12-NIGHT FALL FOLIAGE ON THE ST. LAWRENCE CRUISE: QUÉBEC TO THE CANADIAN MARITIMES – WITH SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS

Day 1 Sep 24, 2026 - Toronto

It’s been called “a city that works.” As the capital of Ontario and Canada’s largest city, Toronto has become a dynamic cosmopolitan hub known for entertainment, culture, sports, high fashion and big business. The city boasts more than 20,000 retail stores and restaurants. Yet for such a large city (current population is 4.4 million) it is miraculously clean, safe and friendly. Tourists are drawn to the charm of the Lake Ontario waterfront district, the high-rise splendor of the popular Yonge Street, and the trendy shops and quaint cafés along College Street and Queen Street. With a flourishing music and performing arts scene, Toronto is very popular with young people.

Day 2 Sep 25, 2026 - St. Lawrence River

Cruising

Day 3 Sep 25, 2026 - Lake Ontario

Day 4 Sep 26, 2026 - Montreal

Montréal is truly an experience: old world charm, French joie de vivre and a modern style all its own. Montreal is a stunning city to visit and there is so much to see. Along the St. Lawrence River many people come to take a horse-drawn calèche ride through cobbled streets for romantic moments. Just miles away are the skyscrapers of the city as they tower above the city’s businesses and restaurants. Montreal is the world’s second largest French-speaking City. It's top ten attractions are: The Biosphere, Old Montreal, Biodome de Montreal, Musee d'Art Contemporain, Montreal Botanical Gardens, Chinatown, Notre-Dame Basilica, Insectarium, Cours Mont-Royal, and the Canadian Centre for Architecture.

Day 5 Sep 27, 2026 - Quebec City

Because Quebec City is Canada’s most historic city and the only walled city in North America, it was classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Treasure by. Visitors are greeted by an authentic, profoundly French city. The city features winding, cobbled streets with 17th- and 18th-century stone houses and churches, graceful parks and squares, and many monuments. Great emphasis has been placed on Québec nationalism, and the city has become a symbol of glorious French heritage. Visit the oldest church in Québec, Our Lady of Victory, dating from 1688. See the cellars of Maison des Vins, where Québec Société des Alcools sells more than 1,000 kinds of rare vintage wines in a warehouse dating from 1689. See the exhibits at Civilization Museum. The most striking building is celebrated landmark Château Frontenac. Looming high above St. Lawrence, the turreted building with its slanting, copper roof is an impressive sight. Built to accommodate colonial governors, it is now a hostelry.

Day 6 Sep 28, 2026 - Tadoussac

Tadoussac/Tatoushak, a small village surrounded by hills conjures up wooded, rocky coasts. The charming beauty of the Bay of Tadoussac enabled it to become a member of the Select Club of the World's Thirty Most Beautiful Bays in l998, becoming North America's first official member. For more than l50 years, the village has been able to inspire local people as well as visitors and welcome, year after year, some 600,000 visitors fascinated by the beauty of this natural site and the wealth of its heritage. For an extended journey or a short stay, whether a nature lover, whale watcher, music fan, history buff or fine gourmet, visitors will spend some memorable moments in Tadoussac.

Day 7 Sep 29, 2026 - At Sea

Day 8 Sep 30, 2026 - Charlottetown

Charlottetown, with a population of nearly 40,000, is the island’s capital and one of Canada’s oldest towns. Established in 1765 by Capt. Samuel Holland, the settlement was named for Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III of England. The old part of town offers many historical monuments, including important government buildings, churches, old mansions and museums, along with parks and gardens. Outside of Charlottetown, discover miles of farmland, small villages, a scenic coast and the legacy of Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables, the feature of Charlottetown’s annual major theater festival.

Day 9 Oct 01, 2026 - Cap-aux-Meules

Cap-aux-Meules is an unincorporated Canadian community on the Magdalen Islands in Quebec. Although small, this community has a lot to offer visitors, including kayaking, kite boarding, seal watching, lively shops, and friendly restaurants. Looking around the island visitors will discover a church constructed from a ship wreck, a church paying homage to marine life, and at Pointe herisse a modern lighthouse.

Day 10 Oct 02, 2026 - Sydney (Nova Scotia)

Sydney is located on Cape Breton Island on the east side of the Sydney River. Sydney has a strong ethnic population. As the only significantly industrialized district in Atlantic Canada, Sydney is the heart of Nova Scotia’s second-largest urban cluster. The city’s central business district impresses with the variety of products and services offered by downtown merchants. The town has become an important gateway to the scenic and historic attractions of Cape Breton Highlands and for cruising on the Bras d’Or Lakes. On the city outskirts is Fortress Louisbourg National Park, presenting Canada’s largest historical reconstruction. Here visitors can enjoy a town perfectly restored to its 1740 appearance. A walk on the half-mile Boardwalk promenade in the heart of downtown provides a panoramic view of the harbor. Apart from Louisbourg Fortress, the town also features a railway museum at the Sydney and Louisbourg Historical Society and the Atlantic Statiquarium, a marine museum devoted largely to underwater treasure.

Day 11 Oct 03, 2026 - Lunenburg (Nova Scotia)

Lunenburg's affinity with the sea has shaped her destiny. Canada's most famous tall ship, the "Bluenose" was a classic tribute to its shipbuilding expertise. Check out other visiting tall ships and other boats at Lunenburg Marine Railway. The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic has a tallship visitors can board - Salt Banker "Theresa E. Connor". Lunenburg's architecture reflects a strong European influence. Tour some National, Provincial and Municipal registered historic houses and churches in Lunenburg. Lunenburg's fine artisians capture the Maritime Heritage in their work with handcarved duck decoys, ship models, pottery and beautiful paintings displayed locally. The surrounding waters are a sailor's paradise. Nova Scotia's majestic south shore Lighthouse Route is famous for its scenic drives and beautiful beaches. Lunenburg and the nearby seaside community of Blue Rocks are classic examples of the area's picturesque beauty. Discover and share our unique heritage, scenic beauty and warm hospitality.

Day 12 Oct 04, 2026 - At Sea

Day 13 Oct 05, 2026 - Portland, ME

Maine's largest city, Portland is known for its stately elms, historic homes and restored waterfront area. Considered the gateway to "Down East" Maine, this coastal city is a great spot to enjoy Maine lobster fresh from the sea. Visit Longfellow's boyhood home or explore Portland Headlight, the oldest lighthouse in constant use today. Nearby is Freeport, home of a large selection of discount and outlet stores.