Halifax, Canso (Nova Scotia), Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island), Gaspé, Baie Comeau, Tadoussac, Québec City (Québec)

This voyage begins and ends in two modern cities teeming with culture, heritage and only minutes from the heart of woodlands, waterways, and wildlife! It’s a cruise that boast a unique culture, a blend of Acadian and Québec. In the middle of these two vibrant cities a mysterious world awaits, witness mother natures sculptures jetting out of the sea, rivers overflowing with riches, century old lighthouses, 13 species of whales, one of the largest northern gannet colonies in the world, a black bear estate, the only caribou herd south of the St. Lawrence and numerous other fascinating animal species, it’s a chance of a lifetime to observe wildlife in its natural habitat.
Let the voyage begin… boarding takes place in Halifax, the gateway to Atlantic Canada. A flourishing and prominent port situated on the world’s second largest natural harbour. Before departing, a Parks Canada guide will join us to give insight on the area, history and culture we are about to discover. We will spend the afternoon sailing past century-old lighthouses, and bold headlands. It’s an overnight cruise and a chance to relax, get oriented with the ship and take in the scenic coastline.  (L,D)

DAY 2 – We arrive in the morning to the town of Canso to warm welcomes and the sounds of the toe-tapping fiddle. Canso was first discovered by Basque fishermen in 1604 and there is a chance to learn about the history of this region at the Grassy Island National Historic Site. It’s an archaeological gem with an interpretive centre depicting life in an 18th century trading and fishing village. A leisure walk around Fogarty’s Cove Wilderness Area will showcase the varied ecology of the region. They say there’s no better way to learn about the history, culture and the hearts of Nova Scotian’s than through their food. In a province whose culture has been shaped by the sea, fishing remains an authentic way of life. The evening finds us feasting on the Chef’s regional creations of ocean bounty. Cradled in a comfy deck chair, relax and enjoy a sailor’s coffee captivated by the sound of the sea and the glitter of the stars as we head out on an overnight sail.  (B,L,D)

DAY 3 - We continue our voyage across the Northumberland Strait to Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest and greenest province. The Island is known for vivid colours, gently rolling landscape and is surrounded by miles of sandy beaches and red sandstone cliffs. In the morning be sure to have your cameras ready. Towering over this beautiful body of warm water is the Confederation Bridge, a 12.9-kilometer structure, completed in 1997, which connects PEI to mainland New Brunswick. It is an awesome sight and can be seen from miles away.
In the afternoon we arrive in Charlottetown, “the birthplace of Canada”. We will be welcomed dockside with the sights and sounds of bag pipes. Discover the endless attractions this charming historical city has to offer. Visit the local antique shops, boutiques and galleries, and stroll to Founder’s Hall for an inter-active discovery. Go off the beaten track and make your own excursions with one of the onboard bikes or kayaks. Or, you may prefer to totally relax and schedule a spa treatment. In the evening there is a chance to take in the theatre, 2008 will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Canada’s longest-running musical “Anne of Green Gables”.  (B,L,D)

DAY 4 - The morning gives us the chance to stretch our sealegs before we begin our voyage to Québec. It’s a chance to stroll this quaint town, bike or grab a paddle. We depart at noon and it’s a great time to become more acquainted with the ship, discover the seafaring ways it takes to operate a traditional sailing ship. Sign up for one of the daily sailing activities ranging from historical lectures, sailing theory or taking the wheel. For adventurous ones, climb the rigging, it’s a great spot for viewing porpoises, humpbacks and minke whales that all frequent this area. Accenting the visual delights will be the sounds of folk tunes, intertwined with the warm breezes. Before departing from PEI the Chef has provisioned with some of the islands mouthwatering delights. We sample world famous oysters and the traditional “seafood boil” mussels, clams and harvest corn.  (B,L,D)

DAY 5 - This morning we wake to the smell of sea air, it’s an incredible and invigorating way to start a day strolling the deck surrounded by vast scenery. This day is full of incredible sights. The breathtaking view doesn’t only have to be captured by camera, Caledonia is stocked with paints, canvas and brushes, it’s a great opportunity to create your own souvenir. The seascape starts to change in late afternoon as we sail past Percé Rock, a curious geologic feature. This limestone island-peninsula, once attached to the shoreline, is of an impressive size: 450 m long, 90 m wide and 85 m high. Next to Percé Rock lies Bonaventure Island, a sanctuary for over 80,000 gannets. We arrive late in the day anchoring at Gaspé. We’re greeted by friendly faces with tales of this region. As fishers, fish merchants, shipbuilders and lighthouse keepers, they have a heritage and culture shaped by the sea.  (B,L,D)

DAY 6 - We wake ready for a fun filled day of adventure. Join an excursion to Forillon National Park, located at the easternmost point of the Gaspé Peninsula, which marks the end of the long Appalachian mountain chain. It is no surprise that this area is part of Canada’s network of 41 national parks. Its many features that are typical of the region include an undulating topography, plant and animal life specific to the boreal forest and alpine tundra, as well as breeding areas for marine birds and mammals. The region’s rich cultural history of fishers and merchants who lived in Forillon at the beginning of the 20th century is presented at the Grande-Grave Heritage Site. A visit to the Hyman & Sons store and L’Anse-Blanchette will take you back in time to relive this era. Other activities available include sea kayaking, snorkeling, cycling and horseback riding. Once returning to Caledonia it’s a chance to relax on deck for a “Happy Hour” celebration, where we’re entertained by local folk musicians.  (B,L,D)

DAY 7 - This morning finds us sailing down the St. Lawrence River, we pass by bewitching isles, a variety of seabirds and enchanting ancestral villages dotting the length of the banks. A Naturalist has joined us for this part of the sail giving insight to this unique and area. The Chef prepares an on deck mixed grill of local game seasoned with true Quebec maritime flavour. This allows us to remain on deck not missing any sightings. Fin whales, humpback whales, porpoises and seals are among the marine mammals that can be observed. We continue our journey sailing right through the sunset making our way to anchor in Baie Comeau for the night.  (B,L,D)

DAY 8 - We wake in the morning for an adventurous day. The options are endless at Baie Comeau. Join a unique excursion to Dommaine de L’ours noir (Black Bear Estate). Accompanied by an experienced guide, you will learn to identify different species of bears and understand their nature, as well as find out more about their fiercely competitive world. You can even photograph these magnificent creatures at your leisure from an observation site specifically designed for this purpose. Other wildlife such as wolves, fox, lynx, squirrels, hare and several species of birds can also be photographed. All of these animals roam in complete freedom. For a historic outing join “Discover Baie-Comeau” viewing beautiful landscapes and learning the history, industry and heritage of the area. The tour ends with a visit to Pointe-des-Monts, a seven floor old lighthouse tower. Centre Boréal du Saint-Laurent is an integrated interpretation and experimentation site that is ideal for outdoor fun, the centre also offers various activities such as Tyrolean traverses, a rappel descent, climbing routes, hiking trails (30 km / 20 mi.) and sea kayaking. End this day with an overnight sail, join your new shipmates on deck, watch the stars and enjoy the rhythmic sounds of the wind and sea.  (B,L,D)

DAY 9 - With the sun rising we continue our journey to Tadoussac, a small village with charming houses surrounded by a rocky coast, the majesty of the St Lawrence River, the Saguenay Fjord - the only one in North America, huge dunes and a lovely lake. Activities are endless this day from water biking mountain biking, hiking or experiencing the Sand Dunes, an absolute must. Visit one of the five museums and interpretation centers and you’ll discover the rich heritage. Interested in whales? Then you must visit the Center of Interpretation of the Marine Mammals (CIMM). Are you a salmon fishing devotee? Then it’s off to the fish-breeding station. A true history buff? The Chauvin Trading Post and the Maison des Dunes are yours to discover the village’s history. And if you are a “ships ahoy!” fan, then off to the Musée Maritime (Marine Museum) to discover the rich nautical past. A stopover at the Chapelle de Tadoussac will allow you to unwind and to meditate on the enthralling beauty of the surroundings. After an eventful day of exploring, the evening finds celebrating with the Captain’s Dinner, providing us with a traditional evening of toasts to new friends song. We depart on a moonlight sail to Quebec City.  (B,L,D)

In the summer, a wonderful breeze of happiness flows through Québec City! What a great place to end our adventure.  (B)

B = Breakfast      L = Lunch      D = Dinner