At a glance
- Duration:
- 11 Days
- Start/End:
- Portland, Maine to Québec City, Québec
- From:
- $6,799
- Time of Year:
- April
Journey from Portland, Maine to Québec City on a scenic 11-day Victory Cruise Lines voyage. Discover Halifax, Prince Edward Island, Gaspé, Baie-Comeau, and the Saguenay Fjords, blending coastal charm, rich history, and breathtaking Canadian landscapes.
Your voyage begins not aboard the ship, but in Portland, Maine, a quintessential New England port city where the salty tang of the Atlantic mingles with cobblestone streets, historic lighthouses, and an irresistible culinary scene.
Spend your first day exploring the lively Old Port district, savoring freshly shucked oysters by the water, or visiting the Portland Museum of Art before you embark, a perfect prelude to the adventure ahead.
When you board your Victory Cruise Lines ship in the scenic harbor, the next morning signals departure into open waters. As Portland’s lighthouse-dotted coast fades into the distance, breathe in the crisp sea breeze and settle into shipboard life, anticipating the treasures that lie ahead. A day at sea follows, where you can unwind on deck, join onboard enrichment programs that bring regional history and nature to life, or simply enjoy the rhythmic ebb and flow of the Atlantic beneath you.
Your first port of call is Halifax, Nova Scotia, where maritime heritage and modern vibrancy meet along a bustling waterfront. Stroll the historic boardwalk, explore the Halifax Citadel’s centuries-old fortifications, or reflect at the poignant Titanic gravesites at Fairview Lawn Cemetery. Don’t miss sampling local craft brews and seafood at one of the harbor’s welcoming eateries.
From there, the ship glides through the Strait of Canso, a scenic channel glimpsed between mainland Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island, offering tranquil waters and captivating coastal panoramas. Soon after, you arrive in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, where you’ll spend an overnight. This picture-postcard town, immortalized as the setting for Anne of Green Gables, boasts colorful streets, historic sites like the Confederation Centre of the Arts, and the island’s famed red-sand beaches framed by salty breezes and rolling countryside.
Reluctantly leaving Charlottetown, you enjoy another serene day at sea, gently cruising the Gulf of Saint Lawrence while the ship’s amenities and enrichment offerings make the passage as enriching as it is relaxing.
The voyage’s next chapter unfolds in Gaspé, Québec, perched on the dramatic Gaspé Peninsula. Here, rugged cliffs frame the sea, and the wilderness of Forillon National Park beckons with coastal hiking trails and breath-catching views of the ocean. Outdoor enthusiasts and history lovers alike will relish the seaside heritage and natural splendor of this remote corner of Québec.
As your ship continues into the St. Lawrence River, you’ll visit Baie-Comeau, where industrial heritage and natural beauty converge. Wander among forests and fjord-sculpted landscapes, or experience the geological wonders of Jardin des Glaciers, a testament to ancient ice age forces.
Next, the vessel carries you into the breathtaking Saguenay Fjords, where steep, verdant cliffs rise sharply from the deep, calm waters. Keep your eyes peeled for whales and seals as they breach against this spectacular backdrop — a highlight blend of wilderness and marine life that epitomizes the untamed beauty of northern Québec.
Finally, your cruise concludes in Québec City, a destination that feels more European town than North American port. Step ashore into the heart of Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its cobblestone streets, the iconic Château Frontenac dominating the skyline, and lively public squares. Here, French-Canadian culture thrives through cafés, bistros, and boutiques nestled along historic lanes, offering the perfect setting to reflect on your coastal odyssey and savor local cuisine before your journey home.
New England & Canada – Portland to Québec Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Portland, Maine - Hotel Stay
Your journey begins in the charming city of Portland, where cobblestone streets, lighthouses, and a thriving food scene set the stage for adventure. Explore the Old Port district, visit the Portland Museum of Art, or enjoy fresh oysters by the waterfront as you take in the coastal ambiance.
Day 2: Portland, Maine - Embark
Board your ship and set sail from Portland’s scenic harbor. The lighthouse-dotted coastline slips into the distance as you cruise toward the open Atlantic, leaving behind the historic port for the adventure ahead.
Day 3: Scenic Sailing on the Atlantic Ocean
Enjoy a day of relaxation as you sail the Atlantic. Breathe in the crisp sea air, unwind on deck, or take part in onboard programs that highlight the region’s history and natural beauty.
Day 4: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax welcomes you with its bustling waterfront and rich seafaring past. Stroll the vibrant boardwalk, visit the historic Halifax Citadel, or pay tribute at the Titanic gravesites at Fairview Lawn Cemetery. Don’t miss out on fresh seafood and local craft brews at one of the city’s many harborside restaurants.
Day 5: Scenic Sailing through the Strait of Canso
Cruise through the scenic Strait of Canso, a narrow channel separating mainland Nova Scotia from Cape Breton Island. Enjoy the tranquil waters and stunning coastal views as the ship navigates this picturesque stretch of the Atlantic.
Day 6: Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island - Overnight
Enjoy an overnight escape in Charlottetown, where history, culture, and coastal charm unite.
Day 7: Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island - Scenic Sailing on the Gulf of St. Lawrence
The storybook town of Charlottetown greets you with its colorful streets and rich history. Visit the Confederation Centre of the Arts, walk along the harbor, or explore the rolling countryside that inspired Anne of Green Gables. The island’s red cliffs and warm hospitality make it an unforgettable stop.
Day 8: Gaspé, Québec
Perched along the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, this remote town is a gateway to Forillon National Park. Marvel at towering sea cliffs, hike coastal trails, or visit the site where Jacques Cartier first landed in 1534. The rugged beauty of Gaspé offers a serene escape into nature.
Day 9: Baie-Comeau, Québec
Nestled along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, Baie-Comeau blends natural splendor with industrial heritage. Explore the Jardin des Glaciers, a geological park shaped by ancient glaciers, or visit the Manicouagan River’s hydroelectric dam—one of the largest in the world.
Day 10: Saguenay, Québec
Cruise into the breathtaking Saguenay Fjords, where dramatic cliffs rise high above the water. Keep watch for whales and seals as they breach and play in the fjord’s deep waters. This stretch of the journey offers a harmonious blend of wilderness and marine life.
Day 11: Québec City, Québec - Disembark
Your voyage concludes in the heart of Old Québec. Step ashore and immerse yourself in the European atmosphere of this historic walled city. Wander through Place Royale, admire the grandeur of Château Frontenac, and explore the cobblestone streets of Petit-Champlain as you reflect on the unforgettable experiences of your coastal journey.
