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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

About This Cruise

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.

From Toronto, 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 three 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. Tadoussac, the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in Canada, sits at the mouth of the Saguenay River, an area famous for the whales that congregate there to feed.

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 of Québec, 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. From charming Sydney on Cape Breton Island, you may visit the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, a living museum that recreates 18th-century life through the reconstruction of the formerly thriving settlement. Lunenburg, whose Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also home to the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. And finally, Yarmouth, known for its quiet coastal charm, Acadian culture, and a rich history of seafaring and shipbuilding.

Across the border in Eastport, Maine—the easternmost city in the U.S.—enjoy a historic walking tour through this quaint coastal town, a hands-on lobster boat experience, or a scenic excursion to nearby Shackford Head State Park.

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.

Who Is This Cruise For?

  • Adults only

    Le Bellot is an adults-only ship

  • Couples

    An adults-only atmosphere made for two

  • Over 50s

    Refined, unhurried cruising with enrichment on board

Type

Ocean, Luxury

Ship

Le Bellot

Departure Date

26 September 2027

Cruise Line

PONANT EXPLORATIONS

Duration

13 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type
Select your cabin type
Call Us at (01) 554 1010

Itinerary

Canada

Toronto, Ontario

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Canada

Montréal, Québec

Canada's most diverse metropolis, Montréal, is an island city that favors style and elegance over order or even prosperity, a city where past and present intrude on each other daily. In some ways it resembles Vienna—well past its peak of power and glory, perhaps, yet still vibrant and grand.But don't get the wrong idea. Montréal has always had a bit of an edge. During Prohibition, thirsty Americans headed north to the city on the St. Lawrence for booze, music, and a good time, and people still come for the same things. Summer festivals celebrate everything from comedy and French music and culture to beer and fireworks, and, of course, jazz. And on those rare weeks when there isn't a planned event, the party continues. Clubs and sidewalk cafés are abuzz from late afternoon to the early hours of the morning. And Montréal is a city that knows how to mix it up even when it's 20 below zero. Rue St-Denis is almost as lively on a Saturday night in January as it is in July, and the festival Montréal en Lumière, or Montréal Highlights, enlivens the dreary days of February with concerts, balls, and fine food.Montréal takes its name from Parc du Mont-Royal, a stubby plug of tree-covered igneous rock that rises 764 feet above the surrounding cityscape. Although its height is unimpressive, "the Mountain" forms one of Canada's finest urban parks, and views from the Chalet du Mont-Royal atop the hill provide an excellent orientation to the city's layout and major landmarks.Old Montréal is home to museums, the municipal government, and the magnificent Basilique Notre-Dame-de-Montréal within its network of narrow, cobblestone streets. Although Montréal's centre-ville, or Downtown, bustles like many other major cities on the surface, it's active below street level as well, in the so-called Underground City–-the underground levels of shopping malls and food courts connected by pedestrian tunnels and the city's subway system, or métro. Residential Plateau Mont-Royal and trendy neighborhoods are abuzz with restaurants, nightclubs, art galleries, and cafés. The greener areas of town are composed of the Parc du Mont-Royal and the Jardin Botanique.

Canada

Quebec City, Québec

Québec City's alluring setting atop Cape Diamond (Cap Diamant) evokes a past of high adventure, military history, and exploration. This French-speaking capital city is the only walled city north of Mexico. Visitors come for the delicious and inventive cuisine, the remarkable historical continuity, and to share in the seasonal exuberance of the largest Francophone population outside France.The historic heart of this community is the Old City (Vieux-Québec), comprising the part of Upper Town (Haute-Ville) surrounded by walls and Lower Town (Basse-Ville), which spreads out at the base of the hill from Place Royale. Many sets of staircases and the popular funicular link the top of the hill with the bottom. Cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and elaborate cathedrals here are charming in all seasons. The Old City earned recognition as an official UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985, thanks largely to city planners who managed to update and preserve the 400-year-old buildings and attractions without destroying what made them worth preserving. The most familiar icon of the city, Fairmont Château Frontenac, is set on the highest point in Upper Town, where it holds court over the entire city.Sitting proudly above the confluence of the St. Lawrence and St. Charles rivers, the city's famous military fortification, La Citadelle, built in the early 19th century, remains the largest of its kind in North America. In summer, visitors should try to catch the Changing of the Guard, held every morning at 10 am; you can get much closer to the guards here than at Buckingham Palace in London.Enchanting as it is, the Old City is just a small part of the true Québec City experience. Think outside the walls and explore St-Roch, a downtown hot spot, which has artsy galleries, foodie haunts, and a bustling square. Cruise the Grande-Allée and avenue Cartier to find a livelier part of town dotted with nightclubs and fun eateries. Or while away the hours in St-Jean-Baptiste, a neighborhood with trendy shops and hipster hangouts.

Canada

Tadoussac, Québec

Sitting on the natural junction where the River Saguenay unloads into the massive Saint Lawrence, a visit to strategically located Tadoussac leaves you fantastically placed to explore some of Quebec's finest history, wildlife and scenery. Sail a little further up the Saguenay, and you’ll be confronted by the glorious Saguenay Fjord, as you cruise through verdant hills of dense forestry, and steep cliffs. Or, alternatively, voyage out onto the deep waters of the Saint Lawrence river, where you can spot the surface parting, as the world's largest animals - blue whales - slowly emerge from the depths to gulp in air. With a fantastic supply of krill to tempt the whales, you can even spot the various species that visit from Tadoussac’s shoreline – just make sure you brush up on your whale knowledge beforehand, at the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre.The town was the first trading post established by the French when they landed here, and it remains the oldest of the settlements still in existence. As the name suggests, Tadoussac's Old Chapel, has an impressive history, and is North America's oldest wooden chapel. You wouldn't necessarily know it from the outside, however, as the charming little church gleams tidily with a fresh lick of cherry red and white paint.

No summary for this day yet.

Canada

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Designated as the Island capital in 1765, Charlottetown is both PEI’s oldest and largest urban center. However, since the whole "metropolitan" area only has a population of about 65,000, a pleasing small-town atmosphere remains. The city is a winner appearance-wise as well. Peppered with gingerbread-clad homes, converted warehouses, striking churches, and monumental government buildings, Charlottetown’s core seems relatively unchanged from its 19th-century heyday when it hosted the conference that led to the formation of Canada. The city is understandably proud of its role as the "Birthplace of Confederation" and, in summer, downtown streets are dotted with people dressed as personages from the past who’ll regale you with tales about the Confederation debate.

Canada

Cap-aux-Meules, Magdalen Islands, Québec

No summary for this day yet.

Canada

Sydney, Nova Scotia

If you come directly to Cape Breton via plane, ferry, or cruise ship, Sydney is where you’ll land. If you’re seeking anything resembling an urban experience, it’s also where you’ll want to stay: after all, this is the island’s sole city. Admittedly, it is not the booming center it was a century ago when the continent’s largest steel plant was located here (that era is evoked in Fall on Your Knees, an Oprah Book Club pick penned by Cape Bretoner Anne-Marie MacDonald). However, Sydney has a revitalized waterfront and smattering of Loyalist-era buildings that appeal to visitors. Moreover, it offers convenient access to popular attractions in the region—like the Miner’s Museum in nearby Glace Bay (named for the glace, or ice, that filled its harbor in winter), the Fortress at Louisbourg, and beautiful Bras d'Or Lake.

Canada

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

No summary for this day yet.

Canada

Yarmouth, Nova Scotia

No summary for this day yet.

United States

Eastport, Maine

No summary for this day yet.

United States

Provincetown, Massachusetts

No summary for this day yet.

United States

Boston, Massachusetts

There’s history and culture around every bend in Boston—skyscrapers nestle next to historic hotels while modern marketplaces line the antique cobblestone streets. But to Bostonians, living in a city that blends yesterday and today is just another day in beloved Beantown.

Overview

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.

From Toronto, 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 three 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. Tadoussac, the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in Canada, sits at the mouth of the Saguenay River, an area famous for the whales that congregate there to feed.

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 of Québec, 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. From charming Sydney on Cape Breton Island, you may visit the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, a living museum that recreates 18th-century life through the reconstruction of the formerly thriving settlement. Lunenburg, whose Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also home to the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. And finally, Yarmouth, known for its quiet coastal charm, Acadian culture, and a rich history of seafaring and shipbuilding.

Across the border in Eastport, Maine—the easternmost city in the U.S.—enjoy a historic walking tour through this quaint coastal town, a hands-on lobster boat experience, or a scenic excursion to nearby Shackford Head State Park.

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.

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Suite

Owner's Suite

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • A private 430 ft² terrace with hot tub and lounge area with 2 deck chairs, sofa, and armchair
  • Two sliding panoramic windows
  • A bathroom with shower, spa bathtub, and smart mirror
  • Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
  • Butler service
  • A private return transfer
  • Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
  • Champagne and fruit on arrival
  • A fruit basket every day
  • A living room with a convertible sofa into a double bed, armchair, and TV
  • One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • Included premium pass: access to a selection of premium spirits at the bar

Included in all staterooms

  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Direct line telephone
  • 2 ADA stateroom
  • 24-hour room service
  • Electronic safe
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

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Suite

Grand Suite

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • A private 344 ft² terrace with two deck chairs and a dining table for four people
  • Two sliding panoramic windows
  • A bathroom with shower and spa bathtub
  • Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
  • Butler service
  • Champagne and fruit on arrival
  • A fruit basket every day
  • One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • A living room with a convertible sofa into a double bed, armchair, and TV

Included in all staterooms

  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Direct line telephone
  • 2 ADA stateroom
  • 24-hour room service
  • Electronic safe
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

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Suite

Privilege Suite

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • A private 86 ft² balcony
  • Sliding panoramic window
  • Butler service
  • Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
  • Champagne and fruit on arrival
  • A fruit basket every day
  • One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • A lounge area with chaise lounge and armchair
  • A bathroom with shower

Included in all staterooms

  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Direct line telephone
  • 2 ADA stateroom
  • 24-hour room service
  • Electronic safe
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

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Suite

Prestige Suite

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • A private 86 ft² balcony with four armchairs
  • Two sliding panoramic windows
  • Champagne and fruit on arrival (Prestige Suite deck 6)
  • Priority boarding (Prestige Suite deck 6)
  • Butler service (Prestige Suite deck 6)
  • A fruit basket every day (Prestige Suite deck 6)
  • One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • A living room with a convertible sofa into a king-size or two single beds, armchair, TV, and a courtesy sliding door
  • Two bathrooms with showers

Included in all staterooms

  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Direct line telephone
  • 2 ADA stateroom
  • 24-hour room service
  • Electronic safe
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

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Suite

Deluxe Suite

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • Suites on Deck 6 have a 32 ft² private balcony with two armchairs Suites on Deck 5 have a 43 ft² private balcony with two armchairs Suites on Decks 3 and 4 have a private 64 ft² balcony with two armchairs
  • Suites on Deck 3 have a panoramic glass door and porthole; suites on Decks 4, 5, and 6 have a sliding panoramic window
  • One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • An armchair and sofa
  • A bathroom with shower
  • Champagne and fruit on arrival for suites on Decks 5 and 6

Included in all staterooms

  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Direct line telephone
  • 2 ADA stateroom
  • 24-hour room service
  • Electronic safe
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

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Balcony

Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • A private 4m² balcony with two armchairs
  • Depending on the stateroom, either a sliding panoramic window or a glass door
  • One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • A chaise lounge
  • A bathroom with shower

Included in all staterooms

  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Direct line telephone
  • 2 ADA stateroom
  • 24-hour room service
  • Electronic safe
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

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Balcony

Lower Deck Balcony Stateroom

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • A private 4m² balcony with two armchairs
  • A porthole and glass door
  • One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm), and TV
  • A bathroom with shower

Included in all staterooms

  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Direct line telephone
  • 2 ADA stateroom
  • 24-hour room service
  • Electronic safe
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

buffet

The Nautilus

At the back of deck 4, you will find a gourmet restaurant and a wine cellar offering French and international cuisine. It can accommodate all guests in a single service for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

bbq

Le Nemo

In a relaxed atmosphere, the grill restaurant located on deck 3 welcomes you for breakfast and buffet lunches as well as themed dinners.

room

Room Service

Whether you want to fully enjoy your cabin for breakfast, savor a peaceful snack in the middle of the day, or have your meal in complete privacy, room service is at your disposal. Treat yourself to a moment of indulgence and enjoy a diverse menu available at any time of day and night.

Lounge, Library

The Observatory Lounge

Library, internet space, bar, occasional live entertainment, terrace: enjoy a 180° panorama of the horizon from the observatory lounge.

Sun Deck, Pool Deck

Swimming Pool

With its water blending into the surrounding landscapes, the pool is conducive to relaxing in the sun. From the marina platform, embark on your sea excursions or water activities in complete tranquility.

Bar, Lounge

The Main Lounge Room

Tea room, bar, live music, dance floor, terrace: the main lounge is an essential meeting place throughout your journey.

Theatre

Theatre

Comfortably seated, you can attend conferences given by the guests and teams of naturalists, as well as enjoy a variety of shows, concerts and performances by professional dancers and musicians.

Shop

Boutique

An extension of the journey and the ship, la Boutique offers an exclusive shopping experience with a wide range of technical and casual ready-to-wear and equipment, with or without PONANT personalization. It also features unique souvenirs to extend the journey back home, as well as jewelry, accessories and luxury items. Opening hours follow the voyage schedule, including days at sea, and all purchases on board are tax-free.

Bar, Lounge

The Blue Eye

Located below the waterline of the ship, the Blue Eye is an innovative underwater lounge. Its design, inspired by the beauty of cetaceans, pays tribute to oceanographic environments.

Reception

Excursion Reception and Office

If you have not made a pre-booking before your cruise, you can book your excursions on board during one of the daily opening times of the excursion desk (timetables available in your daily program). It is only possible to pre-book one excursion per port day. If you would like to book a second excursion on the same day, please contact the excursion desk to check availability.

Studio, Photographers

PONANT Studio

A photography and videography team escort you throughout your trip. These professionals capture the most beautiful moments of your cruise, which you can share with family and friends upon your return. Meet them on DECK 5 (DECK 6 on the PONANT Explorers ships) at the photo/video area, where you can also order souvenir pictures and videos.

Bar

Open Bar

From the moment you board and throughout your cruise, your unlimited drinks are included*, at any time of the day. A drink with friends at the bar, refreshments on your return from an excursion or in the calm of your Stateroom’s balcony: enjoy a large selection of beverages (mineral waters, cold drinks, cruise wines, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee, tea). A selection of premium alcoholic drinks is also available "à la carte".

*It doesn't include premium alcoholic drinks indicated in the Bar Menu. It is valid only for individual personal consumption, without limitations.

Spa, Wellness

The Spa

In partnership with SOTHYS™ and Davines®, the spa offers a wide range of treatments, massages, hairdressing services, as well as a hammam and a fitness room perfect for self-care and well-being.

Gym

The Gym

The fitness room offers a wide range of exercises suitable for all levels to train facing magnificent views.

Salon

The Hairdressing Salon

Provided in partnership with KÉRASTASE® and L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL®, the hairdressing salon offers a complete range of top quality treatments designed to strengthen, nourish and reinvigorate hair's shine and brilliance. Our stylists are available to serve all your styling, highlighting, colouring, cutting and tailored hair advice needs.

The Kids Explorers Club

During your cruise, PONANT EXPLORATIONS offers a program of activities dedicated to children, from 4 to 13 years old on our entire fleet.

A team of experienced facilitators on board offers daily manual activities, educational workshops, board games, introductory meditation sessions, and much more, as well as content specific to each itinerary and the number of participants.

Kid Explorers have the opportunity to extend this experience on land with the possibility of enjoying a tailor-made excursion, swimming outings, walks and scavenger hunts.

This program of activities will be offered to children every day. (The exact times will be communicated to you by the activity leaders.)

To best meet your needs, the schedule is adapted to your cruise itinerary. For more information, please contact the entertainment team beforehand.

The program of entertainment and activities is communicated daily in the logbook.

A welcome kit with gifts is offered to each child on board.