Sailing the St. Lawrence Seaway and Canadian Maritimes
Discover the natural beauty and diverse cultures of Eastern Canada on an adventure along the picturesque St. Lawrence River. Stroll through 400 years of history in Old Québec—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and St-Pierre, the only remaining French territory in North America. Venture into the rugged wildernesses of the Saguenay River Fjord in search of rare wildlife, and visit the Côte-Nord, known for its striking monoliths and limestone island. And, at every turn, you’ll be immersed in the region’s fascinating history, stemming from French, British and Indigenous roots.
Highlights
Look for majestic belugas and minke whales in the Saguenay River Fjord and right whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence
Stroll the charming streets of Québec City to explore its historic architecture, vibrant culture and renowned culinary scene
Immerse yourself in the region’s gastronomy both on and off ship—from Indigenous recipes such as traditional Bannock bread to fresh-caught seafood in fishing villages
Explore the stunning landscapes of the Îles de la Madeleine—its miles of dunes, grassy hills and red sandstone cliffs—in the company of local experts
Throughout the voyage, enjoy the unique sounds of Acadian music, with roots in French and Celtic traditions
From
$9,642
/ per person
Was $12,053Save $2,411
Does not include any flights
SPECIAL SAVINGS
View our brochure for more details
Arctic
From
$9,642
/ per person
Was $12,053Save $2,411
View our brochure for more details
Arctic
From
$9,642
/ per person
Was $12,053Save $2,411
SPECIAL SAVINGS
View our brochure for more details
Arctic
Itinerary
Multiple routes available
Some departures follow a modified itinerary. Please refer to departure dates for exact routing of your departure.
2026 Expedition
Download ItineraryStarts atSt. John's, NewfoundlandEnds atSt. John's, Newfoundland
Day 1
St. John's, Newfoundland / Embark Ship
Arrive in St. John’s, the picturesque capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador, in the afternoon and embark the ship.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 1
St. John's, Newfoundland / Embark ShipArrive in St. John’s, the picturesque capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador, in the afternoon and embark the ship.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2
St-Pierre, France
The first landfall is in St-Pierre, France’s oldest remaining overseas territory. Get to know this picturesque French fishing enclave by visiting a local island, where you will learn about its historic cod fisheries and explore the fascinating L’Arche Museum, dedicated to preserving the history of this remote territory.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
St-Pierre, FranceThe first landfall is in St-Pierre, France’s oldest remaining overseas territory. Get to know this picturesque French fishing enclave by visiting a local island, where you will learn about its historic cod fisheries and explore the fascinating L’Arche Museum, dedicated to preserving the history of this remote territory.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
At Sea
Sail across the Gulf of St. Lawrence, known for its abundant plant and animal life both under water and on shore. Find a place on the observation deck to watch for the wildlife that calls this region home—including seven species of whales, such as the endangered North Atlantic right whale. Enjoy the day on board to edit photos, attend a presentation about the region with one of the naturalists or schedule a massage with the wellness specialist.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
At SeaSail across the Gulf of St. Lawrence, known for its abundant plant and animal life both under water and on shore. Find a place on the observation deck to watch for the wildlife that calls this region home—including seven species of whales, such as the endangered North Atlantic right whale. Enjoy the day on board to edit photos, attend a presentation about the region with one of the naturalists or schedule a massage with the wellness specialist.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 4-5
Côte-Nord, Québec, Canada
Bordering the Labrador Sea and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Côte-Nord region of Québec offers breathtaking, wild landscapes and geologic diversity, abundant marine life, maritime history and a culture influenced by its nine Indigenous communities. Spend two days exploring this stunning marine environment by Zodiac, kayak and on foot as you learn about the area alongside local experts.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 4-5
Côte-Nord, Québec, CanadaBordering the Labrador Sea and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Côte-Nord region of Québec offers breathtaking, wild landscapes and geologic diversity, abundant marine life, maritime history and a culture influenced by its nine Indigenous communities. Spend two days exploring this stunning marine environment by Zodiac, kayak and on foot as you learn about the area alongside local experts.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Québec City
Arrive in the provincial capital, Québec City. The only remaining walled city north of Mexico, Québec’s rich history comes to life amid the ramparts and ancient streets of its old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Experience the city’s European charm while strolling the lanes below the stately Citadel, keeping an eye out for the iconic realist murals that showcase Québec’s history. As you explore, get a taste for the city’s renowned culinary scene, from its First Nations recipes and traditional French and English flavors to maple syrup-infused sweets.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Québec CityArrive in the provincial capital, Québec City. The only remaining walled city north of Mexico, Québec’s rich history comes to life amid the ramparts and ancient streets of its old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Experience the city’s European charm while strolling the lanes below the stately Citadel, keeping an eye out for the iconic realist murals that showcase Québec’s history. As you explore, get a taste for the city’s renowned culinary scene, from its First Nations recipes and traditional French and English flavors to maple syrup-infused sweets.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 7-8
Saguenay River and Tadoussac / At Sea
Originating in Lake Saint-Jean in the Québecois highlands and draining into the St. Lawrence Seaway, the Saguenay River is a haven for marine life, most notably the beluga whale. Harbor seals, porpoises and minke, blue and fin whales can also be seen at different times throughout the year in these nutrient-rich waters. The river’s fjord, carved by glaciers over 10,000 years ago, plunges more than 900 feet below the surface, and its rising peaks and hanging cliffs soar more than 1,500 feet into the air. The landscape provides an astonishing backdrop as you sail and explore where two iconic rivers meet.
Enjoy a day at sea by attending an engaging presentation by naturalists and experts, relaxing with a book in the lounge or experiencing a wellness treatment at the spa. Keep an eye out for wildlife as the ship travels towards Îles de la Madeleine.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 7-8
Saguenay River and Tadoussac / At SeaOriginating in Lake Saint-Jean in the Québecois highlands and draining into the St. Lawrence Seaway, the Saguenay River is a haven for marine life, most notably the beluga whale. Harbor seals, porpoises and minke, blue and fin whales can also be seen at different times throughout the year in these nutrient-rich waters. The river’s fjord, carved by glaciers over 10,000 years ago, plunges more than 900 feet below the surface, and its rising peaks and hanging cliffs soar more than 1,500 feet into the air. The landscape provides an astonishing backdrop as you sail and explore where two iconic rivers meet.
Enjoy a day at sea by attending an engaging presentation by naturalists and experts, relaxing with a book in the lounge or experiencing a wellness treatment at the spa. Keep an eye out for wildlife as the ship travels towards Îles de la Madeleine.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Îles de la Madeleine
A cluster of wispy islands isolated in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Îles de la Madeleine are home to miles of golden beaches and dunes, grassy hills and dazzling red sandstone cliffs. Local experts will guide you across this landscape of caves and sea arches, stopping along the way in colorful fishing villages as you learn about Acadian culture.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Îles de la MadeleineA cluster of wispy islands isolated in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Îles de la Madeleine are home to miles of golden beaches and dunes, grassy hills and dazzling red sandstone cliffs. Local experts will guide you across this landscape of caves and sea arches, stopping along the way in colorful fishing villages as you learn about Acadian culture.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
At Sea
Retrace a path back through the Gulf of St. Lawrence, passing between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Spend the day on board making final edits to your photos with the certified photography instructor or head to the bridge to learn about the ship’s navigation from the crew.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
At SeaRetrace a path back through the Gulf of St. Lawrence, passing between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Spend the day on board making final edits to your photos with the certified photography instructor or head to the bridge to learn about the ship’s navigation from the crew.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11
St. John's, Newfoundland / Disembark Ship
Disembark in St. John's and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 11
St. John's, Newfoundland / Disembark ShipDisembark in St. John's and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ships
National Geographic Explorer
GUESTS 148
CABINS 81
DECKS 6
An authentic expedition ship, purpose-engineered for blue water and polar exploration
Expedition Extensions
St. John's Newfoundland Pre-Voyage Extension
Starting from
$1,220
/ per person
Expedition Team
Our captains, crew, staff and guides make up the most experienced team in the industry—committed to making every voyage unforgettable. Veteran captains, with decades at sea, are experts at navigating in all conditions, while seasoned naturalists bring advanced knowledge in fields such as geology, wildlife biology and climate science. Many of these professionals have been with us for decades, and their insights bring each destination to life in ways that profoundly enrich your journey. Their expertise is the foundation for the meaningful and transformative experiences we offer in the world’s most extraordinary places.
Special Offers
SPECIAL SAVINGS
Take advantage of our additional offers
10% OFF BACK-TO-BACK VOYAGES
CELEBRATE LIFE'S MILESTONES
SAVE 5% TRAVELING AS A GROUP
BRINGING THE KIDS
PAY BY DEBIT: EARN A $100 ONBOARD CREDIT
COMBINING OFFERS
View our brochure for more details
Arctic