From the Arctic to Antarctica

Immerse yourself in the religious heritage of Trois-Rivières during a trip to a historic shrine to the Virgin Mary. Set out to discover the monasteries, convents, churches and shrines that have been a part of the city’s history for centuries. See landmarks, such as the Ursulines Monastery and the Gothic-style Assumption Cathedral, renowned for its beautiful stained-glass windows. Stop at Cap-de-la-Madeleine to visit the Notre-Dame-du-Cap Sanctuary, an important shrine to the Virgin Mary; Pope John Paul II paid his respects here in 1984. Learn about its history as you tour its modern basilica and old sanctuary, admiring its impressive stained-glass windows and strolling through its magnificent gardens. Afterward, head to the Boisé Sugar Shack to learn about traditional methods of producing maple syrup. After a tasting, return to your ship.

Investigate the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield during an exhilarating Zodiac ride. Board your Viking Zodiac and set off from your Expedition ship with a small group of fellow travelers on to the waters of the St. Lawrence River that flow around Trois-Rivières. Your Viking specialists will choose the best route based on the weather and water conditions. Admire the relatively flat landscape, dotted with rivers and several different kinds of forest. Keep watch for possible sightings of local wildlife, such as warblers, ducks and loons, and raptors such as ospreys and hawks. Your Expedition team will answer any questions you may have along the way, as well as share stories and insights. At the end of your excursion, your Zodiac will return to your ship.

Take to the water and explore your surroundings with a member of your Viking Expedition Team. After a thorough introduction and safety briefing, transfer from your ship to the kayak staging area, where you will receive your paddle and join a fellow traveler in a two-person kayak. Your kayak has been designed to provide a combination of stability and comfort as you paddle your way through the open water. Dressed in a kayak suit (depending on the season) and bespoke life jacket for maximum maneuverability, you will be geared up to remain warm and dry during your expedition experience. Immerse yourself in nature as you journey along the historic waterways of the St. Lawrence River, reaching less accessible locations along the water’s edge and keeping watch for local wildlife.

Discover the natural and cultural treasures of Canada during a hike through Batiscan Park. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach to the park—nearly 1000 acres of pristine wilderness that is home to cascading waterfalls and lush, verdant forests. Meet your guide and lace up your hiking boots before setting out on foot along the Batiscan River. Discover nature amid beautiful surroundings as you follow one of the many trails beneath a canopy of towering trees. Listen out for the faint trickling sound of nearby streams as your guide points out the local flora. Enjoy the tranquillity as you breathe in the fresh air and admire the vistas, as your guide points out interesting geological features of the park. After your hike, you will return to base and journey back to your awaiting ship.

Explore Trois-Rivières’s history-laden Old Town, then get a glimpse into Canada’s penal system at a former prison. Meet your guide and set out on a walk through the history of this ever-evolving city. Admire the charms of its 18th-century architecture as you pass by landmarks such as the Manoir de Tonnacour, originally a military officers’ barracks and now a contemporary art exhibition center, and the Gothic-style Assumption Cathedral, renowned for its beautiful stained-glass windows. Visit the historic Old Prison of Trois-Rivières; built in 1822, it was the oldest corrections facility in Canada when it closed in 1986. Follow your guide past the cramped cells and musty confinement areas, listening to a firsthand account of the harsh realities of life behind bars. Afterward, you can choose to continue your heritage walk, or enjoy time exploring the Musée POP, at your own expense.

Enjoy a selection of local favorites as you explore the city’s culinary roots during a walk around Trois-Rivières. Nestled along the St. Lawrence River, Trois-Rivières is a delight for food lovers, hosting an array of fine restaurants that blend traditional Quebecois flavors with creative, modern techniques—the city’s food culture is centered around hearty, comforting dishes which follow a farm-to-table dining ethos and incorporate local game, river fish and maple products. Meet your guide, then set off on foot for the city center, where you will visit three of the neighborhood’s inviting eateries to sample their delicious creations. You will have an opportunity to meet the hardworking teams at the establishments you visit and taste inventive and original cuisine created from locally sourced ingredients. Appetite sated, return on foot to your ship.

Discover the rich culture and heritage of the Abenaki First Nations community during an informative museum visit. Part of the Algonquin family and originally from the northeastern region of what would become the US states of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, the Abenakis had settled along the shores of the St. Lawrence River near Trois-Riviéres by the early 18th century. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach to the Musée des Abénakis, the first Indigenous museum in Quebec. Here, enjoy a guided tour showcasing Abenaki culture through an intriguing collection of archaeological finds recovered from Abenaki territory and the Odanak region. You will also have an opportunity to savor a taste of bannock—a delicious traditional flatbread—accompanied with fruit jam and a cup of coffee or tea. Afterward, you will return to your ship.