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Celtic Colours: Southeast Canadian Explorations

Oct 11, 2027 — Oct 22, 2027

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MONTREAL, QC → BOSTON, MA

11 Nights on Star Pride

Quebec’s French-flavored history, the fusion of Acadian and Scottish cultures in Nova Scotia — each province distills its own blend of Old World and New, bucolic and urbane. Overnight in Quebec City and browse the shops and boulangeries along picturesque Petit Champlain, the oldest street in North America. Take in the brilliance of New England’s fall colors and the historic sites of Boston, one of America’s oldest cities.

Popular Highlights

Witness the spectacular beauty of the fall foliage along the East Coast of the United States and Canada

Overnight in Quebec City, a UNESCO site.

See the majesty of Perce Rock near Gaspé.

Plan extra time in historic Boston, one of America's oldest cities and home of the JFK Library.

In Cap-aux-Meules, learn about the geological formation of the Red Cliffs, the island's history, and the various bird species that call the island home.

Portland, Maine, is home to 6 lighthouses, including Portland Head Light, one of the most photogenic lighthouses in the state.

Additional Information

The Story

Fresh water flows east from the Great Lakes, the Canadian Shield, and the St. Lawrence River, arriving at the shallow Gulf of St. Lawrence where it meets the salt water confluence of the cold Labrador current and the Gulf Stream. The conditions are perfect for an explosion of marine life, as they were thousands of years ago, attracting indigenous communities and later, European settlers. This was the New World, and the Old World wanted it badly, drawn by resources the likes of which they’d never seen.

This area is still a prize, rich with architectural wonders, cultures, and spectacular scenery. In the course of a day, you might pass an 18th-century garrison, iconic lighthouses, and restored red brick warehouses brimming with galleries, microbreweries, and hip farmers’ markets. Watercolor fishing villages come to life under the squawk of seagulls. French conversations flow with the scent of fresh croissants from boulangeries. And colonial history is literally under your feet.

Insider Tips

• The Old Town part of Quebec is intoxicating in daylight, but in the evening it takes on a particular magic. With an overnight stay in Quebec City, you can walk through this sleepy European village after other tourists have retired.

• Few people know that Nova Scotia is one of the smallest, oldest wine-growing regions in North America. Vines were planted here as early as the 17th century, and the climate is ideal for whites and acid-bright sparkling wines. Try some if you get the chance.

• Bird watchers, make a note when you’re in Gaspé. If you take the voyage around Bonaventure Island, you will probably spot northern gannets (the park is home to the world’s largest colony), as well as other seabirds, including Atlantic puffins.

• Halifax is home to the Canadian version of Ellis Island, and you’ll find it at Pier 21. Nearly a million immigrants entered here at what is now the Canadian Museum of Immigration. Just a short walk away is the Halifax Farmers' Market, the oldest continuously running market in North America (dating to 1750).

• As you walk around the UNESCO town of Lunenburg, “the best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement in North America,” watch for the Lunenburg Bump on the colorful Victorian homes. The extended middle dormer is a trademark of the town, whose homes were crafted by shipwrights during their off season.

OCT 11, 2027

Montreal

EMBARK

1:00 PM

DEPART

5:00 PM

MARINA

SHORE EXCURSIONS

Details

Montreal is one of North America’s great cultural capitals, where European heritage and contemporary creativity intersect. A UNESCO City of Design, the city is renowned for its architecture, museums, and vibrant arts scene. Explore Old Montreal’s cobblestone streets and historic squares, admire the soaring interior of Basilique Notre-Dame, and discover museums and galleries that reflect the city’s French roots and modern spirit. Then, visit distinct neighborhoods such as Plateau Mont-Royal showcasing Montreal’s trendier and more artistic side.

OCT 12, 2027

Cruising St. Lawrence River

ARRIVE

5:00 AM

DEPART

7:30 AM

MARINA

SHORE EXCURSIONS

Details

Sail inland along the St. Lawrence River from the Atlantic, passing the mid-river Phare du Haut-Fond-Prince lighthouse, forested islands, and charming historic river towns as you make your way toward the vibrant city of Montréal.

Quebec City

ARRIVE

8:00 AM

DEPART

6:00 PM

MARINA

SHORE EXCURSIONS

Details

A focal point of French culture and one of North America's oldest and most beautiful cities, Quebec City sits above the St. Lawrence River on a rocky spur with 328-foot cliffs. This French-speaking city was established in 1608 with the only fortified city walls remaining in America north of Mexico, and declared a UNESCO World Heritage City. The Old Town is packed with museums, cobblestone streets and mansard-roofed houses begging to be explored. Other historic attractions include the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac, Notre Dame Basilica, Battlefields Park and Terrasse Dufferin.

OCT 13, 2027

AT SEA

OCT 14, 2027

Gaspe

ARRIVE

7:00 AM

DEPART

2:00 PM

MARINA

SHORE EXCURSIONS

Details

Four hundred miles northeast of Quebec City lies Gaspe, one of National Geographic's Canada's 50 Places of a Lifetime. This wonderful wilderness area is home to four national parks; Perce Rock; North America's largest gannet colony; lighthouses and remarkable historic sites. Visit the modern cathedral built almost entirely of wood and make sure to try some of the local specialties such as French-styled lobsters and game.

OCT 15, 2027

Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada

ARRIVE

3:00 PM

DEPART

11:59 PM

MARINA

SHORE EXCURSIONS

Details

Sydney is the largest city on Cape Breton Island where the hub of activity can be found at the waterfront where you'll find the world's largest fiddle. A popular tourist destination, grab a Cape Breton Artisan Trail Map and immerse yourself in the lives of local artisans. Hit Casino Nova Scotia or take a mining tour with the help of a local miner. Check out the year-round indoor Cape Breton Farmers' Market or discover the history of the Membertou people at their Heritage Park.

OCT 16, 2027

Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada

ARRIVE

12:00 AM

DEPART

11:59 PM

MARINA

SHORE EXCURSIONS

Details

OCT 17, 2027

AT SEA