Canadian Connection Cruise - West
Quebec City to Kingston
6 nights, 7 days
“What river is this?” asked Jacques Cartier of his Indigenous guide as he looked on the St. Lawrence River.
“A river without end,” the Indigenous guide replied. And so it seems, as this cruise explores the staggering variety of one of the world’s great rivers.
As you cruise upriver in the safety and comfort of the Canadian Empress, you will experience the sights and sounds of French Canada, while retracing the original route of the first explorers to Canada. As the journey reaches Montreal, you will enter the first locks of the St. Lawrence Seaway, before passing to Eastern Ontario. Along the way, you will experience firsthand the cultural divide between the old Lower Canada and British Upper Canada, culminating in the extraordinary scenery of historic Upper Canada and the Thousand Islands.
Quebec City, Canada’s showpiece, provides the venue for the beginning of your river cruise vacation. Here you can experience the world charm and grace of “Old” Europe. You will encounter Quebec City’s unparalleled joie de vivre (love of life) found nowhere else in North America. Enjoy Old Quebec (the only walled city in North America) with its massive ramparts still bolstering the Plains of Abraham; and behold the imperial green-roofed towers of the legendary Chateau Frontenac.
Highlights of this cruise: Explore the islands and bays of the Thousand Islands, learn the deep historical roots of “Loyalist Brockville”, and experience the unique living community of Upper Canada Village. On the St. Lawrence River between Montreal and Quebec City there are the “grassy Battures”, rich mudflats that are home to myriad species of birds. You will also pass the “Segnieury” areas, the prominent village cathedrals of Quebec, and witness the awesome cliffs stretching up to the historic Plains of Abraham.
Overnight Ports
Attractions
In Alphabetical Order
1000 Islands
The 1000 Islands are a group of more than 1,800 islands in the St. Lawrence River, straddling the border of the U.S. and Canada. A fashionable retreat for the elite in the late 19th century, today the area is a hub for outdoor activities.
1000 Islands Boat Museum
The 1000 Islands Boat Museum is a hands-on Museum where history becomes something that can be touched, built, and experienced. The Museum includes a Boatbuilding Shop, an Activity Center, and Exhibit Galleries.
1000 Islands Heritage Museum
On Gananoque’s waterfront there’s a grand Victorian building designed in the tradition of the late 19th century two storey “grand cottage”. This museum is dedicated to interpreting the history, geology, ecology, and culture of the 1000 Islands region.
Boréalis Industrial Museum
Boréalis is a museum dedicated to interpreting the rich industrial history of Trois Rivieres. Museum tours will focus on different themes, such as the forest, log driving, lumberjacks, and the life of workers throughout the history of the region.
Fort Wellington
The first Fort Wellington was built during the war of 1812 high above the St. Lawrence River at Prescott. The second Fort Wellington, still standing today, was built as a result of the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837-38. Today, Fort Wellington is a national historic site, and is now administered by Parks Canada.
Fulford Place Mansion
The Fulford family donated the Mansion and its opulent decor to The Ontario Heritage Foundation in 1991. Contained within this 35 room Mansion is a diverse and elegant collection of original furnishings. Step back into a more spacious and gracious setting and enjoy some of the refinements that some of our most distinguished dignitaries once enjoyed.
Montreal Sightseeing Tour
A complete City tour, taking in many points of interest, including Notre Dame Basilica and St. Joseph’s Oratory, atop of Mount-Royal. Your tour also includes the Old Port of Montreal, which is the most historic part of the city, located between the River and downtown, putting you into close contact with the past life of a major metropolis in North America.
Notre Dame du Cap Shrine
The Basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Cap is Canada's national shrine to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and one of five national shrines in Canada. Each year, the site is visited by thousands of Catholic pilgrims.
Seaway Locks
All locks on the Seaway are similar in size. In width they are 80 feet; the depth over the sill is 30 feet; and the length - that is breast gate to fender - is 766 feet. Ships can be raised or lowered from 45 feet to 49 feet depending on the season of the year.
