At a glance
- Duration:
- 10 Days
- Start/End:
- Roundtrip St. Johns, Newfoundland
- From:
- $11,200
- Time of Year:
- August - September
On this 10-day Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland cruise roundtrip from St. Johns, Newfoundland aboard the 148-passenger National Geographic Explorer, sail into Eastern Canada’s breathtaking natural beauty.
Discover Norse history at L’Anse aux Meadows, the only transatlantic site established by Vikings. See World War II harbor defenses and visit the only North American island that remains under French control. Your journey of pure discovery ventures to the legendary islands of Cape Breton, St-Pierre, and the Îles de la Madeleine in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland Highlights
- Discover charming coastal villages and small islands, including the historic French settlements at St. Pierre et Miquelon
- Explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Gros Morne National Park, one of the few places on earth where the mantle is exposed, and the 11th-century Viking site at L’Anse aux Meadows
- Hike along the dunes and sandstone cliffs of Îles de la Madeleine
- Experience the bounty of the region in its famous cuisine including Cape Breton mussels, fresh seafood, and much more
- Visit Baddeck, Nova Scotia, Alexander Graham Bell’s summer home, and tour the museum dedicated to his life and inventions
Expedition Team
Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.
Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada / Embark Ship
Arrive in St. John’s, the picturesque capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador, and embark National Geographic Explorer.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: St. Pierre, France
Your first landfall is St-Pierre, France’s oldest remaining overseas territory. Get to know this picturesque French fishing enclave where you’ll visit a local island to learn the importance of the historic cod fisheries and explore the fascinating L’Arche Museum.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Louisbourg and Baddeck, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Visit the reconstructed Fortress of Louisbourg, an 18th-century fort where the British and French fought. Later, visit the village of Baddeck, where Alexander Graham Bell built his summer home, now the centerpiece of a beautiful park and museum. Explore the life of Bell and enjoy a tour of the Bell Museum to view historic artifacts.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Îles de la Madeleine, Québec
A cluster of wispy islands isolated in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Îles de la Madeleine are home to miles of dunes, grassy hills and dazzling red sandstone cliffs. Local experts 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 5: Exploring the Gulf of St. Lawrence
This is a day of exploration where your expedition team looks for the best opportunities to focus on the natural history and landscapes of the region.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Gros Morne National Park
Graced by cliffs, fjords and a sweeping alpine plateau, Gros Morne National Park has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its spectacular geology. Go on a variety of walks with your naturalists along waterfalls, marine inlets and forested trails. Learn about the forces that shaped this land and the ancient serpentine rock that illustrates the phenomenon of plate tectonics.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Red Bay
Explore Red Bay, the site of a historic Basque whaling station dating back to the 1500s. See original Basque remains and artifacts at this National Historic Site or take a scenic hike to a viewpoint overlooking the small village.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: L'Anse aux Meadows
In the World Heritage site of L’Anse aux Meadows, walk among 11th-century Norse ruins and reconstructed sod huts and learn the saga of the Vikings in North America–nearly 500 years before Columbus arrived.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Exploring Eastern Newfoundland
Wild, rugged and often accessible only by sea, Newfoundland’s east coast is dotted with tiny fishing villages tucked into coves. Explore these stunning shores, and back aboard, gain insights from experts into the island’s people and wildlife.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: St. John's / Disembark / Home
Sail through The Narrows in the early morning and disembark in St. John’s. Visit the colorful waterfront and historic Signal Hill or The Rooms museum before transferring to the airport for your flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
