Discovering the Beauty of St. Lawrence River: Kingston to Quebec City

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 the Canadian Connection 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 tantalizing aromas emanating from the Galley, as talented chefs prepare your evening’s dinner. Dinner is followed by a traditional get-acquainted activity. 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 Gananoque. Once you arrive, a short walk will take you to the Heritage Centre of the 1000 Islands where you will learn how these islands were formed and their significance today.

After lunch, you’ll cruise Millionaires’ Row on the US side of the river, sailing past Boldt Castle and St. Larens Sature en route to Ivy Lea. Here you will disembark for a bus tour to the 1000 Islands Tower for stunning views.

The ship will sail to Brockville for the night. You’ll have time to relax and stroll along the waterfront trails. Enjoy evening entertainment in the Grand Saloon aboard the ship.

Day 3:

After breakfast, hop on a bus waiting at the dock and head to Fulford Place, the mansion that served as the home of Senator George T. Fulford and his family between 1900 and 1987. The mansion’s 35 rooms contain an elegant and diverse collection of original furnishings and you’ll gain an appreciation of the opulence of the turn of the last century.

At lunchtime, you’ll sail to Prescott, Ontario for a tour of historic Fort Wellington and then to the Chrysler Park Marina near Upper Canada Village.. You’ll have time in the evening to stroll around the marina and grounds.

Day 4:

Get ready for a unique experience at you step onto a horse-drawn carriage that will take you back in time on a journey to Upper Canada Village. Passing through the 1850 toll gate into the Village, you will be stepping back into the past. After the wagon ride, enjoy lunch on the ship before departing 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.

Day 5:

This morning you’ll reenter the International Seaway as you make your way to Montreal, one of Canada’s oldest communities. You’ll encounter a series of locks along the way, including the Beauharnois, Ste. Catherine and St. Lambert.

You’ll soon get a glimpse of the looming skyscape of historic Montreal and will be impressed by the port of Montreal (which can handle every type of cargo). As you approach your berth in Old Montreal, you’ll pass the ‘Man and His World’ site of the World’s Fair in 1967. You might recognize Buckminster Fuller’s geodesic dome and the Olympic Stadium. Your berth in Old Montreal is known as the Market Basin, where ships have tied up for more than 400 years.

Upon arrival, you’ll be whisked off on a comprehensive tour of the city before returning to the ship for dinner and entertainment.

Day 6:

Sweeping river views continue to be your constant companion as you leave Montreal and set sail for Trois-Rivieres. Board a bus for a brief tour of this historic city before making your way to Cap de la Madeleine Shrine for a guided tour.

You’ll have time this afternoon for a brief self-guided tour of Trois-Rivieres if you wish, before returning to the ship for dinner and a night of special entertainment on your final night aboard the ship. There will be dancing to the sound of big band music.

Day 7:

This morning, as you sail towards spectacular Quebec City, you will notice that the St. Lawrence begins to widen and the banks are dotted with spires and church steeples as you pass the many French villages and communities that line the shore.

As you get closer to the provincial capital, the bluffs along the shore become increasingly higher, eventually culminating at the Plains of Abraham, the site of the famous battle for Quebec between the French and the British.

Take in the beautiful skyline of Quebec City as your ship sails past the city towards Montmorency Falls, just a few miles east along the river. Seeing the city from the water and experiencing the beauty of the Falls (which are one and a half times higher than Niagara Falls!) is unforgettable.

After enjoying a special Closing Ceremony on the ship, you’ll disembark at Quebec City.

*Westbound itinerary operates in reverse.