Explore with Viking—Canada

Admire the power and majesty of nature during an excursion to view the world-famous Niagara Falls. Retreating glaciers and meltwater combined to create the falls—Horseshoe, American and Bridal Veil—at the end of the last Ice Age more than 10,000 years ago. Reaching heights of up to 187 feet and measuring 2,590 feet wide, an astounding 600,000 gallons per second wash over Horseshoe, the tallest of the falls. From your berth at Port Colborne, travel north through the Canadian countryside of the Niagara Peninsula to the falls, which straddle the border between the United States and Canada. Take a walk along the top of the gorge, gazing down in awe at the thundering waters as they cascade over the edge of the falls. Afterward, you will return to your awaiting ship.

Marvel at the power of Horseshoe Falls during a thrilling boat ride to the turbulent pools at its base. Reaching heights of up to 187 feet and measuring 2,590 feet wide, an astounding 600,000 gallons per second wash over Horseshoe, the tallest of Niagara’s three waterfalls. From your berth, travel north through the Canadian countryside of the Niagara Peninsula to the falls, which straddle the border between the United States and Canada. Take an eye-opening stroll along the top of the gorge, gazing down in awe at the thundering waters as they cascade over the edge of the falls. Then, don your rain poncho and take an exciting boat ride to the foot of Horseshoe Falls. Look up to view the falls as they cascade from above, creating a wall of mist and a deafening roar. Afterward, you will return to shore and 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.

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.

Discover the eclectic architecture, colorful street life and bustling squares that comprise the heart of Toronto. Embark on a panoramic drive through Canada’s largest metropolis, located on the scenic shores of Lake Ontario. Toronto is home to many different architectural styles, from early 19th-century buildings to modern 21st-century skyscrapers that define its skyline. See the iconic, needle-shaped CN Tower, one of the world’s tallest buildings at 1,815 feet high. View the modern City Hall and its predecessor, the Romanesque-style Old City Hall, both of which surround expansive Nathan Phillips Square. Take in the city’s diverse neighborhoods, enjoying the sights of its vibrant shopping and entertainment district as you travel along a stretch of historic Yonge Street; a major thoroughfare since 1794, it runs north for more than 53 miles from the harbor toward Cook’s Bay.

Admire the coastal charms of Peggy’s Cove and discover Halifax’s link to the RMS Titanic. Drive with your guide along the coastal highway affectionately known as the Lighthouse Route. Upon arrival at Peggy’s Cove, enjoy free time to explore during a stroll on your own. Here, see the most photographed lighthouse in the world, part of a breathtaking seascape that also includes a granite sculpture by local artist William deGarthe. You may also admire the colorful houses and fishing shacks perched along the rocky shore, ponder the unusual rock formations forged by glaciers, or browse the village shops. Return to Halifax via St. Margaret’s Bay for a visit to Fairview Lawn Cemetery, the final resting place for 121 passengers of the Titanic. Learn more about the ship, its ill-fated maiden voyage and the passengers interred here during an informative guided walk.

Discover Quebec City’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and view the stunning scenery at Montmorency Falls. In Upper Town, pass Dufferin Terrace, where Samuel de Champlain built his fort in 1620, and the elegant Château Frontenac, perched atop a hill overlooking the St. Lawrence River. Then, enjoy an opportunity for independent exploration 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, admire sweeping vistas from Cap-Diamant, before continuing along the scenic Grande Allée. See the Parliament Building, an imposing Second Empire-style building, as you venture outside the city for a photo stop at the majestic Montmorency Falls, its roaring waters falling 272 feet to the St. Lawrence River below.

Step back in time to the 18th century during a fascinating visit to the historic Fortress Louisbourg. This living museum faithfully recreates life during colonial times. At the fortress, join your Parks Canada guide as you experience the year 1744 during a tour of the largest reconstructed 18th-century French fortified town in North America. During its heyday, it was one of France’s linchpins of trade and military strength in the New World. Today, the surviving structure features more than 50 buildings across 12 acres. Following your tour, enjoy free time to explore on your own. Continue your journey and stop to view the iconic Louisbourg Lighthouse, a historic structure with roots dating back across three centuries. After time for photos, you will return to your awaiting ship.

Investigate the rugged coastline of Cape Breton Island 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 North Atlantic Ocean. Your Viking specialists will choose the best route along Cape Breton Island’s coast based on the weather and water conditions. Admire jagged and craggy cliffs, as well as the many capes, keys and coves that dot the shoreline. Keep watch for possible sightings of local wildlife, such as migratory seabirds and gray or harbor seals. 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.

Experience the beauty of Nova Scotia’s coast from the water during a ride in a Special Operations Boat. Board your vessel from the ship’s shell door landing, with assistance by a member of Viking’s Expedition Team. Once securely on board, lines will be untethered, and your thrilling journey will begin. As you motor across the water, enjoy the scenery of one of the largest natural deepwater harbors in the world, and imagine its past as one of the most significant seaports on the Eastern Seaboard. Your highly maneuverable vessel will allow you to reach less accessible locations along the water’s edge. Knowledgeable specialists will be on hand to explain the natural and cultural history of the port, and to alert you to the presence of wildlife in the area. At the end of your excursion, your Special Operations Boat will return you and your fellow travelers to your ship.