleries, and fine restaurants.

Visit one of the world’s largest hollow-joint gravity dams, big enough to fit a Boeing 747 in one of the dam’s hollow-joints. It was here that Hydro-Québec operated the first 735,000-volt line in the world in 1965. This line has now become the international standard for high-voltage transmission, linked to a generating station powerful enough to supply electricity to a city of 250,000 people. 

Visit the Georges-D’Or Pavilion, which holds an actual turbine, as well as an exhibit hall, and a multimedia room explaining the construction and operation of the dam. View a 30-minute video about one of the station’s powerful generators and understand why each of the 8 turbines weighs more than 100 elephants!

Conclude with a brief exploration of Baie-Comeau’s heritage area and its beautiful natural setting. Starting with Place La Salle, discover this quaint commercial artery, host to site of historical and social interest for the past 78 years. In this cultural hub, you’ll find souvenir stores, art galleries, fine restaurants, and a microbrewery. Admire the magnificent scenery and Champlain Street where the former Premier of Canada, Brian Mulroney, spent his childhood.

Begin your journey at Place La Salle, a quaint commercial artery with souvenir stores, art galleries, fine restaurants, and a microbrewery.  Visit St. Amélie’s Church, featuring Quebec’s North Shore pink granite. Admire its 1,500 square meters of fresco paintings, 5 times more than the Sistine Chapel. It also bears 30 stained-glass windows representing characters from the Bible, and a magnificent Casavant organ. Learn about the Italian artist Guido Nincheri and how, during that period of creation, his wrongfully imprisoned saga put his fresco’s work on hold. 

Travel to St. Andrew Anglican Church, a unique Anglican Church built in 1937 and the first church in the Baie-Comeau area.  In the Tudor style, with its imposing oak trim and lovely stained-glass windows, discover the main window depicts local forest animals. Continue to the Champlain Street where the former Premier of Canada, Brian Mulroney, spent his childhood. Stop at the famous Manoir of Baie-Comeau, where you will be treated to cake and tea as you enjoy the spectacular view of the Saint Lawrence River. Built in 1937 by Robert Rutherford McCormick, the manor burned to the ground in 1965. Thirty nine years later, in 2004, the QNSL paper company rebuilt it on the same site, using stone instead of wood. Today it is a hotel with all the charm of an old French colonial manor. After the excursion, guests may stay in town or return to the ship.

With over six miles of trails, Parc Nature offers many scenic landscapes to explore, showcasing eight different ecosystems including sand dunes, boreal forest, a salt marsh, and beach. During this guided excursion, admire the beauty of a lower estuary, featuring seabirds, birds of prey, and more, along banks of Rivière aux Outardes as it flows into the magnificent St. Lawrence River.  Enjoy free time at the interpretation center and stop at the gift shop.

The waters of the Bay of Gaspé are home to eight different whale species. Aboard a zodiac, accompanied by your local guide, observe these giant mammals and learn about the environment in which they live. Depending on the season and the food available, you may see blue whales (the largest mammals in the world), spectacular humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, white-sided dolphins, harbor porpoises, and seals.

Explore this fascinating site that has attracted visitors since the 1930s. With its magnificent landscapes and diverse activities, Percé lures admirers of art and culture.

Begin your journey at the Pic de l’Aurore lookout, a breathtaking vantage point to admire the stunning natural beauty of the Gaspé Peninsula and take magnificent photos. From this elevated perch, visitors can soak in panoramic views of the rugged coastline, dense forests, expansive ocean, and the iconic Percé Rock. Enjoy a guided exploration of the St-Michel church, one of the jewels of the architectural heritage of Percé. Featuring pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and intricate decorative details, its architecture is reminiscent of medieval European cathedrals. 

Travel to Côte Surprise for another wonderful photo opportunity. A captivating stretch of coastline, this destination if renowned for its dramatic and unexpected beauty, from towering cliffs adorned with lush vegetation to hidden coves and pristine beaches. It is also another vantage point from which to view Percé Rock. Take a coffee break at Buvette Thérèse, followed by time to explore the many souvenir shops, art galleries, and handicraft boutiques of Percé on your own.

After, enjoy time to explore Percé on your own. Discover Percé’s rich historical and architectural heritage. Peruse the many souvenir shops, art galleries, and handicraft boutiques, which offer a wide variety of local and regional crafts and products. You will also enjoy a croissant and a cup of coffee at a local café. 

On this guided excursion, explore Gaspé, its surroundings and the magnificent Forillon National Park. Begin in the park at Fort Peninsula, an old lookout and vestige of the Second World War, serving as a strategic defense point, protecting the region's coastline.

Next travel Cap-Bon-Ami Sea Cliffs located at the northern side of the Forillon Peninsula for an excellent photo opportunity. Carved by the force of the sea over thousands of years, these dramatic cliffs are a testament to the power and beauty of nature and also serve as vital habitats for diverse marine and bird species.

Visit Cap-Desrosiers Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in Canada, located in the northern area of Forillon National Park. Its towering structure offers visitors a glimpse into the region's seafaring past and provides stunning panoramic views of the coastline.

Venture to the Micmac Interpretation center. Led by your guide, learn about the culture and history of the Aboriginal community in Gaspé. Here you can sample Bannock and maple syrup, with free time to explore the onsite boutique.

Discover the beauty of the Magdalen Islands on this guided excursion to some of the best sites and attractions that Madeleine has to offer. Stop at Havre aux Maisons, an area with many examples of traditional local architecture. Featured are simple houses and barns painted in a variety of bright colors, influenced by the Acadian, French, and New England origins of many of the Islanders. Visit the extraordinary South Dune Beach where you can walk through its amazing red sandstone underground caves that have been sculpted by the sea. Visit Fumoir d’Antan, a typical smokehouse, which brings to life this last vestige of what was once a very important industry. Discover a whole new way of looking at sand at the Sand Artisan Museum, before traveling to the north coast of the island which boasts spectacular steep, jagged cliffs and the Cap-Hérissé Lighthouse.

During the excursion, discover the beauty of the Magdalen Islands as you visit a variety of sights and attractions. Travel through the villages of Cap aux Meules, Fatima, Étang du Nord, Havre Aubert, and Havre aux Maisons, with several stops. Explore the Îles de la Madeleine Archipelago, an exotic miniature paradise featuring a treasure trove of tasty, tempting locally produced foods, and where the warmth and generosity of the inhabitants are legendary. During the Flavours Circuit, meet with several local producers and discover the passion and love that they have for their work, including the Pied de Vents Cheese Factory and a local apple orchard, the only one located on the archipelago.

On the way to the Green Gables Farm, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Prince Edward Island while listening to your knowledgeable tour guide explain the Island’s unique culture and heritage. The Green Gables Farm and its surroundings are the settings for the popular Anne of Green Gables novels by Lucy Maud Montgomery and one of the most notable literary landmarks in Canada.. Both those who are familiar with the books and who are not will enjoy exploring and learning the history of this circa-19th-century farmhouse.

Step back in time and get a glimpse into the fascinating history of Prince Edward Island as you travel along its breathtaking coastline. Led by your knowledgeable guide, learn about the area’s many lighthouses, which have outlasted generations, dating as far back as the early 1800s. These beacons of light were crucial for trade and commerce, vastly increasing the safety of the first mode of transportation used by early settlers. Each lighthouse has its individual day-markings and distinguishing flash patterns, so sailors can ascertain which headlight is ahead of them.

The first stop is at Point Prim Lighthouse. Built in 1846, this is Prince Edward Island's oldest lighthouse, standing 60 feet tall. Next, visit Wood Islands Lighthouse on the Northumberland Strait. At 50 feet tall, it began operations in 1876 to aid fishing boats around Wood Island and features an attached six-room, two story dwelling where the keepers once resided. The last to be manned on the island, Wood Island Lighthouse was automated in 1990.

Conclude your adventure at the Rossignol Estate Winery, which has a 45,000 bottle capacity and produces a variety of premium fruit and table wines made from local produce. Enjoy an unlimited wine tasting paired with Prince Edward Island cheeses. Try the 2015 Gold Medal winners - Marechal Foch, Cassis, Liberty Blossom, and L'Acadie Blanc, as well as Wild Blueberry and Blackberry Mead.

Walk along the waterfront and through the heritage district of Charlottetown, giving you a wonderful, historic overview of the province’s capital on this leisurely exploration. Your guide will meet you at the pier where your walking excursion will begin. During your city orientation, you will hear about the founding families and see some of their original homes, typically made of wood, sandstone, or brick. View Province House National Historic Site, where your guide will explain how Canada was formed as the result of a conference held in the building in 1864. That event led to Canada becoming a federation and when Charlottetown became known as the Birthplace of Canada. Your excursion concludes at the Charlottetown’s waterfront, where you may remain in town and do some further exploring on your own or walk back to the pier. 

Enjoy a cruise aboard Isola Solaretto, the world’s FIRST solar-powered dinner cruise boat. A Canadian Heritage Vessel from the famous 1967 Montreal Expo (World’s Fair), the boat undertook an 8 year, $1.3M renovation to become North America’s largest solar-powered boat.

On this a slow and gentle journey, enjoy coffee and tea as you admire the beautiful scenery of Charlottetown Harbor through large open windows. Four TV screens and an onboard sound system enable guests to enjoy live audio and visual commentary. 

Sights along the way include the marinas of Charlottetown, St. Dunstan’s Basilica, the Irish Settlers Monument, Government House (the birthplace of Canada), the armories and cannons of Victoria Park, and Fort La Joie/Fort Amherst. You will also hear maritime folklore and learn about the expulsion of the Acadians, the history of fishing lobster, mussels and oysters in PEI, farming potatoes in PEI, the Confederation Bridge, Anne of Green Gables, as well as the history of and technology used on Isola Solaretto. There will be trivia and prizes throughout your journey and every rider will receive an Eco-tourist Certificate of Completion, local seafood recipes, and more.

Enjoy a cruise with dinner aboard Isola Solaretto, the world’s FIRST solar-powered dinner cruise boat. A Canadian Heritage Vessel from the famous 1967 Montreal Expo(World’s Fair), the boat undertook an 8 year, $1.3Mrenovation to become North America’s largest solar-powered boat.

On this a slow and gentle journey, admire the beautiful scenery of Charlottetown Harbor through large open windows.  Four TV screens and an onboard sound system enable guests to enjoy live audio and visual commentary. Be treated to Island Blue Mussels, Caesar Salad, a rib eye and lobster dinner, as well as fresh baked dessert and tea/coffee.
 
Sights along the way include the marinas of Charlottetown, St. Dunstan’s Basilica, the Irish Settlers Monument, Government House (the birthplace of Canada), the armories and cannons of Victoria Park, and Fort La Joie/Fort Amherst. You will also hear maritime folklore and learn about the expulsion of the Acadians, the history of fishing lobster, mussels and oysters in PEI, farming potatoes in PEI, the Confederation Bridge, Anne of Green Gables, as well as the history of and technology used on Isola Solaretto. There will be trivia and prizes throughout your journey and every rider will receive an Eco-tourist Certificate of Completion, local seafood recipes, and more.

Board this convenient shuttle. Enjoy self-exploration of the Charlottetown Port Area, as well as Great George Street in downtown Charlottetown.

Prepare to embark on a nautical adventure. Your seasoned guide will be your trusty first mate as he unveils the secrets of fishing the Pictou way. Imagine the salty breeze tickling your nose as you stand on the pier, ready to conquer the mighty waters of the Northumberland Strait. If the excitement gets a bit too fishy, there is comfortable seating for you to kick back, relax, and soak in the breathtaking views of Pictou Harbor.  Once equipped with your very own fishing rod, the guide will teach you the ancient dance of luring in the elusive mackerel and the formidable striped bass. 

One of Canada’s few comprehensive industrial museums, the Nova Scotia Museum of Industry tells the story the people, places, and machines of Nova Scotia’s industrial past. Here you will find technology, steam engines and locomotives, cars, and coal mining. Find the true meaning of “made in Nova Scotia.” Artifacts big and small, photographs, recordings, video, and hands-on experiences engage you in the story of work and workers. It is not all serious learning; you can get your hands wet feeling the power of water or prove how fast you can move filling chocolate boxes with remarkably lifelike treats as they progress along the assembly line. Better yet, have fun deciding how fast or slow the conveyor belt moves. Push, pull, lift, drop, and laugh as you enjoy acres of exhibits and interactive displays that highlight how technology – and people – worked throughout this province’s history.

Welcome to the Town of Pictou, located on the beautiful Northumberland Shore of Nova Scotia. Renowned as the "Birthplace of New Scotland," it was here that the first wave of Scottish immigrants landed in 1773. The town of Pictou is the best place to experience old-world charm and culture, as well as present-day hospitality. Explore the world class Hector Heritage Quay and board the full-sized ship Hector replica. As you listen to the creaking timbers of the ship, your guide will offer you a glimpse into the hardships of life two centuries ago.

Aboard a double-decker bus, discover the historic streets of Halifax as your guide introduces you to one of North America’s most captivating cities. At your first stop, step into the Halifax Public Gardens, a tranquil setting amidst the bustle of commercial Halifax. These gardens encompass 17 acres of lush flowers, duck ponds, sparkling fountains, and Victorian footpaths. Continue your journey to the Fairview Lawn Cemetery, where you will follow your guide on a walk through the grounds as they bring to life the tale of the great ship Titanic and its ill-fated maiden voyage. Discover the true identities of the “unknown child” and J. Dawson, both recovered from the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean. These stories and more are part of a legacy that continues to fascinate visitors more than a century later. View the Historic Properties, an area on the Halifax waterfront, which is a collection of restored buildings, including stone warehouses built to hold privateers’ booty at the turn of the 18th century. Enjoy a visit to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Located in the heart of Halifax’s waterfront, there is no better place to immerse yourself in Nova Scotia’s rich maritime heritage.

Today is a journey you will remember all your life, as this excursion takes you through the city of Halifax enroute to the most popular site on the East Coast – Peggy’s Cove. Our voyage begins with breathtaking wooded coastal views along the Lighthouse Route as we make our way to the historic community of Peggy’s Cove. Hear how glaciers and constant pounding from ocean waves have shaped the world-renowned village’s granite shores. See the lighthouse that has been an inspiration for generations of writers, photographers, and painters, and the famous deGarthe Monument, which artisan William deGarthe carved in the coarse stone. Take time to explore the shops and galleries around this working fishing community, before returning along the St. Margaret’s Bay to Halifax.

In a seaport that is overflowing with history and atmosphere, walking is the ideal way to explore the sites and tranquil gardens. Walk with your guide along the historic boardwalk and revitalized city center to discover the area the way it is seen best - on foot. Begin with a leisurely stroll from the pier to downtown Halifax, where you can explore the beautiful Public Gardens. Founded in 1866 and encompassing 17 acres of Victorian paths, lush flowerbeds, and sparkling fountains, these are the oldest Victorian gardens in North America. Enjoy the bustle of Spring Garden Road, lined with boutiques and cafés, as you walk past elegant Georgian and Victorian doorways which help the city retain its historic charm. Stroll through the lovely Grand Parade Square and see the oldest Anglican Church in Canada. Learn the history of Province House and City Hall, overlooked by the picture-perfect Old Town Clock perched on Citadel Hill.

Enjoy the quaint beauty of two of Nova Scotia’s prettiest towns, Lunenburg and Mahone Bay, on this seaside adventure. Begin with a short drive around the Lunenburg Harbor, where you will have the unique opportunity to photograph the town perched on the hill from a stunning angle, across the bay. Continue along to the community of Mahone Bay. Upon arrival, meet a local artist who will introduce you to the fine art of molding pewter. Learn all the stages of a design, from concept through wax carving to finished pewter. Tour the workshop, then watch as molten pewter is transformed into exquisite pieces of art. After learning the trick of the trade, pick up a tool and try your hand at a little wax carving yourself. Guests not wishing to participate can enjoy free time in Mahone Bay instead.

Head back to the summit of Lunenburg to the site of the well-known Lunenburg Academy, where you will commence a walking exploration of the town with your guide. Explore the "Old Town," a planned grid of narrow streets, compact lots, and houses with a unique architectural feature, known as the “Lunenburg Bump.”  Enjoy a visit to St. John’s Anglican Church, which has been a place of welcome and worship since 1753. As the second oldest church of English origin in Canada, as well as a Canadian National Historic Site, St. John’s is recognized as one of North America’s best examples of Carpenter Gothic architecture. Following a major fire in 2001, St. John’s has been fully restored and was re-opened in June of 2005.
 

Discover beautiful Lunenburg and all its splendor! Led by your guide, walk through Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and North America’s best-preserved example of an 18th-century British colonial town. Stroll through this picture-perfect town as you listen to stories of the history, culture and architecture, dating back to the arrival of the first European settlers in 1753, mostly German, French and Swiss. Hear intriguing seafaring folklore and learn about Canada’s famous sailing schooner, the Bluenose. 

Acadia National Park encompasses 47,633 acres of granite-domed mountains and ocean shoreline. Enjoy an excursion that features two stops inside the Park: The top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the eastern seaboard at 1500+ ft., and Thunder Hole with a spectacular ocean view. This excursion will take you to the must see places of Acadia, all the while providing you with the stories behind the sights. 

Explore the beautiful waters of Mount Desert Island and enjoy spectacular views of historic lighthouses and the most scenic locations in Acadia National Park. Sail along miles of shoreline aglow in breathtaking autumnal foliage and visit a number of unique places along the coast of Frenchman Bay and coastal islands. Along the way, your guides will provide expert narration and will also point out wildlife such as seals, harbor porpoise, bald eagles, and a variety of seabirds.

Set sail on a spectacular nature cruise among the islands and shorelines of beautiful Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island. Cruise past some of the most breathtaking scenery in New England. From the shear granite cliffs of Great Head to smooth rock beaches, view a rugged maritime landscape etched by glaciers and battered by sea and wind. From the protected waters of Frenchman Bay, look for wildlife such as bald eagles, seals, seabirds, and harbor porpoise. A professional naturalist, who is excited to share interesting stories of natural and human history, will be on board to provide a running narrative and answer your questions.

Watch our experienced fisherman haul in lobster traps from the ocean floor as a professional naturalist describes what you are seeing and answers any questions you may have about lobster fishing and marine wildlife. Once we haul in the traps, you will have up-close views of the lobsters and any other critters we happen to catch in our traps. Do not worry; all lobster claws will have rubber bands attached so everyone’s fingers will stay safe. About halfway through our cruise, we’ll stow all the lobster gear and head off to a small island to view seals basking on the rocks or swimming in the nearby water. We most often see harbor and grey seal species. Throughout your cruise in Frenchman Bay, enjoy beautiful views of Acadia National Park.