From the Arctic to Antarctica

Discover Quebec City’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and view the stunning scenery at Montmorency Falls. Begin in the Lower Town; see Place-Royale, once home to wealthy merchants, and Notre-Dame des Victoires, North America’s oldest Catholic church. At the Plains of Abraham, where the French surrendered New France to the British in 1759, take in the views from Cap-Diamant. It is the highest point of the Quebec City promontory—its name comes from the stones discovered by explorer Jacques Cartier here, which he mistook for diamonds. Continue along the scenic Grande Allée, known as Quebec’s Champs-Élysées for its elegance and lively atmosphere. See the Parliament Building, an imposing Second Empire-style building, and venture out of the city for a photo stop at the majestic Montmorency Falls, which cascades from 272 feet to the St. Lawrence River below. After, return to your ship.

Explore the contrasting landscapes that form the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area during a hiking excursion. Created to protect the marshes that serve as the primary habitat for the greater snow goose during migration periods, this refuge is a mix of river shoreline, expansive tidal marshes, lowlands and mountains. It is home to more than 180 bird species, 30 mammal species and 700 plant varieties—beyond its ecological importance, the site offers interpretive trails that showcase the region’s cultural and natural heritage. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach through the countryside to reach the park, where you will accompany your guide on a scenic hike. Along the way, stop to take in the striking views and learn about the local flora and fauna. After, enjoy a light snack before returning to your coach for the journey back to your awaiting ship.

Step back in time to explore the intriguing history of Quebec City during an excursion through its Old Town. Founded in 1608 by explorer Samuel de Champlain, Quebec City quickly became one of the New World’s most important cities. Its Old Town retains much of its colonial-era charm and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a short funicular ride from Lower Town to Upper Town, then begin your walking tour of historic sites and glimpse into the city’s military life during colonial times. View the elegant Château Frontenac and the remains of Château Saint Louis, including the former governor’s residence hidden under Dufferin Terrace. At Artillery Park, see a scale model of the city completed in 1808, then learn how soldiers lived at the restored Casement. Cap your trip with a guided stroll along the defensive walls at the Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site.

Discover the beauty that surrounds Quebec City during visits to Montmorency Falls and the Île d’Orléans. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach, leaving the walls of the Old Town behind for a drive to the majestic Montmorency Falls. Stop to take in striking views of nature’s power as water roars over the cliff, falling 272 feet into the St. Lawrence River below, then continue your journey through the pastoral landscapes of the Île d’Orléans, passing by traditional rural villages. The island is important to the Quebecois; it is considered the birthplace of Francophones in North America and is called the “Garden of Quebec.” See its 19th-century merchant-class homes and take in the spectacular views of Quebec City and the Laurentian Mountains beyond. After a stop to enjoy tea and pastries at a local sugar shack, make the return journey back to your ship.

Steep yourself in the history of Quebec City during a walk through its Old Town and tea at its best-known landmark. Meet your knowledgeable guide and set off by foot through the cobblestone streets of this nearly four centuries-old neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that still retains much of its colonial-era charms. In the heart of Lower Town, see Place-Royale, its stone buildings once home to wealthy merchants, and Notre-Dame des Victoires, North America’s oldest Catholic church. Enjoy a short funicular ride to Upper Town, passing notable sights such as Dufferin Terrace, where Samuel de Champlain built his fort in 1620. Then, visit the elegant Château Frontenac, a historic castle-like building perched atop a hill overlooking the St. Lawrence River. Here, relax and enjoy a cup of tea and delectable pastries, before making the return journey to your ship.

Experience the history and natural beauty of Quebec during a full-day excursion through the city and beyond. Begin your journey in Lower Town, where you will see Place-Royale, once home to wealthy merchants, and Notre-Dame des Victoires, North America’s oldest Catholic church—originally built between 1687 and 1723, it was rebuilt following heavy damage during the 1759 siege of Quebec. Next, travel to the Plains of Abraham, where the French surrendered control of New France to the British after the siege, before venturing outside the city to visit the Shrine of St-Anne-de-Beaupré. This important pilgrimage site is Canada’s oldest, dating to the 17th century. Drive through the rural villages of the Île d’Orléans and glimpse majestic Montmorency Falls, its roaring waters falling 272 feet to the St. Lawrence River below. After lunch, return to your awaiting ship.

Experience traditional Huron-Wendat culture and heritage during a visit to a museum and longhouse. Inhabitants of the St. Lawrence River basin for centuries prior to European discovery, the Huron-Wendat’s beliefs, customs and way of life are preserved in the Amerindian Village in Wendake. Embark on a short drive to the village, where you will enjoy free time to explore at your leisure. You may take the opportunity to visit the museum, its permanent exhibitions and activities showcasing the history, art and culture of the Huron-Wendat, as well as other First Nations peoples. Or, discover a traditional Ekionkiestha longhouse during a guided tour of this important familial and communal home. Your excursion will also take you to Kabir Kouba falls, where you can admire its natural beauty as water cascades from 140 feet above you. Afterward, you will return to your ship.

Set out on a walk around Quebec’s old town, a UNESCO Site, and enjoy a Riedel wine tasting at a château. Meet your guide and head out on foot to discover the only walled city located north of Mexico. Here, you will explore the charming cobblestone streets of Place-Royale, where wealthy merchants once lived, and view the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, North America’s oldest standing Catholic church.  Stroll down Petit-Champlain Street, perhaps pausing to enjoy a lively street performance. Then, take a funicular ride to the upper town to Château Frontenac. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your host who will demonstrate the importance of glass selection when savoring wine. Learn how the choice of glass can significantly enhance the enjoyment of the wine, as its size and shape influences the wine’s flavor and aroma. After this insightful experience, return to your ship.

Experience Quebec’s glacial landscapes during a guided hike through a national park. Begin with a drive by motor coach to Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier, one of the largest protected areas in the Laurentian Mountains. This vast plateau’s rugged landscapes were carved out by dramatic glacial valleys, including the Jacques Cartier River’s channel, which is over 1,800 feet deep. Upon arrival, meet your guide and listen to a short safety briefing before setting out on a trek through the forested trails. Learn about the park’s rich ecosystem and the animals who live here, including moose, white-tailed deer and beavers, as well as native plants like balsam fir and birch. Take in views of steep cliffs, winding river bends and peaceful woodlands before making a short stop at the visitor center. After, return to your coach and onward to your awaiting ship.