Discover the Magdalen Islands & St. Lawrence River Cruise

Magdalen Islands

Visit the beautiful and captivating Magdalen Islands, and while there travel along sandy isthmuses and blue lagoons, see the red cliffs and unspoiled beauty of the islands, and discover a people of the sea- the Magdelinots, whose fishing ports, colorful houses, typical local foods and language offer an experience to be remembered. After discovering the Magdalen Islands, set sail for the scenic St. Lawrence River and also explore the Perce Region, Quebec City and Montreal.

Day 1- Arrive in Halifax, Nova Scotia and transfer to your downtown hotel. The evening is at your leisure.

Day 2- After breakfast, you will enjoy a Gray Line Deluxe Historic Halifax City Tour. The afternoon is yours to freely explore this delightful seaside city.

Day 3- After breakfast, you will meet your tour director and traveling companions as you depart for Canada's smallest province- Prince Edward Island. You will see the red sandstone cliffs, white beaches, gently sloping sand dunes and green fields of Prince Edward Island National Park. Lucy Maud Montgomery describes the beautiful scenery in her “Anne of Green Gables” books. Visit the home of “Green Gables,” a Mecca for people around the world. Enjoy a delicious lobster dinner (meat alternative available) before settling in for the night.

Day 4- Start off the day with a brief tour of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island's capital city, before to Souris where you will board the ferry and travel to the beautiful Magdalen Islands. You will have plenty of time to relax during the five hour journey to this magical part of Quebec. You will spend the next two nights in the heart of Cap-aux-Meules.

Day 5- Today you will take a boat tour of the serene waters of the Havre-aux-Maisons lagoon. See unique scenery that is enriched by the lagoon's flora and fauna, as well as seals and many species of birds. Stop at Dune-du-Sud, a beautiful red sand beach sheltered by red cliffs sculpted by the sea. Be sure to explore the caves during low tide! A visit to Verrerie La Meduse is an unforgettable experience, as you view interpretive panels that explain the glassblowing process and get a chance to see the artisans at their craft.

Day 6- During a visit to the Museum of the Sea, learn the importance of the sea to the Magdelinots' way of life through displays and artifacts. At the Aquarium of the Islands, you will come to observe and even touch live marine animals and see two harp seals. Also visit La Grave- once a favorite meeting spot for fishing and commerce- it is now home to many artisans and craftspeople. This evening you will board the CTMA Vacancier for the next part of the adventure. You will spend the next three nights aboard the cruise ferry.

Day 7- Wake up in the heart of the Gaspesie Region, renowned for its beautiful coastal scenery. An optional tour is available in the morning and can be purchased at an additional cost on board the cruise ship. You will depart around noon, sailing near Bonaventure Island- a bird sanctuary for gannets, puffins, guillemots and cormorants- and Perce Rock.

Day 8- Your journey continues along the St. Lawrence River as you sail past Tadoussac, Saguenay Fjord, Manoir Richelieu, I'lle aux Coudre, the Beaupre Coast, L'lle d' Orleans and Montmorency Falls, amongst many other well-known locations. You will arrive in Quebec City-North America's only walled city- around noon. Explore the cobblestone streets at your leisure, or take an optional tour for an additional cost. The tour may be purchased on board the ship. The ship departs at 8:00 pm.

Day 9- Your cruise ferry adventure comes to an end with an early morning arrival in Montreal. Enjoy an included tour of Montreal- Canada's most cosmopolitan city- before transferring to your hotel for the night. The evening is at your leisure.

Day 10- Depart for home.