Day 1: Travel to Kingston and the Thousand Islands
Board the coach in the afternoon and enjoy a scenic summer drive to Kingston. Upon arrival, board the elegant, Canadian Empress, a charming replica steamboat that evokes the romance of a bygone era. Enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Reception and dinner on board as you sail through the breathtaking Thousand Islands, taking in the beauty of the region at sunset.
Stay: The Canadian Empress, St. Lawrence cabins (6 nights)
Meals:
D
Day 2: Gananoque Museums and Fulford Place
After breakfast, disembark in Gananoque and delve into the fascinating history of the 1000 Islands with visits to the 1000 Islands History Museum
and the 1000 Islands Boat Museum.
Reboard the Canadian Empress and enjoy a scenic cruise past two of the region’s most iconic landmarks, Boldt Castle and Singer Castle, as you sail toward Brockville. Upon arrival, step ashore for a guided tour of a National Historic Site of Canada, the magnificent Fulford Place. This grand Edwardian mansion offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of one of Canada’s wealthiest business families. Return to the ship to relax and enjoy a delicious dinner, followed by onboard entertainment.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 3: Aquatarium and Fort Wellington
In the morning, disembark for a guided tour of the Aquatarium, an engaging discovery centre showcasing the natural and cultural heritage of the St. Lawrence River region. Return to the ship before lunch, and relax as the ship sails toward Prescott. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of Fort Wellington National Historic Site, a well-preserved 19th-century fort that played an important role in defending Upper Canada. Later, reboard the ship, and continue your journey along the river. This evening, savour a delicious dinner on board and enjoy live entertainment as another memorable day comes to a close.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 4: Upper Canada Village and the Eisenhower & Snell Locks
Travel back in time today, as you travel by horse-drawn wagon to Upper Canada Village, a recreated 19th-century settlement for a guided tour. Following the tour, enjoy free time to explore the village and its historic buildings before returning to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon, experience one of the engineering marvels of the St. Lawrence Seaway as the ship passes through the Eisenhower and Snell Locks on the U.S. side of the river. Watch in fascination as the Canadian Empress is lowered an impressive 83 feet, continuing its journey downstream toward Coteau Landing, Québec.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 5: Several St. Lawrence Seaway Locks and Montréal
Today is a leisurely day of cruising along the majestic St. Lawrence River. Settle in and enjoy the ever-changing views, as you pass through various locks including the Beauharnois Locks into Lake St. Louis, the Côte Ste Catherine and then the St. Lambert Locks. Arrive in Old Port Montréal by mid-afternoon and disembark for a guided tour of this vibrant and historic city. Return to the Empress for dinner, before enjoying free time to explore Montréal at night.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 6: Trois Rivières Sights
Enjoy a leisurely morning as you journey along the scenic St. Lawrence River from Montréal to Trois-Rivières. Upon arrival in the afternoon, disembark for a visit to the renowned Shrine of Our Lady of the Cape
(Cap-de-la-Madeleine), one of Canada's most important pilgrimage sites. Back on the ship, enjoy one final Canadian Empress dinner with an evening of celebration and fun entertainment.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 7: Arrive Québec City, Morrin Centre
This morning, the ship will depart Trois Rivières fairly early, and continue cruising downstream. Enjoy lunch and closing ceremonies on the ship, before taking the scenic approach to Québec City. Bid farewell to the Canadian Empress and disembark for the final time. Continue into Québec City for a guided Discovery Tour at the Morrin Centre, the city’s only English-language cultural centre. Once a former prison and later a college, this beautifully preserved Georgian landmark now shares over two centuries of English-speaking history through its historic library, restored architecture, and engaging interpretation of life in early Québec City. Take a short walk back to the hotel, freshen up, and enjoy an included group dinner.
Stay: Hotel Clarendon, Old Québec, Québec (2 nights)
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 8: Guided Tour of Québec City, Free Time
After breakfast, depart for a guided tour of Québec City, showcasing its rich history, European charm, and beautifully preserved architecture. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to relax over lunch and explore the city at your own pace, wandering its cobblestone streets, shops, and scenic viewpoints. In the evening, regroup and take a short walk to dinner. Enjoy your final meal together, sharing highlights and fond memories from your journey.
Meals:
B, D
Day 9: Sugar Shack & Home
Enjoy an early breakfast, before boarding the motorcoach for the journey home. Stop at a traditional sugar shack and enjoy a hearty meal featuring classic Québécois cuisine, served in a warm, rustic setting. Be sure to visit the gift shop for some maple treats or unique gifts before continuing your return trip. As the journey comes to a close, reflect on the experiences, flavours, and scenery of your time along the St. Lawrence River and throughout Québec.
Meals:
B, L
