Quebec - American, USA & Canada Cruises

Experience the splendour of French Canada’s countryside as you drive into the foothills of the Laurentian Mountains.

The sparkling Lac (lake) Beauport, surrounded by emerald forest, is an unforgettable location to soak up the beauty of the Laurentian Mountains. Nestled in the foothills of the mountain range, the surrounding colours of the foliage in autumn create an impressive view.

Take a step back in time as you cross the bridge to the Ile d’Orleans, where you will enjoy a scenic drive through the picturesque villages of traditional, rural Quebec. First settled by the French over 350 years ago, the island is a veritable open-air museum, boasting more than 600 heritage buildings. A stop will be made at an authentic Sugar Shack, were you can learn about the production of maple products and sample the sweet maple taffy. While at the Sugar Shack enjoy coffee and homemade apple pie.

At the Montmorency Falls admire the 272 foot high waterfall, the highest in the province and 1½ times as high as Niagara Falls.

Note: Please be advised that there is a ten minute walk on level ground at the top of the Falls.

Hailed as the ‘most French city outside of France’, Quebec is a spectacle of never-ending sights of historic importance.

At the Dufferin Terrace located 200 feet above the waterway, you will have spectacular views of the St Lawrence River, the town of Levis on the opposite shore, Ile d’Orleans and the Laurentian Mountains. You will also be within a few steps of Quebec’s most celebrated landmark, the Chateau Frontenac.

You will drive by Place Royale, a beautifully restored square of typical 17th and 18th century architecture. This was the site of Samuel de Champlain’s first settlement and is home to the oldest Catholic church in Quebec, Notre Dame des Victories.

The Cap Diamant area takes its name from the stones which explorer, Jacques Cartier, mistook for diamonds. Cap Diamant offers wonderful views and photographic opportunities of the Battlefield Park and St Lawrence River.

During a panoramic drive, you will see Quebec’s famous citadelle and the Plains of Abraham. Your route follows along the Grande Allée, the Champs Elysées of Quebec, lined with quaint shops, cafés and boutiques to the Hotel du Parlement. At the end of your tour, time permitting, you may choose to explore the town independently and make your own way back to the ship.

Note: Guests are advised that there is a moderate amount of walking over cobblestone and uneven surfaces.

Be captivated you as you enjoy the leisurely drive along the St Lawrence River and visit St Anne-de-Beaupré.

Sit back, relax and enjoy a guided drive to the Shrine of St Anne de Beaupré. The medieval style basilica was built where colonial sailors caught in a devastating storm prayed to the mother of the Virgin Mary, and were spared from death. Free time will be given to explore the grounds, take a moment to admire over 200 stained glass windows. Visit the Scala Santa built in 1891, it houses a replica of the Holy Stairs which Christ climbed before being sentenced to death by Pontius Pilate.

Named after Henri II, Duc of Montmorency, the Montmorency Falls are 1½ times as high as Niagara Falls, enjoy stunning scenery and the thunderous 272 foot high cascading waterfall. The Falls are located at the mouth of the Montmorency River just in front of the Island of Orleans.

Visit the Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum, where you will be seduced by the ‘art of repoussé’, masterfully interpreted by the craftsman, Albert Gilles, whose work can be found in St Anne de Beaupré Basilica.

Note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and steps. To avoid congestion, this tour will either visit the top or the bottom of the Montmorency Falls.

Make the most of your day in Quebec and combine the city highlights with picturesque countryside.

From Dufferin Terrace, enjoy spectacular views of the St Lawrence River and beyond. After a brief city overview from your guide, you will have approximately 20 minutes of free time to visit the nearby Chateau Frontenac, a magnificent green-turreted castle or browse the local boutiques.

Heading to the heart of the Lower Town, Place Royale is a beautifully restored market square of typical 17th and 18th century stone architecture, and was the site of Champlain’s first settlement.
Crossing the bridge to Ile d’Orleans, admire the stunning scenery and quaint rural villages, before stopping at a local restaurant for luncheon.

Upon arrival at St Anne de Beaupré, enjoy some free time to explore the lovely grounds, Basilica, Scala Santa and Memorial Chapel.

At Montmorency Falls, view the thunderous waters cascading down a 272 foot cliff, a wonderful example of the force of Mother Nature. Enjoy breathtaking views and see where the Montmorency meets the great St Lawrence River.

From Cap Diamant, take a photography of the Battlefield Park and St Lawrence River from this panoramic lookout point.

Note: Please be advised that there is a ten minute walk on level ground at the top of the Falls. To avoid congestion, this tour will either visit the top or the bottom of Montmorency Falls.

An experienced guide will bring the history of Quebec alive as you walk the charming cobblestone streets of the Old Town.

Perched on a hill overlooking the St Lawrence River, the Château Frontenac is the best known landmark in Quebec. It was here that Roosevelt, Churchill and MacKenzie King met to discuss strategies during World War II and it remains one of the most prominent landmarks of this old walled city.

Located 200 feet above the waterway is Dufferin Terrace where Samuel de Champlain built his fort in 1620. From here, you will have a spectacular view of the St Lawrence River and distant Laurentian Mountains.

The typical stone buildings surrounding the historic square, Place Royale, were once the homes of wealthy merchants. Place Royale is the birthplace of French civilisation in North America and is consequently one of the oldest settlements in the continent. Built and re-built several times, the square remains the heart of the Lower Town as well as being home to North America’s oldest standing Catholic church.

From the Lower Town to the Upper Town you will enjoy a short funicular ride to reach Chateau Frontenac. The funicular first went into operation in 1879 and was reconstructed in 1946 following a fire. It was then revamped with modern technology in 1998 and is the only one of its kind in North America.

Note: There is approximately, 2½ hours of walking on this tour, however the distances are short and there is minimal uphill walking. Please bring along an umbrella or jacket in case of rain. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Be prepared to be scared, on this spooky walk around Old Quebec Town.

As night falls and the skies darken, your guide strikes a match and lights the lantern. Make sure you stay close as there have been tales of mysterious happenings!

As you wander down the narrow cobblestone streets, listen to over 300 years of murders, executions, mysterious ghostly sightings, tragedies and haunting. The ancient buildings and historic surroundings set the stage for a truly unique experience.

Note: While the tour is not designed to frighten but rather to fascinate, it is not suitable for children under 12 years of age.

Treat yourself to an authentic Quebecois tradition at the Sugar Shack, with good food, traditional music and a maple taffy treat!

An overnight stay in Quebec would not be complete without a visit to the famous Sugar Shack, a traditional log cabin restaurant. Upon arrival you will be greeted by staff and guided through a unique Maple Museum, where you will learn how the maple sap is transformed into the delicious syrup.

Enjoy an unforgettable evening filled with live French Canadian folkloric music, song and dance. A traditional Quebecois all you can eat family style meal will be served. The evening wouldn’t be complete without sampling a real Quebecois hot maple taffy poured over snow, just one of the many highlights of the evening.

Note: The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and the dress code is relaxed and casual. The meal includes tea and coffee and two alcoholic beverages.

Discover three centuries of history in this fascinating city and tempt your taste buds with tea at Château Frontenac.

The best way to explore the historic city of Quebec is on foot. The Old Town is the only walled city in North America and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

Located 200 feet above the waterway, Dufferin Terrace was the chosen location for Samuel de Champlain to build his fort in 1620. From here there are spectacular views over St Lawrence River and the town of Levis on the opposite shore, Ile d’Orléans, and the Laurentian Mountains. Built and rebuilt several times, Place Royale historic square remains the heart of the Lower Town and was once home to the wealthy merchants. Around the corner from Place Royale is the charming pedestrian area of Petit Champlain. Narrow cobblestone streets house an array of quaint boutiques, speciality shops, and outdoor cafés.

From the Lower Town enjoy a short funicular ride to Château Frontenac. Perched on a hill overlooking the St. Lawrence River, the castle-like Chateau is the most well known landmark in Quebec. It was here that Roosevelt, Churchill and Mackenzie King met to discuss their strategy during World War II. Take the time to enjoy your visit and taste the castle lifestyle by having tea. The Château's legendary charm will add a special flavour to your memories of Quebec.

At the end of your tour, time permitting, you may wish to remain in the town and return to the ship independently.

Note: Guests are advised there is approximately 2½ hours of walking and standing on this tour.

What better way to discover the delights of Quebec and its natural wonders than by bike.

You will be met by your cycling guide who will walk you to the nearby bike centre so that you can become acquainted with your transport. Once the correctly-sized bike has been allocated, you will receive a safety demonstration before heading off on a 15 mile ride.

On your outbound journey, first pass the Quebec Yacht Harbour and the Industrial Grain Elevators before crossing the St Charles River to Domaine Maizeret, a historic site with vast landscaped gardens. After a well deserved drink of water, your cycle route will continue on a path parallel with the St Lawrence River.

Upon arrival at the Montmorency Falls, you will take a rest from cycling as you travel on the Aerial Tram to the summit. Enjoy breathtaking views and see the powerful forces of nature as the waters of the Montmorency River roar down the 272 foot cliff to eventually meet the St Lawrence River. A great half day tour for biking enthusiasts.

Note: This excursion is only suitable for those in good physical condition. Total cycling time is expected to be approximately 2½ hours. Minimum age to participate on this tour is ten years old. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ paragraph under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

Explore all the charms of this fabulous city on foot, by funicular and finally by horse and carriage.

The lovely, walled Lower Town of Quebec is full of 18th century charm and history and you can best see this at Place Royale. Listen as your guide enlightens you with tales of Samuel de Champlain’s first settlement in Quebec.

Around the corner from Place Royale is the charming pedestrian only area of Petit Champlain. Along its narrow cobblestone streets, you will find an array of quaint boutiques, shops and cafés. From Lower Town to Upper Town, enjoy a short funicular ride to reach the historic walled city.

The wonderful vantage point at Dufferin Terrace offers impressive panoramas of the St Lawrence River and beyond, so be sure to take your camera. Board your elegant carriage in the Park des Gouverneurs and ride through the historic streets, passing the Quebec fortifications, the Parliament Building, an imposing Second Empire style building overlooking the city. Continuing along Grande Allée, the Champs-Elysées of Quebec lined with quaint shops, sidewalk cafés and boutiques. Enter the Battlefield Park, then continue through St Louis Gate, along St Louis Street towards the Chateau Frontenac to finish your carriage ride.

Note: This tour includes approximately two hours of walking over cobblestone streets, although the distances are short and there is minimal uphill walking. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The carriage ride takes approximately 40 minutes. Please bring an umbrella or jacket in case of rain.