DAY 1 – MONTREAL, CANADA
French-speaking, thoroughly romantic and exquisitely cultured, Montreal definitely warrants a pre- or post-cruise stay. The Old Port is a hub of entertainment, while the Museum of Fine Arts is revered for its collection of more than 30,000 objects. For a respite from the vibrant city, stroll the Montreal Botanical Garden, a draw since 1931.
DAY 2 – QUEBEC CITY, CANADA
Surrounded by several miles of granite walls dating back hundreds of years, Quebec City’s fabulous Old Town exudes European character, exemplified in the iconic Château Frontenac. Another architectural gem is the fascinating Musée de la Civilisation, a treasure trove of items recreating the French-speaking city’s early days.
DAY 3 – SAGUENAY, CANADA
Head to La Baie and tour the Musée du Fjord, admire the frescoes covering every nook and corner of barber and painter Arthur Villeneuve’s home, tour a goat farm or travel the Craftsman Road to see artisans in their element creating cheeses, glass-blowing and soap-making. Don’t miss a hike through Saguenay National Park, which cradles the dramatic fjord that has enchanted travelers for centuries.
DAY 4 – BAIE-COMEAU, CANADA
Quaint Baie-Comeau is one of the mellower destinations you’ll visit on your cruise, offering a chance to experience small-town life on the north shore of Canada’s St. Lawrence River. Founded around a mill that supplied paper to the Chicago Tribune in the 1930s, the town maintains an unpretentious, working-class feel that invites you to slow down and savor the little things that make life sweet, like a pretty park or a magnificent view. You’ll have easy access to natural beauty, as the entire region is part of UNESCO’s Manicouagan-Uapishka Biosphere Reserve, and Le Boisé de la Pointe-Saint-Gilles nature reserve is in the heart of town.
DAY 5 – SEPT-LLES, CANADA
Once a quaint fishing village, Sept-Îles rose to prominence during the World War II boom, becoming one of Canada’s premier ports. Graced with majestic scenery, beautiful beaches and an attractive archipelago just offshore, Sept-Îles provides plentiful opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Discover the islands by boat or spend the day on the largest, Île Grande Basque, which is full of picturesque hiking trails and seaside picnic spots. In the city, don’t miss the superb museums, including Musée Shaputuan and Musée Régional de la Côte Nord.
DAY 6 – HAVRE SAINT PIERRE, CANADA
Situated on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Havre-Saint-Pierre is a charming town embraced by the spectacular scenery of the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve. With a geological history dating back 500 million years, the archipelago is a captivating array of more than a thousand limestone islands, islets and reefs. Granite monoliths, soaring cliffs, graceful arches and secluded grottoes adorn the islands, along with an amazing diversity of plant and animal life. Marvel at the unique seascape during a coastal drive along Route 138, or take a boating excursion to visit several of the islands.