Seafaring culture, river adventure

Canada’s East Coast is a rich culture born from the rich tapestry of seafaring people who largely hailed from the British Isles. The mighty St. Lawrence River is internationally known as an industrial seaway but it is also a fabulous waterway to cruise the Eastern provinces. Many of our pre-planned river cruise holidays combine voyaging around Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia before proceeding along the historic Seaway from Québec City and Montréal and beyond.

Celtic roots and friendly hospitality

The people of Eastern Canada are known for warm welcomes and down-home hospitality. Travelers will hear the echoes of Celtic roots in the vibrant music and almost Irish accent of Newfoundlanders; strong Scottish identity preserved in Nova Scotia, particularly in Cape Breton; and the combination of Scottish Lowland, Highland, English, and Irish settlement of Prince Edward Island, where the locals will extend a hearty welcome to those “from away.” Fine arts communities flourish here and museums, galleries, historic buildings, and national or provincial parks. Seafood is of course on the menu at local dining establishments and lobster season is always a favourite.

French cultural influences

Canada is a bilingual country and French culture flourishes in New Brunswick, parts of Prince Edward Island, and of course Québec. Opportunities to learn about the history of French Acadians and explore the wonderful architecture and well preserved colonial past of Québec City and Montréal. Take a carriage ride through old world streets in La Belle Province, which celebrates its 400th anniversary in 2008, or stroll around to shop for chic fashions or enjoy haute cuisine in between investigating museums, galleries, and heritage sites.

River cruise selections

Selection abounds for travelers looking book passage on cruise lines in Eastern Canada. Pearl Seas Cruises is a new luxury provider with elegantly appointed small ships that voyage from the Atlantic Ocean and along the St. Lawrence Seaway as far as the Thousand Islands. The renowned Holland America Cruise Line offers mid-size ship cruises from the Colonial States of America’s New England and Canada’s eastern seaboard provinces and then inland via the St. Lawrence Seaway. The St. Lawrence River Cruise Line operates replica canal boats fit for a capacity of 66 passengers and emphasizes a trip to investigate historical and cultural points of interest.

Creative river cruise holidays

The Exclusively Canada Travel Specialists will work with you to design the river cruise in Eastern Canada that works best for you. We invite you to consider the options provided in our portfolio of river cruise experiences and welcome requests to modify an existing package or extend a cruise with combined rail or self-drive itineraries.