Springtime on Canada’s east coast is a time of bloom and bounty. On this 12-day cruise, explore highlights of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Saint-Pierre—expedition style! Discover the lesser-known and hidden gems nestled in Canada's glorious east coast - every stop is a highlight!
Visit New Brunswick’s historic and beautiful Fundy Isles
Immerse yourself in history at Fortress Louisbourg
Visit beautiful Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Hike the Skyline trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Visit three provinces and the French island of Saint-Pierre
Set foot on remote Sable Island, home of the world’s largest colony of grey seals and a legendary herd of wild horses
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1: St. John’s, NL, Canada
Day 2: At Sea
Day 3-4: Sable Island
Day 5: The Gully Marine Protected Area
Day 6: Fortress of Louisbourg
Day 7: Bird Islands & Cape Breton Island
Day 8: Chéticamp
Day 9: Prince Edward Island
Day 10: South Coast Newfoundland
Day 11: Saint-Pierre, France
Day 12: St. John’s, NL, Canada
Day 1: St. John's, NL, Canada
Welcome to St. John’s—the vibrant capital of Newfoundland and Labrador. Sailing out of the historic port, Signal Hill keeps watch as we exit the world-famous narrows. The charming houses of The Battery are always a hit with shutterbugs. Watch for icebergs, whales and seabirds as we sail!
Day 2: At Sea
We’ll be in full-on learning mode as our expedition team shares the fascinating history and ecology of Sable Island. On deck, we’ll be watching for marine mammals and seabirds in the rich waters of the northwest Atlantic.
Day 3-4: Sable Island, NS
A sandbar as long as Manhattan—but only about a kilometre wide—Sable Island is home to many varieties of birds, including the Ispwich Sparrow; the largest grey seal colony in the world; and the world-famous Sable Island horses.
Unique weather conditions prevail at Sable Island. We'll maximize opportunities to walk the dunes, cruise the shores and view the wildlife. We’ll also learn first-hand about Sable Island’s fascinating human history.
Day 5: The Gully Marine Protected Area
The Gully is a Marine Protected Area where the sea floor plunges two and a half kilometres into a submarine valley. The Gully is one of the most prominent undersea features in eastern Canada. Significant coral communities make for a diversity of both shallow and deep-water fish, which draws whales and dolphins.
Join our on board researchers to appreciate the abundance of marine life!
Day 6: Fortress of Louisbourg
Built by the French in 1720, the fortifications at Louisbourg were captured by the British in 1745, later returned to the French, captured again in 1758 and then destroyed.
Reconstructed in the 1960s and 1970s, the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site offers a telling glimpse into military colonial Canada.
Day 7: Bird Islands & Cape Breton Island
Conditions permitting, we’ll enjoy a Zodiac cruise at the Bird Islands, just off Cape Breton’s coast near Cape Dauphin. This critical seabird nesting and breeding area includes the largest colony of Great Cormorants in Canada. We’ll also be looking for Black-legged Kittiwakes, Razorbills and Atlantic Puffins, Black Guillemots and perhaps Leach’s Storm-petrels.
Cape Breton island is a bastion of Gaelic music and culture, “more Scots than the Scots.” Its rugged highlands and wind-swept coasts are home to the world-famous Cabot Trail and Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Day 8: Cheticamp
Today we call in at the fishing village of Chéticamp, on the western shore of Cape Breton Island. A busy fishing harbour, rug-hooking museum, shops and restaurants offer a taste of Acadian heritage.
Nearby Cape Breton Highlands National Park is world-renowned for scenery and wildlife. If weather permits, we’ll hike the spectacular Skyline Trail.
Day 9: Prince Edward Island
Historic Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island is known as the Birthplace of Confederation. A charming town and the capital of Canada’s smallest province, Charlottetown offers access to all of PEI within a relatively short drive.
Optional excursions will include a visit to Green Gables, —fictional home of the famous Anne—, and Lennox Island Mi’Kmaq First Nation.
Day 10: South Coast Newfoundland
The wild and windswept coast of southern Newfoundland is home to a few remaining outport communities. Visits here are often a highlight of our trips.
There are many choices of unique bays and coves to explore via Zodiac or land excursions. Along the coast, the geology is outstanding, and the plant life is gorgeous. We’ll be on the watch for wildlife too. We’ll make the most of every chance to explore this beautiful and remote coast.
Day 11: Saint-Pierre, France
Just off the shores of Newfoundland lie the islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon—an official territory of France.
The colourful town of Saint-Pierre makes a charming finale to our trip. Winding streets with shops, houses, and cafés bring a taste of Europe to the east coast of North America.
Day 12: St. John's, NL, Canada
On the final day of our expedition, we sail back though the picturesque Narrows and into St. John’s harbour. We will say our farewells in North America's oldest city.
