Eastern Seaboard Explorer

Explore cultural and historic sites in Quebec City, hailed as the most authentically French city outside France. Begin your journey with a drive past the beautifully restored Place Royale market square in the atmospheric Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. The square is dotted with stone architecture dating as far back as the 1600s, including the oldest standing Catholic church in North America. Next, head to the Plains of Abraham, the site where the French surrendered to the British in 1759. Enjoy more spectacular river and city views from its cliffside perch atop Cape Diamond, the highest point of the Quebec promontory—it is named after the stones explorer Jacques Cartier found here and mistook for diamonds. Continue along the Grande Allée, the Champs-Élysées of Quebec, passing by the imposing Second Empire–style Parliament Building on the way back to your ship.

Immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine as our Executive Chef leads you on an interactive culinary adventure. Journey by mini-coach to the local market to handpick ingredients under the guidance of our Chef. Later this evening, you will dine on regional dishes prepared by our experienced culinary team, using produce from the market. As you and your fellow guests enjoy this delicious creation at The Kitchen Table, you will also observe the art of plating with each dish. From fresh market fare to cooking techniques and elegant presentation, experience firsthand how your ship’s world-class culinary staff brings distinct, local flavors from the market to your taste buds. It is an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind opportunity to shop, interact and dine with the masters.

Explore the pastoral island of Île d’Orléans, one of the first areas of Quebec province settled by the French. The island offers a rich blend of rural tradition and European charm. You will meet your guide and drive east, passing Old City landmarks before crossing the Île d’Orléans Bridge onto the island. During your scenic drive, you will witness the area’s celebrated produce and vast farmlands. Visit a vineyard and learn about Quebec’s viticulture, from planting and climate to cultivation and wine production. After a chance to sample some wine, continue to the island’s western edge for spectacular views of Montmorency Falls spilling into the St. Lawrence River. Board a cable car to the top of the falls, where you can get a bird’s-eye view from a wooden footbridge. Pause for a delicious traditional lunch at a restaurant, then enjoy free time to explore the area around the falls.

Witness the dramatic workings of nature and experience local French Canadian culture. Drive with your guide to the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, stunningly set on the St. Lawrence River. This Catholic pilgrimage shrine welcomes half a million visitors each year. Admire the sanctuary’s masterful paintings, mosaics and stained glass windows. Continue to the magnificent Sainte-Anne Falls; this torrential cascade has carved the spectacular Sainte-Anne Canyon. You will have time to cross the suspension bridges—one of which towers nearly 200 feet above the ground—and take in the incredible views. After, cross the St. Lawrence River via the island of Île d’Orléans, known as the “Open Garden of Quebec” due to its vast farmlands. Make a final stop at a local cabane à sucre, or sugar shack, where you will learn how the region’s beloved maple syrup is made and sample some of the famous “taffy on snow.” Note that this excursion requires extensive walking.

Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Huron-Wendat people during a visit to a First Nations village. Drive with your guide to a traditional Huron site and receive a warm welcome from your First Nations host. Take a leisurely stroll to the longhouse, where you will hear about the daily life and customs of the Huron-Wendat people. In the smokehouse, learn the techniques once used to dry and preserve meats and other foods to ensure a ready food supply during harsh winters and lean periods. Continue to the sweat lodge, where the spirituality and purification practices of ancient ancestors come to life. After, continue to the Wendake village, the cultural heart of Quebec’s Huron-Wendat Nation and a living community. Here, you will have time on your own to follow a short path to the Kabir Kouba Cliff and Waterfall, before returning to your awaiting ship.

Discover nearly four centuries of history during a walk through the old town of Quebec City. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic area is North America’s only walled city. Stroll through the historic Place Royale, home to the continent’s oldest standing Catholic church, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires. Sample maple toffee in the lively Quarter Petit Champlain before taking a funicular ride to the Upper Town to view the Château Frontenac, perched castle-like above the St. Lawrence River. Stop at Dufferin Terrace to enjoy sweeping views of the river, the town of Lévis on the opposite shore and the Laurentian Mountains, then continue on foot through the Upper Town. As you explore, you will pass by the Place d’Armes, the Quebec Seminary, the Ursuline Convent, Artists Alley and more. After, return directly to your ship or investigate the old town more on your own.

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 influence the wine’s flavor and aroma. After this insightful experience, return to your ship.

Uncover Quebec’s artistic and spiritual heritage at the Albert Gilles Copper Museum and a pilgrimage site. Board your motor coach and drive to the Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum to discover the timeless art of repoussé—a traditional metalworking technique perfected by master craftsman Albert Gilles. Admire creations that once graced the collections of Pope Pius XII and view pieces from the Life of Christ series: 50 hand-wrought silver panels representing 15 years of artistry. Continue to the Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, one of North America’s most significant pilgrimage sites. Built in the neo-Roman style, this cross-shaped masterpiece features granite walls and more than 200 stained-glass windows. After time to explore on your own, enjoy a stunning presentation of light, sound and projection that showcases the history of the basilica. After, return to your ship.

Journey through the picturesque villages of the Isle of Orleans and sample a selection of local delicacies. Board your motor coach and enjoy a narrated drive to the island of Orleans. The island was first settled by the French more than 350 years ago and its historic towns are dotted with more than 600 heritage buildings. Your first stop takes you to an artisan jam maker’s specialty shop, where you will sample a taste of their delicious fruit creations. Continue your journey to a fromagerie for a tasting of a variety of hand-made cheeses and enjoy time to discuss the production techniques employed. At a local winery, pause to taste some of their vintages and learn about viniculture in Quebec. Your excursion concludes with a visit to Montmorency Falls, a natural wonder soaring higher than Niagara, offering spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River and Laurentian foothills.