Looking for advice on good excursions for the Celebrity Summit Canada / New England

[OnTheJourney]

Hi,

 

In September I am going on the 14-day Summit cruise of New England and Canada. I thought maybe someone would have some suggestions as to good excursions. The ports of call are:

 

Bar Harbor, Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown, Quebec City (overnight), Corner Brook, and Portland.

 

A few excursions I am considering are:

 

Bar Harbor: Best of Bar Harbor (visits Acadia and Cadillac Mountain, the Lobster Oceanarium and Museum, Clefstone Mansion)

 

Halifax: Peggy's Cove and Double-Decker City Tour

 

Sydney: Grand Tour - Baddeck and Highland Village with Lunch

 

Charlottetown: - not sure - I once vacationed on PEI for 2 weeks and so really covered much of what there is to see around the island

 

Quebec City: have never been there and so really looking forward to it! - Considering the Old Quebec Walking Tour and An Evening At the Sugar Shack, and then the next day the Quebec City Tour and Montmorency Falls

 

Corner Brook - not sure here - Gros Morne National Park by Motor Coach sounds interesting. There is also one called "Captain Cook's Trail".

 

Portland: tour of Kennebunkport that includes free time in Dock Square

 

Thanks for any suggestions!

 

Keith

[tteettimes]

Ollies Trolley.....google it.....is a great tour with a driver on a cable car lookalike....goes to all those places....go to website and make reservation....pay after you get there.....reservations get priority....take the longer tour.....Bar Harbor is beautiful....our group met after the tour at West Street Cafe....best cold water lobster ever....and blueberry pie ;)---I am jealous :)

[tteettimes]

for clarity about Olli's

 

http://www.google.com/search?q=oli's+trolley+bar+harbor+reviews&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari

[wvufan]

Keith, we did that cruise last year and it was super.

 

Here is what we did-and would do again. (all car rentals were actually minivan and we had 6 of us. ) No ship tours.

 

Portland Took the mail ferry that goes around to the islands. Very scenic and interesting. You catch it near where the ship docks. We are going again this fall.

 

Halifax. Rented car. Went to Peggy's Cove. Ate fantastic lobstah at Ryer's.

 

Charlottetown. Rented car and toured around. It rained like crazy in town, but we were in sunshine once out on the road.

 

Bar Harbor-great bus tour to Acadia.

 

Quebec. Did a heckuva lot of walking and it was one of the most gorgeous cities anywhere. We took the local bus to the falls. I think it was $3 each way.

 

Sydney-rented a car again.

 

This was a wonderful cruise and you would have to try hard to have a bad time ;).

 

Happy Sails to You

 

OOOEEE :D:D Bob and Phyl

[need2bespoiled]

I live in Maine, I can't see going to Kennebunk, though pretty, to tour and spend time there. Portland is a great walking city with much more to see and do. A trip out to Portland Headlight would be fun, and if you're into lighthouses, you could easily get to 4 in half a day, there is a fifth (Ram Island Light) off the Main land you'll see coming into Portland but not accessible by land.

 

I think Bob's suggestion of the mail boat is a good one. If it goes all the way to Bailey Is and the Cribstone bridge, even better. I think just going out to Peaks Island and/or Fort Georges could be a neat trip (visible from the sail in).

 

If you're adventours, go kayaking with Maine Island Kayak (based on Peaks Island) or right on East End Beach with Portland Paddle (about a 15 min walk from the pier).

 

I have kayaked all over the maine coast and get to see it all from water level, but I can't imagine what the views would be like from deck 12 or even deck 6. While the sail in by Portland Headlight (the most photographed lighthouse in the world supposedly) must be amazing, I'd love to see a ship come in through Whitehead passage, simply stunning.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[OhioDogLover]

We did substantially similar cruise last fall.

Generally, I agree with what has been said above, try Oli's Trolley. Get your reservations for that in advance. Otherwise, you might have trouble.

Absolutely go to Baddeck. There is an Alexander Graham Bell museum there which is fascinating and Baddeck is beautiful. My only complaint is that we weren't there longer.

Portland was an unexpectedly great place. We went to the Longfellow house and there is a mansion there you can tour. Both were great. The Hoho bus is easy to use.

If you haven't been to Peggy's Cove, that is a must do.

In Quebec City, take an historical walking tour. You can walk most of it and it is a fun and interesting place. There is a tour office in the center of town with tours and ideas, too.

 

Ohiodoglover

[galavant3]

One of the best excursions I have ever take was the "Coastal Bike Tour" in Halifax. You ride on the road for a short distance and the rest of the ride is along an old, unused railroad. The scenery was amazing! Many times there was water on both sides and the colors (we were there October) were at their peak.

 

It was not strenuous at all. I highly recommend this!

Edited April 27, 2014 by galavant3

[Jenna109]

Amazing city and very easy to walk around. A must is a horse drawn carriage ride at night. We booked in advance but there were lots of carriages available. It was so pretty as we saw the city with all it's lights. They provide big blankets - we needed them for our late Sept. Cruise. Do check if you are wanting to see the fall - we were too early. Go as late as possible

[Texas_cherbear]

Keith I haven't been to the other ports but spent quite a bit if time in Quebec City. The historic walking tour is great. They also have a ghosts walking your in the old city that is a lot if fun. Do your research on the restaurants, especially those in the old city higher up. Quebec is a major foodie town with some of the best meals I have experienced in N America. :) The Falls are really worth seeing and there is a sweet little lunch restaurant nearby. Do make reservations. Their is also a beautiful old church not too far from the Falls driving where pilgrims go from all over the world for healing. The architecture and decor inside is fabulous. St Anne de Beaupre or something like that. Quebec has the oldest street of shops in N America founded in 1604. You really get a feel for the old stones. :) Also check with the tourist office before going there.

I did a level 4 or 5 white water rafting in the nearby Laurentide Mountains that was one if the best white waters in N America I've ever done and we were picked up and dropped off right in front of the visitor center in the old city. They also offer and help you set up all kinds of excursions. :) You will really enjoy it. There is also the old military fort and wonderful informative carriage rides.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Texas_cherbear]

please pardon all the typos in my last post. Have/had migraine while typing.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[crusingnut]

If your cruise starts in Quebec as ours did you may want to consider flying into Montreal for a couple of days then take the Via Rail (viarail dot ca) train into Quebec. It's about a 3 hr train ride and costs approx. $50 for a one way ticket. the train was nice a comfortable. We ran into a lot of people that were on our cruise doing the same thing. We loved Montreal.

 

In Quebec we took a Princess ship excursion The Beaupre Coast, St. Anne Canyon & Winery Visit. It was a good tour.

 

In Sydney we took a private tour to The Bras d'or lake,The Seal Island Bridge, Fishing Village of Neil's Harbour in northern Cape Breton, part of The Cabot Trail, Ingonish and Keltic Lodge. I was a little disappointed in the scenery and the tour guide wasn't very talkative. So I wouldn't recommend him.

 

In Halifax we took a private tour with (yourcab dot ca) it was excellent! Jonathan Duru was wonderful to work with and responded to my emails promptly. He was highly recommended here on CC and I second it. We went to Peggy's Cove and the Titanic Cemetery, the guide was very knowledgeable. At first, I wasn't to crazy about going to the cemetery, but I was very happy I did. It was very interesting!

 

In Bar Harbor we took the National Parks Acadia 2.5-3 hr bus tour (acadiatours dot com). We made a reservation on-line and paid when we arrived to board the bus it cost approx. $30 It was very good. Upon return we walked around town and went to a pub.

[bbappel]

Roll call for September 21 embarkation

Roll call for September 7 embarkation

 

Depending on which date you are going, above are the links for your Roll Call. You may want to chat with others who will be on the same cruise.

 

I'm on the September 21 cruise and we are just beginning to organize some private tours, as well as share information about the ship excursions we have booked.

 

See you over there - or if you are on the September 7 cruise, say hi to SteveinPhilly. We are both on the Equinox in January and thought we might be on the Summit at the same time.

 

Beth

Edited April 28, 2014 by bbappel

[OnTheJourney]

Thanks to all for the great suggestions and helpful information!

 

 

Keith

[rebeccalouiseagain]

Halifax is so charming and fairly compact. What we did that was great fun was walked from the ship and found a bicycle taxi. This was really the way to see the town. It's a little expensive ($50-100 depending how long you hire it for) but what fun! The fort is the main site but there are cute shops and pubs. It's a DIY in my opinion.

 

Bar Harbor and Cadillac Mountain is a nice place to go. I went there by car years ago. Lovely if it's a clear day.

 

Quebec is such a lovely place and the Hotel Frontenac is the centerpiece. I would go there for a meal. My sister just raved about it.

 

There is nothing in Sydney really, so this is a good place to do a tour of some kind.

[Cruise Raider]

Ollies Trolley.....google it.....is a great tour with a driver on a cable car lookalike....goes to all those places....go to website and make reservation....pay after you get there.....reservations get priority....take the longer tour.....Bar Harbor is beautiful....our group met after the tour at West Street Cafe....best cold water lobster ever....and blueberry pie ;)---I am jealous :)

 

I agree, in Bar Harbor, I would just take Ollie's Trolley up Cadillac Mountain and yes, the best lobster rolls in the world...don't forget the blueberry pie.

You don't have to pay more by booking these tours from the ship...they are readily available throughout these towns.

 

In Halifax, the Maritime Museum is within walking distance of the ship and is awesome. Again, you can just purchase right there at the museum and believe there is a AAA discount.

[bama4cruisin]

We did this cruise last October and had a wonderful cruise. A few additions to earlier suggestions:

 

Halifax - we used Great Earth Expeditions for a tour that included a stop at the Citadel, some time at the Public Gardens and Peggy's Cove. The van could have accommodated 8 or 9, but with the about 12 from our roll call there were 2 vans -only 2 couples on ours. Our driver/guide provided a picnic lunch at Peggy's Cove. A super day!! Highly recommend. Very reasonable cost.

 

Quebec City- phenomenol! The first day we started with a walking tour of the historic area with Tours Voir Quebec; there were enough from our roll call to have 2 guides each taking about 8 of us. Very knowledgeable, excellent pace (my husband was recovering from a torn meniscus and had no problem due to the pace). Just the right length - gave us great info to enjoy the remaining time there. That afternoon we had reservations for a quintessential Quebecious lunch at Aux Anciens Canadiens - they have a fixed price meal at different times, including most of Sunday afternoon. Afternoon before leaving took the ship's tour (one of the few we took) to St. Anne de Beaupre and Montmorency Falls - excellent.

[AntjeG]

Bar Harbor:

as often said here: Oli´s Trolley is great and then if the weather is fine sit at the Pier to try some lobster.

 

Quebec:

just walking around the city on your own is what I´d suggest for the first day. Be sure to take the elevator (funiculaire) to the upper part of the city. The ships usually dock in walking distance from the city centre.

For the second day I would recommend the Montmorency Falls tour.

And, if your cruise starts in Quebec I would also suggest you spend some days in Montreal pre-cruise.

 

Halifax:

Peggy´s Cove is an excellent choice if your tour goes there as early in the morning as possible. Later the small village is just packed with tourists.

Halifax city tour is also a good choice as the city has some interesting places to see. If you are interested in museums or the weather is not so nice you find 2 nice museums (Maritime Museum with a section on Titanic) and Pier 21 (Immigration Museum) near the cruise pier.

[beachandgolf]

We are going on the same cruise looking for the best tours. Is it best to book from ships selection or to look outside? Will appreciate any advise

[tteettimes]

do tours on your own--prefferable with others on your roll call......less expensive that way too

 

In Bar Harbor reserve Olli's Trolley yourself.....is a wonderful tour

http://www.olistrolley.com/

Of course have the wonderful lobsta' and Blueberry pie

 

Oh yeah--- welcome to Cruise Critic :)

[grayjay]

As we were unlucky again in trying to book a cruise round Japan = Century was sold before we could even book for 2014 , Millenium is now chartered out for September 2015 and we're losing the very special cabin we booked :mad::mad::mad: , we are trying to find an alternative for the fall season in 2015.

The comments we have just read make us eager to try our luck on the Summit and a New England cruise instead - there are cabins available both on the Sept.20 and the Oct. 4th cruise. Which one gives (hopefully, I know the weather can be unpredictable) the better chance to view the spectacular fall colours?

Thank you for your help.

[MVPinBoynton]

We had a wonderful cruise last year on a similar itinerary. You can see lots of photos of our excursions in our review on our website, www.thepreismans.com. It is a very enjoyable and beautiful area to cruise at that time of year.

[Arusha]

 

The comments we have just read make us eager to try our luck on the Summit and a New England cruise instead - there are cabins available both on the Sept.20 and the Oct. 4th cruise. Which one gives (hopefully, I know the weather can be unpredictable) the better chance to view the spectacular fall colours?

Thank you for your help.

 

The October cruise would have a better chance of seeing color along the New England coast and the Canadian Maritimes.

 

Here's an interactive map that shows how fall color sweeps across New England:

 

http://www.yankeefoliage.com/peak-foliage-forecast-map/

 

Here's a list of peak foliage times in the Canadian provinces:

 

http://www.torontosun.com/2013/10/02/best-times-to-see-fall-foliage-across-canada

[need2bespoiled]

It can be colder or warmer in October, chance are better for warmer weather in September for sure.

 

I live in the mountains peak foliage is the first to second week of October here, with the coast of Maine behind us. I am not sure about the Maritimes

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[Sloop-JohnB]

Hi Keith,

 

As a Canadian, and someone with Quebec roots a lot of these destinations are found in my own backyard (within a day’s drive, and so I have been to all of them except for Cornerbrook). If I may I suggest the following:

 

As suggested check out the Roll Call for your ship, there is a good chance that others are looking for travel companions to share cost on self-organized excursions.

 

PRE-CRUISE

 

I agree with the others who say if the cruise begins in Quebec City to fly into Montreal instead (a lot easier for one thing as it is Canada’s second largest city).

 

Plus it is a good place to begin this adventure and have an introduction to French Canadian culture… although the city is extremely multicultural, and you’ll have ZERO problem if you only speak English (same is true for the more touristy areas of Old Quebec).

 

Montreal will give you a taste of what is to come… especially if you are a History or Architecture Lover… and a great way to begin the journey from modern times back towards the beginnings of settlement of North America, which the other Ports of Call can flesh out further.

 

Montreal & Quebec City are only 3 Hours apart by Car, Bus or Train… and easily done by whichever you choose.

 

QUEBEC CITY

 

If you have an overnight in Quebec City prior to the cruise, I strongly suggest that you use it to stay within the walls… perhaps the iconic Chateau Frontenac in Upper Town or a comfy Gite (B&B) in Lower Town. Quebec is built upon a cliff, with the original settlement (Lower Town) at the base, and the more fortified City at the top (within the walls). The two are connected via L’Escalier Casse-Cou (Breakneck Stairs) and the Funicular (an incline Elevator), as well as a few modern streets. The Funicular is the easiest & fastest, and well worth the small cost to use.

 

I see the cruise has an overnight in Quebec City… this is great, because by far it is the most interesting stop on your cruise.

 

You will want to spend one day exploring Upper & Lower Town… I suggest wearing sturdy shoes, as you will do a lot of walking. Old Quebec the streets are very narrow (not built for cars & buses) and they are cobblestones, so therefore very uneven. As well the terrain is somewhat on an incline, even if you are in either Upper or Lower Town.

 

There are some excellent tours to be found in Old Quebec. Some of my favourites are run by Parks Canada as Historic Quebec is a National Historic Site, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (European Explorers came to Canada in the early 1500s, and several outposts in various parts of the Maritimes were tried, but it is Old Quebec where Samuel Champlain first picked as a truly viable spot for a Settlement in 1535… and it is now regarded as the longest continuous settlement in North America).

 

Parks Canada runs a Tour of The Citadel, which has interesting roots that connect to the City’s past thru French, British, and Canadian / Quebecois history. It is still a military base today, and home of the legendary Royal Twenty Second Regiment (the Vandoos) which has been active since 1869… and has achieved many a military honour since Canada’s Confederation in 1867.

 

Other tours I recommend for discovering the History of Old Quebec is a walking tour that will give you an overview of the settlement’s roots and information about The Walls themselves.

 

And lastly, the Chateau Frontenac has an excellent in-house tour that is conducted by costumed guides that will give you a behind the scenes look at this historic landmark (part of Canada’s Chateau Railway Hotels) and the most photographed hotel in the world.

 

For the other day, I would suggest that you get outside of the city itself and explore the countryside. This can be done by taking an organized tour… or on your own (easy to rent a car). Head the short distance down stream along the mighty St Lawrence River (the largest river in Eastern North America) to Ile d’Orleans, St Anne de Beaupre, and Montmorency Falls. This is an easy drive, and all within sight of Old Quebec. Ile d’Orleans will transport you back in time…. As it hasn’t changed much since it was first discovered in the late 1500s… it is quite easy to see how the first settlers here felt at home as it reminded them very much of the countryside back in France.

 

If you are really adventurous… I suggest that you spend one day (probably your first fro safety sake) renting a car and heading off very early further downstream to the Charlevoix Region and Tadoussac as I see sadly that your Ship doesn’t make a stop there.

 

Tadoussac is at the Mouth of the Saguenay Fjord… and this is where Canada’s largest National Marine Park is found… a spot that annually attracts many species of whales who come to feast on the bounty of fish & waterlife that comes out of the freshwater of the Saguenay River. Whale watching here is easy… be it with an organized tour… or even oftentimes you can find a spot on the shoreline and watch the show !!

 

Tadoussac is approximately 4 Hours from Old Quebec… so it would make for a long day… but so worth it !!

 

CHARLOTTETOWN & PEI

 

Charlottetown is a small city… in Canada’s smallest Province. But it’s historical context for our Country is massive, as it is the place where the Founding Fathers sat down and planned out Confederation in 1864. A visit to Province House, therefore is a must see.

 

Other highlights within the City is the Anne of Green Gables play that is performed at the Confederation Centre of the Arts… not sure what day you’ll be in port, but I do know that they have both Evening Performance as well as Afternoon Matinees for a good part of their Season.

 

Alternatively, if you are an “Anne Fan” you could head off to the Cavendish Area and visit Green Gables the home where Lucy Maud Montgomery used as her inspiration for her Anne Stories. Again this is a Parks Canada National Historic Site, so the tours conducted there are excellent.

 

There is also the nearby Avonlea Village that is a commercial operation that honours the Anne Stories and transports back in time to PEI in the Victorian age. Although this site is called Avonlea it is not associated with the Tv Series “Road to Avonlea” which ran in the 1990s.

 

If Anne isn’t your thing…. But a thirst for local culture is calling you… again I’d rent a car and head off into the countryside. PEI is a very easy place to drive and navigate with a basic map.

 

You might want to drive the National Seashore… Cavendish thru Dalvay, perhaps with a stop to enjoy Fresh Seafood. (My suggestion would be to avoid the well advertised Lobster Restaurants along the main road such as in North Rustico, and instead head to North Rustico Harbour, where you’ll be able to find good eats for a good price in one of the local “Seafood Shacks” right along the pier area (cannot get any fresher seafood that this !!)

 

Another good spot for a drive is to head west up island into the Acadian District (otherside of Summerside) and make a stop at the very informative Acadian Museum in Mascouche.

 

HALIFAX

 

Another great Canadian City (Mr Sloop’s favourite). Lots of more modern History to be found in this locale…

 

You can walk along the waterfront and pay a visit to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic which has two excellent permanent exhibits… one on the Titanic, and one on the Halifax Explosion. They also have a current exhibit on the War of 1812.

 

Another interesting Museum is Pier 21 which tells the story of Immigration to Canada during most of the 1900s, it is significant for Canadians in the same way that Ellis Island is for America during the same time period.

 

Much like Quebec City, Halifax has its own Citadel that sits atop the hill. Not as significant in Canadian History as the one in Quebec City, and again a Parks Canada Site, worth a visit if you are a Military History buff.

 

The majority of visitors to Halifax will head off to see Peggy’s Cove a small rural outpost about 25 miles from Downtown Halifax. The locale is famous because of the many times that it has been photographed / painted. It is pretty enough… but it is usually very much over-run with Tourists

 

As much as I can see the draw to Peggy’s Cove, for me personally, I am far more touched / moved by the nearby Swissair Flight 111 Memorial… and the story of how the local fisherman worked tirelessly thru this tragedy first in hopes of saving someone, and then later to assist the authorities in the recovery process. This is truly far me far more a testament to the resilience of the Maritime People and who they truly are than the almost “fake” presentation of Peggy’s Cove.

 

If you want to see a true Nova Scotia Fishing Village steeped in local history, I suggest that you continue your road trip out to Lunenburg (again another National Historic Site, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Lunenburg is famous for its shipbuilding history including Canada’s famous Bluenose Schooner.

 

Lunenburg is about 60 Miles, 1-1/2 Hours Drive from Halifax via the Highway but can make a good day trip when you tie in the Peggy Cove area which is enroute.

 

While in Halifax, you’ll find out that all these destinations are served by local Tour Companies (or probably Ship Excursions as well). You can do them whichever way you choose…. But we do prefer to explore on our own as then we aren’t tied down to anyone else’s schedule, or have to contend so much with crowds etc. (Peggy’s Cove for example is best seen either very early in the day or late afternoon).

 

SYDNEY

 

Sydney is at the base of Cape Bretton Island… and a place one truly could use a good amount of time to see / explore. This is one spot you’ll probably be most safe choosing to do a ship tour, as it will make the best use of your time when it comes to getting a feel for the “Scottish Highlands”.

 

Alternatively another good spot to take a look at (again particularly so if you are a History buff…. Or have discovered an interest in French / Acadian Culture after visiting Quebec City, PEI and Lunenburg) is the French Fortress of Louisburg. Again another National Historic Site run by Parks Canada.

 

CORNERBROOK

 

Gros Morne Park is a MJST SEE… this is another location where I would rely on an organized tour.

 

--- --- ---

 

You can find more info on all of the Destinations you’ll be visiting in a variety of other ways…

 

All the States, Provinces & Cities have Tourism Centres… and websites. As do Parks Canada, and many of the other attractions I have mentioned.

 

Just for “general knowledge / an overview” I always find Wikipedia a helpful tool when planning a vacation.

 

And TripAdvisor is a fabulous source for info & planning help as well (especially their Forums).

 

And as others have said there Is of course your Cruise’s Roll Call here on CC as well as the Ports of Call Board which will have local info as well.

 

All in all it sounds like a wonderful cruise. I am sure you will have a terrific time. Do enjoy the sail thru the St Lawrence River… it really is such a gem… lots of wildlife to be seen. And depending on WHEN you’ll be cruising in September, the trees may be putting on a wonderful show of Fall Colours for you as well (trees around Quebec City are some of the earliest to turn... starting mid to late September).

 

Hope this helps,

 

Cheers!

[Cruisingmarmi]

Hi Keith,

 

As a Canadian, and someone with Quebec roots a lot of these destinations are found in my own backyard (within a day’s drive, and so I have been to all of them except for Cornerbrook). If I may I suggest the following:

 

As suggested check out the Roll Call for your ship, there is a good chance that others are looking for travel companions to share cost on self-organized excursions.

 

PRE-CRUISE

 

I agree with the others who say if the cruise begins in Quebec City to fly into Montreal instead (a lot easier for one thing as it is Canada’s second largest city).

 

Plus it is a good place to begin this adventure and have an introduction to French Canadian culture… although the city is extremely multicultural, and you’ll have ZERO problem if you only speak English (same is true for the more touristy areas of Old Quebec).

 

Montreal will give you a taste of what is to come… especially if you are a History or Architecture Lover… and a great way to begin the journey from modern times back towards the beginnings of settlement of North America, which the other Ports of Call can flesh out further.

 

Montreal & Quebec City are only 3 Hours apart by Car, Bus or Train… and easily done by whichever you choose.

 

QUEBEC CITY

 

If you have an overnight in Quebec City prior to the cruise, I strongly suggest that you use it to stay within the walls… perhaps the iconic Chateau Frontenac in Upper Town or a comfy Gite (B&B) in Lower Town. Quebec is built upon a cliff, with the original settlement (Lower Town) at the base, and the more fortified City at the top (within the walls). The two are connected via L’Escalier Casse-Cou (Breakneck Stairs) and the Funicular (an incline Elevator), as well as a few modern streets. The Funicular is the easiest & fastest, and well worth the small cost to use.

 

I see the cruise has an overnight in Quebec City… this is great, because by far it is the most interesting stop on your cruise.

 

You will want to spend one day exploring Upper & Lower Town… I suggest wearing sturdy shoes, as you will do a lot of walking. Old Quebec the streets are very narrow (not built for cars & buses) and they are cobblestones, so therefore very uneven. As well the terrain is somewhat on an incline, even if you are in either Upper or Lower Town.

 

There are some excellent tours to be found in Old Quebec. Some of my favourites are run by Parks Canada as Historic Quebec is a National Historic Site, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (European Explorers came to Canada in the early 1500s, and several outposts in various parts of the Maritimes were tried, but it is Old Quebec where Samuel Champlain first picked as a truly viable spot for a Settlement in 1535… and it is now regarded as the longest continuous settlement in North America).

 

Parks Canada runs a Tour of The Citadel, which has interesting roots that connect to the City’s past thru French, British, and Canadian / Quebecois history. It is still a military base today, and home of the legendary Royal Twenty Second Regiment (the Vandoos) which has been active since 1869… and has achieved many a military honour since Canada’s Confederation in 1867.

 

Other tours I recommend for discovering the History of Old Quebec is a walking tour that will give you an overview of the settlement’s roots and information about The Walls themselves.

 

And lastly, the Chateau Frontenac has an excellent in-house tour that is conducted by costumed guides that will give you a behind the scenes look at this historic landmark (part of Canada’s Chateau Railway Hotels) and the most photographed hotel in the world.

 

For the other day, I would suggest that you get outside of the city itself and explore the countryside. This can be done by taking an organized tour… or on your own (easy to rent a car). Head the short distance down stream along the mighty St Lawrence River (the largest river in Eastern North America) to Ile d’Orleans, St Anne de Beaupre, and Montmorency Falls. This is an easy drive, and all within sight of Old Quebec. Ile d’Orleans will transport you back in time…. As it hasn’t changed much since it was first discovered in the late 1500s… it is quite easy to see how the first settlers here felt at home as it reminded them very much of the countryside back in France.

 

If you are really adventurous… I suggest that you spend one day (probably your first fro safety sake) renting a car and heading off very early further downstream to the Charlevoix Region and Tadoussac as I see sadly that your Ship doesn’t make a stop there.

 

Tadoussac is at the Mouth of the Saguenay Fjord… and this is where Canada’s largest National Marine Park is found… a spot that annually attracts many species of whales who come to feast on the bounty of fish & waterlife that comes out of the freshwater of the Saguenay River. Whale watching here is easy… be it with an organized tour… or even oftentimes you can find a spot on the shoreline and watch the show !!

 

Tadoussac is approximately 4 Hours from Old Quebec… so it would make for a long day… but so worth it !!

 

CHARLOTTETOWN & PEI

 

Charlottetown is a small city… in Canada’s smallest Province. But it’s historical context for our Country is massive, as it is the place where the Founding Fathers sat down and planned out Confederation in 1864. A visit to Province House, therefore is a must see.

 

Other highlights within the City is the Anne of Green Gables play that is performed at the Confederation Centre of the Arts… not sure what day you’ll be in port, but I do know that they have both Evening Performance as well as Afternoon Matinees for a good part of their Season.

 

Alternatively, if you are an “Anne Fan” you could head off to the Cavendish Area and visit Green Gables the home where Lucy Maud Montgomery used as her inspiration for her Anne Stories. Again this is a Parks Canada National Historic Site, so the tours conducted there are excellent.

 

There is also the nearby Avonlea Village that is a commercial operation that honours the Anne Stories and transports back in time to PEI in the Victorian age. Although this site is called Avonlea it is not associated with the Tv Series “Road to Avonlea” which ran in the 1990s.

 

If Anne isn’t your thing…. But a thirst for local culture is calling you… again I’d rent a car and head off into the countryside. PEI is a very easy place to drive and navigate with a basic map.

 

You might want to drive the National Seashore… Cavendish thru Dalvay, perhaps with a stop to enjoy Fresh Seafood. (My suggestion would be to avoid the well advertised Lobster Restaurants along the main road such as in North Rustico, and instead head to North Rustico Harbour, where you’ll be able to find good eats for a good price in one of the local “Seafood Shacks” right along the pier area (cannot get any fresher seafood that this !!)

 

Another good spot for a drive is to head west up island into the Acadian District (otherside of Summerside) and make a stop at the very informative Acadian Museum in Mascouche.

 

HALIFAX

 

Another great Canadian City (Mr Sloop’s favourite). Lots of more modern History to be found in this locale…

 

You can walk along the waterfront and pay a visit to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic which has two excellent permanent exhibits… one on the Titanic, and one on the Halifax Explosion. They also have a current exhibit on the War of 1812.

 

Another interesting Museum is Pier 21 which tells the story of Immigration to Canada during most of the 1900s, it is significant for Canadians in the same way that Ellis Island is for America during the same time period.

 

Much like Quebec City, Halifax has its own Citadel that sits atop the hill. Not as significant in Canadian History as the one in Quebec City, and again a Parks Canada Site, worth a visit if you are a Military History buff.

 

The majority of visitors to Halifax will head off to see Peggy’s Cove a small rural outpost about 25 miles from Downtown Halifax. The locale is famous because of the many times that it has been photographed / painted. It is pretty enough… but it is usually very much over-run with Tourists

 

As much as I can see the draw to Peggy’s Cove, for me personally, I am far more touched / moved by the nearby Swissair Flight 111 Memorial… and the story of how the local fisherman worked tirelessly thru this tragedy first in hopes of saving someone, and then later to assist the authorities in the recovery process. This is truly far me far more a testament to the resilience of the Maritime People and who they truly are than the almost “fake” presentation of Peggy’s Cove.

 

If you want to see a true Nova Scotia Fishing Village steeped in local history, I suggest that you continue your road trip out to Lunenburg (again another National Historic Site, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Lunenburg is famous for its shipbuilding history including Canada’s famous Bluenose Schooner.

 

Lunenburg is about 60 Miles, 1-1/2 Hours Drive from Halifax via the Highway but can make a good day trip when you tie in the Peggy Cove area which is enroute.

 

While in Halifax, you’ll find out that all these destinations are served by local Tour Companies (or probably Ship Excursions as well). You can do them whichever way you choose…. But we do prefer to explore on our own as then we aren’t tied down to anyone else’s schedule, or have to contend so much with crowds etc. (Peggy’s Cove for example is best seen either very early in the day or late afternoon).

 

SYDNEY

 

Sydney is at the base of Cape Bretton Island… and a place one truly could use a good amount of time to see / explore. This is one spot you’ll probably be most safe choosing to do a ship tour, as it will make the best use of your time when it comes to getting a feel for the “Scottish Highlands”.

 

Alternatively another good spot to take a look at (again particularly so if you are a History buff…. Or have discovered an interest in French / Acadian Culture after visiting Quebec City, PEI and Lunenburg) is the French Fortress of Louisburg. Again another National Historic Site run by Parks Canada.

 

CORNERBROOK

 

Gros Morne Park is a MJST SEE… this is another location where I would rely on an organized tour.

 

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You can find more info on all of the Destinations you’ll be visiting in a variety of other ways…

 

All the States, Provinces & Cities have Tourism Centres… and websites. As do Parks Canada, and many of the other attractions I have mentioned.

 

Just for “general knowledge / an overview” I always find Wikipedia a helpful tool when planning a vacation.

 

And TripAdvisor is a fabulous source for info & planning help as well (especially their Forums).

 

And as others have said there Is of course your Cruise’s Roll Call here on CC as well as the Ports of Call Board which will have local info as well.

 

All in all it sounds like a wonderful cruise. I am sure you will have a terrific time. Do enjoy the sail thru the St Lawrence River… it really is such a gem… lots of wildlife to be seen. And depending on WHEN you’ll be cruising in September, the trees may be putting on a wonderful show of Fall Colours for you as well (trees around Quebec City are some of the earliest to turn... starting mid to late September).

 

Hope this helps,

 

Cheers

Great info! Also going on this cruise! Appreciate your help!