13-night From Canada to the American East Coast Cruise

It’s been called “a city that works.” As the capital of Ontario and Canada’s largest city, Toronto has become a dynamic cosmopolitan hub known for entertainment, culture, sports, high fashion and big business. The city boasts more than 20,000 retail stores and restaurants. Yet for such a large city (current population is 4.4 million) it is miraculously clean, safe and friendly. Tourists are drawn to the charm of the Lake Ontario waterfront district, the high-rise splendor of the popular Yonge Street, and the trendy shops and quaint cafés along College Street and Queen Street. With a flourishing music and performing arts scene, Toronto is very popular with young people.

Kingston is nicknamed the "Limestone City" because of its many historic buildings built from limestone. Kingston is home to many artists who work in visual arts and performance art. There are many music and theater venues that hold performances and the city hosts several festivals including the Kingston Canadian Film Festival, and Jazz Festival. History lovers can visit Fort Henry, a 19th century British Military Fortress or one of seventeen museums. 

Cruising

Montréal is truly an experience: old world charm, French joie de vivre and a modern style all its own. Montreal is a stunning city to visit and there is so much to see. Along the St. Lawrence River many people come to take a horse-drawn calèche ride through cobbled streets for romantic moments. Just miles away are the skyscrapers of the city as they tower above the city’s businesses and restaurants. Montreal is the world’s second largest French-speaking City. It's top ten attractions are: The Biosphere, Old Montreal, Biodome de Montreal, Musee d'Art Contemporain, Montreal Botanical Gardens, Chinatown, Notre-Dame Basilica, Insectarium, Cours Mont-Royal, and the Canadian Centre for Architecture.

Because Quebec City is Canada’s most historic city and the only walled city in North America, it was classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Treasure by. Visitors are greeted by an authentic, profoundly French city. The city features winding, cobbled streets with 17th- and 18th-century stone houses and churches, graceful parks and squares, and many monuments. Great emphasis has been placed on Québec nationalism, and the city has become a symbol of glorious French heritage. Visit the oldest church in Québec, Our Lady of Victory, dating from 1688. See the cellars of Maison des Vins, where Québec Société des Alcools sells more than 1,000 kinds of rare vintage wines in a warehouse dating from 1689. See the exhibits at Civilization Museum. The most striking building is celebrated landmark Château Frontenac. Looming high above St. Lawrence, the turreted building with its slanting, copper roof is an impressive sight. Built to accommodate colonial governors, it is now a hostelry.

The Saguenay region of Quebec is most known for its distinctive geological features. Here you can visit Le Monde Enchante, a park with waterfalls, covered bridges and gazebos overlooking the Saguenay River. The fjords, mountains, waterfalls and the beautiful village of Petit-Saguenay attract visitors from all over. Visiting the New French Village, one can experience what life was like when this area was first settled by French explorers. Among museums in the area are the glass art factory, the Cheddar Cheese Museum and the Zoo Saint Felicien.

The picturesque scenery of Havre-Saint-Pierre's chain of islands is an excellent get away for outdoor and nature lovers. If water is your game of choice there is sailing, rafting, kayaking, and boat tours to enjoy. Anglers will also have an excellent time pursuing world-class trout and salmon in the clear water rivers and lakes.

Sydney is located on Cape Breton Island on the east side of the Sydney River. Sydney has a strong ethnic population. As the only significantly industrialized district in Atlantic Canada, Sydney is the heart of Nova Scotia’s second-largest urban cluster. The city’s central business district impresses with the variety of products and services offered by downtown merchants. The town has become an important gateway to the scenic and historic attractions of Cape Breton Highlands and for cruising on the Bras d’Or Lakes. On the city outskirts is Fortress Louisbourg National Park, presenting Canada’s largest historical reconstruction. Here visitors can enjoy a town perfectly restored to its 1740 appearance. A walk on the half-mile Boardwalk promenade in the heart of downtown provides a panoramic view of the harbor. Apart from Louisbourg Fortress, the town also features a railway museum at the Sydney and Louisbourg Historical Society and the Atlantic Statiquarium, a marine museum devoted largely to underwater treasure.

Maine's largest city, Portland is known for its stately elms, historic homes and restored waterfront area. Considered the gateway to "Down East" Maine, this coastal city is a great spot to enjoy Maine lobster fresh from the sea. Visit Longfellow's boyhood home or explore Portland Headlight, the oldest lighthouse in constant use today. Nearby is Freeport, home of a large selection of discount and outlet stores.

The history and bricklaid beauty of Boston is easy to enjoy. Follow the Freedom Trail past Old North Church, Paul Revere Park, Fanieul Hall, the Commons, Old Ironsides and more landmarks of America's birth. Across the Charles River is Cambridge and Harvard. Venture to Marblehead and Salem to the south, or Lexington and Concord to the north. Back in town, have clam chowder at the warf or great Italian food in North End.