Canada’s Capital Cruise – St. Lawrence River: Kingston to Ottawa

Day 1: Kingston

Your excursion begins in the beautiful and historic town of Kingston, Ontario. Arrive early to experience the vibrant community before you board your cruise. As you step onto the ship, the friendly crew will take care of your baggage and an attendant will escort you to your stateroom and show you its unique features.

In the evening, join the Captain’s Welcome Reception in the Grand Saloon, where you will be greeted with complimentary drinks and snacks as you meet the crew. Head out on the outer decks for a Kingston Harbour tour, taking in the stunning views of the town.

As the ship sets sail, you’ll be treated to dinner and entertainment onboard. The ship sets anchor for the night at a private buoy in the heart of the picturesque region.

Fall asleep surrounded by a thousand islands and a million stars.

Day 2:

Wake up early to capture the breathtaking views of the 1000 Islands as you leisurely sail through them en route to Ivy Lea. Get your camera ready as you sail past famous Boldt Castle on Heart Island.

You’ll arrive at Rockport for a bus transfer to the 1000 Islands Skydeck for a panoramic view of the islands from 350 feet above. Later in the day sail to Prescott where you will tour Fort Wellington National Historic Site.

In the late afternoon, you’ll cruise along the old Galop Canal, opened in 1846, and pass through the Iroquois Lock at the Seaway control dam. In the evening, arrive at Crysler Park Marina for the night.

Enjoy evening entertainment in the Grand Saloon aboard the ship.

Day 3:

After breakfast, hop on a miniature train from the marina to meet a horse-drawn carriage that will take you to Upper Canada Village for a guided tour. After the tour, you will have time to wander the historic site.

Return to the ship and depart for Coteau Landing, a charming French village in Quebec.
As you cruise towards Coteau Landing, you’ll pass through two American locks in the International Seaway, the Eisenhower and the Snell, providing ample opportunities to greet the large seaway vessels and take plenty of pictures.

In the evening, arrive at Coteau Landing. Stroll and discover the loch system before returning to the ship for an evening of entertainment.

Day 4:

Depart Coteau Landing bound for Lachine, a borough of Montreal, passing through Beauharnois Locks into Lake St. Louis. You’ll soon get a glimpse of the looming skyscape of historic Montreal. Upon arrival, you’ll be whisked off on a 2.5-hour tour of the city (with some free time to explore on your own) before returning to the ship for dinner and entertainment.

Day 5:

Depart bright and early towards the Ottawa River and Montebello. Enter the locks at St. Anne de Bellevue for a scenic voyage on the Ottawa River, which is the largest tributary of the St. Lawrence.

You’ll pass through Carillon Lock and Power Dam, which has a 65 foot lift, enroute to Montebello. Once you arrive, you’ll hop on a bus for a tour of Omega Park. This park features 10 kilometres of beautiful, natural Laurentian landscapes and lets you come face-to-face (from the safety of a bus) with some of Canada’s most iconic wildlife. You’ll encounter black bear, deer, elk and wolves to name a few.

Return to the ship for dinner and entertainment.

Day 6:

Sweeping river views continue to be your constant companion as you leave Montebello bound for Cumberland, Ontario. In the morning, you will have the opportunity to visit the Cumberland Historical Museum, a historic village situated on 100 acres that displays the history of industrialization and mechanization.

Sail from Cumberland to the nation’s capital, where your journey will come to an end. You’ll pass numerous interesting buildings, including the Papal residence in Canada, the Prime Minister’s residence, the gates of Rideau Hall and numerous Embassies, as you enter Ottawa.

Before departing from the ship, you will be invited to enjoy a special Closing Ceremony.

*Southbound itinerary operates in reverse.