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Great Lakes and St Lawrence River – Lifeline of North American in the fall

Great Lakes and St Lawrence River – Lifeline of North American in the fall

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Description

This cruise weaves a tapestry of cities, wilderness, and adventure along North America’s rivers and lakes, igniting a pioneering spirit amid vast, untamed landscapes. Highlights include thrilling lock passages on the St Lawrence River and Welland Canal, the vibrant hues of Indian summer on active hikes through forests and coastal trails, and immersive discoveries about Indigenous peoples and settlers. Daily-changing scenery—featuring skerries, islands, waterfalls, cliffs, and lighthouses—pairs with the magic of pristine waterways, from the Saguenay Fjord to the Great Lakes, offering an unforgettable American dream on the water.

Trip Name
Great Lakes and St Lawrence River - Lifeline of North American in the fall
Days
19
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 138 m Passenger Capacity: 230 Built: 2021 The expedition class combines the thrill of true exploration with the comfort of luxury cruising. Aboard the small yet ultra-modern expedition ships HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration, and HANSEATIC spirit, a maximum of 230 guests can venture deep into some of the world’s most remote and captivating regions — from icy polar landscapes to tropical islands. These vessels are purpose-built for discovery, featuring advanced technology, the highest ice class for passenger ships (PC 6), and an expert team of scientists and expedition leaders who turn every journey into an enriching experience. Whether gliding through ice fields, landing by Zodiac in untouched bays, or learning from onboard experts, guests are immersed in nature and culture at their purest. With over 30 years of expedition expertise, these voyages redefine adventure travel by blending knowledge, comfort, and sustainability. Guests enjoy world-class dining, elegant suites, and warm, attentive service while exploring regions inaccessible to larger ships. Every itinerary is designed to uncover hidden corners of the planet safely and respectfully — leaving only traces of curiosity behind. From close-up wildlife encounters to champagne toasts beside icebergs, each journey promises rare experiences and unforgettable memories, guided by a crew whose passion for discovery is matched only by their dedication to comfort and care.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Halifax/Nova Scotia/Canada
Departure 19.00 hrs
Day 2 - Day 2 Relaxation at sea
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Day 3 - Day 3 - Day 4 Prince Edward Island, Iles de la Madeleine
In Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island, you will explore the birthplace of Canada. The history of the Confederation is domineered by the glories of nature on a scenic tour or a visit to an oyster farm1 On the Iles de la Madeleine, red cliffs and long sandy beaches provide breathtaking island impressions. Alternatively, a culinary tour1 combines cheese, fish and the art of brewing.
Day 4 - Day 5 Gaspe
From 7.00 to 13.00 hrsThe local charm of the small town of Gaspe is defined by the surrounding picturesque bays and cliffs. Autumn shows its vibrant guises once again on a scenic tour of the peninsula and the Forillon National Park. You can also explore this paradise for amateur ornithologists actively on a hike.
Day 5 - Day 6 Tadoussac
From 13.00 to 20.00 hrsAs you travel along the river, your team of experts on board will tell you all about the region’s great history – from the early Woodland period and the First Nations to the current economic significance. With a little luck, you’ll spot beluga, blue, humpback or fin whales whilst whale watching off Tadoussac.
Day 6 - Day 7 Saguenay
Cruising on the Saguenay FjordFrom 6.00 to 14.00 hrsIndian summer hues will colour your route with accents of reds and yellows. The exact period and intensity of the natural phenomenon are difficult to predict, but the timing of your cruise is favourable for enjoying profoundly vibrant impressions. One of the largest side branches of the St Lawrence River, the Saguenay, is also particularly picturesque at this time of year. Experience the wilderness actively on a hike1 or by seaplane. Cruising on the Saguenay Fjord, you may be lucky to spot belugas, which can be found hunting for fish and plankton here all year round.
Day 7 - Day 8 Quebec
From 8.00 to 18.00 hrsFrench savoir vivre and Canadian zest for life invite you to explore the historic quarter in Quebec. Explore the many sights on a city tour. On a trip to Montmorency Falls and Ile d’Orleans, you will pass some of Canada’s oldest French settlements.
Day 8 - Day 9 Montreal
From 8.00 to 0.00 hrsAfterwards, Montreal welcomes you with its European charm as the second largest francophone city in the world. A city tour combines picturesque town houses and wide boulevards with a walk in the underground city. Alternatively, the wineries in the Eastern Townships will awaken the sommelier in you.
Day 9 - Day 10 Lock adventure on the St Lawrence River
Daytime passage through seven locksAn extraordinary passage follows during a lock adventure on the St Lawrence River. This is a nautical masterpiece that only a few ships can manage. The open deck areas are the ideal place from which to watch the ship negotiate the seven locks and the height differences.
Day 10 - Day 11 Toronto/Lake Ontario
From 8.00 to 0.00 hrsIn Toronto, a city tour by tram1 shows how skyscrapers, parks and trendy districts complement each other well. As Canada’s largest city, Toronto is Canada’s economic centre and one of the world’s leading financial centres, after decades during which Montreal had held that role. The city is located on the north-western shore of Lake Ontario, the smallest of the five Great Lakes. From Toronto it is also not far to the most famous waterfalls in North America – the Niagara Falls.
Day 11 - Day 12 Lock adventure in the Welland Canal
Daytime passage through eight locksCruise on Lake ErieThe next stage of your cruise is a lock adventure on the Welland Canal. Follow the challenging passage on the deck tour at the bow or the ship’s many open deck areas. Through eight locks, your small ship overcomes almost 100 m (328 ft) of height, corresponding to a lock lift the height of Niagara Falls. This is only possible thanks to the ship’s retractable bridge wings.
Day 12 - Day 13 Windsor/Detroit River
From 7.30 to 18.00 hrsBehind you lies vast Lake Erie and the route takes you on to Windsor in Canada. From the ship, you’ll have the best view of the skyline of America’s former “Motor City” on the other bank of the river. Visit Detroit1 to discover the roots of automotive history and the varied architecture of this city that is once again on the up. Follow in the footsteps of Henry Ford1 at the museum that bears his name and see masterpieces of the road and rails. The stunning passage on the Detroit River takes you towards Lake Huron.
Day 13 - Day 14 Tobermory/Lake Huron
From 13.00 to 19.00 hrsMaritime charm awaits you on your cruise on Lake Huron to the fishing town of Tobermory in Georgian Bay. Let your impressions be shaped by limestone coastlines, small bays and Canadian flora on a hike along the Bruce Trail at your own pace.
Day 14 - Day 15 Killarney
From 8.00 to 19.00 hrsThe small coastal municipality of Killarney reveals its Irish roots in its name. The “emerald isle” of George Island can be reached by ferry and will show off its colourful side in autumn. Many outdoor activities and a great sense of freedom define your explorations of the uninhabited island. Discover Killarney independently and enjoy a Zodiac ride with beautiful scenery and good chances of seeing wildlife. With a bit of luck, you will spot cormorants, Canada geese and bald eagles.
Day 15 - Day 16 Parry Sound
From 9.00 to 17.00 hrsThe small HANSEATIC inspiration is in its element as it charts a course through a scenic labyrinth of water to reach Parry Sound. Explore the town and the nearby lake shore on the marine walking trails or take a boat trip of the Thirty Thousand Islands. The varied archipelago scenery is filled with islands emerging from the water, narrow channels and imposing cliffs. Alternatively, you can soak up the unforgettable panoramas in Killbear Provincial Park, where pink granite banks and autumnal forest blend to create majestic scenery.
Day 16 - Day 17 Sault Ste. Marie/USA
From 12.00 to 18.00 hrs (official stop)On a walk through Sault Sainte Marie, you can immerse yourself in the fascinating stories of immigrants at the museum or marvel at the enormous lock system that separates Canada and the USA here.
Day 17 - Day 18 Mackinac Island
From 7.00 to 13.00 hrsMackinac Island is a natural jewel of the Great Lakes and is one of the most beautiful islands in the USA. Discover the small car-free idyll independently by bicycle or on a carriage ride. Whilst Victorian villas and the Grand Hotel recall the 19th century, Fort Mackinac serves as a reminder of the American Revolutionary War.
Day 18 - Day 19 Milwaukee/Lake Michigan/USA
Arrival 7.30 hrs
Day 19 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
19-09-202607-10-2026Array Array13,690Outside Cabin
19-09-202607-10-2026Array Array14,720Panoramic Cabin
19-09-202607-10-2026Array Array15,170French Balcony Cabin
19-09-202607-10-2026Array Array0Balcony Cabin
19-09-202607-10-2026Array Array0Junior Suite
19-09-202607-10-2026Array Array0Grand Suite
07-10-202625-10-2026Array Array21,920Junior Suite
07-10-202625-10-2026Array Array0Grand Suite
07-10-202625-10-2026Array Array11,890Outside Cabin
07-10-202625-10-2026Array Array11,890Panoramic Cabin
07-10-202625-10-2026Array Array14,870French Balcony Cabin
07-10-202625-10-2026Array Array16,220Balcony Cabin
01-10-202719-10-2027Array Array12,990Outside Cabin
01-10-202719-10-2027Array Array12,990Panoramic Cabin
01-10-202719-10-2027Array Array16,120French Balcony Cabin
01-10-202719-10-2027Array Array17,440Balcony Cabin
01-10-202719-10-2027Array Array24,070Junior Suite
01-10-202719-10-2027Array Array0Grand Suite

Inclusions

    • Cities, wilderness and adventures along the locks: your American dream on rivers and lakes
    • Pioneering spirit in an “ocean” in the midst of the wilderness
    • Lock adventures on the St Lawrence River and Welland Canal
    • Experience the magic of Indian summer along the coasts and in the forests on active hikes
    • Discover fascinating things about Indigenous people and settlers
    • New landscapes every day – with skerries, islands, waterfalls, cliffs and lighthouses

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