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Fall Foliage on the St. Lawrence: Québec to the Canadian Maritimes – with Smithsonian Journeys

Fall Foliage on the St. Lawrence: Québec to the Canadian Maritimes – with Smithsonian Journeys

From AUD $18,880

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Description

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
The waterways of eastern Canada and northern New England are among the loveliest in the world. The rock-bound coast, soaring cliffs, and idyllic waterfront villages have drawn visitors for more than one hundred years.
Your first full day aboard ship is spent navigating the St. Lawrence Seaway, a network of lakes, canals, and locks that provides deep-water passage from Lake Ontario to the St. Lawrence River.
Montréal, the first of four calls in Québec, is a cosmopolitan metropolis, where you may tour the charming Old Town or explore the arts scene along St. Laurent Boulevard. Québec City, with its narrow cobblestoned lanes and historic battlements, is one of North America’s most romantic spots. Sailing up the Saguenay River from the St. Lawrence brings you to the magnificent Saguenay Fjord National Park, an area of dramatic landscapes best appreciated from the water or during a refreshing hike. And the picturesque village of Percé, at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, serves as gateway to the UNESCO Global Geopark of Bonaventure Island.
The colonial seaport of Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island was the site of the conference in 1864 that set the stage for Canada’s unification, and it is also home to the Anne of Green Gables House—inspiration for Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic novel.
Cap-aux-Meules, in the Magdalen Islands, is a fascinating Acadian stronghold, where the legacy of the 17th-century colonists who settled here and defended their autonomy against both British and French lives on.
Nova Scotia is next, offering three historical towns for discovery. Charming Baddeck on Cape Breton Island is home to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site where you may peruse the collection that illustrates the life of the inventor. Louisbourg boasts the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, a living museum that recreates 18th-century life through the reconstruction of the formerly thriving settlement. And Lunenburg, whose Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also home to the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic.
A day at sea brings you to Provincetown, Massachusetts, at the tip of historic Cape Cod, where the Pilgrims landed in 1620 and which now features a vibrant art scene. Disembark the following day in Boston, Massachusetts.

Trip Name
Fall Foliage on the St. Lawrence: Québec to the Canadian Maritimes – with Smithsonian Journeys
Days
15
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship Length: 131 metres Passenger Capacity: 184 Built: 2019-2020 Le Bellot is built for controlled, immersive expedition cruising at a smaller scale, carrying 184 guests across 92 staterooms and suites. The ship’s architecture prioritises quiet flow, long sightlines and restrained interiors, with balcony accommodation as the baseline and larger suite categories extending to 45 m². Public spaces follow the same disciplined design: lounges, theatre, pool deck and dining venues arranged to maintain separation, acoustics and calm movement throughout the vessel. Gastronomy holds a central role, executed in a French framework and integrated into the broader onboard routine. Technical and operational choices focus on stability, environmental performance and predictable guest experience. The ship incorporates the latest systems available at build, with continual upgrades to reduce impact and improve efficiency. A full virtual deck plan supports precise selection of cabin location, and the live webcam stream reinforces the vessel’s emphasis on landscape immersion—whether sailing the Saint Lawrence, the Caribbean or the northern fjords.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 TORONTO
The largest city in Canada and capital of the province of Ontario, Toronto fascinates as much by its incredible diversity as by its size. Make sure you visit the CN Tower, the tallest tower in the western hemisphere, as well as the St. Lawrence Market whose stalls reflect the multicultural wealth of this city known as the global city. Not far from there, the historic Distillery District unveils its brick-paved streets imbued with romantic charm and its myriad of small restaurants, cafés, boutiques, theatres and art galleries. The Royal Ontario Museum and its impressive collections devoted to the world’s natural and cultural history will also be an unmissable stop during this port of call.
Day 2 - Day 2 SAILING LAKE ONTARIO & SAILING RIVER SAINT LAWRENCE AND GOING THROUGH ITS LOCKS
Lake Ontario is the smallest and most easterly of the five Great Lakes of North America, that together form one fifth of all the freshwater on the planet. You will enjoy a magnificent setting, enhanced by the Indian summer, for an exceptional voyage on the sparkling waters of this natural treasure, lying 76 metres above sea level. Fed by the waters of Lake Eyrie and the extraordinary Niagara Falls, it flows into the Saint Lawrence River which follows its course. On the border between the United States and Canada, the lake has great cities like Toronto on its shores but also boasts more secret and unspoiled areas, teeming with beaches, forests and small ports in a bucolic atmosphere.Linking the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes region inland, the Saint Lawrence Seaway was inaugurated in 1959, more than 250 years after the initial construction aiming to avoid the rapids obstructing navigation in these parts. This large engineering project, which required four years of huge work, offers a unique sailing experience, punctuated by the passage of the different locks marking out this corridor, which is almost 4,000 km long.
Day 3 - Day 3 MONTREAL
Famous for its gentle way of life, Montreal, Canada’s second-largest city, is a warm and cosmopolitan metropolis. Situated on the eponymous river island, it is home to a multitude of districts, each as unique as the other. Set off to discover Old Montreal, most of which is declared a historic area, Little Italy, where you’ll be able to stroll around the largest open-air market in North America, or the Golden Square Mile, the luxurious district located on one of the hills of Mount Royal and which has sumptuous Victorian-style residences. Simultaneously marked by the influences of the Old Continent and North-American gigantism, Montreal will never cease to amaze you.
Day 4 - Day 4 QUÉBEC
The capital of "La Belle Province" sits at the confluence of the St Charles River and the Gulf of St Lawrence in south-east Canada. Founded in the 17th century, the city still has an encircling wall, a historic civil engineering work and the only one of its kind remaining in North America. You will love the postcard-perfect stone houses of Old Quebec, the historic district listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shopping is a pleasure in pedestrian streets such as Petit-Champlain Street, or you can relax over a spruce beer, seasoned with pine buds. Dufferin Boardwalk, an esplanade near the emblematic Château Frontenac, is the perfect place for views of the river and old city.
Day 5 - Day 5 TADOUSSAC
The Quebec village of Tadoussac stands at the confluence of the Saguenay River and the Gulf of Saint-Lawrence, in south-east Canada. The village is bright with multicoloured houses nestling in an emerald-green pine forest. From the waterfront, it’s easy to spy out Tadoussac Chapel, thanks to its bright red roof. Not far from this church built of wood, one of the oldest in North America, stands a century-old village holiday resort, Hotel Tadoussac. Treat yourself to tea on the terrace overlooking the shoreline. In addition, at the marine mammal interpretation centre, you can hone your knowledge of the cetaceans that regularly frequent Tadoussac bay.
Day 6 - Day 6 AT SEA
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 7 - Day 7 CHARLOTTETOWN
The colonial seaport of Charlottetown is the capital of Prince Edward Island, "the Garden of the Gulf of St. Lawrence." The town played a crucial role in Canada's history, hosting the Charlottetown Conference (1864), which set the stage for the country's unification. Province House is site of that conference and now home to the provincial legislature. Explore nearby Prince Edward Island National Park and the Anne of Green Gables House—inspiration for Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic novel. Also see the Confederation Bridge, which crosses the eight miles of the Northumberland Strait, making it Canada's longest bridge and the longest bridge in the world to span ice-covered water.
Day 8 - Day 8 CAP-AUX-MEULES, MAGDALEN ISLANDS
Although it is the administrative and economic centre of the Magdalen Islands archipelago, in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the village of Cap-aux-Meules remains a peaceful location and is ideal for exploring preserved nature. Located on the eponymous island, in reference to the sandstone rocks of the cape that were used in the past to make grindstones, the location is above all considered to be the maritime gateway to the archipelago. In this respect, it offers privileged access to many sites renowned for their natural and historic heritage, such as the village of Havre-Aubert which is a member of the Most Beautiful Villages of Quebec.
Day 9 - Day 9 SYDNEY
Founded in 1785, Sydney is located in the province of Nova Scotia, on Cape Breton Island. Sydney was very much shaped by the steel industry, since in the early 20th century it became home to the world’s largest steel plants. The city contributed to the allied war effort by becoming a base for the supply convoys bound for Great Britain during the Second World War. Today, tourism has supplanted mining and the Sydney Mines Heritage Museum & Fossil Centre makes for an interesting visit. Walkers will enjoy hiking along the lighthouse coastal trail through the wild nature of Cape Breton, with stunning views over the ocean.
Day 10 - Day 10 LUNENBURG
Stretching out along the eastern seaboard of Nova Scotia, the picturesque port of Lunenburg will leave an indelible impression. You can admire the colonial architecture of this fishing village whilst strolling through the chequerboard streets studded with brightly coloured houses. The enchanting charm of the old town has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. The former naval shipyard town of Lunenburg is where you will also find the replica of the legendary Bluenose schooner, originally built in this port.
Day 11 - Day 11 SHELBURNE
At the end of an arm of the Atlantic Ocean, in the Maritime province of Nova Scotia in the south-east of Canada, Shelburne takes you on a journey back in time, between gorgeous lakes and verdant plains. The history of this charming town can be felt through its paved streets lined with beautiful 17th-century buildings. The British flag still flies on some of the houses, as something of a memento of the past. And with reason, since the town was once the stronghold of Loyalists, American colonists who had remained loyal to the British Crown and taken refuge in the region after the American Revolution in 1783. This is just one chapter in the history to be discovered in the town’s famous museum, the Shelburne County Museum.
Day 12 - Day 12 EASTPORT
At the Canadian border, Eastport is, as its name suggests, the easternmost city in the United States. It is here that, in 1604, the first French people to arrive in the New World settled. Discover their story at the Saint Croix Island International Historic Site. In the late 19th century, this charming town in Maine grew significantly as a result of the development of the canned sardine industry. At the time, the town boasted more than a dozen sardine canneries. The architecture and some mansions from this period live on, affording the town a distinct elegance. One of the attractions of this town is undeniably its proximity to the Old Sow Whirlpool, the largest tidal whirlpool in the Northern Hemisphere, where visitors can watch the birds and marine mammals that come to feed on the nutrients driven up to the surface.
Day 13 - Day 13 PROVINCETOWN
At the far end of Cape Cod is where you’ll find this hidden little New England village. Its elongated bay offers pristine, sandy beaches. For a bit of shopping, you can explore Commercial Street and the many art galleries and coffee shops there. At the end of the street, you will come across the Pilgrim Monument and its 116 steps. This tower was built at the beginning of the century to celebrate the first pilgrims who arrived a few hundred years earlier. The Provincetown museum commemorates the history and way of life of the Mayflower Pilgrims. Fine food is not scarce here, and you’ll be tempted by delicious sea food platters in the restaurants opposite the harbour!
Day 14 - Day 14 BOSTON
Nicknamed “ America's Walking City”,   the city is considered to be the epicentre of American history. Founded in 1630, the tenth largest agglomeration in the United States,  is a pleasure for walkers. To get around, just follow the Freedom Trail circuit that serves most of the tourist sites with its red line traced on the ground. Don’t miss all the delicious local specialities on offer at Quincy Market, like the lobster sandwich, and then take time to explore North End, the Italian quarter. For the more romantic among you, Beacon Hill, the historic quarter, with its absolutely charming cobbled streets, is really worth a look.
Day 15 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 
Day 16 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
24-09-202606-10-2026AUD $19,760Deluxe Stateroom
24-09-202606-10-2026AUD $21,880Prestige Deck 4
24-09-202606-10-2026AUD $49,900Privilege Suite Deck 6
24-09-202606-10-2026AUD $49,900Privilege Suite Deck 5
24-09-202606-10-2026AUD $51,640Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
24-09-202606-10-2026AUD $54,780Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
24-09-202606-10-2026AUD $67,440Owner's Suite
24-09-202606-10-2026AUD $22,940Prestige Deck 5
24-09-202606-10-2026AUD $24,200Prestige Deck 6
24-09-202606-10-2026AUD $33,540Deluxe Suite Deck 5
24-09-202606-10-2026AUD $33,540Deluxe Suite Deck 4
24-09-202606-10-2026AUD $33,540Deluxe Suite Deck 6
24-09-202606-10-2026AUD $33,540Deluxe Suite Deck 3
24-09-202606-10-2026AUD $45,230Prestige Deck 5 Suite
24-09-202606-10-2026AUD $47,550Prestige Deck 6 Suite
26-09-202709-10-2027AUD $18,880Deluxe Stateroom
26-09-202709-10-2027AUD $20,880Prestige Deck 4
26-09-202709-10-2027AUD $21,890Prestige Deck 5
26-09-202709-10-2027AUD $23,090Prestige Deck 6
26-09-202709-10-2027AUD $31,940Deluxe Suite Deck 3
26-09-202709-10-2027AUD $31,940Deluxe Suite Deck 5
26-09-202709-10-2027AUD $31,940Deluxe Suite Deck 4
26-09-202709-10-2027AUD $31,940Deluxe Suite Deck 6
26-09-202709-10-2027AUD $42,990Prestige Deck 5 Suite
26-09-202709-10-2027AUD $45,200Prestige Deck 6 Suite
26-09-202709-10-2027AUD $47,400Privilege Suite Deck 6
26-09-202709-10-2027AUD $47,400Privilege Suite Deck 5
26-09-202709-10-2027AUD $48,660Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
26-09-202709-10-2027AUD $52,020Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
26-09-202709-10-2027AUD $72,330Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
    • Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts.
    • Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites in Québec and Lunenburg.
    • Cruise the St. Lawrence Seaway, a marvel of engineering as well as one of North America's most scenic waterways.
    • Discover the vibrant art scenes of cosmopolitan Montréal and quaint Provincetown.
    • Explore wildlife-rich ecosystems and a geologically fascinating national park in the Magdalen Islands.
    • Explore Nova Scotia’s past through three historic towns—each offering a unique lens into the region’s maritime and colonial heritage.

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